Posts from — February 2010

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.