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Trainman327

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About Trainman327

  • Birthday 02/29/1964

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    Havre de Grace MD

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  1. I prefer to fish with a friend or two or with my wife. But unfortunately, I'm usually solo. I will sit on the beach for 12 to 18 hours, and no one can't handle that. They think I'm nuts, LOL. I will even sit through the low slack tide and take a nap. Albeit I'll at least have two rods in the water with Fishbites and rod bells. If I plan a trip with someone, I pick the days that the tides and sunset are timed well and can get in 6 to 8 hours of fishing.
  2. I have fished much of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. There are a number of threads covering this topic. If you do a search on Costa Rica, they should show up.
  3. I was raised holding the rod with my left hand and reeling with the right and cast with my right hand. I asked my grandfather why we don't just use a left-hand cranking reel, so we don't have to switch hands. His answer: "spreads the fatigue between both arms." He was a charter captain, so I never questioned the answer. I've been fishing that way for 50+ years now. Not going to change at this point. However, I have a few rods for friends and family, that are the other way and I use them when needed. But it does feel weird.
  4. I have always been amused at the line strength question. The rod and reel can only handle so much. Putting line that is way beyond what they can handle is a waste. With braid being so small in diameter it's easy to consider overkill. I look at the max drag of the reel and think it adds no value to go more than 50% higher on the line. I use a few 3000s with 15lb max drag. I load them up with 20lb braid. I would rather have the extra line, than extra line strength that the reel and rod can't handle.
  5. I use the typical 150 yard spools of braid and lay it on a base of mono. The amount of mono is based on what gets the braid close to the full line on the spool. When it's time to respool, I will flip the braid and used the untouched line. If I find I'm casting down to the used braid I will strip and completely reload with new mono and braid.
  6. I just purchased 2 RAMBW1525C70LB Rampage Boat Conventional Rods and mounted 309 reels. Both have had guide rings pop out of the guides. On one the tip and the third guide and the other the one next to the tip. They haven't even hit the water yet. I was loading the rods with line and tying swivels on them when they popped out. These rods won't see a ton of fishing, that's why I purchased the lower-level equipment. If it brakes, then I'll go up a level. But sheesh, neither of these even left my house. If it was just one of them I would think, maybe just a defective guide, but it's multiple rods and multiple guides. Unacceptable! I purchased these mail order (there are no local shops that sell this stuff), so returning them will result in shipping costs.
  7. Thanks for the additional info, it is most helpful. I'm interested in something in the 50 to 100 range. So the Carnage III 30-50 or 40-80 may be the best fit for my needs. Literally almost all of the people on these middle grounds trips are using Diawa Saltiga, various Star Rod models or custom made rods. I have been considering a Saltiga, because they are the right fit, and what I see used most often. They are also available. But I have this desire to stick with Penn. Most likely a family loyalty thing. It's unfortunate that Penn doesn't really have an offering suited for this. Maybe it's time I move on and try something else, if these don't become available in the next few months.
