Proper Propping: Getting the most from your boat’s performance

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Selecting the correct propeller is a critical factor in maximizing your boat’s performance.Choosing the correct size and style of prop for your boat will keep the engine operating within its recommended rpm range and allow it to harness as much of its horsepower as possible.

Size DOES Matter:

Prop measurements have two key designators: diameter and pitch. Diameter is determined by doubling the distance from the center of the hub to the tip the prop’s blades. A good rule of thumb is smaller diameter props are typically used with smaller engines/boats, and larger diameter props are typically used with larger engines/ boats.

Pitch measures the forward movement of the propeller’s blade during one complete revolution. This is measured in inches. Lowering prop pitch will increase acceleration and thrust. Increasing prop pitch will make the boat go faster (provided the engine has enough power to keep the RPMs in the optimum operating range. If the engine doesn’t have enough power to run a higher pitch prop, performance suffers across the board and you could easily damage your engine. A good test is, if the prop lets your engine operate at Wide Open Throttle (WOT) within its correct rpm range, you’ve got a good prop fit.

Number of Blades. How it adds up.

For years, boaters have debated the question of 4-blade propellers versus 3-blade versions. (The traditional argument is that 4-blade props are slow and 3-blade props are
fast.) Today, with higher fuel prices and tighter economic times, boaters are taking a second look at this debate. Speed is now a much smaller part of the boating equation. In turn, practical, real-world performance is the name of the game for most people. So, which props should you be using, 4-blade or 3-blade? Traditionally, the idea that 4-blades were slower than 3-blades was true to some extent. But what you need to keep in mind is that many of those 4-blade props were not designed with speed in mind. Instead, the earliest designs were intended to cure handling issues such as ventilation, cornering blowout, motor elevation requirements, and hole shot issues. Without many options in blade design, and very few of them truly intended to be particularly fast, the 4-blade got branded as slow, while their other performance benefits were largely dismissed.

In contrast, today’s 4-blade propellers have evolved into both all-purpose and highly specialized designs. This new generation of props can be tailored to not only address those traditional handling issues, but can also be tailored to improve a boat’s performance range, which can, in some cases, include speed.

Before making a choice, determining your performance priorities will help you determine your prop choice.

Cupped Boat Propellers

Special curved trailing edges enable the prop to maintain performance at higher trim levels and in tight corners. Cupped boat props allow most boats to achieve a higher top-end speed or at least the same speed at a lower engine RPM. They also promote more efficient fuel consumption.

Material is not immaterial.

Propellers can be made of composite, aluminum, and stainless steel. Composite boat props offer good performance, are durable, and inexpensive. They also offer some protection for your lower unit during a prop strike becoming something of a sacrificial lamb. Aluminum props are the most common and are suitable for the widest range of applications since there are so many models and styles available. Stainless steel props offer the highest performance—due to their lack of flex—and best durability.
The chart below is a handy comparison:

PropGraph

Spare yourself the pain…carry a spare.

Finally, always have an extra propeller on board with tools allowing you to change it out. If you have a prop strike or spin out a hub, you will only be delayed a few minutes and not miss out on any for or worse—be stranded.

Southwest Florida Yacht Club’s May Cruises

Southwest Florida Yacht Club (SFYC) had three cruises in May – our traditional cruise to South Seas Island Resort for Mother’s Day weekend, a mid-week cruise to Tween Waters, and a two week cruise to Tarpon Springs. The following are highlights from the Mother’s Day and Tarpon Springs cruises.

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The theme for this year’s Mother’s Day Cruise, led by Alina & Harvey Steele and Debbie & Bill Hummer was “All Relaxation”. The cruisers, fifteen boats total, arrived on Friday and were greeted with a welcome drink of “Hummer’s Famous White Sangria”. In fact, much of Friday saw folks chatting on the aft deck of the Lorelei, enjoying cheese and crackers with an unending supply of sangria. Friday evening, the group took the South Seas trolley down to Doc Ford’s where we had a lively dinner in a private dining room.

