Back in the day, kayaks were only used by the adventurous types, normal people used canoes and jon boats for their small boating needs. Have you noticed that you rarely see canoes anymore? Drive around our area during rush hour and you will find that you see kayaks on top of cars, sometimes multiple kayaks on multiple cars, kkayaks are everywhere.
Why are kayaks getting so popular? I believe that kayaks have become so popular because of several reasons. First, kayaking may be the easiest way to enjoy yourself on the water today; no license needed to operate, you don't need an large vehicle to transport them, they use people power not gasoline and they cost less than almost any other vessel on earth. The next best thing about a kayak is that you can use them anywhere; local ponds, lakes, rivers and even the ocean. Kayaks are light and can be handled by almost anyone. Kayaking is also a great way to get a workout and kayaking in the great outdoors is truly better than running on a treadmill next to me for a hour. I believe the biggest reason people have taken to kayaking is the new breed of kayaks on the market today. These new kayaks are not the kayaks of the past that you slid into like a foot in a sock, these new sit on top of kayak are stable and comfortable to sit on. Some kayaks like the Hobie Mirage Drive Kayaks even have pedals and rutter that propel and steer the kayak. They pedal kind of like a bike, fins under the kayak push the kayak along and you steer with a handle to change directions. That's pretty cool stuff, they allow you to fish from these boats virtually hands free. Kayak accessories are also available, endless options from GPS, sails, live wells, outriggers and even carts to transport your kayak from your car down to the water. All of the items above have make kayaking more popular than ever before.
If you want to get out on the water, get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank, kayaking may be right for you. I must warn you that kayaking is addictive, easy and fun. The next thing you know, you will have your kayak on top of your car coming home from work so you can stop and kayak till the sun goes down.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Mid Atlantic Anglers Are Truly Lucky.
Anglers that live in the Mid Atlantic are truly lucky to live so close to the Potomac River and the Upper Chesapeake Bay. These two fishing locations are amongst the best bass fishing destinations in the country and luckily only a short drive for most anglers living in the Mid Atlantic States.
With high gas prices and hotel rooms costing so much, making a day trip to the Potomac and Upper Bay is easy on your wallet compared to driving long distances and having to spend the night in search of quality fishing. These two bodies of water really have shown to have amongst the Countries Best Bass Fishing.
This past weekend, the FLW and BFL held a Tour Event and the All American on the Potomac River. These tournaments were both held at the National Harbor Complex just below the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The touring Pros that fished in the Tour Event could only fish below South Point and the All American Anglers could only fish above the WW Bridge. The Pros fished for four days after making cuts after Day 2 and Day 3 while the All American Anglers fished three days after the cut following Day 2. The winner of the Pro Event had a total weight of 66.06 lbs. for 4 days or a 16.51 lbs. average per day. The winner of the All American had a total of 43.04 lbs. or 14.34 lbs. average per day. In fact, the Tour Event had a greater weight (200 more lbs.) on the first two days than the Okeechobee Tour event that holds all the records. Many local anglers felt bad for the All American Anglers because they had to fish the bad section of the river. It appears from these weights in both events that the Potomac River has no bad sections. Almost every Pro angler that fished the Tour event stated that the Potomac is in the top 10 bass fishing locations in the country.
I can remember putting fishing trips together with my buddies, we would drive hundreds of miles to a great fishing location down south. We would spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars chasing that little green fish we all love to chase. That has all changed now, all we have to do is going fishing on the Potomac or the Upper Bay to catch all the quality fish we want. Man are we lucky to live so close to such great bass fishing.
With high gas prices and hotel rooms costing so much, making a day trip to the Potomac and Upper Bay is easy on your wallet compared to driving long distances and having to spend the night in search of quality fishing. These two bodies of water really have shown to have amongst the Countries Best Bass Fishing.
This past weekend, the FLW and BFL held a Tour Event and the All American on the Potomac River. These tournaments were both held at the National Harbor Complex just below the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The touring Pros that fished in the Tour Event could only fish below South Point and the All American Anglers could only fish above the WW Bridge. The Pros fished for four days after making cuts after Day 2 and Day 3 while the All American Anglers fished three days after the cut following Day 2. The winner of the Pro Event had a total weight of 66.06 lbs. for 4 days or a 16.51 lbs. average per day. The winner of the All American had a total of 43.04 lbs. or 14.34 lbs. average per day. In fact, the Tour Event had a greater weight (200 more lbs.) on the first two days than the Okeechobee Tour event that holds all the records. Many local anglers felt bad for the All American Anglers because they had to fish the bad section of the river. It appears from these weights in both events that the Potomac River has no bad sections. Almost every Pro angler that fished the Tour event stated that the Potomac is in the top 10 bass fishing locations in the country.