  8. I have been honing in my rod/reel matchups for jigging and bottom fishing in the Gulf middle grounds for a while now. The regulars, as well as the charter prose, are using 7 to 9 foot XXH or XXXH rods. I was using a 5' 6" jigging stick and it just didn't do well. I watched the locals and prose and tried to emulate them. I'm not sure why, but my success rate went up significantly when I switched to the longer rods. I think the longer rods help when you are at the side rails of a 75 to 90' head boat and are farther off the water than you are at the stern of a 30' fishing boat. I will admit the CARBWIII50100C70 is the rod I most prefer. But those are also not available anywhere and no longer listed on the Penn website, So I assume they are no longer being manufactured. In the 120' to 180' depth range we catch mostly snapper, grunts and other reef fish in the 3 to 10 pound range. With the occasional grouper or ARS mixed in. I use a Battalion BATIN1530C70 matched with a 30LDS2 loaded with 50# metered braid and 40# mono shock leader. This has been a my most successful setup to pick up the subtle bits of Mangrove Snapper. In the 200'+ areas we fish for ARS and grouper. Due to the depth, a 2 speed is a must. Fish are common above 10# with 30#+ grouper not uncommon. Also the weights at that depth are usually in the 8 to 12 ounce range. I have been using a Carnage CARJGII80200C70 matched with a 30LDS2 loaded with 100# metered braid and 80# shock leader for a few years now. It has become my go to rod on these snapper and grouper trips. Admittedly I didn't need an 80-200, however that is all that was available in the 7' range when I was in the market. I would have preferred 60-100. I don't want anything over 7' because they don't fit in my vehicle and don't want them sitting in a rod holder being buffeted by 75 MPH winds for 1000+ miles. I have gotten tired of changing rigs, for different baits, so I was considering getting another setup. On my most recent trip I lost two large fish, most likely grouper. The max drag of the 30LDSs was not enough. So I figured, if I'm getting another setup, might as well get the 40NLDS2 and have the stronger drag for the big grouper baits. But I wouldn't mind getting the lighter rod for the 30LDS2. Most of the pros and regulars are using Diawa or Star Rods matched with Avet reels. I have been using Penn equipment since 5 years old. My grandfather was a charter captain out of Wanchese NC and I still have all his Jiggmaster, Senator and International reels and some rods. I even have his 16/0 he used for Blue Marlin, Tuna and Sharks. But none of these are 2 speed. That was the catalyst for looking at new equipment. Those Fathom reels are perfect for the fishing I'm doing. And those Carnage rods are the perfect matchup for my needs. They may not be designed to be matched together, but they match up great for what I'm using them for.
  9. I am looking for any one of the following rods. They are out of stock everywhere. Any idea when they may be back in stock? I have several months before I will need one. All of my gear is Penn and prefer to stick with Penn. But I don't want to chance that these don't come back into stock before I need it. CARWCIII60100C70 CARWCIII80130C70 CARWCIII80150C70 I currently have a Penn CARWCII80200C70 with a fathom 30LD2 on it. It's a great setup and has caught many grouper and snapper. However, I was recently bottom fishing in the middle grounds of the Gulf and got rocked twice (most likely red grouper based on location and bait) with the drag at max. Wanting to go up on the drag, I just purchased 40NLD2 for that rod and want to put the 30LD2 on another rod. But it doesn't need to be quite as strong as the 80-200.
  10. If Roosters are your target. Wait until you are down south. I have had far more luck in the Jaco area and south. There are some good charters, both scheduled and beach in Quepos. In the areas you are going and along the main routes along the way the water is potable. We stopped worrying about drinking local water in many areas long ago. Except up in Monteverde, even the locals have warned us not to drink the tap water. When you get off the beaten track, although most are probably safe, we stick with bottled beverages. No ice or salad in those areas either, they use local water to make or clean. In Playa Hermosa, if you are staying in Condovac le Costa or Villa del Sol, you can’t be in a better location. The beach entrance, albeit down a very steep hill, is right next to the north beach rocky area. I have been very successful around those rocks. Permit from the beach, using shrimp pieces on smaller hooks works well, had a few hit shrimp fishbites and gulp, but not many. If you are interested in tourist shopping, Playa del Coco is the next town south, it’s far worth the short drive. There is also a casino there if that hits your fancy. But don’t expect an American casino atmosphere. If planning a tour, use Mardigi tours, they are the best we have found in the country. They have some great tours. We have done them all and never been disappointed. One of our favorites is the day trip to Nicaragua. Unfortunaly, turmoil in NIC has had that one suspended for a while. Not sure if they started it up again. When it comes to restaurants, most stick to the touristy places, but if you speak Spanish, some of the little Sodas (small local eateries) are some of the best eats in the country. They may not look the greatest, but the food in more Costa Rican authentic and excellent. Cell phone use: We put a CR Sim Card we buy at the airport in an old phone. We only use the US phone for text messages. Your US phone