NJ Boating Tips, NJ Fishing Tips, NJ Boating Safety and Information About Brielle Marine Basin – Brielle NJ Marina

Sharks

There are certainly plenty of Sharks in New Jersey’s waters. In fact, the movie Jaws was inspired by a series of shark attacks that took place along the Jersey shore in the summer of 1916. The first attack was in Beach Heaven, the next in Spring Lake and the last attack took place in the backwaters of Raritan bay in the Matawan Creek.

The most abundant species is the Blue Shark and the most prized is the Mako. Threshers and Tiger sharks are common as well. There are many local Shark tournaments with the most popular being the Mako Mania. There are several Charter boats that will target Sharks specifically.

The usual method is to set a drift over structure like wrecks and walls while paying out a long slick consisting of ground chum and Bunker oil. Typical baits are Mackerel and Blue Fish fillets suspended by balloons set down at 25, 75 and 100 feet. The shallower baits are in close while the deeper baits are further back in the slick.

Heavy gear is required for Shark fishing along with long braided wire leaders to protect against the Shark’s sharp teeth and rough skin… Long stretches of boredom are the norm while you are waiting to hook up. They are however coupled with moments of the most exciting fishing you can imagine. These majestic beasts are fighters and if you are lucky enough to hook up with a crazy Mako get out your camera… These are probably the craziest fish in our waters and are known to leap several feet clear of the water when hooked up!

An experienced crew is a must Shark fishing since subduing and landing a shark requires special equipment and a knowledgeable crew. With many exceeding 150 pounds and rows of laser sharp teeth, you don’t want to mess with them at boat side unless you know what your are doing. For this reason, Sharking is best left to the experts.

Time of Year:

Shark fishing is usually best in June before the water warms up too much but Sharks can be caught all summer long and into September.

How To Catch Them:

• Be sure to keep a steady chum slick… Ground frozen Mackerel works well since it’s very oily and creates a nice slick. Put the contents of a frozen bucket into a chum bag and hang it off the side of your boat.
• You don’t move around a lot when Sharking…. You need to commit to a spot and judge the wind and tide to take long drifts over as much structure as possible. A long uninterrupted slick is the key to attracting Sharks.
• A butterfly fillet Mackerel makes a great bait since the are oily and stay on the hook very well…. Bluefish fillets work well too as do large trolling Squids.
• Set your long deep line out first by pulling off the required amount of line to set it at the depth you want. You then tie off a balloon and let the current move the floating balloon out 50 yards or so. Next do the same with your mid depth line and then the short line so they stair step away from the boat from shallow to deep.
• Often times you’ll have Sharks come into your slick with out picking up any of your baits. For this reason it’s good to have a pitch pole rigged with bait handy so you can pitch a hooked bait to them quickly if the opportunity arises.
• Shark fishing is done pretty much exclusively by charter boats not party Unless you, your boat and crew are equipped for this sort of fishing, it’s best left to the experts. They have all the safety and fishing equipment, a license and the knowledge to land a Shark safely.
• If you want to keep a Shark the best tasting ones are the Mako and Thresher.

Best Places To Catch Them:

• Best fishing takes place usually 15 – 50 miles off the beach in the areas of deep water wrecks like “The Mudhole” area. Wrecks get the most attention.

If you are a frequent boat renter then you want to make sure that you are doing everything you can to get the most from you and your family’s boating experience. Some boat rental are much better than others so keep that in mind when looking for a company to rent from. Here are a few tips for boat rentals that can help you have an exciting and fun-filled day in the sun.

First, when it comes to boat rentals safety is a major concern. Always make sure that the boat you rent is in good working order. This is the single most important aspect and must be taken very seriously. The boat should come with all the latest charts and safety equipment, including life jackets, to ensure that you are safe while you are out on the water.

Another important tip is having the proper communication equipment so that if you do encounter a problem, you will be able to call for help. The last thing you want is to find yourself stranded out in the middle of a lake or ocean somewhere and unable to get assistance. You should also bring your cell phone along if you have one, just for added safety assurance.

Before taking the out for the day, make sure that you have a first aid kit on board. This will come in very handy if you, your family member or someone else incurs an injury of some type. In addition, a tool kit would be a great idea as well. Most likely this will be something that you will need to provide yourself, as it typically will not be supplied by the leasing company. Some of the tools you should consider having available in this tool box are a screwdriver, hammer, electrical tape and other such items, just in case.

