That famous quote, uttered by Chief Brody (Roy Schneider) to Capt. Quint (Robert Shaw) in the 1975 movie thriller Jaws serves as a catch-all phrase for being under-gunned. Last summer along the northeast coast, however, it seemed more appropriate than ever in several instances when great white sharks plucked distressed stripers and tuna from the ends of anglers’ lines.
From the Cape Cod surf on out to the Hudson Canyon waters that straddle New York and New Jersey, there were more reports of hooked trophies gobbled by sharks last summer than at any time in recent memory. Such reports numbered in the dozens from surf casters, and one offshore angler claimed a 400-pound tuna was taken in a single bite. Another reported feeling two “bumps” before his line, with an estimated 200- pound bluefin battling at the end suddenly went slack in the vicinity of the Coimbra wreck. Five minutes later, a huge great white appeared parallel to the port side, 50 yards of fishing line trailing from its mouth. The highly experienced offshore skipper estimated the shark’s length at 18 feet.
The summer of 2018 also witnessed several shark attacks involving swimmers. Two confirmed incidents came from Long Island, New York, and two more occurred in Massachusetts. The Long Island attacks were attributed to sand tiger sharks, less dangerous than larger great whites, but that didn’t quiet any nerves.
All this begs the question: Are we seeing more and larger sharks invade northeast waters or simply hearing more about such incidents due to 24/7 news coverage?
“We’ve seen subtle increases in the great white population since they became a protected species in the late 1990s,” says Dr. Gregory B. Skomal, a fisheries biologist with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and a leading shark expert. “There’s anecdotal evidence for a growing population; spotter planes are seeing them, anglers are reporting encounters, and we’ve tagged over 150 off the coast of Massachusetts alone. I’m not surprised they’re showing up amongst Long Island’s tuna fleet or even in close to shore.”
Skomal points out that a large great white is a massive animal. “An eighteen-footer would certainly have no problem eating a tuna in a bite or two,” he says. “A fish that’s bleeding and making the right kind of sounds as the fight goes on is a natural target. If a great white gets the chance, he’s going to grab a relatively easy meal. As for actual increases in shark attacks, last summer was a hot one. That means more people in the water, so a greater chance of shark encounters. But I don’t think the numbers were out of line.”
Is an increase in the seal population attracting more sharks to our coastline? “Absolutely,” says Skomal, at “least along the shores of Cape Cod. Sharks are amazingly adaptable creatures. They’ll feed on whatever is available. We also have more bunker [fish] these days, too, so that may be another part of the equation.”
Either way, experts agree most sharks leave northeast waters by late December if not sooner, so we should all be safe until next spring. Then again, the research group Ocearch, together with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, tracked a 16-foot, 3,500-pound great white shark they named Mary Lee for 40,000 miles over five years starting in 2012. In 2013, it left the Northeast for southern waters as expected but then returned to New Jersey and Long Island for the last week of January.
Fishing with Veterans just got easier, thanks to a Virginian family.
Virtually indestructible and capable of running in a foot of water, a new boat designed for anglers in wheelchairs is transporting veterans along Virginia waters. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ed Moore and his daughter Hailey are hosting free fishing and boating trips for military veterans and their families on the Potomac and Occoquan rivers.
They are proud to offer this opportunity at no cost to those that have served our country proudly to enjoy a favorite pastime. They give veterans with physical limitations (wheelchair) an opportunity to participate. They can also facilitate an opportunity to allow disabled vets to take their children fishing.
Their nonprofit organization, Veterans Fishing Adventure, features an aluminum landing vessel named Knot 4 Gotn. The vessel has an air-conditioned cabin, is constructed of 5086 H116 aluminum with closed-cell foam injected in all voids, and is painted with Line-X weather-resistant coating. It’s powered by a jet drive unit designed by Battle Boats.
“Water is very calming,” says Moore, who funded the boat’s construction himself. “Way back when I was in the Marine Corps, I was on ships in Japan and Korea. It was just a neat thing to be out on the ocean. All your problems seem small when you’re near the water. When you walk near the water, you get a sense of being free. You don’t think about the tough stuff. You smile and think about how beautiful it is.”
Plans for the future
Moore hopes to have a fleet of similar vessels spread throughout the Eastern Seaboard. As a federal nonprofit, donations to offset costs are tax-deductible and much appreciated. For more information, visit the organization’s Facebook page or website.
On a related note, the Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) and their partners are working with the State of Maryland, Anne Arundel County and the city of Annapolis to fund a boating center capable of hosting people with disabilities, recovering veterans and local children from at-risk communities.
Currently based at Sandy Point State Park, CRAB hopes to find a new home because the park’s popularity, special events and frequent traffic backups on Route 50 make it difficult for members to access the waterfront.
“CRAB is very fortunate to have earned the support of every high-ranking elected leader in the region,” says CRAB President Brad LaTour. “What we are striving to do now is to elevate their support to a commitment and the funding of an adaptive boating center in 2019.”
The proposed center will also provide job opportunities for people with disabilities and offer young people the experience to learn a marine trade or manage sailing programs. crabsailing.org
Men aren’t the only ones who fish. The female anglers are out there and they need fishing gadgets too. We have five fishing gadgets for all anglers.
There is an ever-present contingent of female anglers out there. And while 99% of the market is geared towards men, there are a whole lot of women out there changing the game for the better. We approve of these five fishing gadgets for all anglers.
Waterproof shoes
Women certainly enjoy fishing too, and SoftScience Sailfin Fishing Shoe is the latest in the company’s women’s water collection.
Incorporating their proprietary Trileon footbed, the non-slip grip and fast-draining boat shoe has a more streamlined cut and provides stability in any condition.
We put this shoe to the ultimate test: our ad coordinator is an avid angler in her own right. Plus, she’s soon-to-be-married to a charter captain. There were no reported complaints when she used these shoes over the weekend.
Need an extra rod holder? Move over boys, we have an innovative solution to the lack of rod holders on the boat. And we’re adding cup holders to boot.
Seasucker Rod Holders mount quickly, and their innovative vacuum-mount technology ensures they don’t let go.
Available for a single, two or three rods, the holders attach to a lightweight, aluminum track held by the vacuum mount. The three-rod setup with a six-inch suction mount has 210 pounds of holding power.
You might get wet when you reel in the big one, but your gear will stay dry as a bone thanks to this lightweight dry bag.
Whether on the water or alongside it, keep your gear dry with Otterbox’s Yampa Dry Duffle.
Waterproof TPU-coated nylon with waterproof zippers resists UV and punctures and incorporates a low-density foam exoskeleton to protect your stuff. The Yampa dry duffle comes in three sizes.
There are many ways to fish, but not so many ways to listen to your favorite playlist.
