[kptrapper]

Just a question to you guys with experience with deep drop trips. I picked up a Calstar 700XH for this spring's Abyss trip. 400-900 feet depths. Anyone use this rod on these kind of trips? Seems to handle 3lbs of lead OK but I'm a little concerned about going to 4 or 5lbs of lead. How often do you actually go to 4/5 lbs. I don't want to get caught light. Also, what's the opinion on the release rigs? Instead of the 2 hooks being above the sinker, the hook on this rig will be trailing below or even with the sinker. Do they catch as good? I'll use the 2-3 lb lead but will make my own cement release weights if I have to go to 4 or 5 lbs. I'm sure you guys have seen or used these rigs, just trying to get an idea about the end result. One more, what size 3 way swivels? Thanks for any help. Trip looks like it's sold out, gonna be a blast.

KPTrapper

 

[kptrapper]

Thanks for the reply. Cannonball sinkers were never an option for the reason you stated, but you make a good point about the size and drag of a cement sinker compared to lead. My point was more about how many times the 5lbs was usually needed...but because the conditions out there at the time will determine that, I'll just bring a heavier stick as a back up. If anyone with experience has used the Calstar 700XH and feel it's plenty for the overall trip, I'd rather not drop another $300 on a rod with more backbone. Thanks again

KPTrapper

 

[kptrapper]

Bluefish Strips

I know all kinds of bait works for the Tiles, fresh fluke strips, bluefish, herring etc. Reading your post made me think...was that fresh bluefish strips?? Since the Fluke season closes the week before my trip..I was going to freeze and bring aboard, but was wondering how it would compare to fresh. I quess I know the answer to that, but just want to have the best **** bait I can have.( I bet fresh sea robin strips caught that morning soaked in Meddhaden oil would be a killer...tough on the hook and smelling real good.) Did you buy those bluefish or have em frozen. I know I tend to overthink this kind of stuff and keeping it simple is the way to go...but what can I say? Almost 2 months to go and I'm already tossing and turning. I'll be a little better starting May 15th. Thanks again for your help..after I get this trip under my belt all these questions will take care of themselves.

 

[kptrapper]

700XH

Thanks, plumber60, you made my day. BTW, sur-sink.com sells the rock cod sinkers at great prices, just ordered mine. The 5lb are pricey at $10 ea., but the 2's and 3's are 3 and change and beat any other price out there from what I've seen. Fresh fish sound like the ticket, but where do you snag junk fish on the abyss trip? Does the Viking spend any time at all on the way out fishing for the fresh blues/bait or is the by-catch used as it's caught? Hoping to luck out with some fresh squid at night...Appreciate all the info from you guys. Like the t-shirt says, time for me to "Shut up and Fish."