NWWC TUNA REPORT: Safety key for new tuna fishermen off OR, WA
NEW April 26, 2009 / 11:30 a.m

GARIBALDI, Ore. - The first step in making a successful trip out into the Pacific Ocean for tuna starts long before you even fire up your motors.

“When do you go and when do you not go?”

That’s the question that Del Stephens gets asked a lot. Stephens, who runs Tuna Dog Offshore (503-539-0006; tunadogoffshore.com) has lots of experience running long distances in the Pacific, and has a lot of hard-earned respect for the ever-changing ocean. Stephens recommends looking at the whole picture when planning a trip, from checking multiple ocean and weather forecasts, crew capabilities, boat capabilities and fuel range of his boat.

“Watch NOAA’s forecast and compare it to actual conditions to see when to go and when not to go,” Stephens advises.

Forecast info: You can get NOAA’s forecast on your VHF weather channels or on line at wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/. Other ocean forecasts are available, but NOAA is the most used and most reliable forecasting tool available.

When planning a trip, don’t just look at the forecast for the day you’re planning to fish. Look at the forecast for the days before and after, too, and steer clear of a brief window of “good” conditions, since conditions may last longer or arrive earlier than forecasted.

Safety, security factors: “You’re the skipper of the boat, so don’t let someone talk you into going when you’re not comfortable with the conditions,” Stephens says. “If you’re not comfortable with the conditions, you’ll be anxious all day and won’t enjoy yourself. You know your boat better than anyone.”

With rising fuel costs, a drive to the beach from Portland towing a boat can be expensive. Don’t let the cost of the drive make your decision to fish in questionable conditions. There will always be other days to fish.

“Know your boat’s fuel range,” Stephens says. “You should figure a third of your tank out, a third of your tank back and a third in reserve in case bad conditions arise. You should also run with a buddy. Not only is it safer to have a friend in another boat, but having 2 boats on the water you will be able to locate fish faster.”

The ditch bag: While no one ever thinks they’ll have to abandon ship while fishing, it should be planned for. A good way to store necessary equipment needed in case of a sinking vessel is a waterproof “ditch bag”.

Stephens recommends your bag should contain: a VHF handheld radio, a handheld GPS, EPIRB or SPOT, satellite phone, air horn, smoke flares, signaling mirror and “SOLAS” flares.

-Andy Schneider