Fishing Fails

Anytime you’re on the boat, pay attention to your surroundings to avoid unfortunate fishing fails.

“Did I do that?” Fans of the early ’90s television sitcom Family Matters might remember this as the catchphrase of Steve Urkel, a fictional character around whom things often went awry.

It’s a phrase repeated to this very day and usually recognized as a tension-breaking mea culpa when one’s actions have unintentionally led to an unfavorable outcome. Mistakes, of course, are bound to happen, both on dry land and aboard boats. Add an activity like fishing to the day’s itinerary, and the odds generally compound for something to run amiss. Here’s how to avoid some fishing fails.

Some fishing fails can be funny and relatively harmless while others have serious consequences. Most fall somewhere in the middle. The vast majority are probably avoidable when taking proper precautions, especially those that occur on fishing trips.
I hate “dumb mistakes” the most. These are the ones that arise from carelessness, laziness, arrogance, or inconsideration. Virtually all are preventable.

Take a seat

Consider an afternoon fishing trip with my brother Bob some 30-plus years ago. It’s a somewhat humorous anecdote now, but it could have been tragic when it occurred. Bob was puttering around the back of my 20-foot center console as we headed for home following a successful day tempting summer flounder just outside of New York’s Fire Island Inlet. With the wind pushing against an outgoing tide, the seas were beginning to build as we returned to the inlet.

“Find a seat,” I shouted over the engine as I chose our course. “It’s a little bumpy.” Bob sat down on the starboard transom. “Find a real seat!” I hollered, “or you’ll end up in the drink!” Turning forward to face the rips, I pointed the bow into the sloppy chop and pushed the throttle ahead. At one point, we took a pretty good pounding, and I turned back to laugh at my brother whom I expected to be quite wet. He wasn’t there!

Bob had given a head-fake like he was going to move, but never actually shifted over to the cushioned cooler behind my leaning post. Scanning the horizon, I could see his
head bobbing up and down at the inlet mouth 100 yards aft. Lucky for him, there were no other boats trying to make time in my wake.

Never did the words “I told you so” roll so sweetly off my lips as they did when I extended the boat hook after circling back to catch him just shy of the open Atlantic. My brother had been both headstrong and lazy. He knew better than to sit on the transom but did it anyway.

It was a dumb move, but in retrospect, there was plenty of blame to go around.
As skipper, I should have checked to make sure he had followed my orders. I also could have headed back a little earlier in the tide to beat the swelling rips. Bob may have ignored my warning, but I shouldered the blame as well.

Most boating anglers are more than willing to heed advice from their captain. Most are also well versed in fishing and boating etiquette and do a great job at keeping things smart and sane on the water. Still, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of possibilities for fishing fails at sea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baZbajtQ_xo

Hooks are for the fish

Allowing hooks and sinkers to dangle from the end of a fishing rod while under power is one mistake anglers make far more often than common sense should dictate. Anglers
usually know how to suspend their hooks from rod guides or wrap the sinker around the reel to keep the line secure when a fishing pole is in a rod holder. Still, every year, anglers are snagged or bashed by unsecured hooks, lures, and sinkers.

One acquaintance took this slip-up to new levels when an unanticipated wake from a passing boat caused him to stumble into a free-swinging umbrella rig. He was exceptionally fortunate to have only two hooks embedded in his arms; both extracted without a trip to the hospital. On the bright side, the line held tight and probably saved him from toppling over the side. Like knives and other sharp, pointy instruments,
unattended hooks and weights should never dangle anywhere.

While this is especially true for boats under power, it also applies to vessels on the drift, at anchor or even at the dock. Any rod to be left unattended, even for a minute or two, should have its terminal end secured. Don’t make your fishing fail cost you.

Double check

“A lot of the dumb things anglers do are set in motion before they ever leave the dock,” says Capt. Clay Hughes of Sea Tow International’s Ocean Isle, North Carolina, franchise.
A surprising number, Hughes explains, head to prime fishing waters without checking if their batteries are sufficiently charged. “In some instances, they’ll head offshore and out of cell phone range before turning off their engines to anchor or drift. When the engines fail to restart, they have no way to let anyone know their location or predicament.”

Some also fail to leave a float plan with a responsible person so the Coast Guard and search teams will have an idea of where to start looking when they don’t return in a
reasonable amount of time, adds Hughes. “In that same theme, be sure to let someone know if you deviate from your plans,” he says. “To not do so is foolhardy, but it isn’t an
unusual occurrence.”

Hughes also suggests that anglers take some time to learn how to fully use their electronics. “You’d be surprised how many times fishermen give us the coordinates of where they were headed instead of where they have broken down.”