The lake is an increasingly popular spot for boaters, and even more of a vacation spot for those all over the country. With the growing trend toward family travel, both water lovers and non-boaters are finding that houseboats are attractive various activity levels. Renting a boat before buying one makes better sense as does learning the basics of safety when boating. A majority of states offer free and low-cost boating safety instruction and local marinas should have all the details.

When considering boat rentals you also need to think about how much boating experience you have. This fact alone should be instrumental in determining what type of boat you should rent and how far you should venture away from land. Always use a good reliable leasing company to rent the boat from, this way you can be sure that you are protected, everything is in order, and you will have a great boating experience for you and your family.

Drum

Drum, or more specifically Black Drum, are the largest inshore fish in our state waters and often exceed 70 pounds. They have recently been reported as far north as the Sandy Hook but Delaware Bay is where they appear most consistently and in large numbers. In fact, the current world record Drum was caught in Cape May weighing in at 113 pounds!! Although a few Drum are caught in the surf each year, most fish are caught by boat and there are many Charter boats in the Cape May area that specialize in the fishery.

The action is typically not as fast and furious as some of the other inshore species since most trips 2 or 3 fish is about the best that you can expect… However they are very powerful fish and put up a great fight!

Time of Year:

Best months are May and June.

How To Catch Them:

• You fish from an anchored boat
• Fish finder rig with just enough weight to hold bottom
• Best baits are whole fresh clams or shedder crabs if you can find them
• 3 foot 50-80 pound leader with an 8/0 – 12/0 hook.
• Cast your line out and let it settle to the bottom. Reel in slack until you come tight to the sinker. Set pole in holder in free spool with line out alarm on. When if fish picks it up give them a little slack… If you’re fishing a J hook click your reel into gear and set the hook sharply with a upward rod motion. If you are fishing a circle hook simply click the reel in gear and let the fish hook itself.
• These fish travel in tight schools so if you catch one there are sure to be many more so stay on guard.

Best Places To Catch Them:

• Cape May, NJ from a private fishing charter boat.
• Also, Tussey Slough and the Pin Top in Delaware Bay.

Some Fishing Tips:

• Use fresh clams rather then frozen if you can get them.
• Shedder crabs work well
• You need a fairly heavy set up… 20–50 pound class rod and reels are best.
• Fish travel in schools and move around a lot. When you get your shot you have to take full advantage so have some pre-tied rigs made up so you can get back in the water quickly.

With so many different types of boats to choose from, how can you ever decide which one is best? That depends on what you want to do with it. If you plan on taking your boat deep sea fishing, than you’ll need a very different style of watercraft than if you were to use it for river fishing or cruising the riverfront. As you can see, what you intend to do with the boat you choose will determine which one is right for your interest and lifestyle.

Here are a few of the most common boat styles in which to choose:

Fishing Boats:
If the main purpose of buying a boat is for long days of fishing, then you’ll need a fishing boat. But, even under this single category are lots of choices. Fishing boats come in all shapes and sizes, and styles too! First you’ll need to decide where you’ll be doing the bulk of your fishing: lakes, rivers, or the ocean This is important because different styles of fishing boats are designed for specific areas. For example, Bass boats are great for searching low profile areas from several different angles, compared to a sports fishing boats, which are best for fishermen who tend to go after very large fish.

All-purpose Fishing boats are great for both freshwater and salt-water fishing, and work well for all types of fishing and water.

Air boats are great for getting you to places that you couldn’t normally reach with other kinds of boats, especially in swampy water areas.

Leisure Boats:
If cruising around the waters with friends or family is your idea of a great boating day, then a leisure boat is what you’re after. Bow riders offer plenty of seating area, and nooks for sunbathing.

Closed Bow Runabout boats are great for indulging in a variety of water sports. They are fast and smooth.

Sailboats offer a relaxing way to cruise lakes and oceans. Just be sure you aren’t the kind of person who’s in a big hurry, because sailboats aren’t meant to get you there fast; they’re meant to get you there eventually.

Kayaks too, are great for enjoying all the waterways have to offer. They allow you the freedom to skirt in and out of tight places. Their major disadvantage: they only seat one or two people.

