on - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-28T09:53:01Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/onOn the Water: Kingfish reign this time of yearhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/on-the-water-kingfish-reign-this-time-of-year2020-04-01T16:00:00.000Z2020-04-01T16:00:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960939494,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960939494,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960939494?profile=original" /></a><em>Capt. Bruce Cyr of the Lantana-based Lady K drift fishing boat shows the 60-pound kingfish he caught off Boynton Inlet in early May 2019. Cyr’s kingfish hit a dead sardine on double 5/0 hooks in 180 feet of water. <strong>Photo provided by Bar Jack Fishing</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Related:</strong><em><strong> </strong></em><strong>Boat ramps and public parks <a href="https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/boat-ramps-and-public-parks-closed-for-now" target="_blank">closed for now</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>By Willie Howard</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>Fishing action heats up with water temperatures during April and May, leading anglers to catches of rod-bending king mackerel, better known as kingfish, along the coast of Palm Beach County.</p>
<p><br /> Kingfish are hard-charging fish that make reels sing and are relatively easy to catch. That makes them tempting targets for a variety of anglers, from drift-boat novices to saltwater tournament veterans.</p>
<p><br /> One of the easiest ways to catch kingfish is a personal favorite: a dead sardine on triple 5/0 hooks topped with a quarter-ounce sinker and a flashy kingfish “duster” that covers the weight and the leader-to-hook connection.</p>
<p><br /> Thread the sardine onto the trio of hooks so that the bait covers the hooks. Use 30- to 50-pound leader (monofilament or fluorocarbon), depending on water clarity. The clearer the water, the lighter the leader.</p>
<p><br /> Start by drifting in 80 to 120 feet of water, watching the depth finder for “marks” of fish below the boat. Drop the bait over the windward side of the boat and let it sink slowly. Kingfish love a falling bait, so watch the reel and engage it if the line starts to fly off the reel.</p>
<p><br /> Check the baits frequently; you could be fishing with bare hooks.</p>
<p><br /> Fighting a kingfish requires steady tension. Anglers who get too excited and create slack in the line often lose toothy kingfish when they bite through the leader.</p>
<p><br /> If the kingfish turns and charges the boat, be prepared to reel fast to wind in the slack. If the fish takes off for Grand Bahama Island, hold the rod tip up and let it run.</p>
<p><br /> The bend in the rod will tire it, assuming the reel drag is properly adjusted.</p>
<p><br /> Other methods for catching kingfish include using live bait, such as goggle-eyes and blue runners. Use wire leader and double hooks to reduce the chance that the kingfish will sever the leader or eat half the bait and miss the hook.</p>
<p><br /> Try rigging live baits with about 2 feet of No. 5 fishing wire holding a 5/0 live-bait hook and connected to the monofilament leader with a small 80-pound swivel — or tie the wire directly to the mono leader with an Albright knot.</p>
<p><br /> Some anglers use trailing treble hooks, or “stingers,” to catch kingfish, especially in tournaments that allow treble hooks. I prefer double J hooks.</p>
<p><br /> Smaller live baits such as pilchards and threadfin herring can be deployed on 3/0 or 4/0 hooks tied to about 6 inches of light fishing wire, then attached to the leader with a small swivel or Albright knot.</p>
<p><br /> Trolling spoons (often towed behind planers or downriggers) will catch kingfish, as will vertical jigging with metal jigs, flashy bucktail jigs or diamond jigs. Like their smaller cousins, Spanish mackerel, kingfish will strike flashy jigs, spoons and lures.</p>
<p><br /> Kingfish are oily fish, making them good candidates for smoking. Try soaking the meat overnight in the refrigerator in water mixed with kosher salt and brown sugar. Then dry it and smoke it at 200 degrees or so for about four hours.</p>
<p><br /> Mix the smoked kingfish with mayonnaise to create a dip that can be served on crackers with hot sauce or a jalapeño slice. (Every angler seems to have his or her own favorite recipe for smoked kingfish dip.)</p>
<p><br /> Smaller kingfish also can be marinated in mojo or Italian salad dressing, then grilled.</p>
