2026 Castafari Offshore Fishing Seminar Schedule
Schedule of Events

Two Complimentary Lunches, Presentations, Hands-On Workshops, Bait-rigging Labs (Do It Yourself).

10:30am DOORS OPEN

 

SATURDAY Main Room

11:30pm - 12:00pm INTRODUCTION and IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

12:00pm - 1:00pm "Tales From The Drift" NEW 2026

The Way We Fish Is Evolving - How & When To Get On The Drift In The Bluewater (Chunks, Soft-tails, Poppers, & Metal
Capt. Kevin Albohn
This one is great for advanced or beginners. The canyons, and inside the shelf all the way to 40 fathoms, have been hot with bigeye and yellowfin tuna, especially casting & jigging. Learn what "must haves" you need before you leave the dock. Learn how to target the fish with a combination of chum and artificials. This talk will also cover how to be ready to target fish that are near the surface, casting stick baits and poppers.

1:30pm - 2:30pm "Shy Fish in the Crowd" NEW 2026

Get The Bluefin Bite In High Traffic Areas By Knowing Where To Set Up (Maine To Chatham)
Capts. Taylor & Bryan Sears (Mass Bay Guides)
The fishing effort for giant bluefin has increased drastically. We have to adapt to the crowds. Learn how to maximize your odds in the fleet, and be the boat getting bites instead of the one that watches. Learn where to set up, based on bottom, bait, and tide. Learn tricks on how to present your baits to shy fish, like stick baits. **There are 2 stick bait workshops in the bait-rigging lab at 5:00 PM Saturday & 11:30 AM Sunday.

2:30pm - 3:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

3:00pm - 4:00pm "Fish Outside The Box" NEW 2026

Gain An Edge With Some New Innovations & Tackle
Capts. Mark Decabia & Justin Braun (Chatter Lures)
Newly developed technology and tackle are redefining our offshore fishery. This talk will cover some materials and concepts that are helping fishermen gain a competitive edge. Learn how to strengthen your trolling arsenal and how to maximize your fishing potential. See some of the latest and most innovative tackle in the offshore game and some tricks that will help you stay on top of it.

4:30pm - 6:00pm TO BE DETERMINED

 

6:15pm - 6:30pm Raffle Drawings in the MAIN ROOM

 

SATURDAY Ballroom 2

12:00pm - 1:00pm "Whitey's In The Backyard" NEW 2026

Get Into The Incredible Close To Shore White Marlin Fishery That Exists South Of Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard
Capt. John Galvin (Skillie Foundation)
The waters southeast of Cape Cod & The Islands have been red hot over the past couple of seasons. Swarms of skillies (white marlin) have inundated the twenty fathom line from Coxes Ledge to the Nantucket Shoals. Learn how to target them on the surface by casting live bait, and sometimes even artificials! Double digit days are not uncommon. This will cover finding the fish and what tackle and baits work best. .

1:30pm - 2:30pm "Night Moves"

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. This will include what you need for tackle, how to set up your drift, what baits and lights you will need, where to position them, & where to start fishing based on bottom.

2:30pm - 3:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

3:30pm - 4:30pm "Jigging for Chatham Giants"

Jigging Tactics For Big Bluefin (Don't Lose Fish After 4 Hours)
Capt. Matt Perachio
During the past few seasons, the jigging game has revolutionized the way we catch bluefin tuna, especially giants. New and improved tackle, innovative terminal gear, modernized hooks, 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 **Matt will be hosting a connections workshop after this talk at 4:30pm in Workshop Room 2.

5:00pm - 6:00pm "Getting in the Game"NEW 2026

Learn What Trolling Tools, Tackle, & Techniques Can Get You Catching Fish
Capt. Kyle Douton
This one is great for anyone new or getting back in to the tuna game. Instead of taking years to figure out what works, learn what you need and how to do it first hand. This will cover trolling spreads and bait-rigging set ups for tuna both inshore and offshore, as well as outfitting your boat. **There will be an open house session immediately afterward in the J&B Store for anyone interested in seeing tools/tackle in person.

6:15pm - 6:30pm Raffle Drawings in MAIN ROOM

SATURDAY Workshop Room 1

12:00pm - 1:00pm "Fishamajig Workshop" NEW 2026

Learn What Types Of Jigs & Soft Baits Are Out There & How To Rig/Use Them (streakers, casting, high speed, slow pitch, butterfly, & deadsticks)

Capt. Matt Perachio
Learn the different types of jigs and soft baits on the market and how they should be rigged and fished. This will showcase how to match your jig with the right assist hook.