will work fine, but the data and call cost is through the roof, be careful. Make sure you have the US Embassy phone number with you. It’s 506-2519-2000, yes the extra digit is correct. We have never needed it, but you’ll be in trouble if you don’t have it. Driving Biggest rule, if you have an accident, even a very small fender bender, DO NOT MOVE the car until the police arrive. It’s not like in the US where we get the metal off the road to unblock traffic. They need a police report and don’t want the vehicles moved. We have never had one, but have been warned. I don't think this has changed in the last 4 years. Waze is the best GPS. Many roads don’t have names, but it will get you there with no issues. This is why we get a local sim card at the airport when we get there and put it in an old phone. The data is far cheaper. Unless you have a good international plan or don’t mind a cell bill as big as the hotel bill a local provider is the way to go. The main roads up in the Liberia area are very good. Some were just repaved when we were there last. It’s not uncommon for there to be an immigration checkpoint by the Liberia airport main road entrance. It’ll look very intimidating. Multiple police cars and a few military looking swat like vehicles. You will see police walking in the road with military M16 like rifles. We have never been stopped, the locals say they are mostly looking for Nicaraguans. As long as you have your papers, you’ll be fine. Almost everywhere there is public parking, you will see people with yellow vests and flashlights, trying to get you to pay for parking and watching your car. The locals call them Guachiman. They are not legal and you are not required to pay them, however, we asked some locals we have become friends with and they tell us mostly they are unemployed looking for food money. We pay them 3 or 4 dollars if they are polite or honest about the transaction. They’ll be helpful with directions, but don’t pay much attention to the recommendation to eateries or shops. You’ll see what we mean. But the aggressive ones we don’t pay and will threaten with calling the police. This only happened to us once, in Jaco. When heading out and back to Monteverde, you will spend many kilometers on unpaved, pot hole ridden, rocky roads. You’ll be lucky to do 10 to 15 kph in some spots. Some of these road sections are very close to the edge of a steep hillside. Some spots are also very narrow. DO NOT DRIVE up there at night, get there as early as you can. Remember it gets dark early, although it gets dark later than here in Maryland right now. The drive from the town of Monteverde to the Cloud forest is fairly steep. The locals will pass on the right, over the centerline, all the time, it’s expected. Many roads are very hilly, if there is a truck going up a hill, on a single lane road, it may not even be doing half the speed limit. The drivers are far more courteous than they here in the states, when you pass, they let you go and will give you space to get over. None of the sand bagging we can deal with here in the US when passing on a single lane road. When you start heading into San Jose, make sure you have some Colón on you. There are now a few toll roads and they wany local money. Most parking by Manual Antonio is on private land and they charge for it. It’s not much. The Pan American highway, going north and south is very well developed, most in Guanacaste is relatively new. Easy driving. There are bus stops on the highways, and it's not uncommon to see joggers on the shoulder, especially in the San Jose area, but the shoulders are very narrow in some areas.
  11. Let me know if you will be driving yourself and want some advice. I have some good info on driving in CR. We do it all the time, or I do at least. I have at least 30k kilometers under my belt down there.
  12. This was a struggle in our marriage for years. I had to do all the vacation planning, but then I'd be asked why do we always go to the beach or a lake somewhere? Simple answer "FISHING!!!" I made the suggestion about 12 years ago that I go on a week long vacation, by myself, just for fishing. She can pick any destination for our family vacation. She added a trip for her and her friends go to Ocean City MD, where she can hang out, do woman stuff and go to a casino nearby. Well, we have been doing that ever since. I go to Tamp FL and fish for 12+ hours a day, every day, take one 39 hours party boat trip and one 18 hour party boat trip. I come home with more than 50 pounds of meat every year. Mostly grouper and snapper. She does her trip with friends to the beach/casino. Then we go wherever she wants for vacation. I actually like the destinations she chooses. She loves nature, history and photography. I enjoy that also. It's like fishing with a camera. She also doesn't mind if I take some gear and hit a local fishing spot once or twice, for a few hours, especially if it's to the Rockies and I can fly fish for some trout. It has really worked great for us. A few friends joke about how we can let the other go away untethered for a week, insinuating cheating. I have a great marriage and we both trust completely. Honestly, I think this has made it better. We both get a break from the other and do the one thing we like most, that the other doesn't like to do. At Monteverde, if you plan to do some wildlife photography, hire one of the guides, either at the entrance or hotel. We were skeptical at first, but we have not been disappointed, they really do know where the good stuff is. We tried three times to get photos of a Quetzal on our own and failed. A guide had us on them in under an hour.
