A Fishing Adventure on Martha's Vineyard

Old guys and the sea

About 15 years ago, my son and I decided to take the grandkids on a deep sea-fishing rip. We were living in Martha’s Vineyard at the time and the family was visiting. We called on of the Charter captains in Menemsha and got a rate and a date. (As an aside, Menemsha is where a lot of the boating scenes were filmed for Jaws)

Bright and early we packed everyone into the car and drove up Island for our date with Captain Jack. He turned out to be a rather nice young man who made his living doing charters. He charged by the half-day and we could pile as many on his boat as we wanted. There were 8 of us and we brought our lunch and a cooler of sodas for the kids.

We left and the kids were all excited. The captain said he would explain everything to us once we got to his sweet spot. He said he was the only one that never came back without a fish. The rule is, “No fish, you don’t pay”. He said all the other fishermen wanted to know his secret and actually followed him when he set out to fish.

The trip was beautiful and in the morning sun the Vineyard is spectacular. We rounded Gay Head and headed for a place called Squibnocket. Captain Jack pointed out the shoreline and said this was the area here Jackie Kennedy had her family compound. In fact, it was the area where John Kennedy crashed his plane in the morning fog. People assumed he was trying a fly over to show the passengers his mother’s place and got disoriented.

We anchored and Captain Jack started his tutorial. At the stern he had this Trolling chair and said we would all get a chance to fish one at a time. He took my grandson Kyle and strapped him in and gave him the gigantic rod and reel. The line was 100-pound test and it had a steel wire leader with the hook attached. He said, if he didn’t use that the fish would bite through it.

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a 10 in section of red surgical tubing and placed it on the hook. He did all this while shielding himself from the other boats nearby. He said the surgical tubing was his secret weapon and vowed us all to secrecy. The kids loved the solemn nature of the moment.

The line went overboard and he started the engine and began a slow trace of the shoreline keeping his eyes on the fish finder.

 All of a sudden – Wham, Kyle had hooked a monster Striped Bass. The Captain came back and showed Kyle how to work him toward the boat using the reel and slack line. The Kid was excited and when the fish broke water, I thought Kyle was going overboard. We got the fish on the boat and measured him. In Massachusetts the fish has to be a minimum 28 inches and weigh more than 30 pounds (this has changed since we went). Kyle’s fish met the qualifications but we decided to go for bigger. Captain Jack then pick up the fish over his head and shouts towards the other boats and heaves the fish overboard. The yells and screams from the other boats were kind of enjoyable. His message was “Don’t mess with Captain Jack”

We did this for the next 2-3 hours and everyone got a chance. By Law we could only keep 1 fish for each person fishing so our keep limit was 7. We caught 35 and threw the rest back keeping the largest. 7 fish. The ones we released were all alive when we let them go.

By noon we were headed back to port with our catch. Everyone seemed to have a smile on their face and I hoped it would be an experience they would remember.
The Striped Bass is a beautiful fish and size can go up to 50-60 pounds. Just watching the smallest grandchild reeling one of these in was a joy. It wasn’t easy for them and it’s like hooking into a small refrigerator. Kyle was the weight winner of the day at 42 pounds.

When we got to Port we had to unload our catch. Our 7 fish weighed in at over 200 pounds and Captain Jack started the process of filleting the fish. He had this beautiful boning knifes and was an expert using it on the fish. The kids all stood around him watching the process and up on the dock about 75 people stopped to gawk at Captain Jack and he made a grand show of his artistry. It was free advertising for him

What a day! We thanked the Captain and headed home with enough fish for a month. The conversation going home was excited and everyone had stories to tell their friends

That night some of the catch was our dinner. 

