2024 Castafari Offshore Fishing Seminar Schedule
Schedule of Events

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

10:45am DOORS OPEN

SATURDAY Main Room

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

12:30pm - 1:30pm "Central America To The Maldives" NEW 2024

How To Experience Big Game Fishing Worldwide!
Capt. Damon Sacco
This will cover how to fish in some of the best offshore fisheries in the world chasing tuna, billfish, and reef dwelling behemoths. Learn where and when to go, how to book, travel and lodging logistics, what to bring, and more importantly, how and what to catch! This will cover Mexico, Columbia, The Galapagos, Panama, and The Maldives.

2:00pm - 3:00pm "The Dump Game" NEW 2024

Targeting Tuna South Of Block Island & Cape Cod Inshore Of 30 Fathoms (Don't Just Troll)
Capt. Kavin Albohn
During the past few seasons, the daytime jigging and chunking game south of Cape Cod and Rhode Island has exploded along the Dumping Grounds and west along the 30 Fathom line.This will cover crucial preparation before you leave the dock, where and how to find the fish, and the latest techniques that are working in those locations. Learn when and how to deploy chunk baits, butterfly jigs, soft baits, and even poppers! Learn what to look for and when to put away the trolling gear.

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

4:00pm - 5:00pm "Fish Your Live Bait Correctly"

Giants from Stellwagen Bank to Provincetown – Latest Trends...What Works, When & Why
Capts. Brian & Taylor Sears
Learn from one of the busiest and most successful giant tuna charter outfits in the northeast how to fish live baits effectively. Learn which baits work when, where, and why. Learn how to present your baits, and tricks on how to elicit more bites. This is key if you're looking to step up your bluefin game. They will also be doing a bait-rigging workshop in the bait lab on rigging live baits correctly at 5:30 pm.

5:15pm - 5:30pm Raffle Drawings

6:00pm - 7:00pm "Preparation is Key" NEW 2024

Step Up Your Offshore fishing Game...Before You Leave the Dock
Capt. Mark Decabia
Learn how and why 10% of fishermen catch 90% of the fish. This will cover the most important aspects of offshore fishing, what you can do to stay ahead of the game, before you leave the dock. This will cover rigging tactics, terminal gear preparation, hook maintenance, lure/bar storage. Learn some helpful tricks before you leave the dock that will make a huge difference on the water.

7:15pm - 7:30pm Raffle Drawings in MAIN ROOM

7:30pm - 8:00pm "Dock Talk" NEW 2024

Q&A Session Open To Everyone
Capts. Damon Sacco & Mark Decabia
Ask the questions you always wanted to ask and get some honest answers…and maybe even a secret or two!A

SATURDAY Ballroom 2

12:30pm - 1:30pm "Jigging for Big Tuna"

Jigging Tactics For Big Bluefin & Bigeye (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, 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. There will be a detailed hands-on rigging workshop right after this presentation at 2:00 pm.

2:00pm - 3:00pm "Trolling the Canyons" NEW 2024

The Here and Now
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, multiple blue-water specie spreads.

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

4:00pm - 5:00pm "The Wolfpack Strategy" NEW 2024

Learn How to Step Up Your Trolling Game for Tuna
Capts. Mark Decabia & Jeff Warford (Wolfpack Tackle)
Check out a new and very effective trolling innovation that originated in the northeast and is now used world-wide. This presentation will cover trolling spreads and applications that incorporate natural bait and/or rubber tails. If trolling is your cup of tea, this one is worth checking out. **There will also be a rigging workshop in the workshop room immediately after at 5:30 pm.

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

5:30pm - 6:30pm "Deep Dropping Basics"

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 Sunday at 10:00 am explaining/showcasing the materials you need).

7:15pm - 7:30pm Raffle Drawings in MAIN ROOM

SATURDAY Workshop Room

12:30pm - 1:30pm Throwing a Cast Net - 4 Classes to choose from

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.

2:00pm - 3:00pm Connections Workshop for Jigging & Casting

Capt. Matt Perachio
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.

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.

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

5:30pm - 6:30pm "Wolfpack Workshop" NEW 2024

Rigging Rubber Tails For Tuna Trolling Inshore And At The Canyons
Capt. Jeff Warford
Learn first hand how to attach rubber tails to a variety of lure heads. This is a great addition to any tuna trolling spread, especially when keeping it IGFA legal. Learn straight from the guy who developed it.