A lapse of judgment

There are, of course, plenty of other fishing fails and miscues made. Fish blood, slime and discarded bait on deck is a recipe for slips, falls and broken bones. Temporarily placing hooks, lures and fillet knives on surfaces where they might roll or fall off onto the floor doesn’t go well with flip flops or bare feet. Holding a fish out of the water to take a dozen or more photographs before releasing it half-dead back into the sea, and failing to check fuel and oil levels before casting off all come quickly to mind.

So does rushing to get to the bite after a late start. If you pack the night before, get a good night’s sleep and arrive at the marina on time, you’ll generally be off to a great start. To be honest, I’ve been guilty on all counts above at some point in my angling career, but I have taken each lesson to heart.

Finally, it’s important to draw attention to a few stats that apply to all boaters, not just anglers. Approximately 1,000 people die in boating accidents every year. Nine out of ten drown—about half involve alcohol. 50 percent of men who drown are found unzipped flies. Think there’s a correlation?

If your vessel has a head, use it. If it doesn’t, take a seat and use a plastic container with a replaceable screw-on cap. Leaning over the side places you in a vulnerable position, especially considering you’ll have one free hand at best with which to grasp onto the boat if a rogue wave smacks the side.

As for alcohol, it’s probably best to wait until you return to the dock where everyone can more safely toast the day’s success. Just be sure to designate a driver for the car ride home because fishing boats aren’t the only places where unfortunate things can happen.

By Ryan Thomas, Southern Boating June 2019

Hurricane Tips for Boaters

Ideally, you already have a hurricane plan in place for your vessel. But there are a few basic hurricane tips all boaters can use.

The most important tip for protecting your boat from hurricanes or any threatening severe weather is planning, preparation, and timely action.

Of course, each boat is different and requires a unique plan for weathering the storm, but keep in mind:

Before a hurricane threatens, plan to remove valuable equipment from the boat (GPS, radios, etc) and determine how long it will take.
Remove all movable equipment such as canvas, sails, dinghies, radios, cushions, biminis, or roller-furling, lifejackets, gear, etc.
Lash down everything you cannot remove, such as tillers, wheels, booms, etc.
Seal all openings (use duct tape or similar) to make the boat as watertight as possible.
Make sure the electrical system is off. However, if you plan to leave the boat in the water, leave the system on.
If removing the boat from water, remove the battery to eliminate the risk of fire.
If you are out of town during a hurricane, arrange for a reliable person to learn and carry out your hurricane plan.
Check your lease or rental agreement with the marina or storage area and make sure you know your responsibilities and liabilities as well as those of the marina or storage area.
Consolidate all pertinent documents including insurance policies, recent photos or video of your vessel, boat registration, equipment inventory, lease agreement with the marina or storage area.
Maintain an inventory list of both the items removed and those left on board. And remember, do not stay aboard any vessel during a hurricane. You should stay in a safe, protected place and ensure your family, home, pets, and other personal property is safe. Be sure to stay tuned to news broadcasts and weather advisories.

Stay safe out there, everyone.

Southern Boating’s Top Six Safety Tips

It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned captain or a boating newbie—safety is paramount.

A prudent mariner knows that there are many safety rules involved in just a simple cruise on the water, let alone a long haul down to The Bahamas.

Whenever a trip on the water is planned—be it a day cruise on a kayak or an overnight fishing trip—you should have a float plan. A float plan is an itinerary of who, what, where, why, and when you plan to head out on the water. You can find a detailed example of a float plan from the US Coast Guard.

While you create your float plan please (please!) remember to practice common sense, follow our top six safety tips below, and remember the most important rule of all—HAVE FUN!

Grill Safety for the Long Weekend

Set the party on fire (and not your boat) with these grill safety tips

The aroma of burgers wafts through the evening air; hot dogs and brats hiss and pop as they near peak perfection, and the color of peppers on kabobs become charred as they soften. What’s not to love about firing up the barbecue after a long day on the water? Maybe a fire? That won’t happen with these grill safety tips.

Because grills are located above decks, boaters tend to treat them with a more cavalier attitude when it comes to safety—bad move. According to the Insurance Information Institute, barbecues result in more than 2,000 fires, more than 300 grill-related injuries, and at least 3 deaths annually. Here’s a look at how to keep “the king of coals” from becoming a barbecue statistic.

All types of grills—charcoal, liquid propane gas (LPG) and electric grills—come with their own pros and cons:

Grill Types

Charcoal grills can be a challenge to light but stay lit in even the strongest winds—a good thing for cooking yet a minus in the event of an emergency such as accidentally spilling those hot coals. They’re also messy to use and clean, fuel storage can be a pain, and you’ll have to refill them during extended grilling periods.

Gas grills are easier to light, clean, offer better temperature control, but are more difficult to keep lit in a stiff breeze.