Canoes are in inexpensive option for family fare. They are great for fishing lakes and ponds and can be even used on small rivers and streams.

Rowboats are cheap and strong. Their major disadvantage: it can be strenuous work to get a rowboat back to shore after a long day of fishing.

Deck Boats make great leisure boats. They can usually carry 8-12 people and are popular amongst the party crowd.

Houseboats or Yachts are wonderful for entertaining and boat living. They offer plenty of room and luxury. However, they can be quite expensive, and aren’t for newbies on the boat scene.

Pontoons are often used for family outings.
With so many options in today’s boating market, it’s important to carefully consider what style and size is right for you before heading to your local dealer. Depending on the style you choose, boats can be relatively cheap, or ghastly expensive. Be a smart shopper and get exactly what you want… the first time around the showroom floor.

Buying a boat can be a bewildering experience, especially if you don’t know much about boats. Given the wide range of new and used boats available, all with different functions and suitability, and you can quickly find yourself involved in a purchase you don’t need if you’re not careful. This is particularly true if you want a boat for different activities. For example, ski boats are quite specific in design, and not much use if you have a lot of people wanting to cruise around, or go fishing. Also, the type of boat you’ll choose if you want to go offshore will be different to a boat that is better for inshore waters.

Probably the biggest consideration for those wanting a boat will be getting one the right size – and within your budget. Getting a boat that’s too big for your needs can result not only in an increased cost at the time of sale, but increased running costs. Running costs should always be taken into consideration when deciding on the type of boat to buy. Fuel is not cheap! Other running costs include insurance, the cost of the trailer to tow it, and also storage costs. Do you have a big enough storage area, or will you need to build a new one?

The cost of the trailer is a potential issue if you decide on a bigger boat than you had originally planned. For example, whilst a 5 meter boat only needs a single axle trailer, a 6 meter boat requires a tandem axle trailer, which is more expensive. Also, bigger boats need a 4WD to tow them, whereas smaller boats can be towed with regular vehicles.

In terms of boat type, the best family boats are the cuddy and half cabin. Cuddy boats have a high cabin, or an enclosed deck with berth. The cockpit is of a medium size, and there is usually a bench seat in front of the outboard motor. The larger boats have a chemical toilet, which may be an important feature if you have children, or for female family and friends.

Both cuddy boats and half cabins have good weather protection – so you won’t be exposed too much to wind and sea spray. The main difference between them is the lower cabin – it is bigger on half cabin boats. Half cabins will have more space in the area where the boat is steered, and can come with a galley or sink. In the smaller half cabins (below 6m), the back area of the cockpit is smaller, though this is not an issue in the larger variety.

In addition to weather protection, these boats provide some protection against incoming waves because of their cabins. You can also fit a canopy overhead to provide some sun protection, which is important if you have small children who will be boating with you.

Finally, the bow rider is another good choice for families or those who bring groups of friends along for recreational boating. Bow riders have a lot more seating than most other boats, and they also ride well in choppy waters because their steering is closer to the back of the boat. These are inshore boats however – if you are boating offshore, the cuddy or half cabin will be a better alternative.

Overall, there are many choices out there. The market for used boats has a great deal of cuddies and half cabins, as these two are very popular choices. One thing to keep in mind, whatever type of boat you choose, is the importance of boat safety. Completing a boat safety course is the best way to prevent an accident whilst you’re on the water.

Fluke

Fluke are some of the best eating fish in NJ waters. They can weigh up to 10 lbs but 2 lbs is about the norm. They can be caught along the beaches, bays and tidal rivers and are usually fished fairly close to the shore. There are many party boats that fish for them exclusively . Fishing is best during the daylight hours.

Time of Year:

Fluke usually arrive in June and are running strong through August. Best month is June.

How To Catch Them:

• Drifting a combo of a squid strip and a live killie is the preferred bait. Using a 3 way swivel, tie the 3 way to the line coming off your pole. On the remaining 2 swivel loops clip a sinker directly to one loop and a 4 to 5 foot leader with a hook to the other. Use the lightest sinker that will allow you to hold bottom. Let your sinker hit the bottom and continue to bounce as you drift. Make sure your sinker is on the bottom or you won’t catch fish. Set the hook immediately when you feel a bite or resistance.
• Bouncing a lead head jig with a bucktail off the bottom dressed with a strip of squid is also a good method especially when you have a slow or non existent drift.

