Fall is fast approaching, season ending fishing tournaments and championships are going on now. Some have already put their boats away to get ready for hunting season, while others are just putting their boats away for the season. I know that I blog about ethanol way to much, but that should be a sign to you that it continues to big a huge issue for our customers. If you continue to use your boat year round, ethanol will not be a issue that you will have to deal with. If you do store your rig over the winter months, burn that gas out of your boat before your you put your rig away.
Ethanol is used in all gasoline that is distributed along Route 95, this means that everyone using gasoline in the Mid Atlantic area uses it. That means you use it in your boat, your lawn mower, chain saw etc. Ethanol has a shelf life of under 90 days before it has phase separation. At which time it will begin to absorb water, creates an acid solution and loose its octane rating. This is really bad of your outboard and any other gasoline engine that you put into storage. Phase separated gasoline can blow your engine, corrosion can cause damage to your engine components and cost you a lot of money.
Preventing problems from ethanol phase separation is pretty easy. Before you put your rig away for the season, add some brand of ethanol fuel treatment to your boats gas tank (we use Sierra E Guard or Star-tron at our shops), then run the boats gas tank as low as possible the last time you plan on using it. If you have already put your boat away without doing this, drain your gasoline out of your boat and put it in your car or truck, then add ethanol treatment to your tank. When you put gasoline in your boat for the first time next spring, fill it up with high test gasoline, this will raise the octane level of the older gas when blended with fresh gasoline.
Remember that you still need to do your standard winterizing, gear oil filter, greasing etc. If you winterize your boat and take care of the ethanol issue you will be a lot better off when spring arrives. If not, we will be waiting to see you in the shop in the spring.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Summer's Almost Over; Fishings Is About To Get Hot
Summer is almost over; the days are getting shorter, kids are back in school and cold fronts are starting to come through, but the fishing in our area is about to heat up. Every fall the fishing gets going in our region as the dog days of August disappear.
Fall has always been my favorite time of year to bass fish. All the tournaments trails are coming to a close, everyone has to fish hard to make the year end classics and the champions are crowned. A whole year of effort comes to a conclusion. Local fishing events like the Renegade Fall Tournament are held where you see all the same anglers year after year. It's just great to see everyone and the fishing is excellent.
Our local waters fire back up as summer passes and the fishing is just awesome. The Upper and Lower Potomac River get hot as the grass starts to die and the fish go to the hard cover for the season. That favorite red Bomber crackbait is the bait of choice on the Lower Potomac. Tubes and hair jigs are the go to lures on he Upper Potomac. Jerkbaits and crackbaits work on the local lakes such as Lake Anna, fish head to the creeks and the jig bite that will soon be in full swing as the cooler temperatures get colder each night. If we are lucky enough to get some rain this fall, the Susquehanna River gets really cranking, some of the best smallmouth bass fishing you will ever see. What's not to like about the fall fishing that is right in front of us.
I hate winter, short days and cold windy temperatures make it a long depressing time of year for many outdoorsman. I have only found one thing good thing about the end of summer and the thought that winter is on the way, fall fishing is here.and I look forward to it every year.
Fall has always been my favorite time of year to bass fish. All the tournaments trails are coming to a close, everyone has to fish hard to make the year end classics and the champions are crowned. A whole year of effort comes to a conclusion. Local fishing events like the Renegade Fall Tournament are held where you see all the same anglers year after year. It's just great to see everyone and the fishing is excellent.
Our local waters fire back up as summer passes and the fishing is just awesome. The Upper and Lower Potomac River get hot as the grass starts to die and the fish go to the hard cover for the season. That favorite red Bomber crackbait is the bait of choice on the Lower Potomac. Tubes and hair jigs are the go to lures on he Upper Potomac. Jerkbaits and crackbaits work on the local lakes such as Lake Anna, fish head to the creeks and the jig bite that will soon be in full swing as the cooler temperatures get colder each night. If we are lucky enough to get some rain this fall, the Susquehanna River gets really cranking, some of the best smallmouth bass fishing you will ever see. What's not to like about the fall fishing that is right in front of us.
I hate winter, short days and cold windy temperatures make it a long depressing time of year for many outdoorsman. I have only found one thing good thing about the end of summer and the thought that winter is on the way, fall fishing is here.and I look forward to it every year.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Boat Accessories; Do You Need Them or Just Want Them?
There are more boat accessories on the market today than ever before; items like power anchors, GPS, side imagining, trim tabs and the list goes on and on. Customers add these items to new and old boats at great expense. The real question is; do we really need all these new accessories or do we just want them?
Everyone, including myself, can't believe how much money is spent equipping bass boats today. We have people bringing in older bass boats and spend upwards of $10,000 on new equipment for their boat. We also have customers adding as much as $15,000 to up grade their new boat, new boats that have more and better equipment than ever before.It is amazing to me that anglers would spend so much money on items that anglers in the past did without.
Most of these accessories serve a purpose or give you additional information to make you a better angler. Power Poles can keep you on the fish and replace your regular anchor. How many of you ever carried a anchor in your bass boat, thought so. How about $3,500.00 side imagining depth finder with chart plotters and GPS. Really cool technology, but how many times have you heard of someone being lost on the Potomac and the Coast Guard going out to rescue them? Me either.