Even if you want to swim or spearfish, you can listen to your tunes under water with H20 Audio’s Stream Waterproof MP3 Player.
Enjoy 10 hours of play time and more than 2,000 songs, and when out of the water, pair up with your smartphone via Bluetooth for more. Submerges up to 12 feet with an IPX8 rating.
Avoid damage to your outboard’s prop and protect unseen marine mammals with Hydro-Shield. It’s a win-win for you, your boat, and unseen manatees.
The skeg-mounted hydrofoil fits on most outboards and inboard/ outboards and also improves performance with its hydro-dynamic shape that provides lift, reduces drag and controls cavitation.
Florida’s Treasure Coast is a prime destination for boaters of all types. New and renovated marinas and boatyards add to the Treasure Coast upgrades in the region.
Great fishing in the nearby Gulf Stream, easy ocean access through predictable inlets and the entrance to the Okeechobee Waterway all make the region a hot spot.
Add to that the great coastal towns of Stuart, Fort Pierce, and Vero Beach and it’s easy to see why the Treasure Coast is so popular. New and renovated marinas and boatyards add to the Treasure Coast upgrades in the region.
Dockside Inn and Marina is another favorite stop for anglers along the Treasure Coast. The Inn is completing a new, larger marina with an expected opening in September. The marina will have 58 slips with 100-amp, three-phase service accommodating boats up to 130 feet in length.
Located on Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce, FL, Dockside Inn has a great location. That’s in part because of its close proximity to prime inland fishing grounds for snook, snapper and sand perch along with deep sea fishing in the nearby Gulf Stream. If you can’t come by your own boat, several charter fishing operators will be on location to help you hook a prize catch.
Causeway Cove Marina recently opened on the north side of Hutchinson Island along the Indian River Lagoon. With direct access to the ICW, the marina is an easy in and out for transient boaters. With offshore fishing around the corner from the Fort Pierce Inlet, it’s the perfect base for serious fishing. The location also offers great restaurants and entertainment along Highway A1A across the street from the marina, including the popular attractions of Inlet Park, Fort Beach and the St. Lucie County Aquarium.
Grand Banks Yachts announced the acquisition of the Stuart Yacht Boatyard in Stuart, Florida. Under Grand Banks’ ownership, the yard will be known as the Stuart Yacht Basin. Additionally, it will be the Grand Banks base of operations in the United States.
The yard is located on a very well-protected branch of the St. Lucie River south of Stuart. The facility features a 50-ton Travelift, a half-acre privately owned basin, 5,600 square feet of slip space under a covered shed, and a 10,000-square-foot haul-out area. Grand Banks looks forward to serving their large base of customers in the Southeast and invites non-Grand Banks boat owners to visit for any of their boating needs.
It’s just after daybreak and the traffic on New York’s Long Island Expressway is in full swing. Commuters line up in neat little rows in a well-practiced routine with the aim of getting to work on time. Simultaneously, just east of the Jones Beach Inlet, another traffic jam is taking place, although not as orderly and, perhaps, even borders on chaotic.
It’s early December, and anglers have flooded the waters of the south shore in an attempt to get in one last bass fishing bonanza as the fall striped bass run is at its height for the season. There is a flotilla of boats, all filled with anglers offering different methods of luring that one prized cow onto the hook. They chum the waters, jig and set live baits, but the most consistent practice is the one that creates the notable log jam. These anglers prefer to troll.
A cold December can produce some of the best bass fishing.
The Lure of the Lure
Trolling involves the dragging of line, preferably wire, with all manner of lures secured to the end. Off of the Jones Beach Inlet, or more importantly, the “South Shore,” area natives have established a very distinct pattern for trolling while bass fishing. They cruise east to west. It is a time-honored tradition, one that is recognized by Long Islanders and respected.
However, the lure of the bass has created an influx of anglers who are not native to the South Shore, and this is where the fun begins. Instead of an east-west pattern, the visitors to the area troll north to south, and not in nice little rows, either.
They veer to the left and to the right and soon, the trolling aisles become a tangled mess with gear being cut off, or worse, wrapped up in propellers, leaving the radio chatter on channel 68 a lot more colorful than just the request for a sound check.
It’s not always this way, and there are times when the only traffic jam that takes place involves the migration of striped bass headed south to Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay in pursuit of warmer waters and a place to spend the winter before next year’s spawning run north. The striped bass are currently welled up just east of the “needle” off Jones Beach. This is where veteran charter boat captain David Mahler comes into the picture.
Trolling for Trophies
Mahler was the youngest licensed captain on Long Island. He earned his credentials when he was a mere 16 years old and has plied the waters for 41 years. He’s agreed to provide a firsthand look at just what was causing such mayhem.
The morning we embark, it’s a frosty 27 degrees outside, the deck of his 33-foot Donzi center console is a sheet of ice, and there’s some doubt as to whether this is such a great idea after all. But the cold has no effect on the twin Yamaha 225s, which fire up right on cue. As we pull away from the dock, the full moon shines down from the west as the sun rises in the east. According to fishing superstitions, it’s an ominous moment, to say the least and, hopefully, not indicative of what’s to come.
Quite to the contrary, it turns out to be an angler’s paradise on all fronts. As we break the inlet and turn east, there’s a sea of boats already in place, and the flurry of activity is simply dizzying. They’re all out there: boats trolling, boats jigging and anglers anchored up fishing with live bait. The skies are filled with terns and seagulls above the boats. The birds dive into bait balls and chirp out songs of the success. Anglers celebrate below the musical frenzy.
The other magical thing about this morning, clearly quite unusual for the time of year and location, is that the sea is dead, flat calm—perfect fishing conditions. Looking out over the fleet, there appears to be no sign of the vaunted traffic jam. In fact, everyone trolling is doing so with plenty of space and heading east and west in respected rows.
Here fishy, fishy
The radio is silent except for some gleeful shouts. That’s the sign of catching a big one. Mahler pulls out his homemade five-and-a-half-foot rods equipped with Shimano spin casters. The rods are spooled with a 15-pound green monofilament. We tie off a two-ounce diamond jig tipped with a treble hook and head off in pursuit of a monster bass. Turning east away from the fleet, the fish finder lights up like a Christmas tree.
The monitor glows with solid blocks of red and yellow signifying massive amounts of fish. The first few tosses yield some of the smaller versions of the bass species known as “schoolies.” They prove to be a feisty fight but not quite the slobs that make for the best catches of the day.
Eye on the Prize
After a few more rounds of playing catch and release with the babies, it’s time to hook into the big boys. Another repositioning puts in a solid block of mossbunker, the type of baitfish the monster bass just adore. We snag a couple, hook them to our lines, and they’re soon back in the water with the aim of seducing something worthwhile.