  13. Roosters are the best. I'd rather catch those than any billfish. If you are going to the Monteverde Cloud forest. Make sure you take a light jacket. Even in August it can get cold at night.
  14. I have two travel rods that fit in a suitcase. One 7' medium fast 4 pcs spinning with a 4000 reel and the other a 7' 4 pcs medium heavy casting with a Penn 15SQL conventional. They are great, the rods both fit in a 2.5" diameter tube. I take them anytime I travel where fishing might be possible. All my gear fits in a fishing backpack and that gets put in one of the suitcases. Don't leave anything sitting on the beach unattended, specifically a tackle bag and especially bait. I have never dealt with people stealing anything, but the beach dogs will take anything that smells. When I'm going to CR, I take a home made travel rod tube. It's made of 7' 2" long 6" diameter PVC. Glued closed with a cap on one end, a threaded cleanout on the other and a handle fastened in the middle. I stick my big trolling rod, jigging rod, 3 pc surf rod, 7' casting and 7" spinning rod in it. Most of the reels go in my carryon, especially the Penn International and Fathom reels. I only take the surf rod if I'm going to be near the few beaches with big surf. Most are fairly calm and 7" rods are fine, but a few beaches, like Jaco, can have 8' to 10' waves.
  15. They use anything and everything. Mostly in silver, chrome and white. But I swear they use the things even after all the coloring has been stripped off and are still successful with it. For insure fishing I usually take anything over 6" in Silver, Chrome, White, Mackerel or Dorado (Mahi). Usually Rapala X-Rap or Yo-Zuri. Offshore I will take a multi pack of rigged 8" big game chugging type teasers. On my own from shore. Fishing from shore I use 6" or longer poppers, same colors. The Rapalas and Yo-Zuri do good, both deep diving and surface. Just be mindful of the depth and rocks. I have gone swimming to get my lures back. Slug-Go in white, silver and gold also work. Gulp shrimp works well. I just use a jig in the rocks but out on the open beach I like using the same rig I use for flounder in the Atlantic. A three way with a white bucktail + curly jig tail on the front and a gulp shrimp on the back. No bait to be found anywhere in a store. You'll need to catch your own. Shrimp from the market works, but is pricy for bait. Take a bag of shrimp fishbites and small hooks. Catch some small fish, then use them for live or cut bait. In the rocks, bottom fishing is okay to do, but out on the open beach, if it sits on the bottom, you are guaranteed to catch rays and some damn big ones too, I use popping corks to keep it suspended at least 18” off the bottom out there. Almost every beach is the same. Banana shaped with a rocky area at each end. I find the most success at the edge of the rocks where it transitions to beach. Also, daybreak and dusk. Almost never catch anything from shore after 8:30 am or before 4:00 pm. Remember, you will be close to the equator, 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of dark. It only varies about an hour between the seasons. I fish every morning before the family wakes up usually 5:30 to about 7:00. Best time to go. I have caught jacks, blackfin tuna and even a few small dorado from the rocks with deep water. The locals use hand lines and are very successful. A few years ago a lady with a hand line brought in more than a dozen permit in less than an hour, I didn't catch squat. LOL Note: I only know of one tackle shop and that is in Playa del Coco. It's specifically for the charter guys and like 3X what we pay for stuff. You need to take everything you need.
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