Best Places To Catch Them:

• From north to south the most popular areas are as follows:
• Sandy Hook Area: Sandy Hook and Raritan bay, Flynns Knoll, Roamer Shoal, Keansburg, Keyport and Princess Bay.
• Belmar: Close to shore off Spring Lake Hotel, Elberon and Deal.
• Point Pleasant; Barnegat bay and close to local beaches.
• Barnegat Light: Barnegat bay and close to local beaches.
• Great Bay & Cape May: Delaware bay and close to local beaches.

Some Fishing Tips:

• When party boat fishing you usually drift so try and stay in the bow or stern so you can easily shift to the side where the lines are drifting.
• Use an English style hook and often times fish will hook themselves.
• Keep your rig on the bottom or you won’t catch fish.
• Try to fish while tide is moving. You’ll cover more area and your bait will look more natural since it’s moving.

For anyone who owns a boat, there are ten rules which should always be kept in mind. There is also certain equipment which should always be carried aboard ship.

1. Check your boat thoroughly and never leave your mooring until you have done so.

2. Never over-load your boat and at all times be especially careful about non-swimmers and children.

3. Carry a life preserver for every person on board. Be sure they’re worn when doing deck duty in rough weather.

4. Carry filled fire extinguishers.

5. Exercise extreme caution when filling fuel tanks – no smoking – turn off all fires and electric accessories – hold filling nozzle firmly against fill pipe (ground it) – wipe up spillage – thoroughly ventilate engine compartment and all enclosed spaces before restarting motors.

6. Observe carefully weather, wind, tide and current conditions before starting. Plan emergency harbors on long hops.

7. Keep to the right when meeting another boat and give the right-of-way to vessels approaching in your danger zone on the starboard (right) side.

8. Always be Courteous, Careful and Competent. Watch your wash! Slow down to 4 mph in harbors. Keep away from large vessels, which are not as maneuverable as smaller craft. Keep away from all sail boats – small ones may be swamped by the wash from a motor boat and large sailing yachts do not have the maneuverability of a motor boat.

9. Never make a turn at high speed. Small craft can easily be and have been swamped by their own wash.

10. Approach dock or mooring slowly against the wind or current, whichever is strongest.

Articles of Equipment Which Should Be Aboard Every Well-Found Boat, Though Not Required By Law

The Motor Boat Act prescribes that motor boats must carry certain equipment for the safety of those aboard. This includes life preservers, lights, whistle, bell, fire extinguishers, name arresters on carburetors, ventilating cowls and ducts for the bilges, and the certificate of registration. These requirements vary with the class of boat, and certain exceptions are made in some classes.

In addition to this required equipment, however, there are other things which should be aboard before a boat may be considered to be well-found. The extent of cruising the boat does will determine the amount and kind of equipment, such items as anchors and lines, boat hook, fenders, bilge pump, tool kit, spare engine parts, piloting equipment, auxiliary lighting equipment, and such special safety equipment as ring buoys, flares, and a first aid kit.

In the same category with tools and spare parts we might include a few good carpenter’s tools, extra pieces of line of several sizes, a ball of marlin, an assortment of nails, screws, bolts, washers, wire, caulking cotton, paint, etc. On boats equipped with sails a small repair kit should be added containing twine, wax, needles, palm, fid, and similar articles. All should be properly stowed to keep it accessible and in good condition.

Other miscellaneous items would be a deck mop, pail (some prefer a canvas bucket), a chamois for cleaning windows, brass polish, a supply of oil for engine, grease (both the regular and waterproof varieties as required), some light machine oil and penetrating oil for rusted parts, Vaseline, distilled water, a hydrometer, some clean rags and several rolls of paper towels. An emergency tiller is often carried.

Keep the ten rules of conduct outlined, and carry the equipment mentioned above, and you will be well-prepared for anything.

Striped Bass

Stripers are on a come back in NJ thanks to the conservation measures taking place in the 80’s . Several fish in excess of 50 lbs (Cows) are weighed in every year. They are perhaps the most sought after fish in the state due to their size, close proximity to shore and their long strong drag wrenching strikes. They can be caught along the beaches, bays and tidal rivers and rarely stray more then a few miles from shore. There are a number of party and charter boats that fish for them exclusively and will run trips during the day and night.