2:00pm - 3:00pm "Throwing a Cast Net" - 4 Classes to choose from (Meet at 2pm 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.

2:30pm - 3:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

3:30pm - 4:40pm "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.

5:00pm - 6:00pm "Giant Jig Workshop" Learn How To Rig Up Against Big Fish

Capt. Matt Perachio
This is a must for all jigging fishing enthusiasts looking to square off with giant tuna. Learn what jigs to use when targeting giant tuna from Chatham to Montauk. Learn how to match your assist hooks up with weight/size and leader and how to make the right connections.

6:15pm - 6:30pm Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM

SATURDAY Workshop Room 2

12:30pm 1:30pm "Splicing Workshop"

Learn How To Splice Mono Into Dacron/Hollowcore Braided Line With A Needle
Capts. Billy Shouldice & Dylan Hunt
Learn how to spool your own topshots once and for all. This will be a step by step workshop on how to splice monofilament line into dacron or hollowcore braid using a rigging needle.

2:00pm 3:00pm "Wind on Leaders" NEW 2026

How To Build A Wind On Leader For Marlin & Swordfish
Capt. Tommy Howd
Learn the materials you need and a step by step instruction on how to build a wind on leader for billfish.

2:30pm - 3:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

3:30pm - 4:30pm "Power Assist Reels" NEW 2026

What's Out There & Which Ones Work Best For What
Capts. Kyle Douton & Tommy Howd
Learn first hand what the best electric reel options (4 to choose from) are on the market and how to use them in different applications including kite fishing, dredge fishing, and deep dropping.

5:00pm 6:00pm "Connections Workshop for Jigging & Casting" (Including FG Knot)

Capt. Kevin Albohn
Learn and see first hand some 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.

6:30pm - 7:30pm BONUS SESSION "Fish Prints"

How To Make Fish Prints From The Artist/Owner Of FISHED IMPRESSIONS
Artist Joe Higgins
See and learn first hand from start to finish, how to make a fish print painting. Joe will be demonstrating the process live, step by step. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in creating their own fish print painting.

6:15pm - 6:30pm Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM

SATURDAY Bait Rigging Workshop

(New Topics This Year!)
**Sponsored by Baitmasters, www.baitmasters.com

12:00pm - 1:00pm "Rig A Trolling Mackerel Workshop For Bigeye & Bluefin" (Make It Look Alive!)

Capt. Damon Sacco
This will be a step by step workshop on how to rig a trolling mackerel from start to finish. Learn how to hydro-gut your bait, remove it's backbone, place the hook and weight, and sew it up properly. This technique works great when the fish are scattered and you need to cover ground, especially around Stellwagen Bank.

1:30pm - 2:30pm "Strip Baits" Rigging Tenticles, Eels & Belly Strips for Swords

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

2:30pm - 3:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET

3:30pm - 4:30pm"Ballyhoo Rigging Workshop" Rigging Trolling Ballyhoo (J Hook/Circle Hook)

Capts. Billy Shouldice & Dylan Hunt
Learn step by step how to rig a trolling ballyhoo for all species, including how to attach a circle hook for white marlin. These techniques can be used both inshore and offshore applications.

5:00pm 6:00pm "Stick Bait Workshop" How to Rig A Stick Bait (2 Classes To Choose From)

Capts. Bryan & Taylor Sears
This will cover from start to finish demonstrations on how to rig a stick bait. Whether you're presenting a mackerel, a pogie, or even a herring. Stick baits will often out fish live bait and if you don't know how to do it, you're missing out on hook-up opportunities.

6:15pm - 6:30pm Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM

SUNDAY Main Room

Raffle Drawings 8:00am & 4:45pm (over 15,000 in prizes!)

8:00am - 8:15am Raffle Drawings

8:30am - 9:30am "Advanced Trolling At The Canyons" NEW 2026

How To Adapt Your Trolling Spread To The Environment You Are Fishing In & The Species You Seek
Capt. Damon Sacco
This will cover some of the latest advances in canyon trolling tackle and technology and how to apply them based on the environment you are fishing in. Learn how to switch things up when there are skipjack on the surface, squid down deep, or crack minnows in between. Learn how to position your baits while incorporating dredge and teaser systems. This will cover brass tax details like lures, skirts, plugs, and bars that work and where to fish them.

