Fishing Rigs

[Rich]

Just wait until you start losing $20/$30 dollar lures and associated terminal tackle regularly.

And the thing is they really do work better, at least for the fishing I do.

[PhilD]

My boat will hold 12 in the main rod locker. 6 in the rear rod holder. I have another storage compartment that is cut to hold rods just without the fancy rod holders/dividers. (I don't use the latter for rods) and I have room to strap down about 12 to the deck (I don't really count that as storage and only use the deck straps moving from fishing hole to fishing hole)

Man you have that boat crammed with rods, does 30 rods mean 30 people fishing!

This is only a portion of what I carry in the boat. I have about half a dozen other boxes on shelfs in the garage.

There was me thinking my dozen lures was a lot but mine are bigger

[Rich]

Man you have that boat crammed with rods, does 30 rods mean 30 people fishing!

I should clarify, I only carry about a dozen rods for myself. Rear storage (6 holders) is for the person fishing with me who brings their own or for the kids when they're with me. For bass fishing rods are highly specialized. One example would be a rod designed for a spinner bait. It should have a very soft tip to increase vibration created by the spinner bait. The rod should then become very stout about 6" from the tip to help with hook-set for the larger hook on a spinner bait. Another example would be a rod designed for crankbait fishing. The entire rod should be soft because one of the inherant problems with using a crankbait is that the fish can use the lure leverage himself free. Soft rod prevents that and hokset isn;t an issue because the hooks are smaller, sharper and penetrate easier. The list goes on. Add to that that time is important in a tounament and changing lures costs time. Before you know it you're carrying 12 rods.

Boat only fishes 3 people comfortably. One person in the rear seat/deck and two in the front. The notch in the deck coming forward between the windshields is usually part of the deck. In this pic I have the "deck extension" out because I needed the space to put the icechest for our camping trip. If theres a second person on the deck they have to stand. Typiclally I have only 2 people fishing. In a tournament only ever 2.

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There was me thinking my dozen lures was a lot but mine are bigger

It's not size but placement that matters.

[PhilD]

It's not size but placement that matters.

Hmmm, I thinking it's "size not quantity"

[Charles Helm]

You're more than welcome to come along with us and show us the ropes

I like to charter so that there are some people on board (captain and deck hand) who actually know what they are doing! I do usually remember which way to turn the handle on the reel, but that may be my limit.

You can post on 2Cool for a buddy boat or crew wanted. That could be a big help.

Coast Guard is still looking for three guys who did not return last weekend from Cervesa/Tequila. Be sure you have plenty of safety gear.

[PhilD]

I do usually remember which way to turn the handle on the reel, but that may be my limit.

You'd be in good company

You can post on 2Cool for a buddy boat or crew wanted. That could be a big help.

I've got a couple of local guys I know who will likely come out with me. ]Provided the weather stays good I was planning on running out to Big Southern this weekend. It's about 42 miles out, but if the gulf is calm you can get their pretty quick.

Coast Guard is still looking for three guys who did not return last weekend from Cervesa/Tequila. Be sure you have plenty of safety gear.

I have plenty of safety gear, but you can never have enough! I use Type I vests, not the crappy Type II's.

I programmed up the VHF with a MMSI the other day, signed up for SeaTow and tested the chart plotter, radio, radar, and auto pilot. I also have a back up GPS. I'd like an EPIRB, and may pick one up shortly.

Common sense goes a long way out on the water, and you can never underestimate Mr Murphy.

[Charles Helm]

Redundancy is good too. Also some basic function checks. I have read some stories about what happens if you do not have an alarm for too much water in the bilge or if it isn't working or when a through-hull fitting fails or...

Sounds like you are on top of it. Will be better than whatever I end up doing.

[PhilD]

Redundancy is good too. Also some basic function checks. I have read some stories about what happens if you do not have an alarm for too much water in the bilge or if it isn't working or when a through-hull fitting fails or...

I actually need to add another bilge pump, I've never felt comfortable with just one. I've only just got this boat, so still have a list of things to do, but now you mention it, I think I'll go and pick up a 1000 gph automatic bilge pump today and throw it in.

[Charles Helm]

An excellent plan!

This is the article that made me think about redundant bilge pumps, high water alarms, and brass through-hull fittings.

However, unless I win the lottery I doubt I will ever actually buy a boat so...

http://www.docksidereports.com/small_boat_safety_at_sea.htm
http://www.docksidereports.com/boat_safety_at_sea_Part_II.htm

Did I miss where you told us what kind of boat it is? I looked last night but I was probably not at the top of my game.

[PhilD]

Good articles, thanks. As it turns out there is actually another bilge pump higher up, I just didn't see it until I started looking for places to mount one. I still may just add another for good measure though.

The boat is a used Century 2600 with twin Yamaha 200's. This was taken by the previous owner, but it gives you the idea.

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[Rich]

Redundancy is good too. Also some basic function checks. I have read some stories about what happens if you do not have an alarm for too much water in the bilge or if it isn't working or when a through-hull fitting fails or...

I actually need to add another bilge pump, I've never felt comfortable with just one. I've only just got this boat, so still have a list of things to do, but now you mention it, I think I'll go and pick up a 1000 gph automatic bilge pump today and throw it in.

Good idea. My auto pump has saved me some trouble on a few occasions......when I forget to put the plug in before launching. The auto pump will usually be running by the time I park the truck and get back to the boat.

And again, nice boat Phil! I'm curious as to the top speed with the dual 200's?

Also, does the seller live near you? I see a flats boat cruising up the channel behind your boat. Are there flats in CC?

[PhilD]

when I forget to put the plug in before launching.

I hate to say it, but I've done that before too

I'm curious as to the top speed with the dual 200's?

Supposedly somewhere just over 50 mph, but to be quite honest it starts feeling fast at 40 mph and in the narrow waterways around here it requires too much concentration. Cruising at around 32 or so feels much more comfortable. On a calm day cruising at 32 feels nice out in the Gulf too.

Also, does the seller live near you? I see a flats boat cruising up the channel behind your boat. Are there flats in CC?

No, but he had the boat in a dry stack in Rockport, about 45 minutes north of here. Lot's of flats fishing here, I'd say 90% of the fishing boats here are for flats fishing. Trout and reds seem to be the common catch. Loads of fishing guides around here too.

[Rich]

Supposedly somewhere just over 50 mph, but to be quite honest it starts feeling fast at 40 mph and in the narrow waterways around here it requires too much concentration. Cruising at around 32 or so feels much more comfortable. On a calm day cruising at 32 feels nice out in the Gulf too.

Yep, 40 feels like 80. It won't be long until you're used to going that fast on water and you'll be taking those props in to have them tweaked for more speed.

[PhilD]

Yep, 40 feels like 80. It won't be long until you're used to going that fast on water and you'll be taking those props in to have them tweaked for more speed.

No, I'm pretty happy with the performance and it does what I need. I used to take the previous little boat up close to 50 all the time, but this one takes a little more handling and it doesn't turn on a dime, but you're most probably right and I'll get used to it quickly.

[Charles Helm]

Looks very nice!