Where are the large task forces?
 

I have nearly completed my first campaign (it's currently June 1945 in game), and I have yet to run into a task force with large ships (heavy cruisers, carriers, etc). I encountered one during the battle of the Philippines, but other than that, every task force has been comprised of the smallest ships (gun boats, destroyers, and subchasers). Where do I look to encounter the major ships? Is it just blind luck running into one? Or are there good stomping grounds for these kinds of groups? I'm running stock SH4.

Get near the historical major pacific battle areas around the time they occured. Task Force traffic increases around those times and areas. You will still be lucky to encounter them.
-Pv-

Early in the war, if you start a career from Manila (pick a Sargo boat), there are several task forces off Manila, and in the straits between Borneo and Celebes.

In my second career, I was sent north from Manila, and wasn't 3 days out of port on my first patrol before I ran into a Kongo-centered task force (literally nearly ran into it as it come heading southbound straight at me).

Some months later, I ran into a heavy cruiser force between Wake Is. and Midway.

Be around Singapore when it's taken, one or two day's later the JIN taskforce heads back home.. It has 3 CV in it... Thing is, your going to have to stalk them in shallow waters. Which is a career ender if your not careful.


Hope this helps

Timing Is Everything
 

Even though I don't have SH4, I would suggest that you look up major engagements in the Pacific Theater. During the Guadacanal/Solomons battles, if you stay in the slot you'll definately run into a force, or stay close to Rabul anytime between Coral Sea and the New Guinea Campaign. Silent Service had Truk as a major base of operations until '43.

So...do some research and plan your attacks accordingly.