6:30pm - 7:00pm How To Rig And Use A Cockpit Harpoon At the HOGY BOOTH in the J&B Store

Capt. Mike Hogan
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

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

12:30pm - 1:30pm "Pitch Baits" NEW 2024

Rigging Pitch Baits When Trolling For Marlin At The Canyons
Capt. Billy Shouldice
Learn how to rig up a Spanish mackerel and/or horse ballyhoo as a pitch bait for blue and white marlin. This will also cover rigging a troll bait that can quickly be converted into a pitch bait. Having a pitch bait rigged and ready makes a world of difference in the marlin trolling game.

2:00pm - 3:00pm "Hiding the Hook" NEW 2024

Rigging Stealthy Hook-baits for Chunking
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

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

3:30pm - 4:30pm "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.

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

5:30pm - 6:30pm Rigging Live Baits For Giants the "Mass Bay Guides Way" NEW 2024

Capts. Bryan & Taylor Sears
This will cover rigging techniques and hook placement on a variety of live bait species including pogies, mackerel, herring, whiting, and bluefish.

SATURDAY Rigging Studio

1:30pm - 2:30pm Skirting Big Game Lures (Do It Yourself)

Stephen Weitzen
Learn and do first hand, skirting and re-skirting your new and used big game trolling lure heads. Bring in your own, watch and learn, or rig and purchase your next bluewater candy for the canyons.

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

3:30pm - 4:30pm "Fish Prints"

How To Make Fish Prints From The Artist/Owner Of FISHED IMPRESSIONS
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.

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

5:30pm - 6:30pm RonZ Workshop – The Most Versatile Lure in Your Tackle Box

Capt. Kevin Albohn
Learn hands on how to set up your RonZ soft plastics. From matching the right size tail to the right size jigging head, tricks to ensure they stay together, and how to fish them effectively on school sized fish to giants! Discussion will include what rods, line, leader, and drag settings are most effective. This workshop will cover casting, jigging, dead-sticking, and trolling methods. A must have in every tackle box.

6:30pm - 7:00pm "FG KNOT" – How To Tie This Knot From Start To Finish

Capt. Kevin Albohn
Learn how to tie an FG Knot from start to finish. This will be a hands on workshop that you will get to do yourself. This is a great knot to learn for all spinning and jigging rod applications.

7:15pm - 7:30pm 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 "Late Season Bluefin"

Adapting To The Thriving Late Season Bluefin Tuna Fishery From Stellwagen To Cape Cod Bay
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 along the south shore and Stellwagen 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.

10:00am - 11:00am "Top 10 Secret Weapons" NEW 2024

3 Different Captains - The Top 10 Tools & Tackle They Use And Why
Capts. Damon Sacco, Mark Decabia, Matt Perachio
It's not every day that you get to learn precious knowledge derived from over a hundred years of combined offshore fishing experience. See what secret weapons these 3 captains rely on and why. This will incorporate trolling at the canyons, jigging and casting for tuna at the Dump and along the backside of Stellwagen Bank and Cape Cod.

11:30am - 12:30pm "Finding Fish in the Canyons" NEW 2024

Where & When To Put Lines In On Or Near The Shelf
Capt. Mark Decabia
Learn to use the resources we have when it comes to understanding what’s happening offshore. Learn how weather, moon, tide, and water conditions can define where we fish, how color, chlorophyl, turbidity, and temperature play crucial roles in the fishing game. Learn environmental signs and changes to look for. Learn where to set lines in and why.

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

1:15pm - 1:30pm Raffle Drawings

1:30pm - 2:30pm "Ch-ch-ch-Changes!" NEW 2024

Adapt To The Here & Now In The Canyons, The Dump, & Chatham To Stellwagen Bank
Capts. Mark Decabia, Damon Sacco, Matt Perachio
Learn fascinating perspective from 3 different captains on how and why the northeast big game fishery has evolved over the past 5 years, and the things we must do to stay on top of it. This will cover what’s happening at the canyons, midwater bluefin fisheries, and backyard giant bluefin ecosystems that are closer to shore than you might think.

3:00pm - 4:00pm Ask Questions– Get Answers

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly Details On Fisheries Management From The People Who Know (ICCAT, HMS, NMFS, DMFS)
Capts. Mike Pierdinock, Brad McHale (NMFS), Dr. Walter Golet, Dr. Jeff Kneebone, Dr. Douglas Nowacek
Get the truth on BFT management, ocean herring stocks, mackerel stocks, and what is really happening with whale mortality and how it relates to offshore wind seismic testing.
**THIS SCHEDULE CHANGE DUE TO A PERSONAL ISSUE WITH ONE OF OUR SPEAKERS.

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

Tagging & Tracking Giant Tuna
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 2024!