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The cruise leaders provided a continental breakfast on Saturday morning including bagels, fruit and freshly baked muffins. During the day, everyone pursued their own interests, such as biking, shopping, fishing, dinghy cruising, and swimming. At some point, most everyone had a chance to see “Nick”, the resident marina dolphin, up close. Nick, who is apparently so-named for the scars on his pectoral fin, hunts mullet in the shallow marina waters along the sea wall. The hot and lazy day resolved into a warm and pleasant evening with the requisite cocktail hour, which included light snacks and a selection of wines, served in the Chart Room adjacent to the docks. Dinner was beach-casual at the Sunset Beach Grill, where several people played Caribbean Hook & Ring Toss; the more expert players providing coaching for some vacationing children. After dinner, everyone watched the sun set over the Gulf and several reported seeing the “green flash”!

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The Mother’s Day Breakfast in the Chart Room started with Mimosas and Bloody Marys. The menu included egg casseroles, fruit, breads, and Crepes Suzette. Apparently well fed and well rested, the Cruisers departed for home or their next destination late morning in perfect weather.

The Tarpon Springs cruise was fourteen days and stopped at five marinas – Sarasota Yacht Club, Clearwater Yacht Club, Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs, Club Treasure Island, and Longboat Key Club Moorings in Sarasota.

The group had a wonderful dinner at Sarasota YC. The next day they rode their bikes over to Lido Beach and had a relaxing lunch at the Lido Resort. Back at the Sarasota YC, everyone enjoyed hanging out in their beautiful pool.

The fleet arrived at Clearwater YC in time to enjoy their wonderful Sunday Brunch. The next morning the ladies severely beat the guys in a game of miniature golf. In the afternoon, everyone lounged at the pool and ordered pizza for dinner. The next day the ladies did some serious shopping and then everyone had a delicious dinner at the YC. As is common on several of our cruises, some members bring their “land yachts” and connect with part of the cruise. In this case, the Burgers drove up and joined the cruisers for the next 5 days.

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In Tarpon Springs we had a great seafood dinner at Rusty Bellies Restaurant, which was a short walk from Turtle Cove Marina. The next day, we drove to Bonefish Grill in Tampa, where we met up with the Blackfords and the Steeles, and after dinner everyone went to Zoominations at the Lawry Zoo to see the beautiful Chinese Luminaries. The following day we went to the Tarpon Springs YC for a delicious lunch. Following lunch the group went to the Castle Winery for a wine tasting and informative lecture on “How to be a Wine Snob”. It was a lot of fun and we all left with plenty of good wine. Later that night we had appetizers and cocktails at the Turtle Cove Clubhouse and celebrated Len Burger’s birthday with a big cake. On our last day in Tarpon Springs, everyone walked to the sponge docks and did some more shopping followed by a wonderful dinner at Mama’s Restaurant. One of the highlights was several of our guys dancing with the “Belly Dancer”!

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At Club Treasure Island we enjoyed their Sunday Brunch in their beautiful Club House. On Memorial Day we rode the bus to Seahorse Restaurant for breakfast and then rode the bus to John’s Pass for a little more shopping.

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At the Longboat Key Club Moorings, we had dinner at the Portofino Restaurant after a restful day of lounging in the pool and hot tub. The Ellis’ daughter and family arrived from the UK and enjoyed the pool/beach at the resort. The next day the group went to St. Armand’s Circle and stayed for dinner. The last day, after spending the day at the beach, everyone enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Chart House Restaurant. All in all it was a very relaxing cruise and the weather totally co-operated. Everyone had a great trip.

SFYC is a very active yacht club with more than 30 scheduled cruises per year ranging from 3 days/2 nights to 3-4 weeks in length. Upcoming cruises over the summer include Naples Boat Club, Palm Island, Snook Bight, South Seas, and Legacy Harbour. SFYC also has on average two social functions per month, many at our home base, The Marina at Edison Ford/Pincher’s in Fort Myers.

If you are interested in participating in a trial cruise to meet us and see what we’re about, or to arrange to attend one of our monthly meetings, please contact our Fleet Captain, Harvey Steele, at (239) 671-8887 or [email protected]. Much more information, including our cruise schedule, is also available on our website www.southwestfloridayachtclub.com. You can also visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SouthwestFloridaYachtClub.

