2023 Castafari Offshore Fishing Seminar Schedule
Schedule of Events

Complimentary Breakfast And Lunch, Presentations, Hands-On Workshops, Baitrigging Labs (Do It Yourself).

2 Big Presentation Rooms *NEW*

SATURDAY MAIN ROOM

Raffle Drawings at 5:15pm and 6:45pm (over 15,000 in prizes!)

10:45am DOORS OPEN

 

12:00pm - 12:30pm INTRODUCTION and IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

12:30pm - 1:30pm "What's New in the Canyons"

The Latest Tackle & Techniques that are Working Out at the Edge
Capts. Mark Decabia & Damon Sacco
This will cover everything you will need to improve your canyon fishing experience this upcoming season. Learn what new trends are taking place out there, and how to capitalize on them effectively. This will cover proven trolling spreads, effective teasers, dredge tactics, new tackle, night trolling and chunking techniques, and ways to find fish.

2:00pm - 3:00pm "Jigging Giants" NEW 2023

Latest Jigging Tactics & Techniques for Catching Big Bluefin Tuna - Stellwagen Bank, Chatham to Montauk
Capt. Matt Perachio
During the past few seasons, the jigging game has revolutionized the way we catch bluefin tuna. New and improved tackle, innovative terminal gear, and bullet-proof connections have enabled fishermen to step up their game against much bigger fish. It is common knowledge that jigs work just as effectively as live bait. Learn what tools, tackle, and skills you need to get you in the game. Hooking and fighting fish for hours only to break them off is not the right way to do it!

3:00pm - 4:00pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

4:00pm - 5:00pm "Yellowfin Tuna...Closer than You Think" NEW 2023

Casting South of RI & Martha's Vineyard to Yellowfin Tuna Camped Out Well Inside the Edge'
Capt. Kevin Albohn
Learn where and how to find yellowfin tuna inshore of the continental shelf during the summer and fall season. Learn gear and lure suggestions as well as specific casting techniques for these nomadic fish. This one is great for boats making day trips south of Rhode Island and Martha's Vineyard. Capt. Kevin will cover a variety of methods, and what casting baits work best.

 

5:15pm - 5:30pm Raffle Drawings

 

5:30pm - 6:30pm "Mass Bay Guides Giant Tuna Tactics"

Giant Tuna from Stellwagen Bank to Provincetown - What Works, When & Why
Capts. Bryan & Taylor Sears
Learn from one of the busiest and most successful giant tuna charter outfits in the northeast how to find and catch giant bluefin tuna around Stellwagen Bank and Cape Cod Bay. The Sears boys always share some amazing footage from their latest catches, and more importantly, what they're doing to make it all happen.

6:30pm - 7:00pm "Swimming or Releasing Your Giant Tuna"

How to Increase the Value of Your Fish or Release it Correctly
Capts. Bryan & Taylor Sears
Learn how to swim your giant tuna before boating it using a swim hook device. This will also cover how to release your fish safely using a de-hooking device.

7:00pm - 7:15pm Raffle Drawings in MAIN ROOM

SATURDAY Ballroom Number 2

12:30pm - 1:30pm "Modern Advances to Jigging & Casting"

A Comprehensive Look at Big Game Jigging & Casting
Capt. Mike Hogan
Learn a detailed perspective on contemporary tackle developments and modernized techniques for offshore big game jigging and casting. This will encompass the most recent tackle and technology available for anglers already in the game. This will help anglers step it up a notch, covering new connections, lures, hooks to replace originals, and terminal tackle tips. These ideas can be applied worldwide!

2:00pm - 3:00pm "Early Season Bluefin"

How to Make the Report Instead of Reading it in the Early Part of the Season
Capt. Mike Hogan (Hogy Tackle)
Learn a wealth of information from an industry leading tackle manufacturer on finding and catching bluefin tuna in June. This will cover what to look for, where the fish have been over the past few early seasons, and how to get them to eat. The early season bluefin fishery is very different than it is during the peak of summer and fall months. Learn how to hit the "pay dirt" early and get the game rolling before the masses find the schools!

3:00pm - 4:00pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

4:00pm - 5:00pm "The Butterfish Secret" NEW 2023

How to Catch Bluefin Tuna When They Are Focused on Butterfish and Seem to Have Lock Jaw
Capt. Matt Perachio
On the days when you are seeing fish crashing on the surface, or on your screen but you can't get them to eat...there are answers! They won't eat live mackerel or pogies. They won't eat artificials. They won't eat anything. Learn what they WILL eat, how, and why!