<p><br /> Mercury warnings apply to kingfish. The Florida Department of Health (<a href="http://www.Floridahealth.gov">www.Floridahealth.gov</a>) advises young children, women of childbearing age and pregnant women to avoid eating kingfish.</p>
<p><br /> Healthy adults should limit consumption and avoid kingfish over 31 inches, according to the state.</p>
<p><br /> Anglers should consider releasing large kingfish. Smaller ones (24 to 31 inches) make better table fare anyway.</p>
<p><br /> Regulations for kingfish include a minimum size of 24 inches (measured to the fork of the tail). Daily bag limit is two kingfish per angler.</p>
<p><br /> <strong>Water-related events postponed or canceled</strong></p>
<p><br /> The Palm Beach International Boat Show and the Superyacht Show, originally set for March 26-29, have been postponed until further notice. As of late March, <a href="http://www.pbboatshow.com">www.pbboatshow.com</a> listed May 14-17 as new dates for the shows.</p>
<p><br /> The Boynton Beach Firefighters Fishing Tournament and Chili Cook-Off, set for April 18, was canceled because of coronavirus concerns. It’s possible the tournament could be rescheduled. For updates, go to <a href="http://www.boyntonbeachfirefighters.com">www.boyntonbeachfirefighters.com</a>.</p>
<p><br /> The kickoff party for the Lantana Fishing Derby and Kids Derby has been postponed until the second week of April. As of mid-March, the captain’s party was still set for April 30, followed by fishing May 2 and the awards party May 3. Go to <a href="http://www.lantanafishingderby.com">www.lantanafishingderby.com</a>.</p>
<p><br /> The West Palm Beach Fishing Club’s annual yard sale, originally set for April 18, has been postponed until further notice. Some club meetings have been canceled. For updates, call 561-832-6780 or go to <a href="http://www.westpalmbeachfishingclub.org">www.westpalmbeachfishingclub.org</a>.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Tip of the month</strong></p>
<p>Help fisheries managers track populations of recreationally caught fish in the South Atlantic by reporting your catches through the MyFishCount smartphone app. The app allows anglers to create a personal fishing log while sharing much-needed recreational fishing data with fisheries managers. For details, and to see what other recreational anglers have reported, go to <a href="http://www.MyFishCount.com">www.MyFishCount.com</a>.</p>
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<p><em>Willie Howard is a freelance writer and licensed boat captain. Reach him at tiowillie@bellsouth.net.</em></p></div>On the Water: High-tech stabilizers tame boats’ rock-n-rollhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/on-the-water-high-tech-stabilizers-tame-boats-rock-n-roll2020-03-03T20:42:11.000Z2020-03-03T20:42:11.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960930657,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960930657,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7960930657?profile=original" /></a><em>Seakeeper’s roll-angle meter appears on multi-function displays, such as this Raymarine unit on the company’s 33-foot Boston Whaler demonstration boat. <strong>Willie Howard/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p><strong>By Willie Howard</strong></p>
<p>People who have avoided boats because of seasickness in the past have been taking to the water on boats equipped with computer-controlled gyroscopes that eliminate most of the roll.</p>
<p><br /> Maryland-based Seakeeper says its gyros work in all sea conditions and can eliminate up to 95% of rolling, both while the boat is at rest and underway.</p>
<p><br /> Other companies — including Mitsubishi, Quick and Mohmei — build boat-stabilizing gryos. Seakeeper is a fast-growing brand that has become popular on sport fishing boats in South Florida.</p>
<p><br /> Stabilizing gyros are available for boats of many sizes. The smallest Seakeeper 2, for example, is designed for boats 27 to 35 feet. It runs on DC power and costs about $20,000, not including installation.</p>
<p><br /> On the large end, the Seakeeper 35 is designed for boats over 85 feet, runs on AC power and costs $216,300. There are several models in between.</p>
<p><br /> Introduced in 2008 after five years of development, Seakeepers are basically computer-controlled gyroscopes that tilt to counteract boat roll. A steel flywheel spins at high speed in a near vacuum (to minimize friction). The momentum of the spinning flywheel generates the stabilizing force.</p>