After a mere three minutes, Mahler’s reel begins to sing and with the line peeling off, the real fight begins. The Bellmore captain proves equal to the task, and a short while later he’s gaffing a 35-inch, 25-pound bass behemoth. With the trophy fish safely tucked away in the fish box, it’s now my turn. Consistent with the perfect day comes the prize. It’s a 31-inch striped bass that’s so fat it appears he may have eaten Manhattan.
The day continues to be perfect for bass fishing, but the best part by far is that we are nowhere near any traffic jam.
Story and Photos by Rob Caluori, Southern Boating June 2018
Drones add a unique tool to the boating lifestyle.
Raymarine released a new app that attracts anglers and photographers alike—the Axiom integration for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), or drones. The UAV app runs in the new LightHouse 3 operating software through the Axiom or Axiom Pro multifunction navigation display just as the radar, sonar and chart plotter apps operate.
The interface is a preconfigured split screen—on one side the nautical chart and on the other, a live video display from the drone. The map side shows the position of the boat along with its course, speed, heading, depth, and all the features you’d normally see on an electronic chart.
As soon as the UAV leaves the deck, the chart shows the drone’s position and its relation to the boat. A “rubber band” line on the chart connects the drone icon with the boat icon, so even if it’s flown far away or beyond the range of the chart on the display, a simple zoom adjust reveals its position. In turn, the drone icon communicates its direction, speed, height, and which way the camera is pointing. The camera display side of the screen provides real-time video from the drone’s camera.
Fun and Fishing
Jim McGowan of FLIR Maritime/Raymarine says that many boaters use drones for fun when fishing or cruising but that operating them from a boat can be challenging. Consequently, FLIR Maritime/Raymarine looks for ways to make the technology and process easier with automation.
Parent company FLIR Systems has a technical partnership in place with UAV manufacturer Dà-Jiang Innovations (DJI) to make a line of airborne thermal cameras to attach to larger DJI drones. The DJI Zenmuse XT2, for example, pairs with FLIR’s Tau2 thermal sensor and 4K visual camera for commercial applications to inspect power lines, pipelines, and solar panel grids. The system is becoming more prevalent with law enforcement as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and search-and-rescue operations. FLIR and Raymarine’s engineers discussed how those systems could apply to the maritime industry which led to the UAV integration, but McGowan adds, “There were a lot of unique things we had to do to make it work well in the maritime environment.”
Competitive fishing tournaments, in particular, are where they’ve focused efforts to make drone operation more automated due to most tournaments’ catch-and-release rules. “They have to have photographic evidence of their catch and the gear they were using, so the drone is another tool in their toolbox for capturing whatever photo or video they need,” says McGowan and adds that video of the big catch provides a unique perspective.
“That’s where a lot of the automation work we’re doing comes in. You can launch a drone and fly it and orbit it, but a lot of time you’re short-handed, especially when you get a big fish on the line and everyone’s running around like crazy trying to help, and the last thing [you want] is to have someone flying the drone to keep the action in frame.” Raymarine is trying to automate that process according to McGowan. “You can hit a button and get the drone in the air. The drone knows where the boat is, the drone knows where to point the camera and tend to itself to get the footage you’re looking for.”
Safe Return
For anyone who’s flown a drone, one advantageous feature is Return to Home (RTH). On land, the drone establishes its starting point and when the battery runs low or it goes out of sight, the RTH feature brings the drone back to its starting location automatically. But that becomes harder on a boat. “One of the big challenges is getting the drone back on board because the ‘home’ is moving,” says McGowan. Addressing that problem, Raymarine is in the process of developing the UAV integration with a two-way data link. “The drone sends its telemetry back to the boat and the boat sends data back to the drone so the drone knows where the boat is and where to return to,” explains McGowan.
“It knows the safety parameters around the boat’s environment, so if you have masts and outriggers and antennas and fishing tackle up in the air, the drone knows what the safe sphere is around the boat and how close it can approach. The way it’s going to work in this first cut [of the software] is when the drone returns to the boat, it will basically hit the edge of that safe envelope and hover and wait for you to recover it.” At that point, the operator takes over via the controller. The motion of the vessel can make the recovery dramatic, especially with smaller drones, so unless you have a boat with a big foredeck or sunpads, catching it out of the air is probably the most efficient method right now. Phase two of the software hopes to include ways to improve that recovery process.
Besides tournament fishing, practical advantages of having a drone are finding schools of fish or looking out for reefs and shoals. Imagine cruising in The Bahamas, where the bottom changes rapidly, scouting out an anchorage to get a feel for what the conditions are going to be like. The number of possibilities where drones and the UAV app can aid in the maritime environment are seemingly endless.
Top anglers spill the beans on the best fishing lures
Just about every serious saltwater angler carries around a tackle box or lure bag full of artificials. Some haul several to and from their boat on every trip. Simply put, fishermen want the best fishing lures. I’m no exception.
I want big ones, small ones, surface poppers, deep divers, and anything that wiggles, wobbles or rattles in between. But what if you could only choose one lure with which to fish? Which would it be? Here’s what a quartet of expert anglers with reputations for hooking the big ones have to offer.
Poppers on the Net
Hard fishing Nick Honachefsky is the host of the new hit Internet fishing show Saltwater Underground. For boat action with stripers, he’s addicted to topwater poppers, with a Stillwater Smack It, Tactical Anglers Crossover Popper and Creek Chub Knucklehead seeing roughly equal time.
“I’ll throw poppers as a search lure just about anywhere,” he says. “Off the New Jersey coast, they’ll raise stripers and gorilla blues. In tropical or southern waters, they draw strikes from virtually any large predator. If I could only choose one of the best fishing lures, it would be the Crossover Popper from tacticalanglers.com. At four and a half inches, it’s a size anything can eat.”
Top anglers claim that Tactical Anglers Cross Over Stalker is the alluring-est lure.
Matching the retrieve speed to the type of fish you target makes a big difference in hook-up ratio, explains this frequent flier. “For bass and snook, you want to work nice and slow. With jacks and little tunny, you need to almost rip the lure away from the fish. I like a seven and a half-foot St. Croix spinning rod rated eight to seventeen-pound test for this fishing. It’s light, for sure, but it can handle anything up to twenty pounds. For bigger fish, I’ll grab something more sturdy.”
Catch Honachefsky’s new show at tackledirect.com and follow him on Instagram at @nickhonachefsky. The show features everything from anglers on the docks to the top offshore pros, and each segment is only 12 minutes long.