5:15pm - 5:30pm Raffle Drawings in MAIN ROOM

5:30pm - 6:30pm "Intro to Canyon Fishing"

Everything You Need to Know to Get Into the Canyon Fishing Game and Start Catching
Capt. Billy Shouldice
Learn what you need for tackle, vessel preparation, and safety gear, where to fish and when, finding fish, trolling spreads targeting multiple bluewater species, and how to maximize your time while you are out there. This will cover one day trips and overnighters.

7:00pm - 7:15pm Raffle Drawings in MAIN ROOM

Saturday Workshop Classroom

1:00pm - 2:00pm Splicing and Knot Connections

Capt. Matt Perachio
Learn and see first hand modern advances to the latest connections used to attach mono to braided line. This is a must if you don't already know how to splice and tie mono/flouro into/onto braided line. This will be a hands on workshop.

2:30pm - 3:30pm Throwing A Cast Net - 4 Classes to Choose From (Meet at 2:30 sharp)

Capts. John & Jason Bunar
Learn and do first hand at the event (great for catching your own live bait). This is a huge advantage if there are pogies, butterfish, or squid in your harbor. These classes fill up on a first come first serve basis, and consequently there will be 4 classes total to choose from.

3:00pm - 4:00pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

4:00pm - 5:00pm Throwing A Cast Net - 4 Classes to Choose From (Meet at 4:00 sharp)

Capts. John & Jason Bunar
Learn and do first hand at the event (great for catching your own live bait). This is a huge advantage if there are pogies, butterfish, or squid in your harbor. These classes fill up on a first come first serve basis, and consequently there will be 4 classes total to choose from.

5:30pm - 6:30pm How To Rig And Use A Cockpit Harpoon

Capt. Ayron Briggs
Learn, see, and do first hand on rigging and using a 2 piece cockpit harpoon the right way so that you connect to your fish successfully and don't risk ever losing your harpoon.

7:00pm - 7:15pm Raffle Drawings

Saturday Bait Rigging Workshop

12:30pm - 1:30pm R&R Tackle Bridling Live Bait Techniques Workshop

Capt. Billy Shouldice
Learn a very new and highly effective way to bridle your mackerel, bluefish, whiting, herring and pogies. This newly innovative set-up is revolutionizing how we bridle baits and ensure the best presentation possible.

2:00pm - 3:00pm Rigging Natural Swimming Trolling Baits (Ballyhoo and Mackerel)

2 Classes to Choose From
Capts. Damon Sacco & Billy Shouldice
Learn hands-on how to rig a trolling ballyhoo and/or a mackerel for all offshore pelagic species. (Instructional videos for sale on Castafari website.)

3:00pm - 4:00pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

3:30pm - 4:30pm "Rigging Natural Teasers for Trolling in the Canyons Castafari Style"

Capt. Billy Shouldice
Learn some very effective techniques on how to rig trolling teasers to sweeten your spread at the canyons. Make a good spread a great spread.

5:15pm - 5:30pm Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM

5:30pm - 6:30pm Rigging Hook Baits For Tuna (2 classes to choose from)

Capts. Damon Sacco, Mark Decabia
Learn some stealthy techniques on how to rig hook baits for giant tuna, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna This will include step by step hands on instruction for live and dead squid, mackerel, herring, butterfish, and sardines.

7:00pm - 7:15pm Raffle Drawings In MAIN ROOM

SUNDAY MAIN ROOM

Raffle Drawings 8:00am, 1:00pm, 5:30pm (over 15,000 in prizes!)

8:00am - 8:15am Raffle Drawings

8:30am - 9:30am "Build it and They Will Come" NEW 2023

Chumming Tactics And Fludder Baits For Giant Tuna - Don't Just Throw Live Baits In The Water
Capt. Damon Sacco
This is a detailed breakdown on the latest fishing trends of this constantly evolving giant bluefin tuna fishery. Learn a variety of very effective tricks to enable you to attract and catch giant bluefin tuna while avoiding dogfish and other unwanted critters. Creating a chum line correctly is a huge asset to stepping up your game with these behemouths. It's not just about throwing cut up bait in the water. Learn what chum really works, where and how to get it, how to know when and why to deploy it, how to rig and fish your hook baits while doing it. It can be a game changer.

10:00am - 11:00am "The Bluefin Tuna Topwater Highway" NEW 2023

Finding And Catching Recreational Bluefin Tuna East of Stellwagen Bank to Chatham
Capt. Matt Perachio
Learn how to find the massive bodies of fish that inundate the waters east of Stellwagen Bank down to the "Golf Balls" and further on down to Nauset Beach. Captain Matt spends his entire charter season staying on top of these fish. Learn the spots where these fish congregate, what to look for, and how to know when to leave and find for another school. These 50 to 200 pound fish are always on the move. Whether it's casting poppers and stick baits or dropping down soft tails and jigs, this will cover how to get in the game, and stay in it. Learn what tackle to use, and more importantly, what has been working lately.

