One of the things that I have learned in my many years of long range fishing is perception. You are saying, "What the hell does perception have to do with long range fishing"? Well, first my definition of perception –how one views the world around them. So how does this relate to long range fishing?

First – let’s talk about how an angler’s perception can bias their judgment. Longtime fishing partner Dr. Rafa is at the rail of the Red Rooster III and hooks a good size Yellowfin Tuna. Now Dr. Rafa always hooks more than his share of "bait fish". Someone who does not know Dr. Rafa may think that because he is using fluorocarbon leader, he is catching more fish. That is only part of the reason for the Dr. Rafa’s success. Dr. Rafa spend lots of time at the rail, he knows when the tuna should start to bite, and he knows what bait the tuna prefer, as well as using all the correct tackle. It is all of these reasons why the "Doctor" catches so many fish.

Second – is that your boat? Many years’ back, I had planned to take a four-day trip on a long-range boat but it got cancel. The boat was able to change the trip into two 1 ½ -day trips so I decided to give them both a try. I was fishing with a boat of anglers who may never have been on a long-range boat before. What a different perception they had. They had thought they had died and gone to fishing heaven. The things that I had taken for granted they thought were unbelievable.

Third – how big is big? You always see photos of these giant tuna in the long-range ads. It may lead the novice to believe that is all that is caught one these trips. So why not take a four-day trip and catch a 300-lb. tuna. Well the photos are there to get your attention and to pick your interest in fishing on the boat. You are not going to catch fish that huge all the time. Even on the longer trips that target the giant tuna there is no sure thing. So do not be scared away thinking you can not handle a fish that big. Just go fishing and worry about that huge tuna when it bites your and not until then.

Fourth – what a mess, what do I do? Tangles are part of fishing on a long-range boat. There is way around it. We try our best but we still get involved in tangles. To many of us get mad and try to find an easy way out. The best way to get out of tangle is to ask for help. Deck hands see hundreds of tangles a week. They are experts at getting you untangled and back to fishing again. Just follow their instructions and you are free before you know it. As you increase your long-range fishing experience you’ll be able to get out of most tangles with out the help from the crew.

Final – what is a great trip? Many perceive a great trip is when they bring home a truckload of fish. Anything short of that is a "bad" trip. Others just go to get away from the rat race for a few days. Catching fish is an additional bonus. These are the anglers that almost always have a great trip.