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Tips on Buying a Used Boat for Water Sports

Boat Buying Guide - Part II

USED BOAT BUYING CHECKLIST

TEST DRIVE - You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first, would you? Same holds true with a boat, even more so than a car. Boats are finicky animals. They tend to require more attention and maintenance than cars. When you test drive the boat pay close attention to the following things while underway:

Vibration
If it vibrates it could mean a variety of things like a bent propeller. A vibrating boat makes a noisy boat.Functioning Trim
If you're looking at an inboard/outboard boat check to make sure the trim works, which allows the motor to move from the down position to the angled position.
Response
Rapidly, but carefully, test the steering from one direction to another to see how long it takes the boat to respond.
Planing
Check to see how long it takes the boat to plane after take off.
Shifting
Does the boat slip smoothly into gear, or does it jump?
Reverse
Make sure the boat works in reverse. You never know how important this is until you have to dock.
Gauges and Instruments
Check the temperature, RPM, and speedometer for proper function.
Bilge
Make sure it is doing it's job. If your test ride is not long enough to tell, when you get back to the dock run some water in the engine hole with a water hose until the bilge kicks in.
It's a good idea to take along several people on the test drive. Added weight in a boat can affect it's performance and quickness.

Check to see how many hours are on a boat. You measure a car's use by miles and a boat's use by hours. If a boat has more than 500 hours you can expect to pay some money in upgrades and maintenance.

Wood and water don't mix, especially in the floor of a boat. Carefully inspect the floor for soft spots, which indicate rot. Don't be afraid to get on your hands and knees and smell for floor for mildew.

Ask for a maintenance history on the boat. Find out what major repairs have been made to the boat. If a lot of work has been done to the boat, chances are there will be lots to come, which translates into dollars. Ask if the boat is still under warranty. Also, ask who the boat owner used for repairs and make a point to talk to them.

It's a good idea to have a qualified marine mechanic thoroughly inspect the boat before purchasing it. To find a marine surveyor call either the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors - SAMS. If you are going to do it yourself check the spark arrestors and plugs, alternator, belts, hoses, strainer, blower, shift cables, engine alignment, etc. Analyze the oil and make sure it is not cloudy or gritty Cloudy oil can mean the engine block is cracked.

Take a walk around the boat and inspect the hull and make sure it is in good condition. Feel free to tap on the hull all the way around and make sure the hull is consistently solid. Mismatched paint is a sign the boat has been in an accident. Also check for gel-coat blisters and dry rot.

Check the prop for warping, cracks, or nicks. Any of these things can throw off the performance of the boat.

How has the boat been stored while not in use? Was is stored outside and exposed to the sun and weather? Or was it kept in protected dry storage? 

Depending on how the boat was stored can affect how the upholstery has held up over the years. Check for ripped seams and color fading. Also check the boat cover if there is one. 

It's nice if the owner will sell the boat with a few extras which are probably already on the boat. In my opinion, a depth finder is crucial. You don't want the boat to run aground, much less let your skier run aground. In most states a marine radio is required by law. A stereo is a nice thing to have so you can listen to tunes. Also see if the boat owner will throw in some life jackets and an anchor. And if you are a lucky slalom skier they may throw in a speed control device. 

If a trailer comes with the boat you want to buy check the trailer thoroughly. They are not cheap to replace. 

Locate the boat in the N.A.D.A. Guide to find out the price value range for the model and year. Remember, if the boat is priced at the low end or lower than the low end it's likely the boat's had a history of problems and there is a reason the owner wants to get rid of the boat.

By: Bill Schrama

                              Get money you need to buy a used boat
                                    https://www.boatfinance.com

Tips on Buying a Boat Suitable for Boat-Towed Water Sports

Boat Buying Guide - Part I - Avoid disappointment and do your homework.

