V-20 Last Bluefin Run!

step up here · #1 10-08-2013, 04:20 PM

No reports of inshore tuna anywhere, most fishermen were headed to offshore canyons. The weather report was V-20 sea's, so I ran south of the Resor wreck, then out to the 30 line, north to the triple wrecks, and by late afternoon I was fishing in the Chicken Canyon. Then it happened!! 2 hook ups, got one boated (46 lb. Bluefin), and lost the other while it was spooling half of a 50 reel. It was a challenge running 7 lines with only 2 of us. All I was thinking after boating the fish was to bleed, collar, and ice it for the ride home. I know the Japs got it right the Bluefin is the best to eat, so I headed in with 55 miles to go. Going 25 knots, I never once pulled back on the throttle until I reached the inlet. I just recently installed a brand new motor, and I must say, the performance is outstanding. Anyone restoring or repairing a V-20 should try not to cheap out because these boats will give you your moneys worth!

SkunkBoat · #2 10-08-2013, 07:59 PM

Nice! Maybe there will be a Mud Hole fishery for a few weeks this fall?

I might take a run on a flat day.

bgreene · #3 10-08-2013, 08:27 PM

Proud of Step Up........picked the weather window, headed out to sea and got on the tuna.

Shows that east coast small boat tuna fishing can be effective IF.........IF you're properly set up and know what you're doing.

Blue_Runner · #4 10-11-2013, 11:48 AM

2nd that BGREENE, nice work Step. Heck of a job.

dan4836 · #5 10-11-2013, 07:53 PM

Step Up - I live around Ft. Washington, PA and I will be boating out of Shark River and hope to join the East Cost fleet of V20's.

I started my restoration in the spring and rebuilt the 470 and finally figured out the overheating issue (wrong thermostat)

Now, my V20 is running excellent and I installed a set of Lencos to get ready for ocean running. I am very impressed with my V so for. I did one trip out of Shark River for wreck fishing and in a chop, my boat handled great (felt like a bigger boat)

I will be ready to run for strippers as soon as this storm passes.

bgreene · #6 10-13-2013, 07:48 AM

Dan - I trailer and fish that area .....ramp behind Mac's B & Tackle whenever possible, and the muni when Mac's not open early enough to get the ramp key.

Good that you installed the TABS.... makes this boat ride ok in 2-4' chop, and I do mean 3 -4's.... I've been able to stay on slow plane running right into it because of the tabs.

Look for the bird play once the Stripers start migrating south, you'll get them on the jig, and troll.

Then there's often a " last chance" when you get them on sand eel umbrellas.

There's a bunch of V's I see out there

dan4836 · #7 10-13-2013, 01:32 PM

I will see you guys out there this year. Hopefully as soon as it stops blowing, I will start planning some trips for strippers. I ran my boat this morning in the Delaware River and was able to run at 3500 RPM's right into a a 1 to 2' chop. I still can't believe how well this boat runs with tabs! Now, I just need an enclosure...

bgreene · #8 10-14-2013, 03:43 PM

For enclosure, I'-d recommend Sam at Dynamic Upholstery in Cherry Hill, NJ 856-779-9000

Did two of my boats and found to be real easy to work with, does excellent job, price reasonable compared to others. ........... Also finishes the job on time which is real nice. Also works on the boat indoors - in a locked shop.

You can see my enclosure on this web site somewhere.