Pick your fishing partners well; you're stuck with them

Solo fishing has its place, but sometimes someone else in the boat makes your trip more rewarding.

Plus, it's always nice to have someone to whom you can delegate loading, packing, fish-cleaning and fetching chores.

Of course, the benefits are obliterated by someone who doesn't know how to keep his yap shut, so I have only one rule in picking a fishing partner -- that someone must be relatively quiet. Yes, I enjoy intelligent conversation, but those conversations must be mutually inclusive and end quickly when the bite is on.

I find that mechanics, plumbers, electricians and construction workers generally make the best fishing companions. They are not prone to idle banter, they generally have a great sense of humor and when they speak it is usually in the form of a grunt. This low mumble is intended to show approval or disapproval of a situation and the salutation is reacted to in kind.

As a veteran, I also value active duty and former military personnel. They tend to speak only when spoken to and display the three P's of fishing: Persistence, perseverance and patience. Regrettably, most of the good ones are called to duty too soon or transferred before any lasting relationship can be formed.

Since saltwater fishing is a sport of proper timing and stealth, politicians sometimes make good companions too. Lord knows they can tell a fish story, although they often try to convince everyone aboard they're an expert on all subjects.

Teachers are a special breed of individuals and remain in a class by themselves, no pun intended. In the classroom they are masters, on the water more often than not the role is reversed and the student becomes the teacher. However, they are a great deal of fun to watch and an excellent source for future stories. Most of those I have encountered take the time as a learning experience and throw themselves into the venture without restriction. But beware: They're prone to over-think even the simplest of situations.

If I had my druthers, I'd always fish with a kid, particularly one just learning the sport. They are tenacious in their approach and waste little time with incidentals. Get them on the water, rig them up, catch a few fish and they will remain loyal and available no matter what the hour or the weather. Kids are very competitive and this alone puts them above the rest. It also ensures a future placed in the hands of individuals who have been taught to love and respect the sport as well as the environment.

FINAL LEG OF BILLFISH SERIES SET FOR BOHICKET

The Bohicket Invitational Billfish Tournament, an original Governor's Cup Billfishing "triple crown" event, will conclude this year's series, July 23-26.

The top boats and anglers competing for overall series awards in several categories will be determined. You can be on hand to witness the finale as the Bohicket Marina celebrates with live music and great food each night of the event. For information, contact Deidre Menefee, tournament director, at 843-345-0359.

BACK IN THE GAME

As I wrote a few weeks ago, expenses have forced local fisherman Marc Pincus and his Team Reelin' to pare back their competition schedule, but they still plan to compete in hand-picked events. In fact, they competed in theSt. Mary's Saltwater Kingfish Classic on June 28 and placed seventh overall.

With Zack Lynam, Shawn Brantley and Eric Moore also aboard, Team Reelin' finished seventh out of about 140 boats. The concentrated their efforts on the Betsy Ross Reef.

Be sure to watch Pincus on television at 11 a.m. July 27 as Fox Sports South replays a FLW Kingfish Tour event in Sarasota, Fla., where Pincus reeled in the winning fish with Team Fish Fever.

TACKLE TIP

I'm addicted to two things -- barbecue and fishing. I doubt anything short of ulcers or a worldwide ban on fishing will ever cure me of either.

If I have another vice, it's yard sales -- the signs always bring my vehicle to a stop. It's amazing the quality of fishing gear you can find if you're lucky enough to happen upon the right combination. The better sales are those which involve the recently divorced. Not normally one to associate another's misery with good fortune, their choice makes my search easier.

The time the husband spent away from home on fishing excursions will generally dictate the intensity of the divorce and the price of the wares. On occasion the wife has had about all she can stand of another male and will cheerfully reduce the price just to get you out of her yard. Remember the old line, "Hell hath no fury!"

In all seriousness, yard sales are often a good hunting ground for older lures and tackle.

They're also less fattening than barbecue.