I can remember putting fishing trips together with my buddies, we would drive hundreds of miles to a great fishing location down south. We would spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars chasing that little green fish we all love to chase. That has all changed now, all we have to do is going fishing on the Potomac or the Upper Bay to catch all the quality fish we want. Man are we lucky to live so close to such great bass fishing.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Everyone Likes Fishing and Boating on Sunny Days, Be Careful, The Sun Can Kill You
We all like to fish and boat on beautiful sunny days, but we all need to be careful, because the sun can kill you. I am sitting here at MARE Inc. on a rainy Tuesday in early May, making arrangements to attend a funeral for one of our longtime friends, he was one of the marine industries best that I have dealt with for some 24 years. He died of skin cancer after fighting a courageous battle for two years. He loved the outdoors and especially small mouth bass fishing on the Susquehanna River.
Many of us have gone out fishing and boating without sun protection and, after a couple of days of peeling and discomfort we recovered. But some people do not recover. Prolonged exposure to the sun and multiple sunburns can lead to skin cancer. Several types of skin cancer left unaddressed can cause death. Everyone of us that spend time outdoors enjoying sports and recreation need to take steps to ensure that we are protected from the ultra violet rays that destroy our skin.
Today there is a great number of products on the market that can protect you from the sun for endless hours. Sun screen lotions, clothing materials that breath but protect you from UV's, hats and many products from a company called Buff. When it comes to sun screens, I prefer those that use zinc. Zinc is the white paste like cream that the lifeguards in all the movies have on. You will not tan using zinc, it blocks the suns rays and is not attractive to look at but it works. Clothing materials have come to the market that wicks away moisture yet breath so you never get overheated even when using long sleeves. Many of these clothing manufactures even put SPF ratings on their products. Hats and visors protect your head and even when used with polarized eye wear improve your vision. One quick tip is to find a hat or visor that the underside of the brim is dart colored, really helps your vision. The biggest trend in sun protection brought to us from a company called Buff. Other companies make similar products but they are the trailblazers when it comes to sun protection for anglers. Buff offers a sleeve that pulls down over your head and covers your neck, it can be worn several ways as preferred by the user. They also offer gloves, I know "gloves", these gloves are comfortable and can be worn even when handling the smallest task, like knot tying. So as you can see, there are lots of ways to protect yourself from the sun while fishing and boating.
Thursday I will attend Oz's funeral, back when he was young, the use of sun protection was not as advanced as it is today. There are no more excuses for any of us getting skin cancer from sun exposure. We all should use Oz's death as a sign to take better care of ourselves. As for Oz, tight lines and big small mouth jumps my friend.
Many of us have gone out fishing and boating without sun protection and, after a couple of days of peeling and discomfort we recovered. But some people do not recover. Prolonged exposure to the sun and multiple sunburns can lead to skin cancer. Several types of skin cancer left unaddressed can cause death. Everyone of us that spend time outdoors enjoying sports and recreation need to take steps to ensure that we are protected from the ultra violet rays that destroy our skin.
Today there is a great number of products on the market that can protect you from the sun for endless hours. Sun screen lotions, clothing materials that breath but protect you from UV's, hats and many products from a company called Buff. When it comes to sun screens, I prefer those that use zinc. Zinc is the white paste like cream that the lifeguards in all the movies have on. You will not tan using zinc, it blocks the suns rays and is not attractive to look at but it works. Clothing materials have come to the market that wicks away moisture yet breath so you never get overheated even when using long sleeves. Many of these clothing manufactures even put SPF ratings on their products. Hats and visors protect your head and even when used with polarized eye wear improve your vision. One quick tip is to find a hat or visor that the underside of the brim is dart colored, really helps your vision. The biggest trend in sun protection brought to us from a company called Buff. Other companies make similar products but they are the trailblazers when it comes to sun protection for anglers. Buff offers a sleeve that pulls down over your head and covers your neck, it can be worn several ways as preferred by the user. They also offer gloves, I know "gloves", these gloves are comfortable and can be worn even when handling the smallest task, like knot tying. So as you can see, there are lots of ways to protect yourself from the sun while fishing and boating.
