Posts from — September 2009

Knowing your gear well is an integral part of fishing success. This article provides helpful tips on how to become more familiar with the variety of fishing gear on the market before you buy new rods, reels, and tackle. These tips also suggest activities to become more familiar with your gear once you have made your purchase.

1. Buy a rod and reel that have manuals and instructions. 
2. Read the instructions while you are assembling and disassembling your rod several times. Repetition really does work. Do the same with other equipment you have. 
3. Browse the fishing aisle and read the descriptions of items. Find out what the name of the thingamabob is at the end of the doohickey. 
4. Ask the salesmen questions. Most likely they have already read the instructions and manuals for most of their products. 
5. Drop a line with other fishermen at the local fishing hole. Listen and ask questions as you fish with them. You’ll find that old timers love to pass on their knowledge. 
6. Read books, instruction manuals, and fishing magazines. These will each have a wealth of information in them.

Almost anyone that owns a boat of any kind has to trailer their boat at one time or another. Many of us trailer our boats all the time. Here are some tips that might help you out:

1) Preparing the Boat.

• Be sure the boat is loaded so there is adequate tongue weight. If the tongue weight is too light the trailer may tend to fishtail. Too much tongue weight will be unduly hard on the towing vehicle.
• Tie the boat down securely…you don’t want to drop your precious boat on the highway. We recommend the ratchet-type tie downs that can be purchased at most stores.
• Be sure there is nothing that can drag. Sailboats have halyards, sheets and stays that can somehow untie themselves and drag on the highway. After such an event, they will have to be replaced at great expense.
• Tops, covers and sails should be lowered and tied securely. If not, the wind will destroy them.

2) Tires and Wheels

• Tire pressure is a biggie in trailing boats. Most trailer tires are small and require higher pressure than most tires. Tires should be inflated to the maximum psi recommended on the tire. The more inflated the tire, the cooler it will run. Tires that are under-inflated bulge at the sides and this area will be constantly flexing…thus, heating up the tire. That will shorten the life of the tire and cause a possible sidewall blowout.
• Wheel lugs should be check periodically to ascertain they are tight
• Axles should be lubed regularly. Buddy Bearings are handy as they give you a visual look at how well greased the axle is.
• Be sure you always have a fully inflated spare tire…along with tools and jack.

And most of all…Drive Safely!

Packing and preparing for a fishing trip can be a daunting process. These tips break down fishing trip preparation into a step by step process that will ensure that nothing is overlooked or forgotten. The difference between a pleasant and a miserable fishing trip is often made before a single line is cast, so read these tips to be sure you are prepared for anything.

1. Purchase your fishing license 
2. Know the rules and regulations for the state and area where you will be fishing. 
3. Call the park ranger or camp site over that area to find the water level. Based on that information, you will know if you are able to bring your boat. 
4. Know what kind of fishing you will be doing, such as fly, bass or saltwater. This will enable you to know type of fishing equipment you will need. 
5. Verify whether or not the your fishing spot is a catch-and-release area. 
6. Pack your supplies 
7. Check that everything is in good and usable condition. For example, if your rain gear has holes, buy some new gear. 
8. Leave a number and location where you will be for someone at home in case of emergency. 

If you are caught taking fish from a catch-release, you may incur severe penalties and fines.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) can be a “silent killer” on houseboats and other recreational vessels. Each year, boaters are injured or killed by preventable carbon monoxide poisoning. Boaters have been poisoned by carbon monoxide in situations such as while setting fishing lines or performing maintenance on their boats while the engine was running.

“Teak surfers” or “drag surfers” are particularly susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. This activity involves clinging to the swim platform or transom of an underway boat, then letting go and body surfing. Exposure to engine exhaust can cause a teak surfer to faint, and if not wearing a life jacket, (which interferes with body surfing), to drown – not to mention the potential danger of propeller injury. Teak surfing is illegal in some states.

Carbon monoxide is produced by gasoline, propane, charcoal or wood. On boats some common sources of carbon monoxide include engines, generators, cooking ranges, space heaters, and water heaters. Carbon monoxide can collect within a boat in a variety of ways. Exhaust leaks (the leading cause of death by carbon monoxide) can allow carbon monoxide to migrate throughout the boat and into enclosed areas. Even properly vented exhaust can re-enter a boat if it’s moored too close to a dock or another boat, or if the exhaust is pushed back by prevailing winds. Exhaust can re-enter boats when cruising under certain conditions – the station wagon effect – especially with canvas in place. Exhaust can also collect in enclosed spaces near the stern swim platform.

There are many ways to protect your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide. Several of the different precautions a boater can take are listed below.

Use a Marine Carbon Monoxide Detector – These detectors work much like smoke alarms in houses. They sense a moderate level of carbon monoxide present on the vessel and emit a loud siren noise to alert the occupants of the danger.

Ensure Proper Ventilation – Open foredeck hatches and a window in the cabin to allow fresh air to travel through the vessel. Also, be aware that carbon monoxide can collect under a canopy.

Inspect Exhaust System Regularly – Look and listen for leaks in the exhaust system. Check each joint for discoloration, water leaks, carbon build-up or stains. Make sure all ventilation systems are in good repair and are not obstructed, restricted, or punctured. Seal gaps around engine room and exhaust system doors, hatches, and access panels.

Avoid the Transom – The transom is where carbon monoxide collects. Stay away from the transom while the vessel is idling or underway.
Educate Children – Instruct your children about the danger and presence of carbon monoxide on vessels.

Avoid Other Idling Vessels – Idling vessels are a very prominent source for high concentrations of carbon monoxide.

Symptoms of CO poisoning may include severe headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, fainting, and death. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and a mild headache. Low levels are more dangerous in the boating environment because they can lead to drowning. Carbon-monoxide poisoning may not be suspected immediately because the symptoms are similar to those of people with the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses. If you suspect CO poisoning, immediately get the victim to fresh air and seek medical care.

Recognizing the dangers of CO poisoning some states, such as California now require warning labels (below)