Cape Coral Cruise Club returns to Palm Island Marina

Led by Jon Lynch and Elise Vannoy on Desperado, a flotilla of 10 boats cruised up the ICW to a club favorite destination, Palm Island Marina. Under sunny skies and seas that were surprisingly calm and slick as glass, many boats made record time. Many boaters voiced their surprise at the number of dolphins spotted during the trip. Joining in the fun were Commodore Lee Jetton and Brenda Butler on Moonlighter, Vice Commodore John and Pati Queen on Semper Paratus, Doug and Michelle Rhees on LunaSea, Phil and Lin Quick on Sunkissed, Bob and Carol Peterson on CR Side, Joe and Kelli Miller on B Mine, John and Mary Brehm on Panacea, Jeff and Joanne Ziemer on Still Crazy, and last but not least, Jim and Rear Commodore Edie Limbright made their maiden voyage on Princess, their recently purchased Viking.

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Arriving by car were Brenda and Mike Stewart as well as Mac & Bobbie McEwen. Most of the boaters gathered at Leverock’s for lunch on Tuesday then adjourned to the pool or games under the pavilion shade which made for a leisurely afternoon. Gathering for our traditional happy hour, cruising tales and mechanical advice freely flowed. With heavy hors d’ouevres supplied by each of the boats made for a sumptuous buffet.

Wednesday proved to be another perfectly sunny day enticing many to visit the beach and have a bite of lunch at Rumrunners, take a walk, float and chat in the pool or play cards. As we enjoyed our happy hour, all members participated in two brainteasers. Winners of the “Name that Boat” and “Flying Colors” quizzes were Jettons and Ziemers. Congratulations! Mike Stewart demonstrated his Grill Master credentials by cooking 26 burgers to perfection. Many thanks to Edie Limbright for a wonderful Spinach Salad, Michelle Rhees and Brenda Stewart for luscious desserts. After dinner, crews toured Jim and Edie Limbright’s new “Princess”.

On Thursday, a continental breakfast of berries and sweet rolls started the morning followed by a polite game of keep away which quickly devolved into a rowdy dunking session providing entertainment for onlookers and lots of laughs for participants. Beach goers collected perfect and imperfect shells as well as sharks teeth. Since it was Red Nose Day, each couple posed with a red nose. During happy hour, crews chatted and revealed items remaining on our “bucket lists”, then headed to Leverock’s for a group dinner full of laughter, stories and good company.

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Friday morning boats departed Palm Island Marina as a good time was had by all.

The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.

By Jon Lynch and Elise Vannoy

“I expect the big bull Redfish to come in from the gulf sooner than later this year.” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Summer is here and the fishing has been fair. This week brings forward a ‘full’ moon phase offering high tide levels and access to remote areas not accessible to many anglers during ‘mid-moon’ phases. Hopefully, the currents will provide more oxygen and improve the ‘bite’. Threadfin’s are fairly plentiful and are best for Snook and Tarpon. Unfortunately, ‘white’ bait fishes have been scarce.

Therefore, the baits of choice for Redfish, other than artificial presentations, will be big shrimps, cut Pinfish and crabs. Redfish are showing up more and more and with the early hot temperatures, I expect the big bull Redfish to come in from the gulf sooner than later this year. Seatrout have been hard to find with any size to them. Look for them to hold up in deeper holes during the hot days of the week and use small shrimps to insure lots of action from the species. Tarpon are still in the area, mostly off the beaches and in Boca Grande Pass. Crabs seem to be the most effective bait.

Offshore should be good so long as the weather permits. Be safe and try to get in early to mid-afternoon ahead of the storms. Inshore boaters and anglers should be cautious as well.

Over the last few months I have had great pleasure to take out several ‘Junior’ anglers. Pictured here from Lakeville, MN. is Aidan Andre (9) holding just one of many fish he caught while fishing Pine Island Sound. Great going Aidan!

