WHY BOAT…?

Do you remember your first fishing or boating trip? Ask anyone to tell the story of who first took them boating or fishing – chances are good the story is deeply personal and meaningful.

Over a dozen studies have shown that being with family and friends, relaxing and being outdoors and close to nature are the primary reasons people spend time on the water. A family doesn’t have to spend a fortune on a theme park vacation to have an experience that everyone will enjoy. Although your first meeting with Mickey Mouse will probably be memorable, chances are it will pale in comparison to memories of spending time on the water with the people you love.

Time spent fishing and boating connects family and friends.

You know how important it is to spend quality time with family and friends. Many of us have seen how outdoor recreation strengthens the family as a unit and children as individuals. So it comes as no surprise that studies have consistently shown that involvement with family members and friends is a primary reason people go boating and fishing.

On the water, there are no cars, no rush hour, no deadlines and a chance to relax.

There are news stories every week about the stress and time crunch felt by working Americans and their families. People are searching for ways to escape the daily routine, be closer to nature and focus more on family and relationships. Studies show that people who participate frequently in outdoor recreation are more satisfied with life overall. For a weeklong vacation or just a quiet Saturday morning, recreational fishing and boating are great ways to “get away from it all.”

Fishing and boating enhance appreciation for the natural world.

Many Americans see outdoor recreation as one of the main reasons to protect the environment. Nearly nine in ten Americans say outdoor recreation benefits the environment because it gives people a reason to care about the resources upon which their activities depend. Another one of our sponsor company’s Parkfit Outdoor Personal Training also encourages the community to get outdoors to enjoy nature. Exercising outdoors by boating boosts your body’s natural feel good hormones as well says our aussie personal trainer.   http://www.parkfitgyms.com.au 

By participating, anglers and boaters provide vital funding.

Fewer than 10 percent of recreational anglers and boaters are aware that their participation plays a vital role in sustaining resources and promoting safe and responsible use of our nation’s waters. On average, 83 percent of state fish and wildlife agencies’ total freshwater fisheries/aquatic resource management budget is supported by fishing license sales and Sport Fish Restoration funds. These funds are derived from motorboat fuel taxes and a special excise tax on fishing tackle and equipment. Sport Fish Restoration funds also support boater education and safety programs around the country.

HOW TO ANCHOR

Anchoring is done for two principal reasons: first, to stop for fishing, swimming, lunch, or an overnight stay and secondly, to keep you from running aground in bad weather or as a result of engine failure. Anchoring can be a simple task if you follow these guidelines:

  • Make sure you have the proper type of anchor (danforth/plow/mushroom).
  • A three to six foot length of galvanized chain should be attached to the anchor. The chain will stand up to the abrasion of sand, rock or mud on the bottom much better than a fiber line.
  • A suitable length of nylon anchor line should be attached to the end of the chain (this combination is called the “Rode”). The nylon will stretch under heavy strain cushioning the impact of the waves or wind on the boat and the anchor.
  • Select an area that offers maximum shelter from wind, current and boat traffic.
  • Determine depth of water and type of bottom (preferably sand or mud).
  • Calculate the amount of anchor line you will need. General rule: 5 to 7 times as much anchor line as the depth of water plus the distance from the water to where the anchor will attach to the bow. For example, if the water depth is 8 feet and it is 2 feet from the top of water to your bow cleat, you would multiply 10 feet by 5 to 7 to get the amount of anchor line to put out (See diagram below).

  • Secure the anchor line to the bow cleat at the point you want it to stop.
  • Bring the bow of the vessel into the wind or current.
  • When you get to the spot you want to anchor, place the engine in neutral.
  • When the boat comes to a stop, slowly lower the anchor. Do not throw the anchor over, as it will tend to entangle the anchor.
  • When all anchor line has been let out, back down on the anchor with engine in idle reverse to help set the anchor.
  • When anchor is firmly set, use reference points (landmarks) in relation to the boat to make sure you are not drifting. Check these points frequently.
Do not anchor by the Stern!!

