Novice Need Help!!

[virginia boy 1]

I used to be a mate, but mostly inshore. I got invited to go on an offshore trip thursday with some guys that are MUCH less experienced than me. I havent been offshore since 2005....

We are leaving out of Taylors Lndg in Norfolk at 0400, and they want to try for Tuna. I have heard that the Tuna bite sucks right now, and for rookies, I think it may be a bit much.

I can probably convince them against Tuna, but I need a plan. In my situation, what would you recommend? I was thinking slow-trolling kings/cobes off sandbridge, then hitting the CLT for kings/Jacks....
after that, maybe move out to 20-50 fathoms for Dolphin/Hoos?

Also, if anyone could give me some #'s and tactics for grouper/tiles, I would probably be able to convince them to try that.

Please help. Give me a gameplan, as much detail as possible.

Many thanks.

-T

[cstallin]

Tuna fishing off VA and NC is practically DEAD. If you find a weedline, pallet, etc, you might catch some bailers, but it is REAL SLOW unless you go to 50 fathoms (about 65 miles east of Rudee) and bottom drop for tiles and seabass with squid and cut bait. Might need up to 32 oz. to hold bottom. Just look for marks on your bottom machine after you have put it on BOTTOM LOCK. Good luck. Craige (Mary E)