I haven’t been out quite as far as the ledge yet and am looking for tips. First off I have a 2006 21ft deep V Trophy with a 200hp merc verado. The boat is self bailing, 101 gallon fuel tank, with GPS and VHF. I also have a handheld VHF, flares, all the safety equipment. Any suggestions?
I’m not sure you really asked a question…
On a nice day will my equipment suffice?
The question to be asking is, “will my knowledge and experience suffice if something were to go wrong out there.”
Russ B.
www.joinrfa.org
God is great, Beer is good, People are crazy
I was just curious if anyone had any suggestions on things I can gain prior to going out. Knowledge and experience isn’t going to be accumulated over night, as I’m sure you know
Many of us gained our experience on other’s boats before venturing out on their own. A lot of us were raised fishing on our father’s boat, but since you are a little past that point, it might make sense for you to team up, pay for gas, and hop on someone else’s boat a few times.
Also a good suggestion is to take classes at Sea School.
Ask ladyshrimpkilla, if she needs another hand? If you happen to have a couple of hundred pounds of ice and some gas money laying around, you might get a ride and some lessons!
Maybe I could follow someone out? I’d like to gain experience with the boat I own
quote:
Originally posted by RussBThe question to be asking is, “will my knowledge and experience suffice if something were to go wrong out there.”
Russ B.
www.joinrfa.org
God is great, Beer is good, People are crazyhttp://www.facebook.com/RussbMaritimeServices
+1
REELIN N DEALIN II
How far have you been out? How many times? How much do you understand the workings of your boat? Such has bilge pumps, seacocks, fuel filters, radio’s? Do you have an EPIRB or PLB (not SPOT). I can tell you I would not venture offshore without an EPIRB and/or PLB that does not operate off of satellite and who’s beacon does not go directly to SAR. ACR makes such a unit that can be operated with one hand, is as small as a cell phone and cost less than $300 that can be worn on your belt. Be safe and have fun!
“Temptation may lean on the doorbell… opportunity may only knock once”
quote:
Originally posted by Swette24Maybe I could follow someone out? I’d like to gain experience with the boat I own
Swette, It’s the little things that you pick up fishing on someone else’s boat. Most times it’s not even something that goes wrong on the trip that you learn from. A lot of the knowledge comes from small things like asking, “Hey, why do you do this or that?”. That simple question turns into a story explaining the time “this or that” went wrong, what the person learned from it, and how they made sure to never have it happen again.
It is much more valuable to learn these lessons through conversation on a boat than trying to gain experience on your own and having to make “mistakes” to gain your lessons. Especially when you are 50+ miles offshore and there is no one around to help out. You can push that Epirb button all you want but it will still be 30 minutes (at best) or so for someone to come and assist. A lot can happen in 30 minutes.
My humble suggestion is that if people are willing to take you out for a fun and educational day on the water, it will do nothing but benefit you. Take them up on their offer.
I have been running boats offshore since I was 16 and there are several people on this site that I would drop everything I was doing to fish with, if I was invited, just for the educational gain.
Stay safe and tight lines.
Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don’t tell them where they know the fish.
- More Maxims of Mark, Johnson, 1927
31’ Contender
Twin 250 HPDIs
Thanks touche! It seems a lot of people on this board only add discussion to help their google optimization for their own business websites. I appreciate the tips and advise.
In no way am I being rude, but if you have to ask, you’re probably not ready to take that challenge on. Not to mention you would probably have at least one other person on board with you when making the trip. The only thing worse than endangering your life is putting the passenger at risk. Take some time and go with other folks. There is more to a trip offshore than having equipment that can handle the trip, you yourself must be ready to handle the unexpected.
There is an old saying, “When the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear”. Take some time and learn the ropes. The fish will be there next season too! Good luck and be smart!
It’s pretty cool taking your own boat out to the Ledge and bringing back a bunch of fish. After you’ve made a bunch of trips it is just as cool to sit down in a bean bag on someone else’s boat and enjoy the ride. I’ll PM you my # and you can call and ask all you want.
http://www.sportfishingmag.com/blogs/next-cast/new-fishing-travel-buddy-my-personal-locator-beacon
“Temptation may lean on the doorbell… opportunity may only knock once”
sweete, you have been given very good advice so take it!!,if you do decide to take your own boat make sure you can fix anything that can go wrong,carry 2 of everything spare props,washers,thrust washers,prop wrench,cotter-keys,bilge pumps,spark-plugs,tools to fix anything,oil;hyd.steering fluid,engine fuses,fuel-filters,water separator-filters,spare fuel lines,and DON"T be without towing service or you’ll be sorry someday,file a float-plan,make sure you have off-shore insurance, and then have fun
screws too in case one breaks off silky! lol
“Good things come to those who bait”
Got em just in case
“Stress Relief” is that you?