Anchoring a small boat by the stern has caused many to capsize and sink. The transom is usually squared off and has less freeboard than the bow. In a current, the force of the water can pull the stern under. The boat is also vulnerable to swamping by wave action. The weight of a motor, fuel tank, or other gear in the stern increases the risk.

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BOATING MYTHS

Everyone knows that boating is fun, but some people who are interested in taking it up hold back because of myths that they’ve heard about boating. In fact, boating is easy, flexible, and affordable, so I’m going to discuss a few of those myths and separate fact from fiction.

MYTH: Boating is expensive.

It’s not. In fact, it probably costs less to buy and operate a boat than you think. Following are a few examples: $10,000 to $18,000 is the average price for a 17 to 19-foot outboard-powered family runabout; $6,000 to $9,500 for the average aluminum fishing boat with outboard motor or cottage sailboat. Most boats with a selling price above $5,000 can be financed. Many banks, financial institutions and credit unions provide financing for boats. Local boat retailers also provide customized boat loan programs through arrangements with boat manufacturers or local banks. Finally, check boating magazines for financiers’ advertisements. Interest rates have continued to be affordable.

MYTH: Boating takes up time I can’t afford.

It’s true like never before – everyone is so… busy. But boating is totally flexible – your family can use a boat as much or as little as you wish. Your boat is ready to go whenever you are. That means you can mesh your boating fun with your busy schedule. Try that with a ball game, soccer league or tee-off time at a golf club. Spending time with your family on a boat really is quality time. Activities on the water can include fishing, water-skiing, tubing, and much more. Sharing the fun with friends makes it even better!

MYTH: There’s too much involved in maintaining a boat.

If you have a modern boat, there is very little maintenance required. All it takes is filling it up with gas – just as you do with a car – and some preventative maintenance your dealer will do at a minimal cost. Before a boat is stored for the winter it requires an oil change and cleaning – that’s it! Boating is a great activity, particularly for the family.

MYTH: Kids think boating is boring.

Boating is anything but boring. With boating you can take part in a whole list of exciting activities, including water-skiing, fishing, island hopping, lakeside picnicking, swimming, and tubing. Exploring Canada’s beautiful waterways and geography is perfect by boat. Besides, it’s a great way to spend quality time with the members of your family. Take your family and friends out for an adventure they’ll remember.

MYTH: Towing and hauling a boat is a hassle.

If you have a trailer for your boat, you simply have to back the trailer into the water and let the boat float right in! It’s as easy as that. If you don’t have one, your dealer will fit a proper boat trailer to your boat. You can pull most boats and trailers with an ordinary family vehicle.

MYTH: Boat rentals are expensive.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Rentals are very reasonable. On top of this, many launch ramps run by local municipalities are free, and there are certainly many to choose from. And once you’re out on the water, the sun, fresh air and smiles are free.

MYTH: Driving a boat is complicated.

If you know how to drive a car, driving a boat is just as simple. You steer a boat in the direction you wish to go, with an automotive-style wheel. Rather than a gas pedal to determine the speed at which you ride, a boat’s speed is controlled by a easy-to-operate lever control. Just like driving on the road, safe boat operation requires you to be alert, careful and responsible, and to learn certain rules.

HOW TO FISH Planning A Simple Fishing Trip

A recreational fishing trip can be a very simple, inexpensive effort that involves grabbing your favorite rod-and-reel and some lures and walking to a local pond for an hour or two of relaxation. On the other hand, it can be a challenge for someone that has not been fishing before and wants to include the kids in their first fishing venture.

This article is intended to provide some pointers for people with little or no fishing experience, simply scroll through the article and review the issues that apply to you. Links will take you to some great on-line resources that will make planning easier and more successful.