10:00am - 11:00am "Coxes Ledge" NEW 2026

All Styles Of Fishing – Jigging, Trolling, Casting, & Bait-fishing
Capt. Kevin Albohn
This topic is a must for all offshore fishermen fishing south of the Cape & RI. Learn how to capitalize on this nutrient rich area throughout the entire fishing season. This will cover all styles of fishing from jigging, casting, trolling, & bait fishing and when to apply these tactics to match the ecosystem.

11:30am - 12:30pm "The Worm VS The Hoo" NEW 2026

The Truth About Skirted Rubber Tails VS Skirted Natural Bait – What’s New & How To Fish Them
Capts. Mark Decabia & Dante Soriente (Joe Shute Lures)
Skirted bait trolling has evolved. Learn some highly effective trolling spreads from 2 different captains. This will cover new skirted artificial combo options that work just as well as natural baits. Learn how to mix them up effectively. This will also cover how to troll a ballyhoo while using a circle hook for billfish tournaments.

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

2:00pm - 3:00pm "Get Fluked" NEW 2026

The Nantucket Shoals Are The Home To One Of The Best Fluke Fisheries In The World
Capt. Jimmy "The Greek" Koutalakis
Every good tuna fisherman knows, getting bait is the most important step in the game. This presentation will cover where the bait spots are, tell tail signs to look for, how they evolve through summer and fall, and how to catch your bait when you're there. Learn what tackle and techniques work best based on species and location.

3:30pm - 4:30pm"One Fish, Two Fish, Why Can't We Keep More Fish"

The Latest Assessments On How Many Fish There Really Are & How We Know
Dr. Walter Golet
Bluefin are being caught all over the world. This talk will explore the outcomes from the 2025 annual ICCAT meeting and the increase details for the western quota. It will further showcase the application of cutting edge genetic techniques that are enabling us to understand the biomass and provide accurate data on the health of the fishery.

4:45pm 5:00pm Raffle Drawings

SUNDAY Ballroom 2

8:30am - 9:30am "Daytiming For Swords"

The Deep Drop Game for Swordfish & Tuna...What, How & Where
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.*This will also contain a Deep Drop Workshop at 10:00 am (Workshop Room 1).

10:00am - 11:00am "Davy & Goliath" NEW 2026

Giant Fish From A Small Boat - The Iron Skippy Shares Some Secrets (Cape Cod Bay & Stellwagen Bank)
Capt. John Bunar
This will cover some very effective techniques on drifting for bluefin tuna. Learn why and how fishing from a small open style boat is a huge advantage in the giant bluefin game. This will cover things you can do to increase your odds at getting bites and how to set up an effective drift while fishing from a center console.

11:30am 12:30pm "Dress Up Your Jigs" NEW 2026

Learn How To Spice Up Your Jigs By Adding Hair & Tails To Your Jigs
Capt. Jorge Polo
Whether you're jigging mid water areas for bluefin tuna or targeting biggeye and yellowfin at the canyons, this talk will help you maximize your bites and hookup ratios. Learn how to add SWYMY Tails to your jigs and see what happens!

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

1:30pm - 2:30pm "Seek and Destroy"

Southeast Corner Of Stellwagen Bank Down To The Regal Sword – Finding Tuna & Staying On Them
Capt. Matt Perachio
You pull out of the harbor...now what? Gain perspective from a captain who runs these waters all season long. This will cover how to find fish based on migration patterns and bait history. Learn when to break out the top water gear, when to go deep, and how to do it. Learn how to read the ocean, understand bird behavior, what bait is there and when, and how to replicate it effectively. Learn when to stop and when to keep running.

3:00pm - 4:00pm "Trolling the Canyons"

The Latest Trends Here and Now From Right When You Leave The Dock
Capt. Billy Shouldice
Learn some of the latest methods of trolling that are working out there on the edge. This will cover trolling spreads and strategies that are working in the "here and now" of the northeast canyons. Learn what you need for tackle, where to fish and when, finding fish, and how to troll multi-specie spreads.

4:45pm - Close Final Raffle Drawings, MAIN ROOM!

SUNDAY Workshop Room 1

8:00am - 8:15am Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM

8:30am - 9:30am"Leader Workshop" NEW 2026

Fluorocarbon VS Mono, How To Connect, Leader Length & Why, PE VS Diameter VS Pound Test
Capt. Matt Perachio
This one is a must if you're planning to cast or jig. This workshop will teach the fundamentals of matching your leader material with your application and knowing how to choose and why. Learn the real truth on fluorocarbon verses monofilament, PE verses Pound Test, what connections work best based on your bait, lure, hook(s), & tackle.