11:30am - 12:30pm "Fall Time Secrets of the Draggers" NEW 2023

Working The Draggers For Bigeye, Yellowfin, & Bluefin Tuna...This One Is A Must For Fishing The Fall!
Capt. Mark Decabia
Learn how advantageous commercial draggers are in the game of northeast tuna fishing. If you fish the offshore waters south of Martha's Vineyard, RI, and or Montauk, this one's for you. During the passed few seasons, more and more fishermen have been taking advantage of this amazing fishery. This presentation will cover where the "fishy" draggers have been working, why there are tuna with them, how to capitalize on the right place and the right time, what bait to use, what gear to use, and what artificial baits work as well!

12:30pm - 1:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

1:15pm - 1:30pm Raffle Drawings

1:30pm - 2:30pm "Jigging for Tuna in the Canyons" NEW 2023

A Comprehensive Look at Jigging for Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna at the Canyons
Capt. Kevin Albohn
Learn what jigs work best, when, and why. This will also cover the equipment and terminal gear needed to keep you in the game. Jigging is a must if you are planning to spend a night out there. Learn how to target deep dwelling fish around the bouys and squid draggers. Capt. Kevin has stayed on top of this constantly evolving fishery, and will be sharing his latest perspective on all of it.

3:00pm - 4:00pm "The Yellow Fin Road"

Learn The Latest Information On Northeast Stocks Of Yellowfin & Bigeye Tuna...Where They Were & Where They Are Projected To Be
Dr. Jeff Kneebone
Learn detailed information on the most recent movement patterns of Atlantic yellowfin and bigeye tuna stocks from scientists who have been regularly tagging them for the last few years. This talk will present fascinating information and images on where these fish moved throughout the northeast canyons during the summer and where they are going in the off season. More importantly, learn how these fish traveled in relation to sea surface temperature charts and at what depths they swam at both day and night. Understanding the biological habitats and movements of these fish is extremely helpful when targeting them!

4:30pm - 5:30pm "Following Giants"

Learn first hand where and why giant bluefin tuna are coming and going through satellite tagging technology
Dr. Walter Golet
Learn detailed information on the most recent movement patterns of giant bluefin tuna stocks from scientists who have been regularly tagging them for the last few years. This talk will present fascinating information and images on where these fish moved throughout the North Atlantic to the Mediterranean and Gulf Of Mexico, Canada, and beyond! Learn why, where, and when these remarkable fish are moving...what they are eating, and where they will be in 2023!

5:30pm Close Final Raffle Drawings, Main room!

SUNDAY Ballroom Number 2

8:30am - 9:30am "Deep Dropping Basics"

The Deep Drop Game from Start to Finish from One of the Best
*This will also contain a Deep Drop Workshop at 10:00am explaining/showcasing the materials you need).
Capt. Tommy Howd
Learn how to effectively target swordfish and tuna holding deep in the water column during the day time hours with deep drop tackle. Learn all about what terminal tackle works best, what baits have proved to be most effective, where and how to set up your drift, how to attach your weights and lights, and what to look for when getting bites. Some of the biggest bigeye tuna caught at the canyons were caught using these methods. This presentation will also cover tactics on keeping your deep drop strategies IGFA legal.

10:00am - 11:00am "Swimming Plugs" NEW 2023

A Necessary Addition To Any Trolling Spread For Tuna...What Lures, When To Use Them, And Why
Capt. Mark Decabia
Learn all about the best and most effective trolling plugs available and how to use them correctly. This will cover how to rig them up with leader materials ahead of time, how to store them, what hooks to use, how to position them in your trolling spread, and which ones work when, how, and why.

11:30pm - 12:30pm "Late Season Stellwagen Bluefin" NEW 2023

How to Adapt to the Late Season Changes of the Stellwagen Bank Tuna Fishery
Capt. John Bunar
Learn the Fall tuna fishing game on Stellwagen Bank and surrounding waters from a captain who lives out there. The late season fishery on the bank is very different than it is during the summer months. This will cover what those changes are, and more importantly, how fishermen can adapt to them productively.

12:30pm - 1:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

1:15pm - 1:30pm Raffle Drawings

2:00pm - 3:00pm "Trolling for Tuna" NEW 2023

Learn Baitrigging Tricks And Spreads That Fool All Sizes Of Fish...Including Giants
Capts. Damon Sacco & Mark Decabia
This will cover effective bluefin tuna trolling tactics used by the Castafari and Rebel crews. There is a reason the Castafari regularly trolls up giant bluefin tuna and Rebel always racks up the bigeye. Trolling is just as effective as drifting. This will present tactics for trolling live and dead bait. Learn what baits are used, how they are rigged, what stingers work best, how, and why.