Skitter Me This
Capt. Gary Dubiel of Speck Fever Guide Service in Oriental, North Carolina, is known as
Skitter done! A top fisherman swears by this lure.
one of the country’s premier guides for redfish and speckled trout. He works the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound and puts patrons on big fish using a variety of techniques. But when he just wants to have fun, out comes the new Rapala Skitter V. It’s an all-around, outstanding, inshore surface plug that catches a ton of stripers, speckled trout and redfish.
Dubiel favors a walk-the-dog retrieve, typically in shallow areas over wood structures, grass flats or extensive marsh edges, which he approaches quietly in his K2 Marie Frontier 210 Bay Boat.
“Every day can be a little different in terms of what the fish want,” notes Dubiel. “I tend to fish this lure a little slower than most anglers. That really lets the fish hear the rattle inside. If strikes come up short, you can slow it down even more or speed it up a little bit to elicit that bite.”
With lure color, Dubiel prefers a white belly and he doesn’t stress much over the top pattern. He will, however, opt for orange in tannin-stained water or for a black underbelly in especially clear water on bright days. Attaching the lure with a loop knot, he advises, allows for more side-to-side motion. “This lure will raise fish of all sizes,” he says. “You’ll catch anything from school bass to forty-inch redfish on it.”
A Tactical Approach
“Just one lure?” chuckles Alberto Knie. “Are you kidding me?” Knie is well known in the fishing industry as the head of Tactical Anglers. He’s also one of the most highly skilled and innovative fishermen I’ve ever met. From stripers to snook, clownfish to roosterfish, blackfish to summer flounder and even peacock bass, he’s mastered them all.
“For a combination of thrills and versatility, I’d have to go with the Tactical Anglers Crossover Stalker,” reveals this super sharpie. “It’s just a great inshore choice. I’ve used it for peacock bass, largemouths, smallmouths, stripers, snook, and even redfish. Some of the snook and stripers I’ve caught on it have surpassed the 40-inch mark.”
Knie works the Stalker using a simple walk-the-dog motion to drive predator species wild, and he loves that it casts a country mile, comes through-wired and sports 3X VMC hooks and a low-frequency rattle. “It’s indestructible, and the bone color wreaks havoc along the southwestern coast of Florida, especially in the mangrove stretches around Estero Bay,” he says. “Use a small, shallow-draft boat to probe backbay areas, and you can really clean up on the redfish during an evening bite.”
Vary your retrieve based on water temperature and species pursued, advises this trophy-catching guru. If chasing springtime snook or summer stripers, a slow retrieve around serious structure works best. As the water warms or the fish grow more aggressive, don’t be afraid to speed things up.
Make ’em Mad
Some claim the MirrODean is king in the quest for the top fishing lures.
A former game warden, Capt. Jason Semeyn of Shallow Water Escapes knows the Sunshine State’s waters better than most, especially Tampa Bay. One artificial he always carries along is a MirrOlure MirrOdine. It’s a hard bait he believes works on everything in inshore waters.
“This is a suspending lure,” says Semeyn. “Let it settle a few inches below the surface and retrieve it steadily with a few twitches mixed. One of the first times I used this lure, I drilled a 34-inch snook, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Fish just slam it.”
Semeyn likes to get his 23-foot Hanson Bay boat in tight to mangrove edges on the flats.
Jason Semeyn makes a catch.
Snook in those shallows, he explains, act a little like largemouth bass. “If you know where they are, you can keep casting to the same spot until they get mad enough to strike. It’s a ton of fun hooking angry fish.”
A New Entry
As for me, I love Spro bucktails for summer flounder and stripers, topwater poppers for shallow water action anywhere, and soft plastic jerk baits for a gentle approach when predators seem spooky. Last fall, however, I got hooked on a new lure I helped Panther Martin design. Called the BigFin, it’s slender like a sand eel but sports a high dorsal fin that doubles as a weed guard.
I like the seven-inch, two-ounce size for big stripers, weakfish and large snook, and the five-inch, one-ounce version for school bass, redfish and slot-sized snook. Simply cast out and retrieve with an occasional twitch. The smaller size also slams false albacore when reeled fast enough to stay just below the surface.
By Tom Schlichter, Southern Boating June 2018
Photos Courtesy of Saltwater Underground, Shallow Water Escapes, and Tactical Anglers
North Carolina’s Pamlico Sound draws anglers from throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic in August. Why? For a fishing experience like no other. It’s that time of year when adult red drum migrate into Pamlico Sound in large numbers to spawn.
Red drum, also known as channel bass, include the nicknames “old drum” and “bull drum” because they can live to be 50 years in age, grow to lengths of more than 40 inches and weigh from 35 to 90 pounds. The bull red drum is one of the most exciting fish to catch, and many of the fishing guides believe the best time to catch bull drum is after the sun sets.
Guides around Pamlico Sound launch late in the evening for an unforgettable nighttime fishing experience. Red drum actively spawn in the Sound in August, so care is required in gear selection and catch-and-release techniques (especially with the largest bulls) to ensure they live to spawn another generation.
An important note for anglers in South Carolina is to be aware that the State has instituted new catch limits that took effect July 1, 2018: “A person may not have in possession more than two red drum in any one day, not to exceed six red drum in any one day on any boat.”
Always consult local fishing regulations in the area where you fish. Coastal conservation associations provide valuable information about red drum fishing in the southeast coastal states.
In North Carolina, check online at ccanc.org, and in South Carolina, check ccasouthcarolina.com
By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating August 2018
More about Pamlico Sound:
The Pamlico Sound is the largest sound on the East Coast. A “sound” is a regional term for a saltwater lagoon. Approximately 80 miles long and a 20 miles wide, the Pamlico Sound comprises the majority of the western Outer Banks coastline. That includes Whalehead Junction at the edge of Bodie Island all the way to Portsmouth Island.
Two fishing tournaments support cancer research events in the Mid-Atlantic raise money to support cancer awareness.
Fish for Cancer! Female anglers raise money to fight cancer at two events this month in the Mid-Atlantic.
Alice Kelly Tournament
The Alice Kelly Memorial Tournament on August 11-12 has been a nearly 30-year tradition on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to honor Alice’s memory and financially assist the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group.
The event launches from Pirate’s Cove Marina in Manteo and offers offshore Gulf Stream fishing, cash prizes, and a chance to kick off your boat shoes and party at the end of the day. Heather Maxwell, who grew up fishing out of Lynnhaven Inlet in Virginia Beach, serves as the tournament director. If you don’t have your own boat, anglers can join in the fun on a shared charter.
The 25th Annual Capt. Steve Harman’s Poor Girls Open, August 16-18 at Bahia Marina in Ocean City, Maryland, is a ladies-only billfish release tournament benefiting breast cancer research.
With added entry levels for tuna, dolphinfish (mahi-mahi) and wahoo, the tournament continues to grow; more than 100 boats are expected this year. Anglers aboard Rhonda’s Osprey caught and released eight white marlin to win last year’s tournament, good for $113,270 in prize money.