Thursday I will attend Oz's funeral, back when he was young, the use of sun protection was not as advanced as it is today. There are no more excuses for any of us getting skin cancer from sun exposure. We all should use Oz's death as a sign to take better care of ourselves. As for Oz, tight lines and big small mouth jumps my friend.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Ethanol; Raises It's Ugly Head
It's that time of year again, the weather has broken and boaters are getting their boats out for the first time this season. Many are having problems with their engine; won't start, idles poorly or not at all, mostly because ethanol has raised it's ugly head.
Several years ago Congress and the EPA decided that we needed to start using ethanol to boost octane in gasoline because the chemical used previously was linked to causing cancer. The use of ethanol is gasoline has many issues related to it; less power, less fuel economy, higher food and fuel costs but when it comes to boat motors, the biggest problem is phase separation. Phase separation in laymen terms is unblending of the fuel, like your ice tea when it sits in the glass melting. Dark on top, light on the bottom. When this occurs from sitting the ethanol absorbs water, the octane in the fuel drops as much as 20% and it creates an acid that eat aluminum. By the way, most of your engine is made of aluminum. Ethanol also eats the rubber components in the fuel system, causing primer bulbs and fuel lines to break up and clog other components in the fuel system. Sometimes costing hundreds of dollars in repair costs. None of this is good for you or your boat.
The morel of the story is, if your boat has been sitting since last summer, take a fuel sample or take it to a service center to have the fuel checked out before you try to take it to the water. Doing this will save you time and possibly a lot of money. The alternative is to gamble and hope that ethanol doesn't raise it's ugly head.
Several years ago Congress and the EPA decided that we needed to start using ethanol to boost octane in gasoline because the chemical used previously was linked to causing cancer. The use of ethanol is gasoline has many issues related to it; less power, less fuel economy, higher food and fuel costs but when it comes to boat motors, the biggest problem is phase separation. Phase separation in laymen terms is unblending of the fuel, like your ice tea when it sits in the glass melting. Dark on top, light on the bottom. When this occurs from sitting the ethanol absorbs water, the octane in the fuel drops as much as 20% and it creates an acid that eat aluminum. By the way, most of your engine is made of aluminum. Ethanol also eats the rubber components in the fuel system, causing primer bulbs and fuel lines to break up and clog other components in the fuel system. Sometimes costing hundreds of dollars in repair costs. None of this is good for you or your boat.
The morel of the story is, if your boat has been sitting since last summer, take a fuel sample or take it to a service center to have the fuel checked out before you try to take it to the water. Doing this will save you time and possibly a lot of money. The alternative is to gamble and hope that ethanol doesn't raise it's ugly head.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
When You See The Dogwoods Start to Bloom; Go Bass Fishing
When most people see the dogwood trees start to bloom, they think Spring is finally here. They comment on the beauty of the trees and the sweet smells that go along with Spring. I however look at the Virginia State tree blooming in an entirely different way, dogwood trees blooming means that the big bass are ready to eat. So when I see the annual occurrence it's time to go bass fishing.
Having bass fished since my youth (which was a long time ago) some of my best experience in catching large bass has come during the dogwood tree bloom. It's funny, I have caught a very large number of large bass (over 5 lbs.) over the years but I can remember every one I caught during the dogwood bloom. Maybe it's because it was the first big fish of the season. It is a true sign to me that Spring is here and the fishing season is in full swing.
Two of these fish stand out to me the most, both were caught in the same spot, the same way on Lake Anna one year apart. It's possible that it was the same exact fish as it was almost 8 pounds the first year and almost 9 pounds the next year. I let both fish go as I have with every bass I have ever caught with one exception. That one exception was a fish I caught with my good friend Jeff Coble on Falls Lake in NC. It was a 11 pound 3 ounce monster caught on my favorite bait; a spinnerbait. By the way, that monster bass was caught on April 2, 1992 during the dogwood bloom.
The dogwood bloom happens every year, usually between April 1 and April 15 depending on the weather and your geographical location. I have found that it does not matter what part of the country you are in, when it happens, it's happening on the water. So when I see dogwood trees have started to bloom, I go fishing and I suggest you go to.