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Six (6) year old, Kinley Gillihan of Kansas City, Missouri is pictured with a nice Seatrout she caught. Kinley also caught a shark all by herself. She is a terrific future ‘lady’ angler!

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The Jacobs Family from St. Charles, Missouri (once my home town area), accompanied me on a charter. Lee (11) is holding a Jack Crevalle he caught. His brother Austin (9), is pictured with a nice Seatrout. Both boys caught their share of fish and are destined to be ‘big time’ anglers! The family (Karen, Todd, Lee and Austin) are pictured together after a wonderful afternoon on the water. Thank you Karen and Todd. I enjoyed the time we had together!

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Until the next ‘report’; this is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone tight lines and safe boating. Charter information may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or emailing me at fishfacecharters.com. More articles and information may be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com

Southwest Florida Yacht Club – Touch of Class/Swamp Grass Cruise – 2015

Southwest Florida Yacht Club (SFYC) just returned from their bi-annual Touch of Class & Swamp Grass cruise led by Ed and Shirley Hatter and Rick and Lindsey Scheinert. This is the fourth time for this popular 7 day cruise and it traveled the back waters at high tide to Marco Island, Goodland, Everglades City and Naples, with thirteen boats ranging in size from 35 ft. to 53 ft. This cruise has several important traditions, including casual biking around Marco Island and dinner at the Marco Island Yacht Club, Sunday afternoon at Stan’s Idle Hour in Goodland, and a couple of days at the Rod & Gun Club in Everglades City. However, the highlight of the cruise is always the intricately staged party called “The Event” and the 2015 Event of Al Capone’s 1920’s Speakeasy, Tattoo, did not disappoint.

Prior to leaving, participants drew their assigned characters from a hat, including Al Capone, his wife Mae, gangsters, Chicago cops, bathing suit beauties, flappers, film stars, directors, etc. The lovely pool deck at the Marco Island Marina was transformed into the Speakeasy, Tattoo. Attendees arrived in costume and, after assuring the coppers outside that they were indeed attending a “family picnic”
proceeded to the speakeasy door, complete with sliding peephole, where they provided the secret password to the gangster-cum-bouncer to gain entrance. Stepping back in time and into character, the attendees converged at Al Capone’s 1920’s Speakeasy. Pictures were taken through an old fashioned camera box as scripts and background materials were given for each character so they could play their role for the evening.

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The film director presumably was there to hobnob with the rich and famous, including Chicago mayor Big Bill Thompson and his wife, the illustrious Clara Bow and, of course, his chief benefactor, Big Al himself. Al, who repeatedly claimed “I’m just a businessman, giving the people what they want. All I do is satisfy a public demand.”, had a busy evening juggling his wife, mistresses (current and former), employees, rivals, the press and cops. During the 1-1/2 hour cosmopolitan cocktail party the cops raided the speakeasy, arresting old “Scarface”.

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An investigation by the cub reporter from the Sun Times ensued to determine who was the rat leaking information about Al’s business dealings. Who was responsible for that arrest? Was it Al’s straight-laced wife Mae, who made an unexpected appearance to create a scene with Al’s secretary and current mistress? Was it Bugs Moran, a rival unhappy about the “Valentine” Big Al had sent him? Was it Al’s number one gangster who seemed a bit too cozy with Bugs despite his promise to help Bugs “go swimming”?

No, the cub reporter uncovered the truth: one of the beautiful actresses claimed that she contracted “the Big S” from Big Al and, intent on revenge, was passing information to the authorities. But after all palms were sufficiently greased, Chicago’s finest released Big Al and joined the party, where the cigarette girl and the flower lady were helping everyone part with their money. After the Cosmopolitans and Prosecco flowed, everyone sat down to a 1920’s themed dinner followed with champagne toasting Mr. Capone’s return. All became friends again. In other words, it was just another ordinary night at Big Al’s Tattoo Speakeasy. A fun evening ended with a few people in the pool – some willingly, some not…some fully clothed, some not so much. Well, it was really hot!

