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rodcrafter@islc.net
There are times when I lose control of things, but I can usually rebound with little or no circumstance. The wife says now that I am older, I lose my temper more often. For the most part, this can be associated with something I had little or no control over in the first place. Some may say I am a control freak, which can be good or bad depending on the circumstance.
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I like to think that those things I can control by some remote coincidence will be affected by my actions in a positive way. For those things I can't control, somehow in my gray years, they just don't seem that important anymore. Things like politics, in-laws, the weather and taxes I resigned control long ago. Today, the only control I wish to generate is focused on more rewarding distractions.
Proper Boat Control
Maintaining boat control in tidal waters requires a bit of finesse. This applies any time you are in command of the vessel. Whether you are launching, docking, anchoring, retrieving or fishing, your actions have a positive reaction. Now I could run off on a tangent here and bring up the countless times I was rammed by another boater or the total and complete ignorance of some boaters as they approach a boat slip in a crowded marina.
Then again, I could mention the numerous episodes while drift fishing a shoreline only to be cut short by another boater. I could also mention occasions navigating a waterway and being forced into a game of chicken by the inexperienced and stupid. I could bring up these things but I won't. I will refrain from mentioning how I felt at the time, what circumstances resulted or who claimed victory in these no-win situations. After all, for the moment I am in control. My ramblings are one of those more rewarding distractions I mentioned earlier.
On the right path
Have you noticed on your fishing trips there will be one or two boats that always return with a mess of fish? Why is that? What's so special about the baits they use, the boat, their rods, reels or technique? I've been searching for that magic fishing lure for years -- the one true lure that calls fish from unknown waters to find my line. The lure where hooks are always sharp, knots stay tied and the right depth and action is correct every time. Though painfully chided time and again by tackle manufacturers, I am beginning to doubt it exists. I would be willing to place my often-questionable reputation that the success offishermen is based more on boat control and presentation than any bewitched fishing aid.
Stay in the zone
An individual's ability to control certain fishing aspects plays a major factor in their success or failure, among them being boat control. There are far too many factors that influence how this is accomplished, but paramount among them is the use of trolling motors, proper poling and anchoring techniques. Also, there is knowing the characteristics of the boat you are operating and how it is influenced by current, wind direction, tides and wave action. There are situations and applications for all of these factors, but once again, boat control should be considered above all else. It makes little difference at the end of the day if your vessel out-ran the competition, or if the price tag for all the glitter outlasts the mortgage.
What does matter is being in the right place at the right time and having the ability to stay there. The more effective you are at controlling your boat, the longer your bait stays in the zone. Keeping your bait in the water among fish means you are not fishing on credit.
There are many variables which affect boat control and the only way to become proficient is by practice. Each condition mentioned will come into play at one time or another and the time to get it right is not when you have finally managed to locate fish. You may save yourself a bit of embarrassment and a bit of coin by not having to stop at the fish market and you could very easily be one of those that return to the landing with bragging rights. Envy or ridicule? It's your call.
Meetings and events
HHIFC: The Hilton Head Island Fishing Club (HHIFC) will hold its next monthly meeting on Tuesday. The meeting will be at the Yacht Club of HHI, Palmetto Bay Marina and the guest speaker will be Capt. Trent Malphrus of Palmetto Lagoon Charters.
Trent is well known on the island and his knowledge of backwater fishing, his techniques and methods should not be missed. There will also be an update on Red Drum from the Waddell Mariculture Center. A cash bar and dinner will be from 6:15-7 p.m. The regular meeting starts at 7 p.m.. Call Dave Harter at 785-4106 for information.
Guests are welcome and reservations are not necessary.
SIFF: The Sea Island Fly Fishers (SIFF) meeting will be held Wednesday at Bay Street Outfitters. A social begins at 6 p.m. with light refreshments available at no charge. The regular meeting will begin promptly at 7 p.m. and normally lasts for one hour. The guest speaker will be Captain Richard Stuhr, one of the most prominent and successful inshore light tackle and fly fishing guides from the Charleston area. Come join the group for fishing lies, tales and friendly chatter. Guests are always welcome. For information, contact Jerry Wadley at 521-1896.
BSFDC: The Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club's monthly meeting will be held Thursday at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club. A social will be at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting begins 7 p.m. Captain Brian McCaffree of Hold-On Charters will be the guest speaker. The topic for the evening will be fall and winter bottom fishing. McCaffree is among the elite fishing guides in the Lowcountry and his success over the past few years has been phenomenal. His presentation will be on bottom rigs, baits and which rod and reel is best suited for the tides you choose. For information, contact Captain Frank Gibson at 522- 2020. No reservations are needed and all guests welcome.
Tackle Tip:
Anchoring is an easy way to maintain boat position without sacrificing the ability to move your boat. A bit confusing perhaps, but it need not be if you follow the rules. By switching your anchor rope to different cleats, you can fish a broader area. The anchor is used as an axis during periods of high winds, current or tide conditions. Moving from one cleat to another will vary the angle of your boat, thus changing your position. Many anglers will carry two anchors and anchor both the bow and the stern once a position is suitable. I do not recommend this action for the novice as heavy motors, tanks and equipment in the stern can become a hazard in rough waters. Veteran anglers know the advantages of using two anchors and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
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