I myself have some of these accessories on my personal boats. I always seem to be able to convince myself that I need them, but in reality, I probably just want them. Some of our customers state that if they up grade their present boat they can keep it for another few years before buying a new rig, makes sense if their old boats equipment had failed. If their equipment was still working, like me, they probably just want those new hi tech goodies. Customer ordering new rigs with all the equipment is fine, just remember, if you ad $15,000 worth of goodies to a $500 jon boat, it will cost $15,500 for that jon boat.
The bottom line on these new hi tech accessories is that they are really cool to have and use. These accessories cost a lot to purchase and only you can decide if they are worth the additional dollars. The truth be told, Rick Clunn and many of the anglers of the past caught alot of big bass for a long time without these tools. If you can afford these items, cool go for it, if not, you will probably be just fine without them.
Everyone, including myself, can't believe how much money is spent equipping bass boats today. We have people bringing in older bass boats and spend upwards of $10,000 on new equipment for their boat. We also have customers adding as much as $15,000 to up grade their new boat, new boats that have more and better equipment than ever before.It is amazing to me that anglers would spend so much money on items that anglers in the past did without.
Most of these accessories serve a purpose or give you additional information to make you a better angler. Power Poles can keep you on the fish and replace your regular anchor. How many of you ever carried a anchor in your bass boat, thought so. How about $3,500.00 side imagining depth finder with chart plotters and GPS. Really cool technology, but how many times have you heard of someone being lost on the Potomac and the Coast Guard going out to rescue them? Me either.
I myself have some of these accessories on my personal boats. I always seem to be able to convince myself that I need them, but in reality, I probably just want them. Some of our customers state that if they up grade their present boat they can keep it for another few years before buying a new rig, makes sense if their old boats equipment had failed. If their equipment was still working, like me, they probably just want those new hi tech goodies. Customer ordering new rigs with all the equipment is fine, just remember, if you ad $15,000 worth of goodies to a $500 jon boat, it will cost $15,500 for that jon boat.
The bottom line on these new hi tech accessories is that they are really cool to have and use. These accessories cost a lot to purchase and only you can decide if they are worth the additional dollars. The truth be told, Rick Clunn and many of the anglers of the past caught alot of big bass for a long time without these tools. If you can afford these items, cool go for it, if not, you will probably be just fine without them.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Boating on the 4th of July? Be Careful
The 4th of July is a very popular day for boating here in the Washington D.C. area; but be careful if you go out on the Potomac River around DC.
Watching the 4th of July fireworks celebration in the Nations Capitol will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, the experience is even better if you watch them from an boat on the Potomac River. Boating is great fun with friends anytime, but this is a special night every year on the river. If you are going to take advantage of this very special event, you should take some special precautions to keep you and your friends safe.
Many boats come out on the river early to get a good parking spot to watch the fireworks on the 4th. They load all their friends in the boat for a day of food, fun and partying. Nothing wrong with partying on the water as long as the captain of the boat takes control of everyone on the boat and refrains from partying. A long hot day on the water with to much alcohol puts everyone in danger. Even if your group is well behaved, you must take care to watch the other vessels around you that may not be well behaved. Heat is also a large concern of being out on the water all day, having cold water or sports drinks on board if someone starts to feel bad, then you should get them off the water if they continue to feel poorly. Sunblock is a must on the river also, burns only hurt for a couple of days but skin cancer is a serious concern over the long terms. I know I sounds like a bummer, but it is better to be safe and have fun than the alternative.
The most important thing to do if you are going to the Potomac River for the 4th of July is to have fun and be patient. Ramps will be crowded and lots of other boaters will be moving up and down the river. Take your time and enjoy the whole day. Be safe and have fun, maybe I will see you there. Happy Birthday America!!!
Watching the 4th of July fireworks celebration in the Nations Capitol will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, the experience is even better if you watch them from an boat on the Potomac River. Boating is great fun with friends anytime, but this is a special night every year on the river. If you are going to take advantage of this very special event, you should take some special precautions to keep you and your friends safe.
Many boats come out on the river early to get a good parking spot to watch the fireworks on the 4th. They load all their friends in the boat for a day of food, fun and partying. Nothing wrong with partying on the water as long as the captain of the boat takes control of everyone on the boat and refrains from partying. A long hot day on the water with to much alcohol puts everyone in danger. Even if your group is well behaved, you must take care to watch the other vessels around you that may not be well behaved. Heat is also a large concern of being out on the water all day, having cold water or sports drinks on board if someone starts to feel bad, then you should get them off the water if they continue to feel poorly. Sunblock is a must on the river also, burns only hurt for a couple of days but skin cancer is a serious concern over the long terms. I know I sounds like a bummer, but it is better to be safe and have fun than the alternative.
The most important thing to do if you are going to the Potomac River for the 4th of July is to have fun and be patient. Ramps will be crowded and lots of other boaters will be moving up and down the river. Take your time and enjoy the whole day. Be safe and have fun, maybe I will see you there. Happy Birthday America!!!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Kayaks; They Are Everywhere
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.
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.
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.
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