Electric grills offer all of the above less the worry about them going out, yet require a source of AC power, which means having a generator on board or dock-only usage.

Prior to installation, determine where the grill will be used: clamped to the cockpit railing or use with a fishing rod-style mount. Choose a location clear of flammable items so that the grill doesn’t interfere with hatches, dinghy davits, etc. If removable, think about where to stow it after use, and where to safely store the fuel above decks.

Tips of the Trade

While electric grills also have safety requirements, the following tips mainly concern charcoal and gas grills (due to their use of combustion). Consider these general, commonsense precautions that can be applied when using most any grill:

• Read the owner’s manual. Find information on everything from assembly to safe operation tips. Still have questions? Don’t be shy—give the manufacturer a call to clarify. (Write their consumer service phone number on the manual’s front page for easy reference.)

• Always grill above decks in an open area. Barbecue grills are designed for above deck use in a well-ventilated area. Never barbecue down below in the galley or inside an enclosed area, such as the cockpit with full canvas curtains in place. In both cases, carbon monoxide can accumulate with lethal results.

• Securely mount your grill before use. Ensure your grill is firmly mounted in place and stable. Never use portable, camping-type grills, which can easily slide around or tip over. Grills should also be mounted where people and pets can’t accidentally come in contact with them. Never try to move a hot grill. Instead, allow the grill to become completely cool to the touch before trying to relocate or stow it.

• Keep it under control. Never leave a grill unattended during use and always keep some method of fire control nearby such as a portable fire extinguisher, fire bucket (with a lanyard long enough to reach the water), fire blanket, etc. A spritzer bottle of water can help with minor flare-ups, but remove food from the grill first if possible. Cleaning your grill regularly to remove grease and fat buildup reduces the chances of fire and flare-ups as well.

• Use proper grilling utensils. Use of long-handled barbecue utensils (tongs, forks, etc.) helps reduce burns due to pops and splatters.

• Wear grill-safe clothes. No thongs, speedos or “au naturel” grilling, please. On the flip side avoid baggy, frilly clothes and loose, billowing shirts or bikini wraps that can catch fire.

Charcoal grill safety tips

1. If you use starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never use gas from the dingy jerry can or add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire once started. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start charcoal using newspapers, etc., without the need for starter fluid.

2. When you’re done grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposal.

LPG grill safety tips

1. Most boat grills use small, 16.4-ounce, disposable LPG cylinders. Always inspect these for signs of corrosion, dents, gouges, or other external damage before use.

2. Properly mount the grill outside in a well-ventilated area before connecting the cylinder.

3. Always disconnect and remove the LPG cylinder after use. If the grill is stored below decks, always remove the LPG bottle before stowing.

4. Store LPG bottles above decks in a well-ventilated area where escaping vapors can only flow overboard. LPG must be protected from the elements and other mechanical damage. Possible options include a PVC tube holder or a non-corrosive bag properly mounted to the stern railing (well away from the grill of course).

5. Never lean over the grill when lighting (or cooking for that matter), and keep the lid open to prevent flare-ups from gas build-up.

— By Frank Lanier, Southern Boating Magazine April 2016

Semper Paratus

How “Always Ready” are you?

Borrowing from the U.S. Coast Guard’s iconic “Always Ready” motto, when it comes to safety aboard, you can never be too prepared. To make the point, a tragic event occurred in South Florida during the summer of 2015 when two young boys set out for what they thought would be an exciting and fun day on a boat. Sadly, it was anything but.

Could this and other similar boating tragedies be avoided? Well, let’s just say that with some extra precautions and planning, the odds for dealing with a dicey situation can be swung dramatically in a positive direction. No matter what size boat you have, be it kayak or superyacht, having the right safety equipment aboard and knowing how to use it are some of the most important aspects of spending time out on the water.

Let’s start with your boat. Always check the condition of any seacocks or thru-hull fittings as well as critical hose connections. If anything looks amiss such as corrosion, any sign of cracks or weeping, swap it out for a new one. Give all your belts, impellers, gaskets, and seals a once over before setting out—failure of any of these items can stop you dead in the water. And as with oil and filters, always carry spares.

To meet the requirements of all U.S. Coast Guard regulations, vessels are mandated to carry at least the minimum safety items such as proper nav lights, fire extinguishers or automatic fire suppression system, a PFD—Personal Flotation Device, or life jacket—for each person on board, a throwable device such as a seat cushion or life ring, a bell, whistle, or horn for signaling, and visual distress signal flares. As these requirements differ depending on the size of your boat, check with a copy of CG 169—usually available at your marina store or other outlets—to make sure you are in compliance. (Checking in with your local Coast Guard station or auxiliary unit or setting up a complimentary safety inspection with them are also good options.)