Next stop was Sunday at Stan’s in Goodland (on the southern tip of Marco) on the Marco River. This is always an interesting mix of people doing the buzzard lope after imbibing in a few buzzard drinks. Their motto in Goodland, “A Drinking Community with a Fishing Problem”. Those who had not had enough to eat at Stan’s went to “Lil Bar” before calling it a night. The morning we found smooth seas as our group of thirteen boats headed to Everglades City arriving at the historical Rod & Gun Club, via the Barron River. The Community was developed by Barron Collier during the early 1920’s as a company town supporting the workers building the final 75 miles of the Tamiami Trail linking the coasts. Our guide, Martha, from The Museum of the Everglades gave us a two hour walking tour detailing the history of Everglades City from inception to the present time. It was most interesting and informative.

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While in Everglades City we had excellent dinners at the Rod & Gun Club and Camillia Street Grill. Both were preceded by cocktail gatherings. The first evening involved “Who Am I”, each person wrote an event, that perhaps even their spouse may not have known, and we guessed who it could be. Afterwards we certainly knew each other a whole lot better. The next morning we had our traditional dockside breakfast of eggs to order, waffles, sausages, fruit and coffee.

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That evening was the traditional “Redneck Party” featuring an array of canned delectables such as spam, smoked oysters, sardines, and spray cheese, all served on the lovely fish cleaning station, artfully covered with newspapers. And how does one do a “canned” desert? Well, a squirt of whipped cream directly in the mouth of course! Everyone brought their favorite redneck jokes to share and came dressed in their interpretation of a “redneck” – which left a lot of room for creativity as you can see in the photo below.

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After a night of windy downpours the sun was out. Because the forecast was for high winds and even more the next day, most of the boaters decided to head directly home to Fort Myers and Cape Coral. As high tide approached we left and traveled in pairs. A few boaters decided it was too rough and went to Naples for a couple of days until the winds died down. They enjoyed the pool and had a fine dinner at Mangrove Cafe.

SFYC is a very active yacht club with more than 30 scheduled cruises per year ranging from 3 days/2 nights to 3-4 weeks in length, plus monthly lunch outings that are all accessible by boat. In the past month, in addition to the Touch of Class / Swamp Grass cruise, we have been to Snook Bight, Naples Sailing & Yacht Club, Legacy Harbour, and our annual Mother’s Day cruise to South Seas Island Resort. We also have on average two social functions per month, many at our home base, The Marina at Edison Ford/Pincher’s in Fort Myers.

If you are interested in participating in a trial cruise to meet us and see what we’re about, or to arrange to attend one of our monthly meetings, please contact our Fleet Captain, Harvey Steele, at (239) 671- 8887 or [email protected]. Much more information is also available on our website www.southwestfloridayachtclub.com.

“Fishing is as good as it gets right now” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

Fishing and boating should be fantastic over the next week or so. High tides, good weather forecasts excite most anyone looking to enjoy a day of cruising, beaching, shelling, swimming and of course, fishing! Fishing is as good as it gets right now; especially on the ‘new’ moon phase. I suggest fishing early in the mornings and getting in before the heat kicks up accompanied by the threat of afternoon storms.

Last spring, I had the pleasure to do several trips with my fishing companion and friend, Mr. Leland Longstreth, of Ft. Myers, Florida. Lee caught several nice Snook free-lining pilchards under the mangroves on incoming and outgoing tides. He is pictured with one caught on the last outing. On a separate occasion, his grandson Ben Batchelder, of Carmel, Indiana, accompanied his grandfather and me on charter while vacationing here. Ben is a polite, fantastic junior angler who has caught his share of fish over the years. Unfortunately, the big Snook eluded him this year. None the less, Ben is committed to catching his Snook of a ‘lifetime’, just like grandfather did a couple of years back. Ben is pictured holding a Snook caught around the mangroves of Sanibel Island. Ben is on the wrestling team at Carmel Clay Middle School and recently placed 3rd in the 115 pound division in Marion County (Indianapolis, Indiana). Nice going Ben! See you next year.

