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FROM THE DECK
Twelve Days till Fishmas
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Local businessmen Mr. Lee and Skipper Ron enjoy an early Fishmas present. The 63.1 pound yellowtail was a World Class California State Record. The fish was caught off Santa Barbara Island, just 40 minutes from Redondo Beach. It put up a one hour fight on 25 lb. test, making 14 times around the boat. |
Well Mates, ya have 12 more days to get that special fishing gift for yer wife, kids, buddy or the others in yer fishing life. It's a buyer's market; think about it. Gasoline is 99 cents a gallon, car and truck dealers are just giving vehicles away, the boat and motor folks will do anything to get you on the water. The only thing you need is a job and some money. Aarg!
Why is it that when everything is cheap the last thing you have is lots of denero, green backs, smackers, ole American dollars? On the other hand, when yer working, bringing home the Bass, money in the bank, you still do not have the on hand cash to get that special something. Oh, you can borrow on the future. However the future is NOW!
So, how do you beat the system and get what you want? First, you have to make an inventory of everything you own. Anything that does not have to do wit fishing get rid of it; it's just a distraction anyway. Now, go through all your tackle, rods, reels and such. Anything that you have not used in 20 years sell it on the Internet. Some old lures and other equipment start at $20 and up. You would be surprised what other folks pay for junk; you could be sitting on a gold mine. Just ask Pete at "Pete's Just Fishing."
If you want a boat, but cannot afford a new one, buy one used or at an auction. Here is the down side of buying a used boat. Most outboards need work. I sez, just buy a boat that has no motor or outdrive, shop around, then put your own new power package in afterwards. If the hull is sound, you will have a boat you do not have to worry about for years. A month ago I saw a 20-foot Skipjack, clean, but with no motor for $1,000. That boat with a motor starts at $15,000. The boat could be powered for a third of that. So, make your payments on a new motor and outdrive -- get the picture?
Now, you have to tow the boat unless you are going to keep it in the water all the time.
It's a buyers market on trucks and cars; just make sure you are not underpowered. There ain't nutt'in more embarrasing than being on a boat ramp and can't pull the dang thing out of the water. Oh, also launched a few boats without the drain plug. It's a bad thing to sink yer own boat in front of friends and family.
Last thing, be sure the boat has a trailer. Anything over 25 feet is another matter, however, 25 and under it is a must. Things to check, the bearings, seals, and springs. Most things can be replaced; but if the axel and springs are shot -- that is where the bucks leave the wallet. New trailers start at $3,000 and go up to $8,000! Used trailers, if you can find them, are worth putting a $1,000 towards fixing up. Oh, be sure they are properly registered with DMV. Had problems with that too; but that's another story...Arrrg
Now you are ready for the next fishing season. The Halibut will start showing up in the bay in early March. That's also when Rock Cod season opens. So, you have lots of time to find yer boat, fix yer boat, get that vehicle and trailer. Happy hunting and enjoy these 12 last days before Fishmas. Aarg Sez the Captain!
Contest: Still no winner of the Rod and Reel. My pet Pelican needs a name. Poor thing. Send yer names for Pelican, yer fish tails and fish pictures to Captain Jack c/o the Easy Reader, P.O. Box 427, Hermosa Beach, CA or Email easyreader@earthlink.net. Aarg! ER