Select, set up your trailer carefully
February 2010
One of the most overlooked aspects of purchasing a boat is the trailer. Oh, if it’s a used boat, you may walk around the trailer and look for obvious rust or problems and maybe even kick the tires, but rarely does anyone check further or ask any questions. When the purchase is a new boat, there is even less discussion of the trailer. Many folks have the opinion that if the dealer has the boat on that trailer, it is the right one.
Can'ts buy new? You can update old
January 2010
Can’t buy new? You can update At the risk of sounding like a naysayer or doomsday prophet, I think it’s safe to say there are many of us who would like to replace the boat we have but don’t see it as something that is going to happen in the near future.
It’s the night before Christmas, and a fisherman needs a present
December 2009
The wives of several friends have already called to make sure I would be doing another column with gift ideas for their husbands, so here it is once again. I hope it will be helpful, as many of you have indicated at boat, fishing and hunting shows when we’ve spoken.
Topwater route is most exciting in fall
November 2009
After last month’s column on weedless spoons, my phone began ringing and inbox began stacking up with requests to go to the other extreme. If spoons are most effective when bumped slowly along the bottom in inshore areas, what works best when retrieved across the top?
Catching fall fish by the ‘spoonful’
October 2009
They say age is just a number, but a few weeks ago I realized just how quickly my number was increasing.
Getting another visit from ‘Aunt Ethylnol’
September 2009
What in the world are they thinking? While we, the consumers — and the mechanics who have to keep our marine engines running — still haven’t figured out good ways to deal with the side effects of adding ethanol up to 10 percent into our fuels, the EPA and some legislators are considering upping the allowable level to 15 percent.
Carolina rigs + scented soft baits = a good fish dinner
August 2009
I believe most fishermen are familiar with the Carolina rig. It’s a very basic way of rigging that involves using a short to medium piece of leader, a swivel and an egg or bullet sinker to make a bottom rig. There are two basic types: the sinker above the swivel sliding freely on the line to the reel, and a round, tapered sinker that slides across small irregularities on the bottom and allow the bait and rig to be retrieved.
Remember Loran? You may see a new, improved version on the horizon
July 2009
Do you remember Loran? I’m surprised how many dedicated fishermen don’t, but you might want to take a few minutes and learn a little about the new version. I’m not talking about Loran-C — and certainly not about the real old-timer, Loran-A — but a thoroughly modern version named “enhanced Loran” or “eLoran.”
One if by land — and one if by sea, too
June 2009
I always thought that as boaters, we were generally a little more savvy about GPS navigational units, but the recent onslaught of optional equipment and standalone automotive GPS units has the general public using them for many trips longer than to the neighborhood grocery store.
Solar oven is great to upgrade boat food
April 2009
What do you eat when you’re out fishing for a day? Do you gorge on Beanee Weenees, Vienna sausages and such — or do you try to pack foods that are a little healthier?
Towing regs revisited: Where do we stand?
March 2009
It began more than 18 months ago, and most of us thought the battles had been fought and new regulations put in place, but apparently some misunderstandings still exist regarding towing boats in North Carolina. I don’t claim to be an expert on this, but I diligently followed the legislation as it worked its way through the state legislature during the short session in the summer of 2008.
Take care of tackle; it'll take care of you
February 2009
Fishing tackle that’s used consistently requires periodic examinations, service and occasional repairs. That’s about as simple and straight-forward as it can be said.
Backlashes 
Outdoor Store
High Tides & Tall Tales 