Sincerely,
Brian
E-Mail: brian@mareinc.com
Phone: MARE Inc.: 301-898-3717
MARE of Aquia: 540-657-1136
Web-site: mareinc.com
mareinc.rangerdealer.com
Facebook: MARE Inc.
MARE of Aquia
MARE Inc. Boating & Fishing
Twitter: @MAREMARINE
YouTube: MAREMARINEINC
Having bass fished since my youth (which was a long time ago) some of my best experience in catching large bass has come during the dogwood tree bloom. It's funny, I have caught a very large number of large bass (over 5 lbs.) over the years but I can remember every one I caught during the dogwood bloom. Maybe it's because it was the first big fish of the season. It is a true sign to me that Spring is here and the fishing season is in full swing.
Two of these fish stand out to me the most, both were caught in the same spot, the same way on Lake Anna one year apart. It's possible that it was the same exact fish as it was almost 8 pounds the first year and almost 9 pounds the next year. I let both fish go as I have with every bass I have ever caught with one exception. That one exception was a fish I caught with my good friend Jeff Coble on Falls Lake in NC. It was a 11 pound 3 ounce monster caught on my favorite bait; a spinnerbait. By the way, that monster bass was caught on April 2, 1992 during the dogwood bloom.
The dogwood bloom happens every year, usually between April 1 and April 15 depending on the weather and your geographical location. I have found that it does not matter what part of the country you are in, when it happens, it's happening on the water. So when I see dogwood trees have started to bloom, I go fishing and I suggest you go to.
Sincerely,
Brian
E-Mail: brian@mareinc.com
Phone: MARE Inc.: 301-898-3717
MARE of Aquia: 540-657-1136
Web-site: mareinc.com
mareinc.rangerdealer.com
Facebook: MARE Inc.
MARE of Aquia
MARE Inc. Boating & Fishing
Twitter: @MAREMARINE
YouTube: MAREMARINEINC
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Potomac River is on Fire
The Potomac River is on fire, no it's not burning, but the bass fishing is red hot. Early reports are that bass are being caught in large numbers and the larger fish are showing up shallow. It is a great sign for the up coming season when the river is on fire early.
What is causing this to happen this year? Is it because of the mild winter that we have had most of the season? Maybe it's because we had very little high water on the Upper Potomac or it could be just one of the cycles that the river goes through from time to time. I believe that the fishing is already great because of all three reasons.
The first reason is a mild winter which allows the grass to stay healthy and has kept the water clear. When that happens, it creates habitat for the food source and gives the young of the year a chance to survive the winter months. All things that are great for the fishery.
The second reason is that the Upper Potomac to this point has not really flooded this winter. No flooding means that thousands of tons of sediment has not washed downstream to the Lower Potomac and a large amount of cold river water did not come with it. No sediment and no large amount of cold river means the water quality and clarity has remained constant. Water clarity allows sunlight for the grass to grow and the shallows to warm up. Again, great for the fishery.
The third and final reason is that the Potomac seems to be on the up tick, fishing has been good and heading toward great over the last couple of fishing seasons. There has been more larger fish being caught and the overall numbers appear to be on the increase. This is great for all the anglers that fish on the Potomac River.
Whatever the reason, fishing appears to be great. When the fishing is this good, this early, there is only one thing to do; get out there and enjoy it. It's time to go fishing on the Lower Potomac, because the river is on fire.
Sincerely,
Brian Lancaster
E-Mail: brian@mareinc.com
Phone: MARE Inc.: 301-898-3717
MARE of Aquia: 540-657-1136
Web-site: mareinc.com
mareinc.rangerdealer.com
Facebook: MARE Inc.
MARE of Aquia
MARE Inc. Boating & Fishing
Twitter: @MAREMARINE
YouTube: MAREMARINEINC
What is causing this to happen this year? Is it because of the mild winter that we have had most of the season? Maybe it's because we had very little high water on the Upper Potomac or it could be just one of the cycles that the river goes through from time to time. I believe that the fishing is already great because of all three reasons.
The first reason is a mild winter which allows the grass to stay healthy and has kept the water clear. When that happens, it creates habitat for the food source and gives the young of the year a chance to survive the winter months. All things that are great for the fishery.
