BP Oil Spill - Worldwide Protest Day - June 12, 2010

Please find and attend your local event. Here is the Facebook page, BP Oil Spill Worldwide Protest Day - June 12, 2010. It lists some of the local events and has information in the discussion area if you want to start your own.


Larger graphic here.

Here is a YouTube video about it also.

2010 Rytera Alien X and Nemesis TV Spot

From Martin Archery's YouTube page

Time for Serious Fishing!

We've relocated to a condo for a few months. Plan to do loads more fishing.

Fishing is Exercise ~ Right?

The Gulf has been too rough and windy so the Captain hasn't got out much lately. His back is acting up also. We were discussing exercise and how fishing does actually exercise the body. He feels in better shape when he's fishing regularly.
All the moving, muscle work, and balancing in a boat is like exercising. So what a better way to burn some calories and stay in shape than fishing. Right? Sounds good doesn't it. lol

So go fish, it's good for you.

~ Melody

Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo

Fishing and Hunting USA is a proud sponsor of the 76th Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.
The 76th annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will take place July 18-20. The weigh station will be open from 10 am to 7 pm on July 18 and 19 and from 10 am to 5 pm on July 20.

The ADSFR is the largest and oldest saltwater fishing tournament in the United States. The rodeo now attracts over 100,000 spectators per year and over 3,300 fisherman. It is held in Dauphin Island, Alabama and is a project of the Mobile Jaycees.
For more about the fishing rodeo please see http://www.adsfr.com/home.

This is our first year as a Captains Choice sponsor of the fishing rodeo. Also the angler who enters the largest King Mackeral each day in both the open and recreational divisions of the King Mackerel Jackpot will receive a Big Jon Downrigger.
We are looking forward to attending this event, meeting the participants, and seeing lots of big fish.

Good luck to all of the tournament participants!!

Splashy Wake to Attract Fish

Here's a tip I tried last week.
If you have an outboard motor, when trolling, trim it up so you make a foamy wake. The splashy white water action on the surface sometimes attracts fish.

When I did it, a school of Mahi-mahi fish (also know as dolphin-fish or dorado) followed right in the boat wake for about 30 minutes. Unfortunately they didn't hit any of my lures. Maybe next time.

Planning Your Trolling Boat

When you rig a boat for trolling, you will want it to provide you and your buddies with the most enjoyable fishing trips you could ask for. Here are some time proven trolling boat layouts.
If you fish alone in a small tiller boat, mounting the downriggers at the transom is a practical choice. You can keep everything in easy reach, eliminating the need to get up and move around the boat. ( illustration 1 )

If two or more people are fishing in a small tiller boat, try mounting the downriggers midship. Everybody can reach the downriggers and rods from either end of the boat. Pedestal mounts may be needed for the downriggers to clear the gunwales and swivel mounting bases will make for easier docking. ( illustration 2 )



On larger console style boats, a pair of Captain's Paks on swivel mounting bases are a popular arrangement. The swivel mounting base allows you to spread your lines wider when fishing and can be turned inline with the gunwales when the boat comes to the dock. ( illustration 3 )

If your boat is large enough for a large fishing party, mount a pair of Pro Sportsman downriggers at the transom and a pair of Captain's Paks on swivel mounting bases futher forward on the gunwales. With this many lines in the water, your lure presentation will resemble a school of bait fish. ( illustration 4 )



The same kind of presentation can be achieved by installing four Captain's Paks on a removable transom bar. The whole downrigging system can be removed as one unit when your boat is to be use for other purposes. ( illustration 5 )

When installing a planer rigger system, remember two important facts. First, the taller your mast is, the greater distance your planers will travel from the sides of your boat. And second, the further forward you mount your mast, the less distance your planers will travel behind your transom. Both points effect navagation and line control. ( illustration 6 )



A popular method of mounting the planer mast is to use a pedestal seat mount ( sold in our Parts Department ). It fits Springfield Taperlock seat bases, that are common on most boats. The seat mount makes the mast easily removable for storage. ( illustration 7 )

Two single reel planer masts mounted on the gunwales just behind the cabin or canopy top are popular for larger boats where the bow is not easily accessable. ( illustration 8 )



Or you can upgrade your mast with a pair of electric planer reels. Big Jon electric reels come complete with remote switches and circuit breakers, so you can operate them from the cabin. ( illustration 9 )


Plan your boat for comfort and safety. Having to much equipment, or having it located in the wrong place can hamper your ability to move around freely. Before mounting any equipment, get in your boat with your fishing buddies and discuss the best location for each piece of equipment. All equipment should be easily accessable to all fishermen.