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 "Throwing A Cast Net" - 4 Classes to Choose From (11:30 am 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.

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

2:00pm - 3:00pm "Throwing A Cast Net" - 4 Classes to Choose From (Meet at 2pm 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.

3:30pm - 4:30pm "Hooks & Split-rings Workshop"

Choosing & Attaching Hooks To Your Jigs, Stick Baits, & Poppers
Capt. Matt Perachio
Learn and see first hand what hooks and split-rings work best on casting and jigging baits for tuna. You will also learn how to change your hooks out correctly and what tools to use. 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!

4:45pm Close Final Raffle Drawings, MAIN ROOM!

SUNDAY Workshop Room 2

8:00am - 8:15am Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM

8:30am - 9:30am "Crimping Correctly"

Why Crimps Instead Of Knots...What Tools...What Crimps...And How
Capt. Dylan Hunt
Learn first hand how to crimp correctly using hand swags and a variety of crimps. This is a MUST for tuna fishing. Learn how and when to incorporate chafe gear into your set ups.

10:00am - 11:00am"The Tank Test Challenge"

Fishing Lines And Leaders Get Tested In A Tank And Pulled To Test Stretch Abrasion & Breaking Strength
Capts. Matt Perachio & Dylan Hunt
See first-hand, a variety of different monofilament and fluorocarbon brands as we test and compare how they look underwater in the natural light and also how they handle extreme pressure and abrasion. You might be surprised by what you see. Varivas will be donating a line package prize to a workshop raffle winner.

11:30am - 12:30pm"Knot Wars"

How To Tie Four Of The Best Knots In Fishing And Which Ones Break First (Improved Clinch, Uni Knot, Palomar, San Diego Jam, Berkley Trilene)
Capt. Matt Perachio & Dylan Hunt
This will be a step by step demonstration showcasing five different knots used to attach line to a hook or swivel. Then see which ones break first.

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

1:30pm - 2:30pm"Spreaderbar Workshop" NEW 2026

Maintaining Your Bars & Building Your Stingers
Capts. Mark Decabia & Justin Braun
This demonstration will highlight how to maintain your spreadar bars, and how to fix and build your stingers. A good stinger is paramount in the spreader bar game, and your bars need to swim right to maximize their potential.

3:00pm 4:00pm "Fluke & Sabi Rigging Workshop" Building Your Fluke & Sabi Rigs NEW 2026

Capt. Jimmy "The Greek" Koutalakis
This will cover what materials and tackle you need to assemble a fluke rigs and sabiki rigs, including how to add bait. This makes a huge difference when you're trying to get herring on the bottom. Anyone who has tried Jimmy's sabiki rigs knows, they are the best!

4:45pm - Close Final Raffle Drawings, MAIN ROOM!

SUNDAY Bait Rigging Workshop

8:00am - 8:15am Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM

8:30am - 9:30am Live Bait Rigging Workshop For Trolling, Kite fishing, and Drifting

(Don't Just Hook 'em In The Back!)
Capt. Billy Shouldice
Learn a highly effective way to bridle your mackerel, bluefish, whiting, herring and pogies. This bridling set-up is revolutionizing how we fish baits and ensure the best presentation possible, especially when using circle hooks. Your bait will look better and last longer.

10:00pm 11:00pm "Hiding the Hook"

Rigging Stealthy Hook Baits For Chunking Inshore Or At The Canyons
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 on rigging cut and whole butterfish, mackerel, herring, and sardines, how to add weight and floatation to ensure your hook-bait stays where it needs to be.

11:30pm 12:30pm "Stick Bait Workshop" How to Rig A Stick Bait

Capts. Bryan & Taylor Sears
This will cover from start to finish demonstrations on how to rig a stick bait. Whether you're presenting a mackerel, a pogie, or even a herring. Stick baits will often out fish live bait and if you don't know how to do it, you're missing out on hook-up opportunities.

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

1:30pm - 2:30pm"Squid Games" Rigging Squid for Tuna & Swordfish

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

3:00pm - 4:00pm "Prep A Proper Bait Tray" How To Prep & Store Your Ballyhoo

Capt. Dylan Hunt
This will be a quick 30 minute workshop demonstration on how to prepare and store your ballyhoo so they remain durable and ready to go!

4:45pm - Close Final Raffle Drawings, MAIN ROOM!