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Another junior angler that I have the yearly pleasure to fish with is 12 year old Connor Budach, of Owatonna, MN. Connor was accompanied by his mom and dad (Lee Anne and Mike Budach). Connor is pictured with a nice Spanish Mackerel. It is one of many fish he caught that day. Connor continues to improve his angling abilities and has requested a shark/Tarpon trip for next year! I am looking forward to taking him. I must warn the sharks and Tarpon that Connor is ready for them!

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This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone good, safe boating and tighter lines! Charter information and reservations may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or by emailing me at [email protected]. More articles, tips and information is on my website; www.fishfacecharters.com

Cape Coral Cruise Club – 2015 Extended Cruise

Each spring the Cape Coral Cruise Club plans a “long cruise”, which is to say a much longer itinerary is planned than its normal three day monthly cruises to local destinations not more than a 3 to 6 hour boat trip. The Martins began planning the 2015 trip to Tarpon Springs last fall, making marina and restaurant contacts, searching for interesting places to visit at each planned location.

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The two week 2015 long cruise began April 13 with fourteen member boats departing Cape Coral, bound for Palm Island Marina in Cape Haze, Florida.  After all boats were secured in the slips, several club members enjoyed the marina’s pool, and on-site restaurant.  Other members opted for the complimentary water taxi to the marina’s Gulf front beach. Four other members ventured off in a dinghy looking for the channel to Rum Bay on the beach. A minor incident occurred when the captain, wanting to get the dinghy up on plane, encountered the large wake from a passing boat that caused a wall of water to wash over the bow.  The dinghy captain’s quick action, plus an efficient bilge pump, prevented almost certain swamping of the small boat.  The only casualties were two wet women, and a cell phone that ended up under several inches of water on the bottom of the boat. On the second day of our stay at Palm Island, the cruise leaders prepared breakfast, and later, with help from other cruisers, grilled sumptuous herb-crusted beef tenderloin for dinner.

The next morning the boats departed Palm Island traveling north to the gorgeous Longboat Key Club Marina and Resort. Due to an unannounced bridge closing on the GICW just north of the Venice Inlet three boats went out the Venice Inlet and proceeded north to New Pass Inlet returning to the GICW and into Longboat Key. Most of the boats were in slips along a sea wall less than fifty feet from the beautiful pool and a fabulous restaurant.

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The next morning, breakfast was provided by the cruise leaders before members headed out on their own; some taking the Longboat shuttle bus to St. Armand’s Circle for shopping and the many fine bars and restaurants.  Others opted to borrow the resort bicycles, ride around the resort, and/or pedal the 3-1/2 mile trip to St. Armand’s.  As a side note, on the way to Longboat Key, one member drifted out of the channel, and ran aground in soft sand. Assistance from a tow boat got the boat back in the channel with no apparent damage.  Such is boating in the sometimes skinny waters of Southwest Florida!  Everyone knows how important it is to stay in the channel, but it is so easy to drift out. Two days later the cruise leaders drifted not more than fifteen feet off channel and ran aground.  Again, a tow boat was called, and the boat suffered no apparent damage.

Our third stop on the trip was Loggerhead Marina in St. Petersburg.  Two boats could not clear a nearby twenty foot fixed bridge and stayed at Maximo’s Marina.  We all gathered by the pool under the Tiki huts and cooked burgers and brats, with lots of tasty side dishes.

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Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs was our northern most stop for three nights.  On our first night the town was celebrating “Night in the Islands”; a very romantic Greek food themed evening where several restaurants filled the street with long tables and strung up small overhead lights.  Odyssey, one of the best Greek bands in Florida, supplied soothing, sensual, traditional Greek music. While some people danced in the streets, others formed a large circle where local ladies instructed them on traditional Greek dances. All this, while the wait staff continually delivered tasty Greek food and wine to the large crowd made this a truly memorable evening.  Over the next two days members were on their own to explore the town.  One night, we gathered at Hellas Restaurant and Bakery. Everyone was able to select a Greek dish to suit their desire.  Several dishes of Saganaki (flaming cheese) were delivered to our tables as shouts of Opa made the meal festive.

