Boca Grande, to Tampa Bay

August 20th, 2008

Downtime from Fay

Tropical storm Fay skirted East of the Tampa Bay area but did manage to cause enough disruptions to cancel trips and keep most everyone in port. The busy fall fishing season is just around the corner so I took the time to catch up on periodic maintenance for my boat and fishing equipment.

Take inventory I am always amazed at how much tackle we go through. I just sent an order to DOA; Glo shrimp, terroreyz and bait buster should be in every tackle box. Check you line for frays, is the spool full? Full spools equal extra long casts.  

Oil and lube your reels, check rods for cracks or frayed guides. Check you trailer front to back, maintenance is very simple. Check the tire tread and air pressure, wheel bearings, lights; tie down straps and the hitch. Refer to your boat and motor owners manual for maintenance schedules for do it yourselfers or stop in and see your dealer. Review all your safety equipment, as a Professional Captain I check the safety equipment prior to each trip. VHF, PFD's, fire extinguisher etc or refer to  http://www.uscgboating.org/USCG. Good habit for every boater.  

Last but not least take the time to clean and wax your boat. Clients of On The Mark Charters always fish from a sparkling clean boat, just because you are fishing doesn't mean you can't go in style! The fish will be ready to chew lets all be ready for the remainder of summer and the rapidly approaching Fall season.