Time of Year:

Bass usually arrive in mid to late April and will sometimes hang around until Christmas. The small “schoolies” are usually more plentiful in the spring and the larger “cows” are usually caught in the fall.

How To Catch Them:

• Drifting live eels or sandworms usually accounts for the most fish.
• Sandworms in the spring and eels in the fall is a good rule of thumb.
• Both baits can be worked by tying a rig using a 3 way swivel. Tie the 3 way to the line coming off your pole. On the remaining 2 swivel loops tie a 12-18 inch dropper for your sinker, and a 5-6 foot leader for your hook. A 25 lb. leader is a good happy medium since Stripers don’t have teeth and you want to keep line visibility down to a practical minimum. Use the lightest sinker that will allow you to hold bottom. Let your sinker hit the bottom and continue to bounce as you drift. Keep your conventional reel in free spool with the clicker on. When a fish hits the clicker will sound. Let the fish run for a few seconds, engage the reel and set the hook with a sharp strong motion. If your using circle the hook is accomplished by putting tension on the line rather then a sweeping motion of the rod. When fishing with an eels it’s a good idea to let the Bass run a little longer to make sure the eels entire length is taken.
• Chunking from an anchored boat is also a popular way to fish for Bass. Pay out Bunker chunks to attract fish while dropping back pieces of cut bunker on your hook.
• Trolling tubes, jigs , bunker spoons, plugs or umbrella rigs work great too. This method is highly effective for locating fish. Some sharpies will troll to locate the fish and then anchor or drift in the area with bait. In order to keep your trolling lures down at the right depth it is usually necessary to troll with heavy drill sinkers or wire line. Wire line trolling is most effective. Some sharpies also use down riggers. Make sure you use at least a 6 ft mono leader when trolling for Bass since they tend to be line shy. Stripers like a very slow troll. Anywhere between 2.3 – 2.8 knots is usually about right. If you can’t slow your boat down enough either drag a sea anchor or a 5 gallon bucket.
• Chumming with Frozen Clam Chum has become very popular recently, especially in the spring. Take a bucket of frozen Clam Chum and place it in a wide mesh fish net or chum bag. Tie a rope to it and toss it over the side to create a Chum Slick. Shuck a fresh clam, put the belly on the hook with enough weight to hold bottom and try and cast your bait so it’s positioned in direction the Chum slick is flowing. Place your rod and conventional reel in the rod holder with the clicker on and in free spool. When the Striper hits you will hear the clicker go off. Engage your reel, set the hook and get ready for a great fight.

Best Places To Catch Them:

NJ Party boats and NJ Charter boats will fish for Striped Bass. Some fish exclusively in the evening. From north to south the most popular party and charter boat areas for Stripers are Leonardo, Atlantic Highlands, Shark River & Belmar, Brielle & Point Pleasant, Barnegat Light and Cape May.If you have your own boat popular areas are as follows

• Sandy Hook Area: Sandy Hook Rip and channel, Flynns Knoll, Roamer Shoal, Schrewsbury Rocks.
• Point Pleasant – Manasquan Inlet jetty and rock jetties along the shore.
• Barnegat Light: Along rock jetties on LBI and Island Beach State Park. Barnegat Inlet jetties.
• Cape May: Cape May rips.

Some Fishing Tips:

