" Party Boat Success: It's Not All Luck "
by Barry Gibson

A successful day's catch on a Maine party boat or charter boat isn't all luck -- although sometimes it seems that way. Anyone who has spent any amount of time aboard one or more of the state's three-dozen or so vessels has probably watched a 12-year-old girl pump a 100-pound halibut to the surface, or witnessed a 60-pound cod winched to boat side by a vacationing trout fisherman from Michigan. Sure, anyone can get lucky now and then--which is part of the anticipation and excitement of fishing in the first place--but if you're a more-or-less regular party boat patron you probably have also started to notice that consistently good catches are generally made by a select few fisherman. Why? How can one angler out fish others lining the same rail on the same boat?

Party boat fishing is basically no different than any other kind of angling. Those who understand their quarry and its environment, who know the best baits and lures to use, and who employ the best (or most imaginative) techniques will generally bring home the bacon. Even though bottom fishing for cod, haddock, pollock, cusk and other deep-water dwellers, the targets for most Maine party boats, may seem rather rudimentary you can be sure there's more to it than meets the eye.

First on the agenda is tackle. If you don't own a saltwater outfit, and generally take advantage of the rods and reels supplied by the boat, you don't have a lot of choice in this department. Although most rental or free-with-the-fare outfits are perfectly adequate for the job at hand, there may come a point when you want to buy and rig a combo of your own. If so, select a quality, medium-to-heavy action fiberglass or graphite rod from six to seven feet in length, and a rugged, revolving spool reel capable of holding at least 150 yards of 50-pound test line.

What about the line itself? Mono or braided Dacron? There are valid arguments for both, but I've found that the best compromise is to spool your reel with Dacron, and then tie or splice a 20-foot length of 50- to 80-pound mono into the business end. The mono camouflages well, holds up better when scuffed on underwater boulders and ledges, yet the sensitive, low-stretch braid helps you feel a fish's bite in deep water and aids in setting the hook.

As for baits and lures, go with whatever the captain or mate suggests. If a hook and sinker rig for natural bait is normally used, bring a selection of terminal gear yourself. Hooks from size 1/0 to 8/0 should cover just about any situation, and weights can range from an ounce all the way up to 12 ounces or more.

If jigs are used, it'll also pay to bring a varied supply. Many party boat skippers stick with the traditional 8- or 10-ounce diamond jig, usually available on board, but pack an assortment of diamonds and Vik-E styles from 6 to 16 ounces. The larger sizes can make all the different in weight or style from that which everyone else on the boat is using. Some types are prone to tangling with other passengers' lines due to their action or weight.

One tackle item that you won't always find attached to a rental outfit is a bright tube lure, or "teaser." A teaser, generally made from a 6-inch length of colored rubber surgical tube slipped over a 7/0 hook and attached to your leader about three feet above the jig, can be a real killer on cod and pollock. Double headers (a fish on both teaser and jig) aren't uncommon. They're available at most coastal tackle shops, and you should bring a few with you.

What about bait? If you're on a "hook, sinker'n bait boat," it'll be supplied. On the other hand, if you're going to fish on a "jigs only" party boat you can greatly increase your success by bringing your own jig "sweeteners," such as fresh-cut (or brined) belly strips from mackerel or pogies, squid strips, thin strips cut from sea clam necks, or even commercially prepared pork rind strips. The trick is to trim and hook a four- to six-inch strip so that it flutters enticingly on your jig, attracting fish by sigh as well as smell. Sweeteners can work wonders on cod, pollock, and particularly cusk, but if you start to bring up dogfish you'll have to go back to a bare jig or else endure the wrath or your rail-mates. Dogs often zero- in on any sort of fresh meat, yet these pests will usually leave an unsweetened jig alone and won't hang around for long if nobody on board uses bait. Zip-Loc style sandwich bags, by the way, are the best means of bringing bait strips aboard that I've found, and if you place the bags right on the ice in your cooler the strips will stay fresh and firm on the steamiest of summer days.

As for jigging techniques, best bet is to follow the instructions of the skipper or mate. However, one thing I've learned over the years is that women, more often than not, will out fish men on any given day. It took me a long time to figure it out, but I finally realized that most women (unlike the men) don't try to yank the jig up and down like they're in some sort of athletic competition. Cod and other bottom fish aren't going to waste much time and energy pursuing a potential meal that's yo-yoing a mile a minute. A gentle jigging motion -- up easy, pause, down easy, pause -- can be deadly. Try it and see.

What's the best spot on the boat? You'll find that the "regulars" who seem to take the most fish tend to show up early and stake out the corners of the stern. These are often considered the best stations, because lines rarely run under the boat and tangles are kept to a minimum. It's easiest to "tend the bottom" here too, to be in better control of your jig and keep it within a few feet of the bottom, right in the strike zone. If you can get a corner, grab it. The next best area is way up in the bow, for the same reason, but you can do quite well anywhere on board if you watch your line closely and pay attention to what's going on.

Accessories that will help make your day on the water easier, and possibly more successful, include a good pair of polarized sunglasses, a broad-brimmed hat, a pair of light rubber boots (instead of sneakers, if you don't like going around with wet feet all day), a sharp fillet knife, a pair of fishing pliers with cutting jaws, and a small file. This last item is a real necessity, as hooks bounced or dragged on a rocky bottom become dull in a short time. A minute or two spent touching up your hooks with a few stroked of the file every hour or so will put bonus fish in your bag that would otherwise have become unbuttoned on the way to the surface. Sharp hooks can make all the difference.

Like any type of fishing, consistent success on a party or charter boat requires a little extra effort. Patience, good tackle, and experimentation with baits and techniques are the keys. That, along with experience, is how you become a "regular" -- one of those guys who always seems to walk off the boat with heavy cooler full of fresh fillets, trip after trip. Good party boat anglers don't put their trust in blind luck alone. They earn what they catch.

1. Make reservations well in advance, 30 days or more if possible if you want to go at the peak of the season. If you're interested in a particular species of fish, check as to the best time of year before you book.

2. At the same time, check as to whom the day's catch belongs. Normally you can keep whatever you catch, but rules vary from boat to boat.

3. Dress appropriately. Wear rubber-soled shoes of boots and bring long pants, a warm sweater and a rain jacket "just in case." If you think you may be prone to seasickness, check with your doctor before you go. There are some excellent remedies on the market now that are available by prescription. Seas are usually reasonably calm off Maine in summer, but it's wise to plan ahead.

4. Plan on bringing your lunch and drinks. Most skippers allow beer but not hard liquor. Larger party boats may have a snack bar on board, but check in advance.

5. The mate, or deckhand, should be tipped at the end of the day. The tip for a party boat mate often reflects on the number of fish he's filleted for you. Figure $0.50 to $1.00 a fish, depending on size. A charter boat mate is customarily tipped $25.00 or more for the day. If there's any question on tipping, check with the captain.

6. Be realistic. Don't expect to fill your cooler to the brim with fish the first time out -- or any other time, for that matter. Figure that you've paid for a nice day on the water, and your catch -- whatever it might be -- is frosting on the cake. Keep an open mind, and be assured that the skipper wants you to catch fish, so that you'll come back again. That's how he stays in business.