<p><br /> The Seakeeper 2 on the company’s 33-foot Boston Whaler test boat took about half an hour to “spin up” before it was ready to work during a Jan. 24 trip led by Seakeeper demonstration captains Brian Mullinax and Pete Nolan.</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960930275,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960930275,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7960930275?profile=original" /></a><em>Capt. Pete Nolan, the demonstration boat manager, shows the Seakeeper 2 stabilizing gyroscope. On a test run it dropped the roll angle to 2 to 4 degrees from port to starboard and back compared with 13 degrees when it was turned off. <strong>Willie Howard/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
<p><br /> After running south from the Nautical Ventures marina in North Palm Beach, Mullinax ran the Boston Whaler to the wavy mouth of Palm Beach Inlet and stopped.</p>
<p><br /> When Nolan turned off the stabilizer, the boat rolled about 13 degrees from port to starboard and back. With the Seakeeper on, the roll dropped to 2 to 4 degrees.</p>
<p><br /> For the record, gyro stabilizers do nothing for up and down pitch of the bow when a boat moves over waves. They address side-to-side roll.</p>
<p><br /> Mullinax and Nolan said Seakeepers are becoming popular with owners of deep V ocean fishing boats. The V-shaped bottoms help the boats slice through waves, but make them more likely to rock from side to side when drifting.</p>
<p><br /> Anyone attending the Palm Beach International Boat show in late March can step onto the Seakeeper Boston Whaler for a “dock rock” test or visit the company’s booth to schedule a demonstration ride on the ocean.</p>
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<p><strong>Boat Show March 26-29</strong><br /> The 35th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, featuring boats in a wide range of sizes, marine electronics, fishing and diving gear and educational seminars, is scheduled for March 26-29 along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach.</p>
<p><br /> Produced by Informa Markets and owned by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, this year’s boat show will offer more than $1.2 billion worth of boats, yachts and accessories on display.</p>
<p><br /> Seminars offered at the show include youth fishing clinics presented by Hook the Future and adult fishing clinics produced by the IGFA School of Sportfishing.</p>
<p><br /> New this year is the separate Superyacht Show Palm Beach, featuring about a dozen yachts ranging in size from 180 to 300 feet.<br /> The invitation-only Superyacht Show will be March 26-28 at the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach.</p>
<p><br /> Hours for the regular boat show are noon to 7 p.m. March 26; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 27-28; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 29.<br /> Standard show admission is $28 for ages 16 and older and $18 for youths 7-15. Children 6 and under will be admitted free with adults.</p>
<p><br /> Boat show attendees can choose the $150 Windward VIP experience, which includes show admission and access to a VIP lounge with food and drinks.</p>
<p><br /> For details and tickets, visit <a href="http://www.pbboatshow.com">www.pbboatshow.com</a>.</p>
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<p><strong>Coming events</strong></p>
<p>March 7: Basic boating safety class offered by Coast Guard Auxiliary, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the headquarters building at Spanish River Park, 3939 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton. Fee $35 ($5 for youths ages 12-19). Register at the door. Bring lunch. Call 561-391-3600. Leave a message.</p>
<p></p>
<p>March 19: Kickoff party for 26th annual Lantana Fishing Derby, 5:30-7 p.m. at Lakeside Anchor Inn. Captains meeting April 30. Fishing tournament set for May 2. Early registration fee $200 for up to four anglers through April 17. Regular entry fee $250. For details, call the Greater Lantana Chamber of Commerce at 561-585-8664 or visit <a href="http://www.lantanafishingderby.com">www.lantanafishingderby.com</a>.</p>
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<p>March 28: Basic boating safety class offered by Coast Guard Auxiliary, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the classroom building next to the boat ramps, Harvey E. Oyer Jr. Park, 2010 N. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. Fee $20. Register at the door. Call 561-331-2429.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Tip of the month</strong></p>