• When chunking be sure not to be too generous or skimpy with the chunks. It’s a good idea to release 4 or 5 chunks at 2 to 3 minute intervals to keep a consistent slick to attract and hold fish. Too many chunks and the fish will hang back for the easy meal and not bother to move up into the slick for your baits. Too little chum and your not going to hold or attract fish. Use fresh rather then frozen bunker if you can get it. One Bunker is cut into about 4 to 5 chunks. Don’t waste the head it’s good bait since its bony and will stay on the hook longer. When trolling speed is critical for Bass. Between 2.0 and 2.5 knots is good. When trolling bunker spoons slow it down until you see your pole pulsing in an erratic side to side and bobbing motion.
• When trolling other lures like tubes, jigs and umbrella rigs try and stay close to the bottom with out hanging up. Pay line out until you feel contact with the bottom and then reel in just enough to keep your lure from hanging bottom. If you have a fish finder and can determine a consistent depth where the fish are holding try and keep the lures at that depth. A usual rule of thumb for wire re line is 10 feet of line usually equates to 1 foot of depth. As an example, you would let out 90 feet of wire line if you wanted your lures to run at 9 feet. Every once and a while take the boat out of gear and let the lures free fall then engage the engine again. This change in motion is often time enough to entice a fish to strike. Make sure to use at least a six foot mono leader since these fish seem to be shy of wire. 40 Lb line is recommended for your trolling leader. Always try and keep the boat in gear a when fighting a fish. This allows you to keep constant pressure on the fish and results in less thrown hooks .
• When party boat fishing you usually drift so try and stay in the bow or stern so you can stay on the side where the lines are drifting.
• When fishing from shore with bait it’s best to use a float rig. It keeps the bait off the bottom and away from crabs. You can purchase one from almost any tackle store. Cut Bunker, Clams after a storm and live Eels at night are the best.
• If your surf casting with lures you need only cast beyond the breaking waves. Bass love the suds because of the structure and water motion. If you plan to fish on jetties use jetty spikes since jetties are usually very slippery.
• Always look for rips and tears in the water. Bass are attracted to structure and water motion.

The language of boating hits landlubbers in their ears with the same amount of sense as would be the case if Ubangi were being tossed into the air. Starboard tacks have points but only sails have heads. A sheet is a rope, not a sail- and a rope isn’t a rope, but is a line. Indeed it’s a strange sort of lingo and you must know at least a bit of it before you take to the high seas.

Glossary Of Boating Terms

ABACK: With the wind on the forward sides of the sails instead of the after sides.

BACKSTAY: A stay running from the masthead aft. A back runner is similar but is arranged to be slacked off upon occasion.

BOOM: The horizontal spar to which the bottom edge of a sail is laced.

CHINE: The corner where a flat or V-bot-tom boat’s side and bottom meet.

CLEAT: A two-armed device to which a line can be made fast.

DAGGER: A type of centerboard shaped like, or suggesting, a dagger.

FAIR BODY: The line formed by the out-Side bottom edge of the planking as it touches the keel.

GROMMETS: The metal eyelets in the edge or along the reef points of a sail.

HEEL: To tilt under the impetus of sails.

HELM: The tiller or wheel by. which a rudder is moved.

INWALE: A strip of wood around the in-sides of frame heads at the sheer line. In large, decked boats, usually called a clamp.

IRONS: In luffing, a boat without enough momentum may refuse to come about on the opposite tack. The sails will remain flapping. A boat in this position is said to be in irons.

JIB: Triangular sail forward of the mainmast.

LEE: The side of a boat opposite to that from which the wind is blowing.

LEECH: The after edge of a sail.

LINES: Rope used in handling a boat.

MISS STAYS: To get a boat into IRONS.

PORT: The left side of a vessel as you face forward, opposite to STARBOARD.

POUNDING: The shock felt in rough water when a relatively flat portion of the boat lifts above water and then forcibly strikes the surface.

PURCHASE: Any rigging consisting of two or more blocks used to hoist a heavy weight.

QUARTER ROUND: A narrow, triangular piece of wood with one face rounded; used for trim along the edges of cabins.

REEF: To reduce the area of a sail by lowering it, making fast the reef points, and hoisting again.

ROPE: Often confused with LINE. When a length is cut from a coil of rope, that length immediately is known as a line.

SEA KINDLY: Comfortable and safe in rough weather.

SEAWORTHY: Able to stay at sea. Often used when SEA KINDLY would be a better word.

SHEET: Line used to control the angle at which a sail is set in relation to the wind. The sheet is not the sail itself.

STABILITY: The ability of a boat to return to an upright position when she has been heeled by some force such as the wind or a wave.

STARBOARD: Opposite to PORT. The right side of the boat as you face forward.

TACK: The lower forward corner of a sail. Also, that variety of sailing where you proceed to windward by sailing on alternate courses so the wind is first on one side of the boat and then on the other.

TRAVELER: A metal rod running athwart ships to which the main-sheet block, or sometimes the jib-sheet block, is attached.

TRIM: The movement of a boat away from the upright in a fore-and-aft direction. As you walk forward, a boat will trim by the bow.