A STEPWISE APPROACH

As you plan the details of your trip, you may want to think about these questions:

  1. WHERE ARE YOU GOING FISHING?
    This is the most fundamental question for planning your trip. Once you know where you are going, issues such as what fishes are available, whether you will need a boat, and the length of your trip will all become clearer.If you know where you are going and what facilities are available great, its a good start. Next, look up local water bodies, or get an idea for a long vacation trip in other states. Once there, look at the type of fishes that are available and the local facilities. Is there bank/shore fishing available, is there a pier, a boat ramp, boat rentals, a local bait-and-tackle shop, restrooms, security lighting, paved roads, restaurants and motels—these issues will let you know what you need to bring and what you can purchase or rent once you get there. You may also want to check out the link to the state fisheries management Web site, which will have additional information you may need including information on licenses, regulations and possibly local fishing tips and forecasts.
  2. WHAT ARE YOU FISHING FOR?
    Now that you know where you are going and what types of fishes are available you should learn just a bit more about the species. Is it a saltwater or freshwater fish? How big do they get? Where in the water body are they most likely to congregate? What types of bait or artificial lure is best for them and how heavy a rod and fishing line should you use? All of this information can be found on-line. Search in google for “Identifying Your Catch” and also check out the “learn to fish” tips on Youtube, if you are new to fishing.
  3. WHO ARE YOU GOING WITH?
    This is an important issue especially if you are going with children or anyone who may be physically challenged. Remember that if you are in a boat everyone will need a life jacket, and if you are going with children that can’t swim it is good to have a life jacket for them even to go bank fishing.The Americans with Disabilities Act is working with the Federal Government, States and Local Communities to make fishing accessible to everyone. Look for the classic handicapped accessibility icon to assure you that it will be easy for not only handicapped individuals, but also youth, seniors and temporarily impaired anglers to use the facilities.
  4. WHY ARE YOU GOING FISHING?
    Think about whether you primarily want to take a young child out and excite her/him with a quick trip and fast action, or are you looking for a meal, a trophy or perhaps most likely, just a nice relaxing trip that lets you enjoy being out on the water, communing with nature and reconnecting with your family and friends.
  5. WHEN ARE YOU GOING?
    Certain fish species are much more likely to be active at certain times of the year and at specific times of day. They may also be affected by weather patterns, tides, or lunar phases. Although none of these items are critical to a fun trip, knowing a little more about these points can make the catching part of the trip more successful. Check out the new “When to Fish” page for some great advice and links. For instance, the Weather Channel can give you current weather conditions and forecasts for anywhere in the country. Its good to know whether a big storm is on the way before you have a trip spoiled, but more than that a steady or rising barometer tends to produce more fish than when the barometer is falling. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides information on tides, shoreline fishing is affected by whether you are fishing an incoming or outgoing tide. An hour before to an hour after a high or low tide is normally best. The US Geological Survey has information on current water levels, which sometimes can be very important to freshwater anglers. The US Navel Observatory lets you calculate the sunrise/sunset and lunar phases for any location in the world. The full moon is often the best time to fish, but generally between a new moon and full moon is better than a waning moon. A site that puts a lot of this information together for you using an on-line calculator is “the best fishing times”.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW THE WHERE, WHAT, WHO, WHY and WHEN, WHAT STEPS ARE THERE TO PLAN THE TRIP?

Okay, now that you’ve run through the questions above in your mind, what is left to do?

