This day: http://captdaves.blogspot.com/2008/11/1117-you-could-have-been-hereif-you.html
Bob passed us by and said, "You guys sure are catching them...." or something to that effect.
And I made mention to him, that Rob was a friend and "master type"angler, and I was in the charter biz and if he called or emailed me. I'd make it worth his time to do a charter and show him the ropes one day.
Well, that day was today.
Here's an excerpt of the email I just received from Bob;
"Capt D,
You filled me with such great information today that by the end of the day I was reaching sensory overload........ I realized I forgot to actually thank you for all the great stuff you taught me and the great day. So THANK YOU!"
I think Bob was a bit flabbergasted, yes. But it was just the basics, really. If you're a life long fisherman, and have done some saltwater fishing, I went over what you would have been familiar with. (So I believe) And as I said, it was worth Bob's time for certain and he got his money's worth!!! And he'll learn as he goes with time. And I'm always here for questions, too.
But I did hope to cover some areas that I'm sure a lot of people don't think of. Our emphasis was on Float-rig fishing, basically. While touching on the jetties, tides, structure and no day would be complete without Cappy Dave's strong opinions on fish, boats and tackle. I throw all that in for free....... (we caught some Trout of course, too)
Which leads me to a few suggestions. It's that time of year, and especially this year with the way the economy is. The number of requests I get for gift certificates is a economic flow chart from year to year. In good times I'll get 10-20 requests or inquiries in December. But this year, I've received two inquiry/requests...but no takers.
Gift certificates are a great way to save $$$. You can maybe buy a gift certificate now and save money. Charter prices can vary. You could buy now, because prices could go up later.
Like hotels, they have their "seasonal rates".
And so do I.
A fantastic Christmas gift that doesn't take a lot of thought for the fisherman in your family is the Florida Sportsman Tide Planner book. Believe me, if you're a local 1st Coast fisherman and don't understand, know like the back of your hand, the tides around here. Your fueling up, buying bait, and heading out handicapped still. I see it all the time, when I talk to people at the bait shop.
The FS Tide planner has much more in it than just tides. It explains the whys and hows, and has lots of good reading material, about weather, barometric pressure, solor/lunar tables, records, state size limits and much more. I just went to Strike Zone on Beach Blvd. this evening and bought a new one for 2009. I book all my charters by reviewing it, FIRST.
Plus, I'm quoted on the inside cover, explaining how important the book is too me. I use mine as a log book, even. And save them and look back to other years to find trends, and read notes I've made.
To toot my own sale items....I have """like new""" (4) Shimano Trevalla butterfly jigging rods for sale. And some jigs and terminal tackle, and a case. Perfect for the offshore angler at Christmas.
Mine are way cheaper than in the stores. Let's talk!
Another present for the fisherman could be the Snapper Saver! The innovative dehooking device with built-in fish bladder deflator. I have a link to them on the side bar of this blog. It's a product that goes hand in hand when someone has a Boga-Grip on the boat. It's that type of innovative fishing tool. I have a Boga Grip and a Snapper Saver, myself, so I'm prepared. I love tools.......and speaking of another great fishing tool and possible Christmas present is the "JUS' GRAB IT GLOVE". You may have fished with me or seen me with mine....I will not fish without it, now. It's the product with the motto: No more slime, No more grime, safe fish handling for everyone! Check them out on the side bar of this blog where I have a link to them, also.
Or just watch the "funny-mercial", I did here: http://captdaves.blogspot.com/2008/11/from-1111-out-trying-my-new-stuff.html
I know I have the toughest time with Birthdays and Christmas myself. Because let's see....my mother loves to cook, I have no clue about cooking, and she's very particular. My dad, well his life revolves around riding his motorcycles. I don't ride motorcycles, (I can, I just choose not to anymore) and both of these people, have everything!!! So, I'm left with a blank. And struggle every holiday.
But us fisherman. We never have enough stuff. Especially, if you also own a boat, or multiple boats.
Wanna know what I've always wanted, but it's been just a tad out of my reach. Because I usually want a rod or reel more?
These are 'Jim Buoy' brand Type 1 Personal Floatation Devices.
Life Preservers....probably the most durable, longest lasting, most compact type 1 PFD's made. They're also expensive! Because you buy them once. When I bought my "life-time" Plate Alloy boat over two years ago. I vowed to eventually get 5 of these, at least.
It's a "state of mind" kinda thing. I want everything completely commercial grade, tough as nails. And that also covers all my PFD's too. While hoping to never have to use them. Retailing $58-75.00 each! Versus $20-38 for the cheapo ones made of fabric.
"Completely puncture-proof 100% closed-cell construction Stainless steel or government bronze hardware throughout. Dons easily with less confusion that other type life preservers. Slide-thru belt is in ready at all times. Completely reversible (front to back). Flat surface design requires less stowage space-less tangle. New resilient CJ-16 Foam resists fuel, acid, fungus and is absolutely puncture-proof!"
If you have a smaller boat, and your storage is limited, these maybe the last thing you think of, but those big bulky PFD's that just don't store well are the first thing you think of when they're taking up all the room in your only dry storage space!!
Two maybe three on your boat isn't so bad. But I need a minimum of (5) and could use (6) not counting any child size. So you can see why they are still on my, "Wish List".
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Looks like we're in for some crap weather......."oh that means my phone will ring!!!" (a charter biz saying...)
Here's the forecast, and Friday looks to be a possible fish'able day.
THURSDAY SOUTH WINDS 20 KNOTS. SEAS 4 TO 6 FEET. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY. SHOWERS AND THUNDER STORMS LIKELY.
FRIDAY NORTHWEST WINDS 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.
SATURDAY NORTHEAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.
SUNDAY EAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 5 TO 7 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP. ISOLATED SHOWERS.
See ya out there, FRIDAY
