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The oil spill cleanup continues and will continue for some time. While it continues, anglers and boaters are warned to travel slowly around the cleanup. Florida recently issued a release indicating such.
Because of the large number of oil-containment booms and cleanup equipment being deployed around the state in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Boating and Waterways Section is asking boaters to slow down where oil cleanup is under way.
This reporter continues to be amazed at how our Gulf Coast is getting crushed by this catastrophe, yet not enough attention is being paid to this crisis. Hopefully, the spill is going to be contained in the upcoming days and the cleanup can begin in earnest.
The FWC encourages all boaters to operate at slow speed within 300 feet of all authorized booms. Boaters operating near any oil-containment booms or cleanup equipment should exercise extreme caution and comply with all applicable navigational rules. Oil-skimming equipment is large and cumbersome, and it is restricted in its ability to maneuver. As a result, boaters should be prepared to stay clear of these vessels when operating near them.
Failure to operate at slow speed in these areas could result in injury, damage to vessels and damage to the containment booms. Additionally, the wake that results from a vessel operating above slow speed in areas where a boom has been deployed can reduce the effectiveness of the boom, resulting in further environmental damage.
FWC officers and local marine units will be on the water encouraging boaters to operate at slow speed in those areas where cleanup efforts are under way.
By Capt. Pat Horrigan
When you think about fishing you realize that there are many forms of the sport. Sight fishing is by far the most challenging approach to be taken. In order to be successful in sight fishing, you must have a stealthy approach or you will do nothing more than spook your quarry. Wade fishing has its’ place for sure but it can be a long walk and as you tire, you are naturally noisier by default. Using a flats boat is very popular and always will be and kayak fishing may not be for everyone as it requires patience. To achieve the most in stealth a quality kayak makes the difference between a long walk and a very expensive flats boat. There are many different fishing kayaks on the market today and that’s great. I looked for a long time for the right kayak to sponsor the Kayak Fishing ClassicS national tournament series. The Freedom Hawk 12 by Freedom Hawk Kayaks packs everything a kayak fisherman needs into a very slick, quiet unit. The biggest advantage yielding feature of the Freedom 12 is the easily deployable outriggers. This feature truly makes it the Stand -Up Kayak Fishing standard on the market. Why is that important? When seated low in a kayak it is difficult to sight fish. Great sunglasses like the Ocean Waves Sunglasses really help however having the ability to stand on a mobile, stable platform is invaluable. The sunglasses are still a must have item and Ocean Waves Sunglasses are the best ,in my opinion. Continue reading Why Kayak Fishing?
It’s one of the scariest things that can happen to the pleasure boater – someone falls overboard while you’re out sailing. It can happen quickly, and sometimes, you won’t even know how it happened. It just happened.
 Before you even launch your boat, make sure that you have a man overboard plan and you've practiced the drill Continue reading Man Overboard! Boating Safety
Today’s technology allows you to do lots of things that we wouldn’t even have considered 20 years ago. Who would have thought that you could play hundreds of songs on a device that is smaller than a credit card? Today, we take these advancements for granted.
The world of boating has also seen an enormous number of advancements over the years; who would have ever thought that you could actually monitor depths, your location, speed and fuel consumption from one screen? With today’s technologies, it’s all possible. Continue reading Boating Navigation Technology
Fishing by yourself, particularly when launching your boat, can be intimidating and downright difficult. It’s not impossible and can be easily done with the right preparation. Continue reading Boating by Yourself – Flying Solo
The time has come. You’ve been considering buying a boat for years, but you’re now ready to take the plunge and purchase your vessel. Buying a boat is a big decision, but if you find the right boat for you, the purchase will provide rewards for you, your friends and your family for years.
When looking for the ideal boat for you, you will be presented with plenty of options, from inboard our outboard engines to fly bridges, outriggers, cabins and trailers. There are many decisions you’ll have to make along the way, which can sometimes be complicated. However, asking yourself some basic questions can help guide your decision on what boat is best for you. Continue reading Buying Your first Boat
One often thinks that they need to head to a coastal area when going to a new port. Then entire Jersey shore has ports dotted all along it, and many travel from one port to another. There are, however, some landlocked ports as well.
Lake Hopatcong is one of these ports. Its miles of shoreline, many marinas and launch ramps and convenient access make it a top spot for New Jersey’s cruising enthusiasts. For one looking to trailer their boat to a new destination that is close by, Lake Hopatcong has a number of attractions that appeal to the boating enthusiasts. Continue reading BOATING DESTINATION: LAKE HOPATCONG
A couple of party boats run out of Crisfield on the Chesapeake’s Lower Eastern Shore. These boats run during the fishing season for a variety of species, depending on what’s running.
Charter boats in Crisfield will also occasionally act as pseudo head boats and promote make-up or mixed charter trips to help small groups of anglers cut costs. They will mix and match individuals for a day on the water. It seems this happens more often than not during the Chesapeake striper run. To find out about getting in on charter make-up parties, check with the local marina. Continue reading Crisfield Party Boat Fishing
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