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

SUNDAY Ballroom 2

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

8:30am - 9:30am "A Golf Bag Approach to Tuna Fishing"NEW 2024

Load Any Boat For A Tuna Casting/Jigging Trip In Consolidated Fashion
Capt. Mike Hogan (Hogy Tackle)
Check out how Capt. Mike Hogan's systematic approach to tuna fishing intersects the simplicity of a "grab and go golf bag," an entire season's worth of casting and jigging lures. Capt. Mike will present the various situations you may encounter over the season and how to address each them with your simple "one bag" system.

10:00am - 11:00am "Fishing from Smaller Boat" NEW 2024

How To Get In The Tuna Game With A Smaller Boat NJ To Cape Cod
Capt. Kevin Albohn
Learn the game from a smaller (under 30 foot) boat perspective in waters from New Jersey to Cape Cod. Learn where to go and what gear is available for small boat applications, from setting up an effective trolling spread without outriggers, to being ready for the jig and pop game, or having the tools to chunk effectively. This is great for new center console owners.

11:30pm - 12:30pm "The Bluefin Tuna Highway"

Finding And Catching Recreational Bluefin Stellwagen 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. Learn the spots where these fish congregate, what to look for, and how to know when to leave and search.

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

1:15pm - 1:30pm Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM

1:30pm - 2:30pm "Tracking Yellowfin & Bluefin Tuna" NEW 2024

Dr. Jeff Kneebone
See where recently tagged yellowfin and bluefin tuna in the northeast are going through the use of acoustic and satellite technology.

3:00pm - 4:00pm "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...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.

4:30pm - 5:30pm Bait & Switch

Learn The Strategy Of Trolling Dredges & Pitch Baiting Marlin
Capt. John Galvin
Learn a detailed rundown on how to tease billfish into the wash and present a bait effectively.

5:30pm Close Final Raffle Drawings, MAIN ROOM!

SUNDAY Workshop Room

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

8:30am - 9:30am "Crimping Correctly"NEW 2024

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 "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 (Meet at 11:30 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.

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

1:15pm - 1:30pm Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM

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 "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!

4:30pm - 5:30pm 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.

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

SUNDAY Bait Rigging Workshop

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

8:00am - 9:00am "Teaser Workshop" How to Rig a Teaser Bait NEW 2024

Capts. John Galvin & Billy Shouldice
This will cover from start to finish how to sweeten your teaser chain for trolling at the canyons. This will include demonstrations and hands on rigging for mackerel, squid, and horse ballyhoo. Learn from 2 different captains on ways to help bring fish into the boat. Adding meat to your teaser chain is a must!

10:00am - 11:00pm 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.

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 MAIN ROOM

1:30pm - 2:30pm 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.

3:30pm - 4:30am Rigging Natural Swimming Trolling Baits (Ballyhoo and Mackerel)

Capts. Damon Sacco & Billy Shouldice
Learn hands-on how to rig a trolling ballyhoo and/or a mackerel for all offshore pelagic species.

5:30pm Close Final Raffle Drawings, MAIN ROOM!

SUNDAY Rigging Studio

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

9:00am - 10:00am Durabrite Lights Workshop

Capt. Michael Morris
Learn straight from the owner of Durabrite Lights and see first-hand what the latest products available are, and what kind of set-up is entailed.

10:00am - 11:00am Shimano Rod Showcase - In J&B Tackle Store

Capt. Jack Sprengel
See the latest Shimano products including the Terez series big game rods the Castafari relies on.

11:30am - 12:30pm "Artificial Dredge Workshop"

How To Assemble, Repair and Maintain an Artificial Dredge
Capt. John Galvin, Capt. Damon Sacco, Stephen Weitzen and Dylan Hunt
Learn and do first hand, how to assemble a single tier and double tier dredge for trolling. Dredges are deadly at attracting all offshore pelagic species. They are a must in the trolling game. This workshop will cover how to attach mudflaps, how to skirt them with dredge heads, how to incorporate dredge weights, dredge bar maintenance and tricks to strengthen, connecting rubber shad - see it all first hand...in hand.

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

1:15pm - 1:30pm Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM

1:30pm - 2:30pm "Fish Prints"

How To Make Fish Prints From The Artist/Owner Of FISHED IMPRESSIONS
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.

3:30pm - 4:30pm "Stand And Deliver" The Correct Way To Use A Stand-Up Harness - NEW 2024

Capt. Mark Decabia and Stephen Weitzen
We're going to put away the fish and break out the stand-up gear! This workshop will showcase, step by step, how to set up and adjust a stand-up fishing harness/plate. Learn what products work best and why. For those of you who are new to the game, and want to see how to square off with big fish without the help of a rod holder, this one's for you. This workshop will incorporate Braid, Aftco, and Smitty products.

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