TURNBUCKLE: A pair of eye bolts threaded into a casting that can be turned to tighten wire standing rigging.

UNDER BODY: The entire hull below the water line.

WEATHER: Another word for WINDWARD.

WINCH: A mechanical device used for putting more power on the running rigging than can easily be applied by hand, Also used to hoist an anchor.

With these terms under your belt you are ready to go to sea!

Blackfish

Blackfish are usually caught in the early spring and late fall. Fishing with Green crabs and Filddler crabs from an anchored boat works well. Any rock pile in the bay or ocean will hold fish at one time or another. Locating and catching these fish requires a good bit of knowledge and skill. It’s not for amateurs. Fishing the ocean is some what tricky since the fishing is done by locating wrecks and rock piles. It’s best to fish from a charter or party boat that knows the wrecks and how to fish them. Blackfish are notorious bait thieves. You have to be fast. Some sharpies say you have to set the hook before the fish bite.

It’s a great way to cure your fishing itch over the long winter. The Easter holiday usually kicks off the season and that’s when the party boats start fishing for them.

Time of Year:

Blackfish usually like cold water so late fall/early winter and the beginning of spring are the best times.

How To Catch Them:

• Green Crabs or Fiddler Crabs are the best baits fished from a anchored boat. A 3 way swivel with a sinker and a 6 to 8 inch leader works well.
• You have to be right on the wreck or in the rocks or you won’t catch.
• Best fished from a boat or from a rocky shore line.

Best Places To Catch Them:

• Any natural or artificial reef is a good spot.
• Any rock pile in the ocean or bay is likely to hold fish at one time of the year or another.

Some Fishing Tips:

• Make sure to bring plenty of rigs. You’ll need them since you’ll be fishing in areas full of snags.
• Use a pole with a strong tip so you can get a good fast hook set.
• Some people like to tie the sinker on with lighter weight mono then the line your fishing with. If the sinker gets snagged it can break free and allow you to save the rest of the rig.

The market has a wide range of boat accessories to choose from. Boat accessories increase the fun and comfort that you can have with your boat. Additional accessories can escalate the worth of your boat also. A few accessories are mandatory and others are fads that give you more comfort and are luxury items. When you have to make a choice of boat accessories it is always safer that you start with procuring those that are vital to the smooth functioning of your boat and ensure the safety factors

You will have to select the trimmings that you need according to the type of boat that you have, and the purpose that you are going to use it for. The function that the boat is going to utilized for is the primary deciding factor for the added equipment and accessories that you will need. For example a fishing boat will require something other than a sail boat or a speed boat would. While contemplating on the kind of accessories you would like to buy, it is an even better idea to list out the accessories that you want to have starting with the fundamentals requirements first. You could also make a primary and a secondary list so that you have an idea of what you should buy on priority and what can wait for the next round of purchase.

Fundamental Boating Accessories

It would be disastrous to be caught “on the wrong foot” so to say in the mid water without the proper equipment. This could give rise to some emergency situations and give cause for anxiety. To play it safe here are some indispensable accessories for the that you should ensure you have:

1. Life jackets
2. Anchors and lines
3. Ladders
4. Mirrors
5. Paddles
6. Registration and lettering kits
7. Safety equipment like first aid kits
8. Stabilizers
9. Buoys
10. Lights
11. Maintenance equipment

Each one of these serves a different purpose and is needed to ensure that you have everything you require to keep you protected and help you to keep you boat in spruced up condition. Your life jackets
should be worn all the time or at least kept handy for immediate access so that you do not have to face an emergency situation and not be able to find them in a hurry.

Luxury & Fun Boating Accessories

You need not only look at essential accessories for the boat. This is a time for recreation and you should be able to enjoy the experience. These items would make your boat more attractive and also give you some added comforts while you are out sailing. Some of the luxury and fun items are listed below:

1. Boat fenders
2. Boat heaters
3. Water skies
4. Wakeboards
5. Wetsuits
6. Radios and speakers
7. Fish finders
8. Swim platforms

The list is endless and these are only a few of the accessories that come under this category. In case you have not been looking for added equipment for a while for your boat, you may be amazed at all the new gizmos that are available.

These added features not only dress up your boat, they also add to its value in case you wish to sell it sometime. Added comforts are always welcome and give their money’s worth regardless of how essential they are or not.