3:30pm - 4:30pm "Night Moves - Swordfish"

Learn The Tricks You Need To Get The Sword Bites After The Sun Goes Down
Capt. Tommy Howd
Learn a detailed rundown on how to set up your vessel for swordfish after the sun goes down...what you need for tackle...how to set up your drift...where to position your baits...what baits you will need...where to start fishing. These guys get swordfish bites every night they are out there. Learn what makes the difference...a must see if you're not getting the swordfish bites you want. The fish are there, and in greater numbers each season.

5:30pm Close Final Raffle Drawings, Main room!

SUNDAY Workshop Room

8:30am - 9:30am Throwing A Cast Net - 4 Classes to Choose From (Meet at 8:30 sharp)

Capts. John & Jason Bunar
Learn and do first hand at the event (great for catching your own live bait). This is a huge advantage if there are pogies, butterfish, or squid in your harbor. These classes fill up on a first come first serve basis, and consequently there will be 4 classes total to choose from.

10:00am - 11:00am "Deep Dropping Workshop"

Hands-On Workshop on the Tackle & Equipment Needed for the Deep Dropping Game
Capt.Tommy Howd
Learn and see first hand a fundamental look at the tools and tackle you will need to get started in the deep dropping game...from reels, rods, terminal gear, and tackle. This is great for anyone thinking about spending money on the deep drop game!"

11:30am - 12:30pm Attaching Weights And Lights To Your Mainline Workshop

Capt. Tommy Howd
Learn first hand how to attach bank sinkers and lights to your main line correctly and without creating twist and kinks in your line.

12:30pm - 1:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

1:15pm - 1:30pm Raffle Drawings

1:30pm - 2:30pm Throwing A Cast Net - 4 Classes to Choose From (Meet at 1:30 sharp)

Capts. John & Jason Bunar
Learn and do first hand at the event (great for catching your own live bait). This is a huge advantage if there are pogies, butterfish, or squid in your harbor. These classes fill up on a first come first serve basis, and consequently there will be 4 classes total to choose from.

3:00pm - 4:00pm Splicing and Knot Connections

Capt. Matt Perachio
Learn and see first hand modern advances to the latest connections used to attach mono to braided line. This is a must if you don't already know how to splice and tie mono/flouro into/onto braided line. This will be a hands on workshop.

4:15pm - 5:15pm "Hooks Workshop"

Capt. Matt Perachio
Learn and see first hand what hooks work best on casting and jigging baits for tuna. You will also learn how to change your hooks out correctly. This one is a must if you want to save money and keep your tackle as good as new. This knowledge will also help keep you connected to fish!

5:30pm Close Final Raffle Drawings, Main Room!

SUNDAY Bait Rigging Workshop

8:30am - 9:30am New R&R Tackle Bridling Live Bait Technique Workshop

Capt. Billy Shouldice
Learn a very new and highly effective way to bridle your mackerel, bluefish, whiting, herring and pogies. This newly innovative set-up is revolutionizing how we bridle baits and ensure the best presentation possible.

10:00pm - 11:00am Rigging Natural Swimming Trolling Baits (Ballyhoo and Mackerel)

2 Classes to Choose From
Capts. Damon Sacco & Billy Shouldice
Learn hands-on how to rig a trolling ballyhoo and/or a mackerel for all offshore pelagic species. (Instructional videos for sale on Castafari website.)

11:30am - 12:30pm Rigging Circle Hooks/O-Rings on Ballyhoo for Trolling

Capt. Billy Shouldice
Learn hands on the best and easiest way to build trolling set ups for naked ballyhoo. This method is widely used for white marlin at the canyons, but also works well for tuna as well! If you want to keep white marlin on the hook...this one is a MUST.

12:30pm - 1:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

1:15pm - 1:30pm Raffle Drawings

1:30pm - 2:30pm Rigging Swordfish Strip Baits

Capt. Tommy Howd
Learn how to prepare, stitch, and present a natural strip bait for both day and night time applications when targeting broadbill swordfish. These baits will also work on white marlin.

3:30pm - 4:30pm Rigging Hook Baits For Tuna (2 Classes To Choose From)

Capts. Damon Sacco & Mark Decabia
Learn some stealthy techniques on how to rig hook baits for giant tuna, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna. This will include step-by-step, hands-on instruction for live and dead squid, mackerel, herring, butterfish, and sardines. Learn from 2 different captains.

5:30pm Close Final Raffle Drawings, Main Room!