Turtle Cove Marina was very accommodating to our club, dock hands were prompt, helpful, and attentive.  One night, with a threat of rain, the marina opened the lounge for us as Phil and Gary prepared their famous fish bites.  We also used the lounge the next morning where the cruise leaders prepared a pancake breakfast.  One note here; a guest on a member boat slipped on the ramp of the dock, and fell, injuring his leg.  An ambulance was called, and he was transported to a local hospital for x-rays. Fortunately there was just severe bruising with nothing broken.

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Our first stop on the return trip was a single night at Clearwater Beach Marina. The dock master was alone, and overwhelmed with our arrival, so it was up to the members to help get all our boats secured up in the slips.  A short walk had several members taking in the fabulous Clearwater beach along with its several bars and restaurants.

The next to last stop on our trip was the always popular Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota.  After breakfast by the cruise leaders, several members hopped on the shuttle to visit the Ringling Circus and Art Museum and the John Ringling Mansion. Others opted for the great shops and restaurants in downtown Sarasota.

The final stop before heading back to Cape Coral was Gasparilla Marina. A final happy hour under a huge canopy by the docks gave the cruising members the opportunity to express their thanks to the cruise leaders for arranging a great itinerary, and or course assuring that the winds were calm and the weather outstanding.

All boats returned home safely, ending the “Long Cruise” for 2015.  Bonnie and I want to thank all the participating members of CCCC for joining us on this cruise, and we hope that everyone else had as much fun as we did!  The fellowship and cohesiveness of our club is like none other, and is so apparent in a setting such as the CCCC’s long cruise.  We can all be very proud of the courteous and proficient seamanship displayed at all times, by all our members!

The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.

By Robert and Bonnie Martin

Captain Terry says “It is a ‘full’ moon and Tarpon are everywhere.”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Looking back on the last few weeks brings good memories of a large number of Snook caught. My favorite Canadian client; Mr. Gino Mascarin (with Captain Terry) and his friend Jennifer Wintermans, both of Thunder Bay, Ontario are pictured here with a couple of nice Snook they caught during their annual visit to Cape Coral. Gino is a world class fisherman whose ranking is annually threatened by Jenifer who is on the verge of ‘out-doing’ him. She is relative new to salt water angling, but continues to become more involved and successful with each expedition. Gino capitalizes on his ability each time a big game fish takes the presentation. His catch percentage is second to none. Nice Job Gino and Jenifer!

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Not to be outdone, Mr. Martin Smith of Cape Coral closed the spring Snook season out with an impressive Snook that pushed 38 inches. Moreover, due to light tackle, a couple of other large ones that took presentations, got deep into the mangroves before he was able to get them turned. The good news is: catching Snook is a year round ordeal! Plenty of them out there to give everyone the opportunity for a ‘Snook of a lifetime’.

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It is a ‘full’ moon and Tarpon are everywhere. They are taking crabs, Pinfish, Threadfins Lady Fish, Mullet, Catfish fillets and Mackerel fillets ‘free-lined’ or cut . Hopefully, the winds will subside over the next few days and offer more opportunities to work the passes and the west side of the outer islands.

Redfish making appearances. Get to the mangroves before the tides ‘max’ out for the best chances. They are biting cut baits and live Shrimp presentations on a regular basis. Seatrout in good numbers and decent sizes. Lots of Jack Crevalle as well.

Offshore; Cobia, Permit, Grouper, Triple Tail, Porgy’s, King Fish, Spanish Mackerel and Tarpon are all here and are providing plenty of action.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish face Charters wishing everyone safe boating, ‘tighter lines’ and Cinco de Mayo! Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or emailing me at [email protected]. Check out my website: www.fishfacecharters for more information and articles.

Boating Basics

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Learning begins with the basics. Master the fundamentals of anything and your ability to advance becomes much easier and firmly rooted.

For boaters, there are four basic areas that provide that foundation. Master these, and you are well on your way to becoming a skilled and responsible boater.

Know your boat and equipment

Certified Coast Guard Captains are required to memorize vessel and engine specification manuals that are hundreds of pages thick. This way, they know their equipment down to the last bolt and, therefore, can confidently bring their crew and boat safely through dangerous situations.

