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"Is Your Boat Really A Fishing Boat?"
By Tim Jezierski
What is a real fishing boat for the Great Lakes?
Is it a 16 foot or a 30 foot boat? Does it have to have five downriggers instead of two, or do we need 20 rod holders instead of ten? Are all charters and only some private boats good fishing machines?
Well, I could go on and on with comparisons like these in the above paragraph, but none of this information constitutes a deciding factor to make it a good fishing boat. A big boat or small, alot of equipment or somewhat less, many baits or a few, old stuff vs. new can all be good fishing boats, if one main factor is present on your boat.
Now for the million dollar question of what is the factor?
a) An experienced fishing Captain
b) A fast boat to get to the good fishing spot first
c) Many rods and long trolling boardlines
d) Comfort and smoothness
Well, answers (a,b,c) are all nice features on a fishing trip, but answer (d) -is the real key to a fun and successful fishing outing if your friends, relatives, or customers on your boat have a fishing adventure where they are very comfortable and everything goes smoothly the whole time on the water, then fish catching is really secondary, A happy stress free fishing day out weighs the rewards of catching a five pound laker.
So, what do I have to do to have a really good fishing boat? No matter what kind or size is your boat you can and should improve on it for the sake of all people on board. I know this may cost the boat owner a little more, but the rewards will come with happier outings throughout the summer.
Following will be two check off lists for you to be concerned with for equipment that should be considered on your fishing boat. The first list is pretty standard stuff that we just about need to even start fishing on the Great Lakes. The second list is much overlooked things that make a trip comfortable for all aboard and help the whole day go fairly smooth and trouble free.
First List
1. Downrigger, releases, and downrigger balls
2. Trolling Mast or mast
3. Trolling Boards and board releases
4. Rod holders
5. Marine Radio
6. Fire Extinguisher
7. Horn
8. Life Jackets & Throw Cushion
9. Assorted types of fishing tackle
10. Compass
11. Flares or Flare Kit
12. Fish Cooler
13. Fishing Rods
14. Landing Net
15. Surface Temperature Gauge
16. Depth/Fish Finder
17. Running Lights
18. Anchor and Rope (line)
Second List
1. Everything on the first list is in good condition
2. All people on board have a useable and comfortable seat or chair
3. Some sort of top for people to get out of the rain and/or sun.
4. AM/Fm Cassette radio to comfort on a slow day. Also, music catches more fish
5. A good split-ring pliers
6. Needle nose pliers for hook removing.
7. Tool Box with electrical tape and connectors
8. Extra rods & reels for people who don't have any or if one gets broken
9. Backup Landing net
IO. Docking ropes(lines) & fenders
11. Boat hook
12. Some type of toilet container
13. Loran C or GPS
14. Knife
15. Fingernail Clippers
16. Small scissors
17. First Aid Kit
18. Extra Motor Parts (Plugs, Points, Belts, etc.)
19. Spare Motor for Back-up emergencies
20. Hand Towel and Soap
21. All gauges and electronics working properly
22. A Captain with a pleasant personality and sense of humor
23. Tape measurer and good fish scale. Some fish have minimum size limits
24. Well maintained motor or motors to minimize breakdowns
25. Wire or Cable Nipers
26. Hook sharpener
27. Very, Very important is to have extra and spare parts to keep your equipment operating
a). Extra Boardline and downrigger releases.
b). Downrigger cable end repair kit.
c). Extras cannon balls.
d). Spare split rings & extra treble hooks.
e). Spare spool of fishing line for leaders or to respool a reel.
f). Duplicates of good baits to replace a lost one or to borrow to a friend If he doesn't have one on a day when that lure is really working
I could go on with a longer list. but I think by now I've got you thinking about the message I'm trying to convey to you, A fishing trip does not always have to be judged on the number and size of the fish you get, but more so by the pleasantness of the overall outing. A well organized fishing adventure that goes smoothly will be greatly appreciated by all on board. Oh yeah, a trouble free fishing trip will usually produce more fish, and definitely makes for a happier day.
So with all this in mind is it worth upgrading your boat a little to make it a better fishing boat for you and all your fishing companions? I know smaller boats will have to condense down on the extra equipment because of their size, but both large and small fishing boats will reap the rewards of problem free outings.
Remember a lot of the time at each general meeting is devoted to fishing stories, equipment, and techniques. All information and questions presented at our meetings are greatly enjoyed and appreciated by all in attendance. Less is learned with fewer in attendance.
Is Your Boat Really A Fishing Boat?
By Tim Jezierski
Fishing and boating on Lake Superior is quite different from fishing and boating on most inland waters. Lake Superior places greater demands on the boat, the boat operator and equipment. Some of these demands are:
- The Lake is influenced by weather, depth of the lake and shoreline features.
- Your boats ability to carry people and equipment may be reduced.
- You will experience situations unique to a Great Lakes fishery that are seldom experienced on smaller bodies of water.
