Posts tagged ‘boating’
Fish Grip – Might Be The Right Choice
Ever hook up a fish, fight it to the shore, dock or boat and then look for the hand net. Only to find that it is under your gear, some distant spot or worse defective. This is the time when you realize that you should had bought that new one at the tackle shop.
I purchased several different fish holders over the years. See my mainstays in the photo. Now focus on the orange gripper.
I took a class from CA Richardson, host of the Flats Class TV show, several months ago when we visited our home in Punta Gorda. He had one on display and uses one during his taping of shows. I had to have one.
This new type of “fish grip” allows for quick hold and release without injury or damage to the fish.
Since I first discovered this new device, I looked at numerous shops and on the net, only to find it at Cabella’s online for 19.95 plus tax and shipping – NO WAY.
I was traveling to Houston this past week for my real job and happened to stop by the local Bass Pro. And yes, there they were!!. I could not believe it. Picked up one for $14.95. Not sure it would pass the airport security but I planned to take my chances. During my security clearance, the agent asked what this was and I replied a fishing device. The next unexpected comment, “can I go with you?”. TSA agents are human and enjoy fishing just like you and I.
It works great for professional anglers, but not tested by myself. I will experiment and report back. Stay tuned.
Tightlines!!
Sunscreen – Not What You Think
The huge billboard shows an innocent little girl’s butt cheeks being exposed by a rude dog for the entire world to see. The letters on the sign reads, “Don’t be a pale face,” “Use Coppertone.” Back then we were all mesmerized by the message. Pale is bad, the sun is good but only with Coppertone!
As a child, the lesson to “stay protected” came from my parents. It seems they were always interrupting our games to smear gooier sunscreen lotion on our exposed skin. Little did we know at the time how this would influence us later in life?
Being an avid outdoors person, I have spent many countless hours in the sun over my lifetime. Whether its fishing, boating or just working in the yard, I have always remembered that lesson to use some type of protection when outdoors.
My latest stop at the drug store for a sun protection product left me confused and frustrated. With so many to select from, I could not determine which provided the best protection. So after a little research, I found an interesting web site that thoroughly discusses various sunscreens.
http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/
Be sure to review each tab. And don’t be ashamed to find out that your popular brand has no protection at all. I know I found mine did a poor job protecting me. Going forward, I will be more careful to the brands of sunscreens I use.
Will you?
Gas Treatment – Is it Worth it
Longer day’s means more day light at the end of my work day. The later sunsets gives me the time to ready the boats for the season. Just like doing a complete exterior and interior cleaning, your focus should now be on fuel system and engines.
I attended a fishing equipment flea market several weeks ago and spoke with a dealer of a gas treatment product called Gas Shok. I am a loyal customer for Sta-Bil marine gas treatment but I am open to anything to help with the ever increasing problem with ethanol. If you remember, last year not one but both boats had fuel problems during the season. This was very expensive and definitely it was not on the First Mate’s budget.
I did a little research on both products and found that they might just work together nicely. So I bought a 32 ounce bottle; enough to treat 320 gallons.
For many years, I have used Sta-Bil to keep condensation at bay and found this to be a great winter fuel conditioner. Gas Shok on the other hand also works well in winter but also removes any moisture from the fuel left over from the previous year. It is also supposed to increase the octane levels. And the label indicates you should get better performance. Again, another positive I hope to appreciate this year.
Well, this year I am taking no chances. I used Sta-Bil in a full tank of gas this past fall and just recently added the recommended amount of Gas-Shok to the tanks.
When I de-winterized the boats last weekend, the engines started up quickly and believe it or not, they ran exceptionally well.
I am not recommending using two products when one has worked in the past, but school is not out yet. Proof will come when I take my first cruise and everything works great.
I will let you know how it works out. Are you ready for fishing season – I know I am!!
NC Sea Trout & Flounder Regulations
Proclamations – FF-29-2011 & FF-30-2011
FLOUNDER
Effective at 12:01 A.M., Monday, February 21, 2011, minimum size limit for all flounder species has changed from 14.5 inches to 15 inches. This applies to all recreational anglers who fish in the internal coastal, joint fishing waters or the Atlantic Ocean. A total creel limit is six (6) fish per day as long as the does not exceed one calendar day.
SPOTTED SEATROUT
Effective 12:01 A.M. Thursday, February 17, 2011, it will be unlawful to possess spotted sea trout in all coastal and joint fishing waters for all recreational anglers.
This action is being taken in response to recent cold stun events affecting mainly spotted sea trout. The intent of this action is to prevent harvest of vulnerable cold stunned fish which may recover with warming water temperatures. We anticipate the fishery to re-open on 15 June 2011.
Please take extreme caution when landing and releasing these fish. A conscientious angler today will preserve this fishery later.
For more information, check with the NC Division of Marine Fisheries.
March Means Spring Clean up for Boats
March winds signal the start of the boating season for me. No, not the type that requires a launch, cruise or fishing trip. It is time to begin the clean up and repair process. 
In North Carolina the winter season can be un-usually harsh on marine equipment. This can inflict a significant curse on the gelcoat, deck surfaces and stainless.