<p>Want to refresh your boating skills before the spring and summer boating seasons? Go to BoatUS.org/courses to find a list of online courses such as using GPS for navigation, marine weather, boating basics and cruising. Use the code “Spring25” to save 25% on the cost of the courses through March 31.</p>
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<p><em>Willie Howard is a freelance writer and licensed boat captain. Reach him at tiowillie@bellsouth.net.</em></p></div>On the Water: Industry pushes to improve on old diver-down markershttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/on-the-water-industry-pushes-to-improve-on-old-diver-down-markers2019-12-31T16:17:57.000Z2019-12-31T16:17:57.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960911853,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960911853,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960911853?profile=original" /></a><em>Depending on wind and wave conditions, the 1-foot-square red and white diver-down flags can be hard to see. <strong>Willie Howard/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>By Willie Howard</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>Most dive flags towed through the water by snorkelers and scuba divers meet Florida’s minimum requirement for divers to identify themselves in the water.</p>
<p><br /> State law requires dive flags used in the water to be at least a 1-foot square, red with a white diagonal stripe. Most are mounted on floats and have lead weights at the base to hold them upright.</p>
<p><br /> Although foot-square dive flags are legal (dive flags on boats must be larger, at least 20 by 24 inches), a dive industry veteran says they don’t do enough to protect divers in the water.</p>
<p><br /> “The flag is simply antiquated,” says Robert Carmichael, CEO of Brownie’s Marine Group in Pompano Beach, whose company took advantage of a 2014 change in state law to develop a larger, inflatable diver-down warning device with a water ballast — called the 3D Buoy.</p>
<p><br /> Carmichael, whose friend lost both legs to a boat while diving in 1992, said dive flags can be difficult to see, especially when the boat is headed into the wind and the operator is looking at the edge of the flag rather than the full outstretched surface.</p>
<p><br /> Carmichael says more visible diver-down warning devices such as his, which displays three, 12-by-12-inch diver-down symbols, should be mandated by a generic state law that would open the playing field for dive equipment companies to develop warning devices that perform better than flags.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960911493,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960911493,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960911493?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p><br /> The 2014 change in state law (FS 327.331) allowed divers to use diver-down buoys in addition to flags. The buoy is defined as a buoyant device that displays the red-and-white diver-down sign on three or four sides.</p>
<p><br /> But Carmichael says divers have been reluctant to pay $90 for his buoy versus $30 to $45 for a float-mounted dive flag.<br /> “We need legislative guidance on this,” he said. “Safety doesn’t sell.”</p>
<p><br /> The effectiveness of dive flags was called into question again on Thanksgiving Day, when 25-year-old marine biologist Carter Viss was hit by a boat while snorkeling off The Breakers hotel in Palm Beach. The impact severed his arm.</p>
<p><br /> It likely will be months before the full report on the Viss accident is complete, but preliminary reports by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission said the operator of the 33-foot powerboat was slowing down when the boat struck Viss, who was being treated for his injuries in late December.</p>
<p><br /> Unfortunately, boat-versus-diver accidents have happened several times in South Florida waters.</p>
<p><br /> Andrew Harris died after being hit by a boat while snorkeling near Jupiter Inlet in 2014.</p>
<p><br /> Diver Rob Murphy lost both of his legs after a boat ran over him while he was spearfishing off Stuart in 2009.</p>
<p><br /> John Deleonibus was hit by a boat while snorkeling 50 to 75 yards off South Inlet Park in Boca Raton in September 2010.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Authorities said the boat never stopped. Deleonibus suffered a skull fracture, a broken hip and cuts to his head and back from the boat propeller.</p>