- Other watercraft will influence your fishing and boat handling. You must always be watchful of your surroundings such as commercial ships, fishing nets, buoys, reefs and floating debris on the lakes surface and the weather.
It is the "Cocky" individual or persons who relies on "luck", that will experience problems most often. Those who use "good judgment" and "common sense" seldom find difficulty. This article is meant for the person who will be new to Lake Superior fishing and boating. It will get you going in the proper way.
Most important, I would encourage you to become familiar with boat navigation and operation, navigational aids and the requirements involved in boating. There are many fine organizations available to you, to obtain this information. Coast Guard auxiliaries, power squadrons and organizations dealing in water recreational activities are excellent examples for obtaining this knowledge. The costs are minimal and the benefits are rewarding.
Boats have rating certifications fastened onto them. They give you information on what the boat will handle. The numbers of persons, cargo capacity and engine horsepower rating for the boat, are listed on it. Know your boats capabilities and don't exceed them. A boat rated for 4 persons, cargo and motor or, 900 pounds, may become unsafe when equipped for Lake Superior fishing because of the added weight of your equipment. You may only be able to safely carry 3 persons with the added gear. Be mindful of this.
On board should be a Personal Floatation Device [PFD] for each person in the proper size. Often called "life jackets', they should be orange in color for best visibility. Fasten a loud whistle on each vest. A light device fastened on is also a very good idea for night use. A boat cushion can no longer be used for a primary PFD. You will also need something you can throw to someone if they fall overboard. I suggest you carry one or two on board. A boat cushion can be used for this. Remember that you can also sit on them. Keep all floatation devices dry, undamaged and stored properly. Don't be afraid to use them when on the water.
Carry some form of visual signaling devices to be used in times of distress. Orange flares for night use, either hand held or launcher fired, are very good when properly used. For day use, carry orange smoke flares and a large orange pennant. They are excellent visual distress aids. A flashlight is also an excellent aid when working properly. Some type of a device which makes a loud noise, which will carry a mile, should be on board. The noise will attract attention to your location at times of distress or in the fog.
A compass should always be carried. Learn how to use it. Keep it away from metal objects and electronic devices, which will effect it. A map of the area should be carried and a clock or watch for time keeping will be of aid in your navigation. Know how to use them in relationship with each other.
Often overlooked as a safety device is a VHF Marine Radio. You can alert other boats if problems develop or contact the Coast Guard for assistance. You can find both the permanent mount types or the hand held models. Both will use the same channels for broadcasting and receiving. The marine weather channels can also be received on them. The hand held models operate on their own battery power while; permanent models operate on boat power. Usually, the permanent models have longer range and are not restricted by battery charge or life. Learn to use the VHF Marine Radio correctly. It is not a toy.
A bilge pump is important on any boat. Sometimes rain water gets in the boat. Sometimes someone will rinse off the deck after catching a fish to remove the stain. For whatever reason, water gets in the boat. A bilge pump removes the water. Whether you use an electric model or a hand pump model, have one on board. Even a container is better than nothing.
Depending on the size of your boat, paddles or oars for rowing should be considered. Even a small auxiliary motor would come in very handy if your engine were to fail. You might want to consider one of these items.
While a Bottom Locator is normally not mentioned as a device used in locating your position on a map or chart, it definitely will provide the necessary information to help you navigate. Most people will purchase the locator for locating fish at various depths but it also provides additional information for safe navigation. Consider the possibility of grounding your boat because you strayed from a deep channel or locating shoreline shallow water while proceeding in the fog. The bottom locators being marketed these days can also provide you with your boat speed; distances traveled and water temperatures. If you're using downriggers, the bottom locator will without question, provide information necessary to prevent snagging into the bottom. The features are many and you will benefit by them. I definitely believe the bottom locator is a good investment for your boat.
Both Loran and Global Positioning Systems [GPS] are navigational systems which show your location and aid in getting from point "A" to point "B". The "old" Loran system is still functional and there is lots of used equipment on the market if you need an economical system. The "new" GPS systems have come down in price and are quite affordable, either in hand held or fixed. Either system can route you from one location to various other locations and then on to your final destination. They will store in a memory "Way points" or "Events: which you may wish to use for fishing or boating trips. It is recommended that you store a waypoint when leaving an entry or boat lauch to aid in returning if the fog should set in. Your choice of these machines would have to be determined by your needs or desires but it is recommended that you have one on board.
Radar works as your eyes in poor visibility. It is expensive and you have to justify your own needs. When used correctly, radar provides information on boating traffic around you and shows a safe area to steer, away from traffic. If you watch the weather and avoid the fog you may never need it, but if you are caught in the fog you'll be glad you have it. Be sure to practice with it in good weather to be familiar with its operation before you need to use it.
The most important thing is to treat Lake Superior with respect, use good judgment and common sense. Check weather reports before going out, watch the weather and check the reports regularly while you are out. Remember that things can change very fast on the lake.
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