I start with a good scrubbing of the hull and decks. Trying not to miss the small crevices around the center console and battery and rear wells. It is good to use a mild soap – I use either boat wash or plain liquid dish soap. Both work well.
Next, I spray all stained surfaces with a stain remover. The areas I focus on is where dirt, grease and scum from the winter and maybe last year’s final trip hide. I always use ZEP Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. Less than $10 per gallon from Home Depot. This is alot less than West Marine Hull cleaner but very effective.
I allow the surfaces to dry thoroughly. I then apply two coats of Star brite Marine Polish to all gelcoat surfaces. I make sure I don’t miss the center console, glass fronts on the gauges and all metal, plastic and fiberglass surfaces.
I always catch the stainless rails and cleats with a good stainless polish. Any brand works well for this clean up. But a very important step. Salt aire can corrode the metals quickly and then cause clothes and fishing gear to snag on these rough surfaces when you least expect it. If you don’t have this polish – the marine polish works well.
Paying special attention to this initial clean up will pay many dividends during the boating season.
Remember, when using any cleaners or chemicals, use extreme caution. Gloves, masks or other protective gear may be needed when handling hazardous materials. For safe handling procedures, read the label. Always clean up when finished including your hands and clothes.
Until next time.
Annual Florida Trip 2011
Well I am back. Computer is up and running. I can’t believe how difficult it is to not have one. I guess I have graduated into the modern communication stream.
We traveled to Florida on 17 February to begin our annual 11 day pre-spring break.
There would be fishing, boating and kayaking. We planned to visit several crafts shows both in Punta Gorda and Ft Myers. The highlight of the trip included two fishing classes – 1) Old Pine Island Marine and 2) with Capt CA Richardson from the Flats Class TV show. We planned to see relatives and many old friends. WOW. So much to do and only 11 days.
Did I forget the famous Florida Grouper Sandwiches. If you have never had a Grouper Sandwich into Southwest Florida – you really don’t know what you are missing.
I will keep the information coming.
Stay tuned!!
National Seminar Series 2011
When I was younger, I anticipated the time when my grandparents would visit. Grammy always brought me copies of “Curious George” books. Curious George was a little monkey who habitually got into trouble. Kind of like myself. But in the end, everything seemed to work out for little George.
Now that I am older, I still look for “George”, but now it’s George Poveromo. He is an author, TV host for his own TV show – World of Saltwater Fishing and also the creator of annual the popular Saltwater Series Seminar sponsored by the Saltwater Sportsman Magazine.
This year there will be eight seminars in seven states. For those who are local in North Carolina, there are two within a short drive. One in Wilmington, NC and the other in Virginia Beach, Va.
Cost is $55.00 which includes six hours of fishing information, a course textbook, and assortment of prizes throughout the program. You are also included in a raffle with the opportunity to win a boat and trailer and a bone fishing trip to Bimini Sands Resort.
The day is filled with excitement and the opportunity to meet other professional guides and fishing enthusiasts. Get your questions answered here!!
For information attending these seminars, see George’s website or the 2011 National Seminar Series at http://www.nationalseminarseries.com/
This is one show that should not be missed. If you like fishing, this is the place to be. Money is well spent.
See you at the seminar
Spotted Sea Trout Restrictions
Effective Friday, 14 January 2011, it is unlawful to possess Spotted Sea Trout in any coastal and joint waters in Eastern Carolina.
This rule applies to both recreational fisherman and commercial operations.
The weather and water temperature has been unusually cold this year. The ocean water temperature has been in the upper 30’s and lower 40’s for the entire month of December. This has subjected to the fishery to extreme stress.
Please see the proclamation from the Department of NC fisheries:
This action is being taken in response to recent cold stun events affecting
mainly spotted seatrout. The intent of this action is to prevent harvest of
vulnerable cold stunned fish which may recover with warming water temperatures. In approving the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan, the N.C. Marine. Fisheries Commission authorized the Director to intervene in the event of a catastrophic event and do what is necessary in terms of temporary closures.
If you catch a Spotted Sea Trout during the proclamation period, careful handling and release is important for the survival of this valuable resource.
We are hopeful they will rebound quickly once the weather improves. Please do your part.
Still Waiting for My Turn
The 2010 fall Outer Banks Rockfish season has been outstanding. It’s been over four years since we have had a year like this!!
It seems every day we hear of another citation fish being caught. Only problem is that they are a mile or more off the beach. Most surf fisherman can only watch and wait. Boaters are having a field day.
Water Temperatures are still hovering around upper 30’s. We need mid 40’s to bring the big fish within casting range.
When fishing for the Big Rockfish, use a stout 8′ rod , 17 pound test and any shiny spoon, Hopkins or lure that you can cast and retrieve. They are vicious feeders and when they are here, they go after any thing that moves.
Good luck and keep you equipment close. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a banner Rockfish year for the surf fisherman, too.
Bright Outlook
I stood on the beach on New Years Eve and thought about all the great times I had fishing.
The best times were with family and friends. How lucky is a person who has more friends than landings.
A thought for the new year:
“Sometimes people who fish never realize that it’s not the fish they are after.”
Tightlines and fair seas in the new year!!
NCsaltaire 