Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Shark Fishing

English: Shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)

No other fish has as much of a fearful reputation as a shark, and their reputation stands when it comes to catching the monsters of the sea. Take a look at a few of the most popular shark species for anglers.

Blue Shark

Blue sharks get their name form their brightly colored blue tops with a lighter blue on their sides. They are one of the most widely distributed animals in the world, and can be found off the shores of every continent besides Antarctica. They are known to be found particularly around the Mediterranean and the western Atlantic Ocean.  

Shortfin Mako

These are one of the most popular sharks to catch in all of the western Atlantic Ocean. They are great fighters, and a memorable catch for any angler. They are also known to make a great meal for anglers who keep their catch, but it’s typically advised they can make a great meal for those who keep their catch. Be wary of their fight though, as they are known to leap sky high out of the water and even charge the boat. Other fishermen have been injured from sharks biting boats and leaping into them, so always be cautious with these sharks.

Thresher Shark

There are varying species of thresher sharks, which can be found throughout the Atlantic as well as the Pacific Ocean. Although they can be found in deep waters, they are typically found in more shallow waters, which make them an ideal shark for the Gulf of Mexico. Much like the Shortfin Mako, they will typically jump out of the water, and are a fun shark to catch.

Great Hammerhead Shark

Great Hammerheads can be found in tropical waters around the world, and can be found in water of less than 4 feet deep to around 230 feet off shore. They can grow up to 15 feet, and try to overpower anglers when caught.

If you’re in Mississippi and are looking to do some shark fishing out on the Gulf Coast, get a hold of Captain Ron’s Fishing Charters and they can take you out for some fun.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Choosing a Boat Lift

Boat lifts are one of the more important supplementary purchases that you make with a boat. A good boat lift ensures that your boat remains safe during the time that you are not around it, and ensures that you won’t have to pay for costly and avoidable damages. When purchasing your boat lift, there’s a few things you should take into account.

Required Installation

Many boat lifts can be assembled on your own, while others require a team to come in to get the job done. Be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into, and be aware that you will need to bring your boat lift in and out if water in your area freezes over. Also be aware that storing your boat lift for the winter can come with a price tag as well if you don’t have a place to store it on your own.

Manual or Electric

For many of your smaller boats, all you will need is boat lift with a winch powered by yourself. They typically are a lot cheaper, and will require less maintenance down the road. If you have a heavier fiberglass boat, or require a bit of assistance for getting your boat out of the water, then a boat lift with an electrical motor may be the best option. It gives you more flexibility as well if you anticipate getting a larger or heavier boat that can fit on your existing boat lift.

Required Maintenance

Before buying your boat lift, be sure you ask the sales staff what kind of regular maintenance will be required on your part. Boat lifts typically require fairly regular lubrication for all of its gears, cables and other moving parts. Always be sure you check your boat lift for cracks and wear and tear in the belts and cables, particularly in the spring before you put it in the water. If you are taking your boat out for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to raise the boat lift out of the water.