Once you fall in love with power boating there's no turning back. It's in your blood forever. Shopping for a new boat can be challenging. So many decisions to be made and so many things to consider. It's often a bigger decision than buying a car, which is essentially a means of transportation to get you from point A to point B. A boat is usually a multipurpose investment that can be used for waterskiing, wakeboarding, barefooting, tubing, jumping, fishing, riding to your favorite hangout, weekend getaways, and more. And each of these events sometime require different qualities in a boat to get the best performance.
Before you take the boat buying plunge let me clue you in on two of the most widely spoken quotes in the boating world. "The happiest day of a boat owner's life is the day they buy the boat and the day they sell the boat" and "Boats are nothing more than holes in the water, into which you throw money."Sounds so gloomy, doesn't it? It doesn't have to be. That's why it is so crucial for you to do your homework prior to purchasing a boat. Most people who are about to buy a boat have visions of nonstop fun on the water, but the reality is boats can be lots of work and require extreme care and regular maintenance in order for that fun on the water to be long lasting.If you're still up to the challenge and responsibility of being a boat owner, use following checklist to go by when purchasing a boat.

Once you fall in love with power boating there's no turning back. It's in your blood forever. Shopping for a new boat can be challenging. So many decisions to be made and so many things to consider. It's often a bigger decision than buying a car, which is essentially a means of transportation to get you from point A to point B. A boat is usually a multipurpose investment that can be used for waterskiing, wakeboarding, barefooting, tubing, jumping, fishing, riding to your favorite hangout, weekend getaways, and more. And each of these events sometime require different qualities in a boat to get the best performance.

Before you take the boat buying plunge let me clue you in on two of the most widely spoken quotes in the boating world. "The happiest day of a boat owner's life is the day they buy the boat and the day they sell the boat" and "Boats are nothing more than holes in the water, into which you throw money."Sounds so gloomy, doesn't it? It doesn't have to be. That's why it is so crucial for you to do your homework prior to purchasing a boat. Most people who are about to buy a boat have visions of nonstop fun on the water, but the reality is boats can be lots of work and require extreme care and regular maintenance in order for that fun on the water to be long lasting.If you're still up to the challenge and responsibility of being a boat owner, use following checklist to go by when purchasing a boat. BOAT BUYING CHECKLIST - PURPOSE OF THE BOAT
Decide what your main purpose(s) for the boat will be. Do you want it strictly for tournament waterskiing or strictly for recreational wakeboarding? Or do you have kids that like to do a little bit of everything behind the boat? Will it mainly be a fishing boat that you'll occasionally want to water-ski behind? These factors will determine your engine type (inboard, inboard/outboard, or outboard). Boats.com explains some tips in its article, "Choose the right type of boat for your needs."

BODY OF WATER YOU'LL BE USIN

Larger, more wide open bodies of water require bigger boats, or those with V-drives or inboard/outboard engines. Larger boats handle rough water better than smaller boats. Direct drive boats are good for smaller lakes that generally have smooth water. Serious slalom skiers usually prefer direct drives and serious wakeboarders prefer V-drives. If your body of water is large and often chops up a bow-rider may not be the best choice. You don't want to run the risk of water coming in over an open bow.

COSTS

How much can you afford? Saving money on a purchase up front can cost you in the long run. Be sure to buy quality. Remember to take into consideration the following costs beyond the actual price of the boat and your monthly payments: insurance, boat and trailer registration fees, taxes, fuel, docking/mooring fees, storage, and equipment such as lifevests, fire extinguishers, flares, marine radio, anchor, dock lines, and a trailer if needed. When the boat is not in use you'll want to give it proper storage. Boats.com explains storage options in its article, "Learn the best way to store your boat."

Don't over look maintenance and repair costs to the boat. This can be the most discouraging factor to a boat owner. On average these annual costs averages around $50 per foot (boat length), however they can be significantly higher, depending on if you do the work yourself, or you let a marina do the work for you. This is not an area in which you want to skimp. Good maintenance habits can add years to your boat and save you many pounding headaches.

Also consider these optional items, depending on your water sports preferences: water skis, wakeboards, wet suits, towables (tubes), tow ropes and gloves, weight system for wakeboarding, pylon, boom, tower, etc.

WARRANTIES
Extremely important. No matter how new your boat is, warranties can vary tremendously. This is an area in which you do lots of comparison shopping. If purchasing a new boat be sure to go with a boat manufacturer that stands firmly behind their product and is going to rise to the occasion when things go wrong. Boatbuying.com outlines things to consider when dealing with warranties.