Veteran captains and those who travel extensively all have the same thought: If you do the kind of boating that takes you away from your home port for extended periods of time and over open water, you should have a proper life raft for the number of people on board—make sure it is inspected and ready to go as per manufacturers recommendations. Be familiar with its deployment and use, and get the one that suits your needs—coastal, offshore, or ocean going. Among the companies manufacturing this type of equipment are Winslow, Switlik and Givens.

Whether you require a raft or not, a floatable ditch bag is a good idea. While ready-to-go kits are sold by such reputable companies as ACR and Defender, make sure you have an EPIRB, a personal locator beacon (PLB), waterproof and floatable emergency handheld VHF, and a water-activated strobe light. Also critical are individual life jacket vest strobes; a handheld, waterproof and floating GPS; a daylight signal mirror and flares; chemical glow sticks; noisemaking devices such as plastic whistles and canned air horns; drinking water; wrapped and sealed snacks; and sunglasses. And for all those electronic safety items, make sure to replace batteries and carry spares in sealed and waterproof bags.

If you are setting out for an extended time away, it’s also a good idea to file a float plan with your homeport marina or local Coast Guard station as well as with your destination facility. In this way, everyone will know your trip schedule and be on the lookout should anything happen along the way. Keep a sharp ear to the VHF and a keen eye on weather conditions at least 36 hours ahead of departure.

If you are traveling with family, friends, and kids who are not familiar with boating, go through all the safety features and procedures aboard before you cast off. And if you have a pet, keep it in sight and have an appropriate life jacket on it at all times. Keep your fuel tanks full and know where your next fill up will be and how long it is going to take you to get there.

Here’s hoping your next outing is a safe and enjoyable one. With a little extra planning, and the Semper Paratus outlook, you can leave the dock with some extra confidence and peace of mind.

— By Ken Kreisler, Southern Boating Magazine February 2016

INFORMATION:

ACR Marine
acratex.com/products/marine

Defender Industries
defender.com

Givens
givensliferafts.com

Mustang Lifejackets
mustangsurvival.com

Switlik
switlik.com

USCG Boating Safety
uscgboating.org

USCG 169 Nav Rules
landfallnavigation.com

West Marine
westmarine.com

Winslow
winslowliferafts.com

The Last Lightship

There has been a run of deadly accidents and weather events during regattas on all of the United States’ coasts and on the Great Lakes in the last few years, including Alabama’s tragic Dauphin Island Race this April 25th in which five sailors drowned. While these events tend to draw more coverage nationally, they are but larger scale examples of the daily occurrence of boating incidents documented by the U.S. Coast Guard. On the Gulf Coast the weather can be explosive as powerful squall lines erupt along cool fronts, and while these deadly “adventure” stories are interesting reads, they also serve as tools to remind all boaters of the potential hazards on the water.

In 1983, a squall line exploded over a fleet of racing sailboats and their experiences became another cautionary tale. Out of the 38 boats that started the 180nm New Orleans Lightship Race off the Mississippi coast with heavily overcast and threatening skies, only 6 would finish. Conditions worsened quickly throughout the race as the cold front approached from the north, and several boats had serious issues in the first few miles and didn’t make it past the mark at Ship Island Pass let alone into the open waters of the Gulf.

These were still the days of Gulf Coast sailing legends like Tommy Dreyfus and Buddy Friedrichs and where LORAN and dead reckoning were king. But even on many of these heavy displacement boats with winds reported from nearby offshore oil rigs approaching sustained 40 knots with gusts as high as 65 and seas over 15 feet, it was too much.

Topper Thompson was on board Slot Machine, a Lindenberg 30. He explains their grim experience and eventual forced removal from the regatta. “On top of the 12-foot seas, occasional monsters would come through and break on top. One wave broke and flipped us stern over bow. In the same motion, the rudder was broken off. The boat came up, rig intact, but no steerage. A sea anchor was deployed, but it did not bring the bow into the wind, said Thompson. “Slot Machine had no control and was broadside to the breaking waves. The crew got below deck, wedged themselves into place with sails, and tried to stow all potential projectiles. A Mayday was put out and the Coast Guard was contacted. In the middle of communication with the Coast Guard, the boat rolled again and this time the mast hit the bottom and communication with the Coast Guard ceased.”

Thompson and his crew eventually beached on Petit Bois Island and all were rescued, but not every boat was as fortunate with many sunk or dismasted. A 19-year-old Tulane student, Nelson Roltsch, was lost off a J/29 due to a rogue wave. He was never recovered.

The love of all forms and methods of boating is a very real passion, but so is the necessity of proper safety. Be safe out there, folks.

By Troy Gilbert, Southern Boating, November 2015