Hey guy’s, I am new to salt water completely in a boat. I am looking for somewhere to get a good feel on my 16 foot tracker boat to get some experience. I mainly want to do some inshore fishing and maybe go see some dolphins. Any advise?
Most tracker boats I know of have painted trailers. If so, I would swap it out for a galvanized trailer before you take that first dip. If not it will be useless pretty soon.
Also the carpet will rot after a while. The saltwater that gets trapped in the carpet rots the backing off of the carpet, and eventually it will just brush right off the deck.
Speaking from experience.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
I’d stay inshore in places like the upper Wando, back water like Coppahee sound (but be careful, it’s full of oysters and mud bars…a good place to tear up your boat if you don’t know your way around…I don’t and I’ve only tried to find my way a few times and bailed out each time - but the guides do well back there), the ICW from Sullivan’s to McClellanville (I hear Bulls Bay can be tricky). You may also do OK in the Stono and Folly.
I’ve seen 14 foot jon boats in the harbor and near the bridges of the Wando where opposing wind and current turns those places into a washing machine. Those guys are either fearless or nuts.
We consistently see dolphin in Shem Creek and behind Fort Sumter. Lot’s of people beach and party on Morris Island behind Fort Sumter (pack out your trash). Once in the shallow waters between Morris and Fort Sumter, the water is pretty nice - it’s just sketchy getting there.
There are plenty of shallow waters around the harbor and rivers. Get a Spot map and study it, pay attention to the dept finder.
“I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public.”
~my dad
Equipment:
190cc Sea Pro w/130 Johnson
1- 18 year old ( has decided being with parents isn’t cool)
1 - 15 year old (still does not mind hanging with the 'rents)
1 - wife (The Warden)
ECFC
@ Claim, I really appreciate the info, I’m not much of a partier anymore but I defintely will check out the island out there. My girl wants to see dolp[hins so I am guessing that will be priority 1 :-). I’ll get some fishing in I am sure. I am comming from columbia so I may make it a full day down there or perhaps find a camping spot and stay the night.
@Geronimo, I have a galvanized trailor for my tracker already. Its a 92 and in tip top shape. Its had two owners and I knew the first owner all my life. I said that to say this, with it being a fishing boat the carpet looks like crap now 
I have some rotten wood that I am not very concerned about but I will replace all of eventually. Maybe when it gets cold out. Too much fishing to get in. I do appreaciate the info though Geronimo.
I have another question. I have seen sprays and such you can treat your motor for to protect against corrosion. Should I use that stuff? I know I need to get it in Fresh water soon after a salty dip but I dont want to be batteling rust anymore than it has on al the non galvanized screws it has already.
Also, is there anywhere down there I can get a map of the waterways? I may be planning a trip down from Lake Moultrie, Spelling?, through the Locks. I read another post about a user doing that and it sounds like a blast.
quote:
Originally posted by oefvet@ Claim, I really appreciate the info, I’m not much of a partier anymore but I defintely will check out the island out there. My girl wants to see dolp[hins so I am guessing that will be priority 1 :-). I’ll get some fishing in I am sure. I am comming from columbia so I may make it a full day down there or perhaps find a camping spot and stay the night.
@Geronimo, I have a galvanized trailor for my tracker already. Its a 92 and in tip top shape. Its had two owners and I knew the first owner all my life. I said that to say this, with it being a fishing boat the carpet looks like crap now
I have another question. I have seen sprays and such you can treat your motor for to protect against corrosion. Should I use that stuff? I know I need to get it in Fresh water soon after a salty dip but I dont want to be batteling rust anymore than it has on al the non galvanized screws it has already.
Also, is there anywhere down there I can get a map of the waterways? I may be planning a trip down from Lake Moultrie, Spelling?, through the Locks. I read another post about a user doing that and it sounds like a blast.
When you get down, find Haddrells Point Tackle Shop or Charleston Angler Tackle Shop (both are sponsors of CF - find them on the main page header). They have maps and the the guys in the stores can give you good info about the harbor.
If you are going to camp, there are several places…KOA has one north of Mt. Pleasant off US 17 and there is one in Ladson off College Park Road. I don’t know if you can camp on Morris, some people do camp on Capers, but I thin
On the motor I spray mine down with WD40 or an equivalent once in the spring and once in the fall. Soak it down. Then I leave the cowling off and let that dry up some before putting it back on. Just MAKE SURE it is an electronics safe water displacement lubricant, key word ELECTRONICS SAFE. I’ve never had a motor rust issue.
There is some heavy duty brown protectant (someone help me out) that the dealer sprayed on my first boat motor. Great stuff, but messy. I’ve never used it since.
Plenty of fish all up and down the rivers and creeks. If you aren’t comfortable you don’t need to subject yourself to the harbor or jetties to catch a bunch of fish.
The trailer advice is solid. I’ve had more salt troubles on my trailer than I’ve ever had on my boat. No matter what you do, it will get into your springs, wiring, etc.
Vinman
“Every saint has a past, every sinner a future”
www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
2011 Carolina Skiff 178DLV
90 HP Honda