NMMA CERTIFIED
Make sure the boat is certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The NMMA standards exceed the basic regulations set by the U.S. Coast Guard.

DEALER REPUTATION
Extremely important. This could make or break your boating experience. Make sure their service department is reputable and have quick turn around on repairs. To find a dealership in your area see the Dealerships / Sales links list.

WORD OF MOUTH
Find other people who own or have previously owned the brand or model of the boat you are considering purchasing. They can shed light on areas you may have never considered. Other boat owners will tell you the truth.

BOATING SAFETY
Take a safe boating course BEFORE you hit the water. The Water and Boating Safety Resources links page is an excellent source of boating courses and has great links to start instilling boat and water safety in your mind. Make sure that everyone who will be operating or just riding in the boat takes a safety course as well. Don't over look knowing the proper way to tow a skier and how to retrieve a downed skier safely. Also see Drivers Corner, Boating Tips, and the article, "How Fast Should You Go?" which explains boat speeds for different boat towed sports.

PROPELLER TYPE
Three or four blade? Four blades are more expensive, however they have a quicker hole shot and has a smoother spin. Three blades allow a little more top end speed. Prop manufacturers.

ATTEND A BOAT SHOW
Boat shows are a great place to start your boat shopping. For starters, there will be lots of manufacturers under the same roof, saving you travel time to multiple dealerships. Dealers often offer boat show discounts. Popular times of the year for boat shows are in the beginning of the year and the fall. To find a boat show in your area see the Boat Shows links list.

TIME OF YEAR TO BUY A BOAT
Buying at the beginning of the year will allow you to have your pick of the litter. You'll get more choices with colors, features, and special orders. Buy in the spring when everyone is getting boat fever and expect to pay more for your boat. Larger demand, larger price tag. Buy in the fall or later and you'll get lower prices when dealers are looking to unload boats before the new models hit the showroom.

Part 2 in a future post soon!
Don Schrama

Finance your next boat at http://www.boatfinance.com/

Aluminum Boat Reviews - The Right Boat Building Plan For You

Are you planning to build a marine vessel for your upcoming fishing trip? You must be in search of some durable material for building your fishing boat. Boats made up of aluminum always make most perfect fishing boat with proper Boating Accessories and provides best condition for enjoying every fishing trip.

Question may come up why aluminum and not other material to choose for boat building. Durability, functionality and great value for money are the advantages that an owner of an aluminum boat enjoys. What more do you want from a fishing boat? More over aluminum is not only the first choice for boating industry; it is also prior choice for aircraft industry.

Reasons are as follows.
•Being a sheet of metal, the builder can customize his boat with design of his own choice. If you are a beginner, it is better to opt for simpler design to enhance the boat's utility and durability.
•As it is a soft metal, it is easy to work with and saves lots of time also. Thus it will be cheaper than wooden boats.
•As it is a metal sheet, it helps in crafting the right model with the proper tools in the right manner.
•Being a light weighted metal, it can easily be transferred from one place to another.
•Besides being light weighted and flexible in nature, it can be easily be crafted into simple to complicated structure without much difficulty.
•Due to its light weight, boat owner receives greater performance from the aluminum boat in terms of speed.
•More over light boat needs less fuel as compared with heavier boat. Thus it is economical.
•While on water, safety is always our prior concern. Aluminum is highly durable and thus provides adequate security against all weather condition while out on the water in the middle of the sea.
•Most important advantage of aluminum fishing boat is that, they can be repaired easily. You can easily fix an aluminum boat of your own. Repairing these boats is not only easy but also requires very little time.
•Thus low maintenance cost makes this material more preferred for building fishing boat.
•Aluminum boats are fire proof and more resistant to corrosion. These make it perfect for salt water fishing.
•Aluminum as a metal is not very shiny, but if you wish you can make it shiny.
•The costing of aluminum boat building is also very reasonable. The price along with the yielding capacity makes it a good boat.
•Last but not the least selling used aluminum boat also earns good amount of profit for the boat owner.

