Our 1-3 day trips on the Polaris Supreme mainly target tuna (albacore, yellowfin, bluefin and bigeye) yellowtail and dorado.  These species are fished in open water and on kelp patties from 50-300 miles from our home port of San Diego.  All of these trips are run during the summer months when the waters outside of San Diego are at their warmest and abounding with these warm water species.  Usually July 1st to September 15th.

    These trips, limited passenger loads, are an excellent introduction to ocean sportfishing, the Polaris Supreme, and her crew.  To the From beginner novice to experienced angler we welcome you to join us this season.  We hope you will find this list helpful in making preparations.

    In the following we have complied a list of the type of gear and tackle most commonly brought on a 1-3 day trips.  It is by not means a complete list and some people may even consider it to be more than needed.  Our main goal is to help our passengers be as prepared as possible for their trip aboard the Polaris Supreme.

 Personal Gear:

• Duffel Bags:  Instead of hard luggage use duffel bags.  It is more convenient for storage.
  
• Pants: Bring 1 change per day.  Light material is preferred so they dry quickly.
  
• Shirts: Bring 1 change per day.  If you are sun sensitive - long sleeves would be in order.  Light fabric for quick drying and coolness in hotter weather.
  
• Socks: Definitely bring a spare pair for every day.
  
• Jacket and Sweatshirt: It is sometimes very cool even during summer months when we run these trips.
  
• Sneakers: A good arch support helps keep your feet from getting sore.
  
• Rubber Boots: Make sure they are soft rubber and have a good arch support.
  
• Hats: Bring a baseball cap.
  
• Sun Glasses: polarized to cut the glare and help see into the water, with straps to prevent lose over the side.
  
• Sunscreen: Sweat-proof, water-proof, broad spectrum.
  
• Toiletries: Bath towels, shampoo, cream rinse, soap, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
  
• Tools: Dikes, duck bill pliers, holder, and belt. Hook sharpener.
  
• Rod Belts: Light leather type is fine for smaller fish. But a heavy pad and butt type harness may be necessary when the bigger fish are around.
  
• Camera and Film: For a vivid memory of your trip. Video recorders are often brought on trips as well.
  
• Cocktail Mixes: We carry hard liquor sea stores on board but no mixes or cigarettes.  Remember our indoor areas are non-smoking.
  
• Seasick Medicine: Check with your doctor for preferred type. (scapolimine, bonamine, merrizine, wristbands, etc.)

Rods & Reels:  

• 30 lb. live bait outfit (1)
  
• 40 lb. live bait/jig outfit (1)
  
• 50 lb. live bait outfit (1)
  
• 60 lb. live bait/trolling outfit (1)

    There are several variations on model numbers and types of rods and reels to numerous to list here.  Your favorite California slat water tackle store can help you with these variations.  If you need information on the location of the nearest qualified tackle store near you we would be glad to send you a list.  Just drop us a line

    When Choosing your rods most manufacturers will give you a range of line classes that a particular rod is rated for, always use the lower half of the ratings.  For example if a rod is rated for 30-60 lb., you will probably be looking at a 30 or 40 lb. class rod.  Seeker and Calstar are two of the better rod blanks for ocean sportfishing.  The guides on your rods should be ring type, hardened stainless steel for rods up to 40 lb.  All rods from 50 lb. and up should be stainless steel roller guides. Aftco makes the best roller guides.  And all rods in the 50 lb. class and up should have a 4-way gimbaled rod butt.

    When choosing reels in the lighter line class up to 50 lbs., Shimano, Newell and Penn all make a wide range of reels. For 60 lbs. and up you need to stick with Shimano and Penn and go to their 2 speed solid frame reels.  Shimano definitely has the lead in quality and reliability here.  The Shimano TLD 30 II two-speed is our favorite reel for a 50-60 lb. rig to land the 80-200 lb. bluefin and bigeye on these trips.

   There are several brands of quality line available for the anglers, we recommend P-Line.

Terminal Tackle:

• Hooks - Eagle Claw, laser sharp. L118Mag - bronze finish.
  24 ea. - 1, 2, 1/0, 2/0, 4/0 and 6/0
  
• Line - We don't recommend bringing spare line on these trips.  If you need to re-fill you can purchase line on board.
  
• Sinkers - Split-shot 24 ea. - 1/4 oz. & 3/8 oz. 
  Rubber-core 12 ea. 1/2 oz. & 3/4 oz.
  
• Casting Lures - 3 total, small heavies, assort colors, chrome, blue/white, green/yellow, etc. with treble hooks.  single hooks are okay.  When deciding on lures it is sometimes best to wait and consult your tackle store prior to leaving on your trip.  There may be some hot new jig out.
  
• Trolling Lures - 1 Mexican Flag, 1 Zucchini, 2 stainless steel double hooks. We have trolling rods set-up for all passengers to use when it is their turn to troll.
  
• Squid catchers - 2 total  (green or white)
  
• Tackle Box - Wood or Plastic to store your tackle

   Remember for the angler not wishing to make the initial investment you can borrow rods, reels, harnesses and rod belts on board the boat free of charge when you book your trip.  Just reserve then with Susan.  Tackle can be purchased on board as needed at reasonable tackle store prices.

   If you are confused as to how you will be rigging your gear, don't fret, we have tackle seminars on all of our trips.  There are also several helpful books.  Stand-Up Fishing by Nick Curcionie is an excellent choice.