Packing Fishing gear

[Henz]

If you were going to travel light, what would be the best setup for a single rod and reel as well as a small tackle box of lures?

I.e. basic fishing, dragging some lures jsut to get some action and have some fun? Staying on Elbow, renting a boat. October...

[Chuck M.]

My first trip to the Abacos is not until next May, but I have done 4 bareboat charters in the BVI and I always take my own fishing gear. If it was me I would take at least two rigs. One trolling rig with something like a Penn Senator in the 30lb range which can also be used for bottom fishing and one spinning rig. But if you are set on just one rig, then my preference would be the spinning rig, but this will limit your fishing options to mostly inshore.

[SamFamAustin]

My favorite rig is a light/medium gear so you can play with the little yellowtail snappers to the bones to the occassional barracuda or mahi-mahi. The larger fish have to play longer because you don't have a winch, but if I had one rig I would bring along ...

* Shimano Stradic 2500 with Spectra braided line equivalent to 17# diameter (gives you over 40# line test); this should be packed in your suitcase

* Inshore 6-1/2 to 7-1/2 foot solid core rod with Fugi guides, medium action, with a joint so it can be pulled apart and shipped in a tube less than 6 feet long

* Small carry-on bag with 25# fluoro leader and whatever lures you like including a few divers, jigs, topwaters, spoons, hooks, and lures. Don't over do it!

Sam

[DrRalph]

Scott, you might want to take a look at Fishing in Abaco (http://www.drralph.net/FishininAbaco2005.html). We carry rods in a PVC rod tube, it's light and holds up to 4 rods. I think traveling light and carrying fishing gear are oxymoronic, you can never have too much tackle.;)

[SamFamAustin]

You don't know how many times I've sent that link to folks, DrRalph. Scott, as we say in Texas, "that's the straight skinny." Or in the Abaco, "de trut." Were you thinking of some more updates? ... that is one hot link.
-The Sturgeon General

[DrRalph]

I periodically add to it when some new info comes along, either from a direct source in Abaco, or from folks like you that post something. I keep waiting for new fishing regs, but they seem to be hung up.

[Henz]

yeah, last time I took a good selection of baits, some dolphin trolling rigs, spoons, large rapalas and lots of tubes.. the only thing I cought was a spanish mackeral.

[Watercolours]

yeah, last time I took a good selection of baits, some dolphin trolling rigs, spoons, large rapalas and lots of tubes.. the only thing I cought was a spanish mackeral.
You were usuing the "right stuff" dont give up it takes going time after time to gain local knoledge and fishing skills. The glass was not half empty, it wa half full! You caught a Spanish Mackeral!!!!!!!!!! Be happy with any gift from the sea.
www.watercolourscottages.com (http://www.watercolourscottages.com)
www.cruiseabaco.com (http://www.cruiseabaco.com)

[Henz]

yeha i hear you there. I kept hooking up Cudas but forgot steel leaders etc. I was also fishing in October when I should probably have been bottom fishing but I would rather troll

[SamFamAustin]

Sometimes it helps to fish with a person having loads of local experience. One of the Patti's and CR come to mind ... one doesn't want to impose but yes, you can even catch grouper on a slow troll. I consider myself an OK fisherman but I still like to go with a guide or local to learn the ropes.

Actually I'm just a jerk ... waiting for a jerk at the other end of the line! :)
Sam

[CR]

Henz,
October is not one of the best months for offshore trolling - a few Dolphin are around, but few and far between, Billfish have mostly moved on, and the Wahoo are not in yet.
For inshore try pulling 3/8 oz. bucktail jigs in yellow or white for Yellowtails and Hinds, minnow type plugs for Grouper and Mutton Snapper, and flashy spoons for Jacks and Cudas.
We catch small fish trolling inshore year round - just keep after it.

R.

[Henz]

yeah i will next time. I may spend more time researching the inshore techniques and maybe even do a half day or full day trip with a local guide the first or second day there (will be staying for two weeks).