You can well understand the reasons behind the popularity of aluminum boats. Hope you are ready to get along with the boat building project.

It is already mentioned that boat building is no mare a problematic job with aluminum as the building material. You only need to get hold of aluminum boat building plan which is easily available online. More over Aluminum Boat Reviews available online are also helpful in providing information about aluminum boat.

It is for sure that you will enjoy investing your time in boat building project and this will enhance the enjoyment and fun of your fishing trip to a greater extent.

Aug 09, 2011 - Allan Simons

Boat Fishing Tips and Tricks

Steve Dolan - February 21, 2007

Boat Fishing

If you're keen to find a fun family activity, then give boat fishing a try.  There's nothing better than heading off on your boat with the wife and kids, talking about the fish you plan to catch that day.

It's important to realize, though, that there are lots of different types of boat fishing, and each one has specialized boat requirements.  You can do everything from dangle some bait on a string over the side of a canoe, right through to high-tech rods and a powerful cabin cruiser.  It just needs to be seaworthy - the rest is up to you!  But if you're keen to buy a boat, you need to do some homework first.  It can be very confusing walking into a boat show or dealership and seeing so many choices.  You need to think about what you're planning to do with the boat before you can decide which one to buy.  Here are some popular boat fishing choices.

Freshwater Boats

If you enjoy fishing in freshwater lakes, rivers or streams, then you don't need a massive boat.  Instead, choose an aluminum or fiberglass boat.  Make sure it's easy to transport and lightweight.  Popular choices include bow riders, runabouts or walley boats, with either a small or dual console.  These boats are fine for family freshwater boat fishing outings.

Offshore Saltwater Boats

Fishing out on the open sea is the most common thing people think of when you mention boat fishing.  Most people enjoy fishing offshore because they get the chance to catch huge fish and use heavy tackle.  It's important to have a dependable, heavy boat for this type of fishing.  You'll encounter plenty of different weather and situations on the open sea, so you need to be able to rely on your boat.  You can choose twin or single outboard motors, and you definitely need a cuddy cabin or a center console.  If you want to spend a bit more, you can start to look at the more luxurious boats, including a bluewater or convertible with luxury quarters, and maybe even an elegant living area.  Bigger boats generally have powerful inboard diesel engines as standard.

Inshore Saltwater Boats

If your tastes run to tarpin, snook, trout, bonefish or redfish, then you will want a boat suitable for inshore saltwater fishing.  It's best to have a light boat that is smaller than a 25-footer.  All you need is a single outboard motor.  You're likely to be in shallow water at least some of the time, so something like a flat or baby boat works well.  These have a spacious deck you can use for casting, and are still float well in shallow water.

Bass Boats

This type of boat is generally suitable for tournament and sport fishing.  They're colorful, fast, and ride low in the water.  It's preferable if the bass boat has a trolling motor mounted on the bow.  Generally they have a platform at both the bow and stern ends, which makes casting much easier.  You can choose from aluminum or fiberglass.

Float Tubes

These don't really qualify as boats, but fly anglers find them very handy for fishing in mountain streams, ponds and lakes.  A float tube is simply a flotation device containing a seat.  The angler is partially submerged when seated in the float tube, and uses fins on his feet to navigate around on the water.  They're tricky to handle, and fly-casting requires lots of practice.  You can choose between round float tubes, which are similar to an inner tube, and pontoon float tubes, which have an air chamber either side of the fisherman.  The pontoons are slightly eiasier to maneuver, as their v-shaped design reduces the amount of water resistance.

It's always a good idea to speak to experienced anglers who either have their own boat or use one regularly.  They can give you lots of help in deciding which type of boat is right for you.  Read magazines, guides, and talk to your local boat charter service.  Fishermen generally love to talk about boatsComputer Technology Articles, and you can learn a lot to help you select the perfect fishing boat for your needs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Dolan is an experienced and keen fisherman, who enjoys the outdoors almost as much as catching the fish!

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

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