  1. Check and make sure everyone that needs one has a valid fishing license.
  2. Pack your tackle:
    • Rod and Reel—keep in mind the type of fish you are after and the level of expertise of your fishing party. A simple canepole is great for a kid’s first trip. A closed-face spincast reel is simple for anyone to use and will extend your casting range. A open-faced spinning reel is one of the most versatile choices and is a good step up. A baitcasting reel may be the work horse for most tournament and pro-fishermen but takes a little practice before you hit the water for the first time. For many anglers, flyfishing is the ultimate experience—but it is not the tackle you should take to the water for your first uninitiated fishing trip.
    • Lures or Bait—make certain you have enough lures of the right size and type for the fish species that are found in your area. Checking with local bait-and-tackle shops immediately before your trip can get you some inside advantage on the right colors and styles. Live bait is more often than not the most productive fishing tool if you match it to the fishes natural food, but make sure you have the right container to keep your bait cool and alive.
    • Tackle—check your fishing line to make sure there is enough line left on your spool and that it is of an appropriate weight. It’s a good idea to have a back-up spool or extra line if you are planning an extended trip. Similarly, check your tackle for weights, floats, swivels and hooks to make certain you have what you need.
    • Miscellaneous fishing gear—a pair of nail clippers for trimming line, a hook remover or needle nose pliers, a fillet knife, a landing net or small net (to scope bait may be handy), a plastic rain poncho, flashlight and towel are all handy to have. A ruler for measuring fish (especially if there are legal size limits to consider) is nice to have along. If you plan to keep any of your catch, a stringer, live-well, bucket or ice chest will be needed. If you are going to release your catch, consider bringing a camera and scale.
    • Personal Needs—sunscreen, insect repellant, perscription medicines, water or other beverages, snacks, and possibly some toilet paper are good items to consider when getting ready.
    • Safety Equipment—ensure that you have all the required safety equipment (for example, life jackets, a sound device, a fire extinguisher) if you’ll be boating and it’s not a bad idea to have if you are bank fishing as well. Pack a small first aid kit as well.
  3. Let Someone Know—tell someone you trust where you’ll be and when to expect you back. If boating, file a float plan.
  4. Have a great time! Bring your curiosity and a smile along with you, every trip has something new to offer and another opportunity to prove that “Water Works Wonders.” 

WHY WATER CONSERVATION IS CRUCIAL FOR HUMANS NOT JUST FISH

Good anglers are concerned about the fish’s primary need-WATER. You probably don’t think much about water even though you use it everyday. Water is very important because there’s nothing else like it in the world. Fish are not the only animals that could not live without it. We couldn’t live without it and can’t afford to take it for granted.

There is a lot of water. It covers about 70 percent of the earth, but only about three percent of it is fresh water. Most of the fresh water, about 75 percent, is in the form of ice. In fact, the frozen areas of the world have as much fresh water as all the world’s rivers will carry for the next 1,000 years.

The demand for unpolluted fresh water is increasing because the earth’s population is increasing. How much water does the average person use? Here are some answers:

  • In the home, each person uses about 70 gallons of water a day.
  • It takes three gallons to flush a toilet.
  • It takes 15 to 30 gallons to take a bath.
  • It takes five gallons for a one-minute shower.
  • It takes ten gallons to wash dishes.

This is a lot of water, but more than half of the water used in the United States is used by industries. For example, it takes 250 tons of water to make a ton of newspaper and ten gallons to produce one gallon of gasoline. You can see why it is important to conserve water.

Sharing Waters

As you have seen, anglers and boaters are not the only ones who use bodies of water and have an effect on fish populations. Industries and power plants use large amounts of water. Communities need water for drinking. Farmers use it to water their crops and livestock. Barges and ships use waterways to bring products to market. Water is also used for waste disposal.

The demands for water use can cause conflicts among those using our water resources. The results are not always good for the fish and not everyone is concerned with fish.

An occasional conflict arises when people want to dam a river for irrigation, for controlling floods, or for the production of electricity. Dams create lakes or reservoirs that are habitat for fish such as largemouth bass and crappie. However, the reservoir destroys several miles of river that might have been prime habitat for trout, smallmouth or rock bass.

Water is too valuable to waste. With so much demand for our water it is important that each of us do our part to conserve it.

How You Can Conserve Water
  • Reducing water use in the kitchen and bathroom.
  • Shutting the water off between rinsing dishes or brushing our teeth.
  • Turning the water on only when are actually using it.
  • Taking showers since they use less water than baths.
  • Using flow-restricting devices on shower heads.
  • Fixing leaky faucets.
  • Running only full loads of clothes in the washer. Placing a plastic bottle or brick in the water tank of the toilet so that it will use less water for each flushing.
  • Not using water for watering lawns or washing cars during times of water shortage.