The second reason is that the Upper Potomac to this point has not really flooded this winter. No flooding means that thousands of tons of sediment has not washed downstream to the Lower Potomac and a large amount of cold river water did not come with it. No sediment and no large amount of cold river means the water quality and clarity has remained constant. Water clarity allows sunlight for the grass to grow and the shallows to warm up. Again, great for the fishery.
The third and final reason is that the Potomac seems to be on the up tick, fishing has been good and heading toward great over the last couple of fishing seasons. There has been more larger fish being caught and the overall numbers appear to be on the increase. This is great for all the anglers that fish on the Potomac River.
Whatever the reason, fishing appears to be great. When the fishing is this good, this early, there is only one thing to do; get out there and enjoy it. It's time to go fishing on the Lower Potomac, because the river is on fire.
Sincerely,
Brian Lancaster
E-Mail: brian@mareinc.com
Phone: MARE Inc.: 301-898-3717
MARE of Aquia: 540-657-1136
Web-site: mareinc.com
mareinc.rangerdealer.com
Facebook: MARE Inc.
MARE of Aquia
MARE Inc. Boating & Fishing
Twitter: @MAREMARINE
YouTube: MAREMARINEINC
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Little Guys Can Fish The BassMaster Classic
Every bass fisherman that has ever fished a tournament has dreamed of fishing the BassMaster Classic. The Classic is the holy grail of fishing. The Classic is the private playing ground for the pros and will only remain a dream for local angles. Then Kelly Pratt appears, local guy fishes B.A.S.S. Open on the James River and beats all the Pros. This week Kelly Pratt is fishing in the BassMaster Classic. Ha, the little guy can fish in the BassMaster Classic after all.
The road to qualify for the Classic can be driven on several separate paths for an local angler. The most common way that a local angler can qualify for the BassMaster Classic is through the Bass Federation. Another way to qualify is to fish the Pro Tour and finish high enough in the yearly standings. But when reality sets in, most angler find it impossible to compete at that level or find the funding necessary to follow the tour around the country. Some estimates claim it to cost as much as $100,000.00 for just one season, this is generally above the pay scale of many local anglers. Then there is the way Kelly Pratt qualifies for the Classic, Kelly fished as a Pro when B.A.S.S. came to the James River last year. He honed his skills on his home body of water, worked his butt off and when the Tour came to town he put it on them. Many local anglers fish these events when the Tour comes around, most fish hard but fail in the task of beating professionals that make a living angling. Maybe it's nerves, maybe it's having to find enough fish for the whole week but for some reason most local anglers fail to win. None of those reasons stopped Kelly from winning, he won a trip to the big dance of bass fishing, the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing, The BassMaster Classic.
I would like to wish Kelly Pratt of Willaimsburg, Virginia the best of luck in The Classic, we are rooting for you and hope that you have a great time fishing with the big boys for the championship. I would also like to thank you for showing us that it is possible to live out our dreams if you work hard enough. Thanks Kelly, us little guys can fish in the BassMaster Classic after all.
The road to qualify for the Classic can be driven on several separate paths for an local angler. The most common way that a local angler can qualify for the BassMaster Classic is through the Bass Federation. Another way to qualify is to fish the Pro Tour and finish high enough in the yearly standings. But when reality sets in, most angler find it impossible to compete at that level or find the funding necessary to follow the tour around the country. Some estimates claim it to cost as much as $100,000.00 for just one season, this is generally above the pay scale of many local anglers. Then there is the way Kelly Pratt qualifies for the Classic, Kelly fished as a Pro when B.A.S.S. came to the James River last year. He honed his skills on his home body of water, worked his butt off and when the Tour came to town he put it on them. Many local anglers fish these events when the Tour comes around, most fish hard but fail in the task of beating professionals that make a living angling. Maybe it's nerves, maybe it's having to find enough fish for the whole week but for some reason most local anglers fail to win. None of those reasons stopped Kelly from winning, he won a trip to the big dance of bass fishing, the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing, The BassMaster Classic.
I would like to wish Kelly Pratt of Willaimsburg, Virginia the best of luck in The Classic, we are rooting for you and hope that you have a great time fishing with the big boys for the championship. I would also like to thank you for showing us that it is possible to live out our dreams if you work hard enough. Thanks Kelly, us little guys can fish in the BassMaster Classic after all.
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