Loren Manzione aboard Playmate caught the heaviest mahi-mahi at 19.1 pounds, and Hillary Mozeik, aboard No Quarter reeled in a 68.7-pound tuna. Shantel Willey brought in a 62.6-pound wahoo aboard Haulin ’n Ballin. A record 765 anglers fished and $222,935 was awarded.
The incredible participation allowed organizers to present a check for $125,000 to the American Cancer Society.
To us, the ultimate summer vacation involves a day spent on the water. So without further ado, our five favorite fishing gadgets for summer.
When the water gets warm and the boat is calling, you go fishing. Here are Southern Boating’s five favorite fishing gadgets for summer. What are your favorite fishing gadgets? Let us know!
Iosso Live Well Cleaner not only cleans but also removes the stains and smells in livewells, fish boxes, coolers, refrigerators, and more. It’s chlorine-free, biodegradable and doesn’t change the pH factor, so it’s fish safe.
Quick Cleat Portable Rod Holder Fender Cleat incorporates an innovative no-knot, rotary cam design to add fenders when a fixed cleat isn’t available. Made with stainless steel (or chrome for fresh water) and available for 0-, 15- and 30-degree holders, the cleat handles lines up to a half inch.
Keep your head and neck protected from the sun with BUFF Headwear tubular, multifunctional headwear incorporating state-of-the-art fabric technologies. Ten new patterns from the Guy Harvey collection don the latest Buff Headwearthat blocks 95 percent of harmful UV rays, dries quickly and wicks moisture with its COOLMAX PRO fabric, and resists odors with the Polygiene treatment.
13 Fishing’s Concept Z Reel is constructed with Concept Zero Bearing polymer technology (no ball bearings), which eliminates corrosion, requires no maintenance or lubrication and provides exceptional casting control and distance. Built specifically for the saltwater angler, the Concept Z utilizes a 22-lb. Bulldog Drag system with Japanese Hamai cut gearing.
Eartec’s Ultrapak Beltpack transceiver enables fishing teams to communicate with each other while on the move by using Eartec’s UltraLITE self-contained headset for hands-free talking. Eartec’s system is the secret weapon that gives teams the competitive edge needed for landing trophy-worthy monsters.
When it comes down to it, the real question remains: Sportfish or Center Console?
There is certainly no shortage of offshore fishing boats suited for bluewater missions. But a notable change over the last few years is the number of larger, outboard-powered center consoles that now compete on the fishing grounds with similar-sized convertibles, which, in the past, were the benchmark for many boat owners. So which is the king? Sportfish or Center Console?
The Convertible
A convertible with a flybridge command station, sizeable cockpit, and mezzanine, spreader supported outriggers, and available tuna tower covers all the bases a serious angler could possibly need. The flybridge offers unobstructed visibility for spotting tailing fish, slicks, rips, bird activity, and protection for navigating in all weather conditions, and there’s ample room for electronics. A centerline helm often has flanking lounges that conceal rod stowage below. Visibility to the cockpit is good for watching baits in the wash, beneath the kites and monitoring angler action below.
This sportfish has decidedly more space than a center console.
In the cockpit, there’s a bait rigging station, a freezer, tackle stowage, an ice chest, a livewell, below deck fish boxes, and a transom door. If the livewell is built into the transom, it also can serve as another fish box or rigged as a reservoir for live bait tuna tubes. A fishing chair or a rocket launcher adds more to the arsenal, and square footage allows the angler to fight his fish from the transom, while the crew has total access for landing or releasing the catch.
After hours, the convertible typically offers a full-featured, air-conditioned salon with entertainment systems. Nearby, a dinette and an adjacent galley—with refrigeration and other appliances powered with an auxiliary generator—makes the boat totally self-sufficient underway and at the dock.
Below, a private and self-contained head with a shower complements overnight accommodations in the staterooms. If the weather turns sour and your fishing plans change, the convertible gives you the opportunity to spend the day aboard the boat enjoying these amenities. Similarly, with its accommodations, the convertible serves as a moveable vacation home for the family that wants to both fish and cruise.
Years ago, the convertible was the step up for boat owners wanting the next best big thing. But it also meant learning more about maintenance and internal ship systems such as running gear and diesel engines, and understanding how an inboard boat handles differently from one with outboards.
The Center Console
Meanwhile, center console builders are not anchored down by their designs. The center console first appeared in the early 1960s as a simple and practical fishing boat. It was a design not unlike a Swiss army knife that could pull off just about any type of inshore fishing assignment. As the style grew in size, more creature comforts such as T-tops and small heads in the console became the norm.
But nothing changed the complexion of the center console as much as the explosive growth of fuel-efficient outboard motors that exceed the 500-horsepower mark. Coupled with two, three, four, or even five outboards with available joystick controls, the operator enjoys fingertip ease maneuverability on center consoles exceeding 50 feet in length.
With design cues from convertible boat manufacturers, today’s center consoles are equipped with features for fishing and cruising. The appeal is broad. Everyone from tournament anglers to their families can appreciate a center console. First and foremost, multiple engine packages deliver heady cruising speeds in the 30- and 40-knot range. Some boats can blaze across the water at better than 50 knots. On the days you can utilize all this speed, an operator can be the first one to hit prime territory and stay there longer when the fish are still chewing.
The intrinsic beauty of the center console layout is the use of space. Working lines all around the boat and dunking live baits from kites are reasons why crews on big center consoles often win release tournaments. A midship-located helm station provides protection for the operator and generally good visibility. On acceleration, bow rise is mitigated with engine trim until the boat is up on plane.
More is More?
Larger boats also benefit with a tower helm above the hardtop. Windshield design varies from a wraparound plex or acrylic screen to an anodized or powder-coated frame. Get more protection against wind, spray, and rain with a clear vinyl enclosure. Engine instrumentation and multi-function display electronics fit neatly in the dash. Drink holders, stowage bins and aptly placed grab rails are a nice touch. There is more overhead stowage when the boat has a T-top.
Most center consoles have two or three seats or a leaning post. But sea conditions and speed over the water will determine whether you are sitting or standing when underway. Handholds are important in any case.
Inside the console of larger models, there is room for amenities. That could be a head compartment, a refrigerator, a cooktop, or a convertible dinette for a berth that’s cozy for two. Some smaller-sized center consoles are configured with lower compartments. However, space is better suited for stowing fishing rods and safety gear.
Abaft the seats is where the center console boat builder shows its expertise. There’s stowage for fishing tackle, a drink cooler, rod holders, and similar gear. This is a good location for a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer, space permitting, so consider other stowage and fish box areas. Some builders offer galley features in the cockpit, such as a freshwater sink, electric grill, and a refrigerator. If so, you will need a generator and a water tank to operate these items underway.
