October 7th, 1999
This edition of GuideLines deals with:
Question:
TAGGED STRIPED BASS
"I hooked a striped bass off Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts and it had a tag for
the Littoral Society. Highlands, New Jersey, 07732. Do you know anything about what I
should do with the tag?" Rich H.
Answer:
Beth Hanratty (als@netlabs.net) at the American Littoral Society
replied: "Here are the guidelines for returning tags. I hope this helps, let us know
if you have any questions."
IF A FISH IS CAUGHT WITH OUR TAG, ASK THE FISHERMAN OR
WOMAN TO:
- Wrap the tag up in a piece of paper and on the piece of paper put:
- Specie of fish Where you caught the fish
- The date you caught the fish
- Length and weight (if you have it)
- Name and address
- Send it to: Littoral Society, Highlands, NJ 07732 (This is on the tag).
WHEN WE RECEIVE THE TAG, WE WILL SEND THE RECAPTURER:
- The history of the fish
- A jacket patch Information on our program
IF SOMEONE IS INTERESTED IN TAGGING: They can contact Pam or Vicki at American Littoral
Society, Sandy Hook, Highlands, NJ 07732 732-291-0055. They must be willing to join ALS
($25 per year for individuals or families) and must purchase tags ($6 for 10 tags, data
cards, applicator needle, and directions). Membership and fish tags are tax deductible. No
charge cards for tagging memberships. Tag Fish brochures are available with more
information.
Question: MARTHAS
VINEYARD TRIP
"We need to get a guide for an October, 1999 Martha's Vineyard trip. We want to
get all four main species on the trip if possible; size isn't an issue. We have some
saltwater experience, not on the US side though. Any help will be appreciated."
Keith W.
Answer:
Capt. Leslie Smith (backlash@tiac.net)
of Backlash Charters in Edgartown, Massachusetts, replied: "I'm assuming that you're
referring to bass, bluefish, bonito and little tunny as the four main species. A lot of
folks would like to do a super grand slam on fly in one day, especially those that are
participants in the Martha's Vineyard Derby that will be running until the middle of
October. There's only one hitch. While the "albies" are around (little tunny's
local name) there are very few bonito to be had, making it fairly difficult to catch each
of the small tunas. Stripers and blues tend to hang out in deeper water, many times
reachable only by using super sink 650-grain lines. There are very few fly rodders that
have done the super slam during the tournament, and that's with thirty days of fishing to
do it in, though, granted, the fish in the tournament must make a certain size limit for
each species. My suggestion is to concentrate on whichever species is most prevalent at
the time and just have fun!"
Question: DRAFT DIFFERENCE IN
FLATS BOATS
"My questions are in regard to the stated draft of flats boats. Do manufacturers
list the stated draft with the maximum horsepower motor installed or with no motor? I am
currently looking into the purchase of a new flats boat between 16' and 20'. I will mainly
be fishing the West Coast of Florida (Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor) however I will
occasionally be in the Keys for bonefish, tarpon, etc. I know there really is not a
"does everything" boat but how shallow of a draft should I be looking for?
Thanks for the assistance." Jim S.
Answer: Capt.
Ron Kowalyk (captronkowalyk@webtv.net),
who guides out of the Tampa Bay area, said: "The draft rating on most boats is per
load rating, if it is otherwise they will state per so much weight, motor, passengers,
cargo, etc. My experience with flats type skiffs is this - Hull weight is the determining
factor as to true draft. The beam in relation to overall length and hull weight is the
second factor (equals relative displacement). The wider the beam in relation to the
length, the shallower the draft. Hull configuration will also determine how shallow draft
a boat is, generally the sharper the bow entry and dead rise angle the deeper the hull
floats, i.e. flatter is better. Tunnel and step hulls help overcome the squat
characteristics of some hulls. "Squat" is the tendency for a hull to suck down
at the transom as power is applied, thus increasing draft. Jack plate and gill bracket
arrangements help reduce squat and the bow rise which accompanies it. These items allow
the engine to be moved vertically rather than simply trimmed, and put the prop at the
necessary depth for a shallow hole shot. Trim tabs are generally placed on boats with
squat characteristics and assist in planing the boat for quick hole shots. In closing, as
you pointed out, every boat is a compromise, especially a flats boat. Remember you're
asking a boat to do high performance with very little water, kind of a contradiction.