In the same way, knowing your recreational boat boat will bring you similar confidence. Start with your boat’s manual (if you have one). This will be your best guide to the features and design of your boat. It should also contain important information for safe operation and maintenance of the craft. Also, make sure you know how to operate the boat’s electronics. At minimum, you should have a VHF-FM marine radio to contact the Coast Guard in the case of an emergency (Channel 16).

Know your water

Purchase navigation charts of the waterways you travel. Store them on your boat taking care to make sure they are wrapped or stored in plastic so they stay dry and legible. Study them often. Be mindful to learn landmarks, hazards such as submerged objects, and safe channel markers. Know where shallow areas are so you are not running aground. Take the time to go on outings solely for the purpose of learning the area, and use your charts to become more familiar with your local waterways. Apps like this one for Lee County, FL are a great resource and a smart added tool.

Beyond this, knowing how to navigate using a compass, GPS, and a chart will allow you to pinpoint your location and chart a safe course. This will all help you to eventually become a skilled navigator, and expand the limits of where your boat can take you.

Know right from wrong (aka the “Rules of the Road”)

Similar to the rules that govern the safe flow of traffic for road vehicles, there are similar rules to govern the safe maneuvering of boats. Called Coast Guard Navigation Rules, they are also known as “Nav Rules.” Although recreational boaters aren’t required by law to know these rules, it is highly recommended. These rules teach boaters safe boating protocol.

EXAMPLE: Do you know who has the “right of way” when you approach a sailboat under sail power alone?

ANSWER: The sailboat does. You must maneuver your boat to allow the sailboat safe passage.

Boating can become dangerous quickly when boaters don’t know these rules, and it’s not safe to assume you can apply road driving rules to marine situations.

Know your safety regulations

Both the U.S. Coast Guard and local marine law enforcement agencies have the authority to board your boat to ensure your compliance with safety equipment rules and regulations. Depending on size, most vessels are required to have navigation lights, a sound signaling device, emergency flares, and life jackets. The larger the vessel, the greater the requirements. Visit the Coast Guard’s regulation page to learn more about these and make sure you are in compliance.

As you master these four basic areas, consider taking a Coast Guard Auxiliary safety course. It is a small investment of time that can make your time on the water safer and more enjoyable.

“The balance of the month and the first week of May should produce lots of action…” Says Captain Terry

Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor – Fishing has been good even though we have been in between the full and new moon phases. This has been attributed mostly to good tides, good wind directions (southeast, southwest and westerly), warm weather bringing migrations of Tarpon, King Fish, Cobia, and Spanish Mackerel close to our shores. Other species such as Snook, Redfish, Seatrout and super size Jack Crevalle are providing plenty of action in virtually every area that one would expect them to be.

The balance of the month and the first week of May should produce lots of action on live, cut and artificial presentations. Snook season is open through April 30 and they are very active on live pilchards. Redfish are eating big shrimps. Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Lady Fish and jack Crevalle are plentiful, aggressive but are not particular about what they eat. Tarpon are everywhere, so don’t be surprised if one takes your light tackle presentation. Moving water is the key to catching any of these species. Fish the incoming and outgoing tides.

WYATT DAY

My favorite ‘Cowboy’, Wyatt Day (12) of Cheyenne, Wyoming spent the better part of a day with me catching his share of fish. He is pictured here with just one of his many fish he caught during his annual visit to Sanibel. I have the opportunity to fish with Wyatt at least once a year and it is a real joy for me. Wyatt participates in the Rodeo circuit during his time in Wyoming. He wins his ‘junior’ division just about every time he competes and has the trophies to back it. Wyatt is fast becoming a ‘top’ junior angler as well. He is very knowledgeable and good at catching a variety of species when the opportunity presents itself.

This is a great time for recreational boaters and beginning anglers to get out the fishing gear. The ‘bite is on’! Anyone wanting assistance on how to navigate, where to fish and how to fish, should not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to offer advice and suggestions to make your boating and fishing desires/experiences fun and productive.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight lines’! Contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] with questions or for charter bookings. Check out www.fishfacecharters.com for additional articles and fishing tips.