The stern is obstructed by outboards. This means fishing off the side. Considering you have the rest of the boat to walk around, it is hardly an issue. When you have multiple hook-ups, it can be an advantage in quick releases and tossing over fresh baits to a lit-up school of sails. Some center consoles have a small door to the swim platform and the engine mechanical. Others have a side door, often preferred when diving and swimming.
In the End
Both convertible and center console boats are adaptable, and each serves as an excellent platform for fishing. Center consoles without a lower compartment don’t offer a place to get out of the weather. Nor all of the amenities typically found aboard a convertible. However, they provide anglers space all around the boat. They can also be less expensive to maintain. And you can go home with you on a trailer at the end of the day to eliminate dockage costs. The key to choosing is to be sure you know how you plan to use the boat. So you tell us: what’ll it be? Sportfish or Center Console
Cobia season is underway in the mid-Atlantic and runs through September 30th in Maryland and Virginia and through December 31st in North Carolina. The minimum size in Maryland is 40 inches with a daily catch limit of one per person per day or three per vessel.
Virginia has the same regulations except that only one fish can be larger than 50 inches. The minimum size in North Carolina is 36 inches with a daily catch limit of one per person/vessel per day; for-hire boats can possess up to four cobia per day.
The Peninsula Salt Water Sport Fisherman’s Association based in Newport News, Virginia, has joined forces with the Old Dominion University Alumni Association to host the Monarch Cobia Classic July 19-21. The tournament will be hosted at the Yacht Club at Marina Shores, and organizers are hoping to make it the largest cobia tournament on the Atlantic coast.
First prize for the largest cobia will be $10,000 with cash prizes through the fifth place ($1,000). The tournament benefits the Old Dominion Alumni Association scholarship fund and Virginia Institute of Marine Science research. Anglers and non-anglers can enjoy the tournament awards and dock party Saturday evening.
When you go fishing with kids, there’s more to it than grabbing the tackle box, rod, and reel.
Selma Radoncic grinned from ear to ear as she gently stroked the dorsal fin of a fat bluegill before we carefully released it back into the water. At the tender age of five, she was out fishing and loved every second of it. Only minutes earlier, Selma had caught her first fish, a six-inch largemouth bass, and celebrated with high-fives all around.
Now, she was on her fourth fish and would go on to deck some 20 more. It was a carefully orchestrated morning trip that saw us leave the fish biting. Even before we returned to the dock, it was apparent the young angler would be forever hooked. There was little doubt that her dad, Emir Radoncic, and grandfather, John Kurtz, would have a new fishing partner for life.
Industry surveys show that most anglers get their start in fishing as youngsters. In fact, studies reveal that very few people pick up the sport as adults. Thus, those first few trips fishing with kids need to be fun and successful if your child is ever going to see fishing as a favorite pastime. Unfortunately, indoctrination into the fishing world for many youngsters consists of a spur-of-the-moment trip with the minimal preparation. That may end in boredom or even frustration for both child and adult. That’s a shame because all it takes is a little insightful planning and success can be assured, even if the fish don’t bite.
Short Trips and Fast Action
One key point to remember is that kids have limited and varied attention spans. Thus, it’s generally best to keep first trips brief. One hour of fishing can offer enough fun for most kids. Two or three hours is plenty even if the fish are hungry. Remember that, to children (and most adults), the day’s last impression is often more important than the first. For example, an hour of good fishing followed by three hours of waiting for one last bite can undo a productive start. Quit while you’re ahead and your kids will beg for more.
It’s also important to realize that children need action and success when they go fishing. Although the promise of catching a big one may provide a grown-up challenge, it pales in comparison to the reality of a small fish actually tugging at the end of the line. Tuna and six-year-olds don’t mix very well, but a day spent catching scup or perch can be delightful.
In general, it’s a good idea to avoid large, overpowering or elusive species like cow stripers, large drum, tackle-busting blues, wary bonefish, or finicky trout. Instead, key on small, fast-biting and abundant quarry; you can always increase the challenge on subsequent trips. For the novice angler, summer flounder, croaker, porgies, snapper, grunt, catfish, perch, and panfish are ideal targets, as are many so-called “trash fish.”
Take sea robins, for example. These oft-maligned scavengers are perfect for getting kids started. While adults tend to consider them little more than bait-stealing pests, sea robins are really neat from a kid’s perspective. They are abundant and colorful, feed with abandon, have wing-like fins, make loud croaking sounds, sport a gaping, toothless mouth, and strike both lures and bait. They also fight hard. Fry ‘em up and they taste enough like summer flounder that few will know the difference. Call them “dragon fish” and they suddenly take on a mysterious aura. Just watch out for the spines that surround their head when you’re fishing with kids.
As a youngster, I loved to catch sea robins. I also fished with abandon for bluegill, perch, bergalls, and porgies (scup). I spent countless hours at a local tidal creek enticing spearing and killies (mumichugs) to bite on tiny beads of Wonder Bread. I’ll let you in on a little secret: Learn to hook a dainty minnow and you can catch anything that swims.
Homework is Key
Time is precious, but an investment in scouting goes a long way when it comes to scoring a successful first fishing outing. Before you bring the kids along, head out and make sure the fish are actually biting. Are the fish where you expect? Can you actually catch one? If not, do a little more prospecting before your protégé joins you.
As for fishing instruction, give a hands-on demonstration. Most kids can figure out how to cast and retrieve any basic fishing setup in about 15 minutes. Provide casting demonstrations and practice at the dock or in the yard before heading out. Learning to cast while the fish are jumping can be especially exasperating. With younger kids, grown-ups should bait the hook and unhook the catch for obvious reasons. Appropriate flotation devices should always be mandatory. Lay down the safety ground rules ahead of time. “Look before you cast” should especially be reinforced before allowing any fishing to commence.
As for actual tackle, start out with light gear that kids can handle and balance with ease. But choose a sturdier rod and reel over the inexpensive kid’s push-button spin-cast set-up commonly found in big box stores. As a rule, these cast poorly and don’t hold up well, which can lead to more disappointment than joy. Besides, you’ll be amazed at how quickly kids pick up the mechanics needed to use more grown-up gear if the fish start to bite.
Catch, Release and Have Fun
Fishing trips provide a great opportunity to introduce the topics of conservation and outdoors ethics to children. Long before anyone places a bait in the water, explain that some of the smaller fish will be released and discuss the techniques for letting fish go.