You'll have to weigh your real needs against performance, the bigger the boat, the deeper
the draft. The flatter the hull, the rougher the ride. The smaller, lighter and flatter
the hull, the shallower the draft. I believe that in flats boats, more is always less,
more junk equals less true hull performance. Keep it simple, with fewer live and release
wells. Good power at the prop (slightly bigger mills perform better, don't go
under-powered). Figure what you're really going to do with the boat most of the time. If
you're a tournament guy you'll need some extra bells and whistles. Hope this is of some
help."
Answer: David Kesar (davidkesar@worldnet.att.net), said:
"Dear Draft Dodger, as a former fishing guide and now Vice President of Maverick Boat
Company, I will try and answer your question(s) as fairly as possible. Without speaking
for other manufacturers, I know that we try and give an honest and accurate "real
world" estimate of draft. This process is very scientific and dangerous, please be
careful if you try this at home - we go fishing!! What we will do is take a particular
model rigged as we feel the average boat will be, just because it's rated for a 175
horsepower motor doesn't mean that the bulk of them will be sold with a 175. So say that
we feel that a 130 is the most appropriate power, then we add about half a tank of gas, a
bit of gear, lunch and a tape measure and a stick. Note that we leave off a 24 volt
trolling motor, batteries and charger, dog, ten years of accumulated tackle and
memorabilia, beer, and any really fat friends. All this is leading up to being fair, while
still trying to present our boats in an acceptable fashion. Common sense will tell you
just from looking at a boat at a show that some boats float shallower than others - wide
supports weight better, but narrower poles easy. You're right, one boat will not do
everything. Determine what you do 90% of the time and then go out and test drive (float)
the boats appropriate to your mission. If you are fishing with a trolling motor and
plugging the mangroves along the west coast you can give up draft for ride. If you want to
chase tailing reds in Flamingo, then very shallow draft is the need. A flats boat is a
huge dollar commitment and something that you are likely to own (or live in when your wife
finds out how much you spent) for a long time. Do your research well and make the right
buying decision once."
Question: SALTWATER FLY IN
FIJI
"Hi, I will be fishing Kadavu in Fiji in October this year and I am having
trouble finding out information about the species and tactics. I have heard mention of
bonefish and being a native Aussie I'm familiar with the trevally, but surely there would
be a greater variety of gamefish. Do you have any experience in these waters or know of
any source of information; any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Regards,"
Dean
Question: FIJI FLY FISHING
"I am going to Fiji for my honeymoon and am staying at a resort called Laucala,
or Forbes Island. This is near Matagi and Taveuni. The resort has 5 boats and unlimited
access to these boats for fishing or whatever. I was wondering if you could find out any
information on what to take (flies, rods, lines, etc.) and what species I could target in
that area. Thanks for your time." Bert T.
Answer: Craig Hughan (c_hughan@hotmail.com), a fishing guide working out
of Suva in the Fiji Islands sent this response: "Bula Bob, Rob Miller, the Manager of
Wakaya [the Wakaya Club is a resort on the island of the same name in Fiji (wakaya@is.com.fj)] forwarded your e-mail on to me
regarding fishing in Fiji. I operate as a freelance captain/fishing guide here in Fiji,
having worked previously for Ocean Pacific Club as the Fishing Master/Captain on board the
Adi Kuila. This involved live-aboard game fishing throughout Fiji, both deep sea trawling
and light tackle spinning, for three years. The e-mail you sent is very vague as to the
exact area and type of fishing you wish to do. I have included my hotmail address and
would be happy to help you out. Send me a list of questions and I will try to answer as
best I can. Cheers!" We followed up with another request for more details from Craig,
but have not yet heard back from him. Readers can glean a bit more information from the
Fiji Visitors Bureau website at www.bulafiji.com,
and search the site for "fishing". You'll see the best seasons for a variety of
game fish, such as tuna, wahoo and various billfish.
The next issue of GuideLines answers
questions:
- on fishing for bonito,
- tying your own versus store-bought leaders, and
- gives hints on spotting fish on the flats.
Again, our thanks to the guides who take the time to
answer questions for GuideLines, along with a reminder - readers, please be as specific
with your questions as possible, and guides, please give as much (or more) information as
you think is required. Sometimes readers may not know enough about available fishing
opportunities in a given locale to know what to ask. We always look forward to your
questions - Keep'em coming!
Bob and Sandy Rodgers
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