Of course, no matter how much you plan, there are going to be days when the fish just refuse to bite. If that happens, it’s okay to admit defeat. Fish for a bit, then switch gears and try some other fun activity. Rather than end the trip on a sour note, sample a little shellfishing, go crabbing, catch frogs or crayfish. You could fly a kite, collect driftwood and seashells, skip stones, explore a cove, swim in the shallows, have a picnic, or play tag on the beach. It’s all good, and associating these fun activities with going fishing is always a smart move.
To be certain, you really want to catch something on that first outing. But failing to score doesn’t doom the day. Most youngsters are simply happy to be out on the water spending time with you. Realize this one simple fact, and you’ll understand what many adults have forgotten but most kids already know: Catching fish is just a bonus.
Story and photos by Tom Schlichter, Southern Boating June 2018
As the new model series’ name implies, the Formula 430 All Sport Crossover is dedicated to doing it all.
Expert anglers know what turns a boat from good to great, and it’s more than just adding rod holders. When designing the Formula 430 All Sport Crossover (ASC), the company sought advice from fishing captains who land dolphin, tuna and wahoo. “We consulted with the best in the business, so we didn’t go off the rails in design,” explains Danny Porter, research and development manager at Formula Boats. “We sought out the features that dedicated anglers would want from the low, mid and high ranges. Then we chose the best. There are fourteen rod-holders on the boat, and four are at the livewell. That comes standard. Then for trolling, you can add electric outriggers to the hardtop.”
World, meet the ASC
World, meet the Formula 430 All Sport Crossover.
During a Facebook Live session at the 2017 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Formula designer John Adams took viewers on a tour of the Formula 430 All Sport Crossover and the thinking behind her construction. “This obviously appears to be a fishing machine, but she’s much more than that. Along with the Seakeeper 6, you are very comfortable. Also, the boat has a second control system,” Adams explains, referring to two popular options: the gyro stabilizer and a Mercury Joystick at the fishing station. “This is a detail you see on much larger sportfishing boats, and you can control the boat beautifully.”
The Formula 430 All Sport Crossover has a huge swim platform aft, covered with comfortable PlasDECK synthetic teak boat decking. The deck is separated from the outboard engines with a padded sports station bar. The bar holds rod holders and cup holders. “It’s a big deck good for not only fishing but also as staging for swimming, diving, and snorkeling,” says Porter. “Also, there are racks for standup paddleboards and dive-ladder drop-offs on either side, port, and starboard. There is a zone for watersports, and it’s big enough for quite a few people.”
Fish On
Fishing amenities continue with a 52-gallon, pressurized livewell that can double as dive tank storage. The livewell is part of a larger fishing station that has storage, tackle drawers, bait prep, fresh and raw water hookups, and the location for the second helm station. Four rod-holders (reduced to three rod-holders with the Mercury Joystick Piloting control option) across the back of the fishing station combine with 10-rod holders built into the sport station bar.
Moving forward into the starboard helm station, three bolsters with motorized adjustable-height footrests provide sturdy seating for running in big water. The helm features three 16-inch Raymarine multi-function displays that display a host of chartplotter and performance data. Two powerful transducers provide a detailed sonar look at what’s going on beneath the boat, helping anglers hone in on good fishing spots.
“We use digital switching, which has really grown in the last few years,” says Porter. “The digital switching allows you to run all your breakers, lighting, entertainment, and other features and control it from a display or an iPad. It gives you more mobility.” A sturdy hardtop covers this entire space and features a motorized glass sunroof.
The Formula 430 ASC at the Fort Lauderdale show was equipped with quad 400-horsepower Mercury Verado four-stroke outboard engines. That’s Mercury’s most powerful outboard available. “About 70 percent of the 430 ASC models we sell are with the quad 400-horsepower engines,” says Porter. He also noted the 430 ASC has a 500-gallon fuel tank.
Comfort Abound
“People want the power, and while it can be equipped with quad 300-horsepower or triples, you just don’t see much of that.” At the dash, the Mercury VesselView information system displays engine information, generator performance, sonar, and more. Engine data like rpm, speed, fuel flow and efficiency, temperature and trim can be monitored for all four engines at once on an LCD screen. You’ll do so in comfort.
“Ergonomically, these seats are great. You can raise or lower the footrests to lock in for big water,” Porter explains. “You’ve got the Joystick Piloting for Outboards from Mercury, and the throttles and shifters are easy to reach along with the steering wheel. The boat has Bennett trim tabs and, of course, you have the Skyhook Digital anchorless feature from Mercury to keep you on a spot.”
Moving forward into the expansive bow area through the port-side walkway from the helm, a semicircle-shaped lounge goes around the gunwales. Two table pedestals can raise and lower—up for the dining position, down to make the entire area into a huge sunpad. Dual coolers, storage lockers under the seat, and a canopy round out the space.
“There are going to be times you need to get out of the sun. When being under the canopy won’t do, you can go down below into the cabin,” says Porter, who shows off the port entrance at the helm. “The Formula 430 All Sport Crossover has a separate air conditioning system at the helm and in the cabin. So you can keep it cool and comfortable depending on where the party is located.”
Privacy Reigns
You’ll find additional privacy about the Formula 430 All Sport Crossover.
The primary sleeping space is in the aft cabin stateroom. The area features a queen-size bed and privacy curtain. The space offers a 32-inch flat screen TV, Blu-ray player, and two dual-USB charging stations. Two more guests can sleep in the main cabin; a power table lowers to create a berth using filler cushions upholstered in soft Ultraleather.
The enclosed head features a vanity with Corian countertop, sink, VacuFlush head, shower, and a high-gloss, wood grain finish lower cabinet. Additionally, the galley is fully equipped below. There’s a microwave, concealed electric burners, concealed trash bin, and a LED-lighted cabinet furnished with stemware, tumblers and wine storage. Basically, everything needed for overnights and long cruising weekends.
All in All
“The Formula 430 All Sport Crossover offers something for everyone, not just anglers or divers,” says Porter. “The design is smart, too. I really like the aft control station with the Mercury Joystick. This helps with maneuvering around other boats, at the dock and, of course, while fishing. It’s something not a lot of other builders are doing. It makes a lot of sense on the water.” But when it comes down to it, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone that the 430 ASC doesn’t suit.
Freedom Boat Club enables anglers to go where the giants freely feed.
For anglers who don’t own a boat but dream of landing a record-worthy trophy, fishing can quickly become frustrating. Freedom Boat Club bridges the gap for not only active anglers but also nearly any type of water activity. With more than 150 club locations—both corporately owned and franchises—in 30 states and Canada, Freedom Boat Club services 16,000-plus memberships. That’s more than 30,000 individual members with a fleet of 1,600-plus late-model boats.
How it Works
According to Freedom Boat Club President and CEO John Giglio, similar to belonging to a golf or health club. Boat club members pay a one-time entry fee and a fixed monthly payment based on their choice of membership plan. Fuel is the only additional cost. Entry and monthly fees vary across the country based on marina fees and local market conditions.
Reservations are made through the proprietary online reservation system or Android mobile app. Book up to four reservations in advance, along with spur-of-the-moment availability options. Freedom has built its reputation on a proven 10:1 membership to boat ratio to ensure accessibility.
Members have access to a fleet of national boat brands, traditionally bowriders, deck boats, pontoons, inshore/ offshore fishing boats, and in some locations, wake/surf boats, sailboats, small cruisers, kayaks, and paddleboards. Franchise owners choose and purchase boats according to local market preferences.
“It’s fun to load up the family on the pontoon for an afternoon cruise and swim at the sandbar, and the next day, enjoy an action-packed inshore or offshore fishing adventure or a wake surfing or tubing session with the kids,” says Giglio. “Our members appreciate that they aren’t limited to one boat or boating activity.
Plenty of Training
Freedom Boat Club Members receive free, unlimited training conducted by U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains, involving both classroom and one-on-one on-water training. Initial mandatory training ensures members are proficient and confident enough to operate on local waterways. Some clubs also provide free advanced offshore training and the popular ladies-only courses.
Freedom Boat Club has a special training program designed for its female members, the Freedom Boating Diva. Corporate clubs offer twice-monthly Diva training sessions. The training rotates to different club locations and features four boats with four captains and four “divas.” Classes include on-water beginner or intermediate training.
Ladies first! Check out some members of the “Diva Group” from Freedom Boat Club.
“In southwest Florida alone, we have trained more than 300 women in the past year,” says Chelsea Smith, Freedom Boat Club’s corporate events and marketing coordinator. “The ladies really enjoy getting to know one another and many have since partnered up and go boating together.”
Take Lori Jett of Englewood, Florida, for example, who signed up for a free Diva training class. Not only did she improve her skills, but she made fast friends in the process. “I participated in Diva training last summer to improve my personal boat handling skills,” says Jett, a nine-year member who boats primarily from Cape Haze Marina.
Divas Stick Together
“During my training, I met a few other women, including Sheila Cloonan, Sally Rob and Vanessa Tinsley, who shared my same goals. The four of us now go boating together regularly a few times each month. The Diva training program is very empowering and has boosted our confidence tremendously and allowed us to more fully enjoy the boating experience.”
Capt. Marti Wagley and Capt. Elaine Devito head up the corporate Diva training initiative. Having two highly skilled female experts serves as a motivator to many. “The Diva program is very fulfilling to operate because we see so many women gain skills and confidence from the small group training program we offer,” says Wagley. “The best thing though, is seeing them take a more active role in boating. We know many who now boat together on a regular basis, while others share how they now participate in both driving and docking activities with their husbands.”
“Some women are perfectly content not to assume a more active boating role, but we believe they still need to understand the basics of operation in case of an emergency,” adds DeVito. “Knowing how to communicate on the VHF radio and how to safely return to the boat to the dock just makes smart sense.”
Expanded Access
Another key attraction to join the club is its reciprocal access to the Freedom Boat Club fleet at all locations. Members boat on an unlimited basis at their local club and can access other locations up to four times each per year.
Michael and Tina Campbell of Fort Pierce, Florida, moved to the Treasure Coast three years ago and decided to pursue the boating lifestyle. Campbell, a passionate angler, consulted with a yacht broker to help assess the best value for his boating investment. He originally considered buying a used boat, but couldn’t find the right fit for his budget. After seeing Freedom Boat Club TV ads, he explored the club option and determined it offered the ideal solution.
“Besides using boats throughout this area, I’ve boated in New Smyrna Beach as well as in the Florida Keys through the reciprocal program,” he says. “This summer, we’re visiting our children in Los Angeles and have already planned to go boating at the Freedom Boat Club there.”
Besides the national reciprocity, Freedom Boat Club plans an international launch in France this year. It has partnered with Jeanneau dealers in Europe under the Groupe Beneteau umbrella and is in the process of developing franchise clubs in cooperation with several retail dealerships.
“Our members will soon enjoy reciprocal access throughout Europe and elsewhere around the world,” says COO Louis Chemi, who oversees the franchise business. “The club concept is a proven business model for franchise owners and members alike, and we’re responding to dozens of inquiries from multiple continents.”
Boating is a Social Activity
Sharing the boating lifestyle with family and friends is fun. To show that, clubs host social events and additional programs afforded by national and local business partnerships. Smith says the Club plans more than 100 events per year. Events range from monthly socials to open houses, fishing seminars, Diva parties, and charitable activities. “Our social calendar is very full as our members really enjoy the camaraderie and love meeting others who share the same interests and lifestyle,” she says.
Social events include restaurant parties with live music, club dockside gatherings and group outings to local attractions and sporting events. In Smith’s market, upward of 100 members often sign up to attend.
Richard and Cynthia Royd relocated from New Jersey to Southwest Florida and joined Freedom Boat Club in 2012. “We tell people that the best thing we ever did was move to Florida, and the second best thing was joining Freedom Boat Club,” says Cynthia. “My husband and I love boating. Also, we really love the monthly social events and meeting other members.” Monthly open houses are also on tap and feature free boat rides for prospective members, while fishing seminars are held in partnership with West Marine or local bait and tackle shops. Some of the clubs post a private “buddy list” so that members can connect with others to share boating activities.
Not Only for Beginners
While the club offers obvious advantages to boating newbies, the concept is also gaining fans among seasoned skippers. John Allen of Lake Park, Florida, has owned multiple boats in his lifetime. He was ready to trade his 22-foot center console for a new boat when he learned about Freedom Boat Club.
“When I first heard about the club, it sounded too good to be true. I had to check it out,” he says. “Two years in and we have nothing but praise for the organization and the business model. Being able to utilize any style boat that aligns with your plans on the water is a huge value. As is paying one very low payment monthly to have access to the fleet of boats. All without having to worry about depreciation, storage, trailering, maintenance, engine services, etc.”
The boats are meticulous, gassed up and waiting for you when you get to the dock. The dock attendants greet you by name and couldn’t be more helpful and thoughtful as you load your gear aboard. Every friend we take boating remarks about the seamless arrival and departure process and experience. The Freedom Boat Club clearly represents the greatest boating value on the waterways today, bar none.”
Dial Up the Boating Fun
“From the minute of our arrival to our return, being a member of Freedom Boat Club has really dialed up the fun in our life,” says Campbell of Fort Pierce, Florida. He appreciates the freedom the club offers. “I have gone offshore fishing on several occasions on a Sunday. When we return to the dock and get into a deck boat to go to the sandbar and swim with friends in the afternoon. What a great life!”