<p><br /> Boca Raton Ocean Rescue Chief Clint Tracy said snorkelers are not required to use a dive flag in the guarded swimming area (within 100 feet from the beach).</p>
<p><br /> But Tracy said divers and snorkelers should always be in the habit of using a float/flag or an approved diver-down buoy. <br /> “Not only should divers have a flag but should also have a dive buddy and be very alert in listening for the sound of boat propellers,” Tracy said.</p>
<p><br /> Snorkelers and divers headed to the popular SS Inchulva wreck off the south end of Delray Beach must use a float-mounted dive flag or another approved diver-down warning device.</p>
<p><br /> The Delray wreck is outside the guarded area protected by city lifeguards, Delray Beach Ocean Rescue Chief Phil Wotton said.<br /> State law requires boat operators to make “a reasonable effort” to stay 300 feet away from dive flags in the open ocean and 100 feet away in an inlet, river or navigation channel. Boats approaching closer must do so at the slowest possible speed that maintains headway and steering.</p>
<p><br /> But some boaters don’t know the law or simply aren’t careful, said Mike Leifeste, a dive boat captain who works at Force E dive shop in Boca Raton.</p>
<p><br /> Although most people respect the dive flags, Leifeste said that sometimes he has to sound an air horn, call boat operators on VHF channel 16 or move his boat between the divers and an approaching boat to protect his divers.</p>
<p><br /> His tip for divers: “Always try to make yourself as visible as possible.”</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>FWC tightens limits on spotted sea trout</strong></p>
<p><br /> The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission in December approved new limits and management zones for spotted sea trout effective Feb. 1.</p>
<p><br /> In the new Central East zone (Palm Beach through Volusia counties), the daily bag limit for sea trout will drop from four to two fish.<br /> The slot size for sea trout also shrank by an inch. Under the new rules, sea trout must be between 15 and 19 inches in total length to be legal to keep.</p>
<p><br /> The sea trout season also will be closed during November and December, meaning no recreational harvest will be allowed in the Central East zone during those two months.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Coming events</strong></p>
<p><br /> January: Grouper season closed Jan. 1. The seasonal closure means red, black, gag and several other species of grouper cannot be harvested until the season reopens May 1. For details, visit myfwc.com and select “saltwater fishing” and “recreational regulations.”<br /> Jan. 4: Basic boating safety class offered by Coast Guard Auxiliary, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the headquarters building at Spanish River Park, 3939 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton. Fee $35 ($5 for youths ages 12-19). Register at the door. Bring lunch. Call 391-3600. Leave a message.</p>
<p><br /> Jan. 8-11: 83rd annual Silver Sailfish Derby, a sailfish release tournament organized by the West Palm Beach Fishing Club and based at Sailfish Marina in Palm Beach Shores. Captains meeting Jan. 8 at the fishing club. Fishing will be Jan. 9-10, followed by awards dinner Jan. 11. Entry fee $1,000 per boat for fishing club members, $1,500 per boat for non-members, plus $300 late fee that kicked in Dec. 21. 832-6780 or <a href="http://www.westpalmbeachfishingclub.org">www.westpalmbeachfishingclub.org</a>.</p>
<p><br /> Jan. 17-18: Operation Sailfish release tournament based at Sailfish Marina in Palm Beach Shores. Kickoff party 6-10 p.m. Jan. 15 at Sailfish Marina. Take a hero fishing day Jan. 16. Competition Jan. 17-18. Entry fee $1,700. 954-725-4010 or <a href="http://www.operationsailfish.com">www.operationsailfish.com</a>.</p>
<p><br /> Jan. 25: Basic boating safety class offered by Coast Guard Auxiliary, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the classroom building next to the boat ramps, Harvey E. Oyer Jr. Park, 2010 N. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. Fee $20. Register at the door. Call 331-2429.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Tip of the month</strong></p>
<p>If you find a sick, injured or dead sea turtle, call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert Hotline, 888-404-3922.</p>
<p><br /> The hotline also can be used to report problems with manatees and other wildlife. Be prepared to give the exact location of the turtle or other animal, to report whether it’s alive or dead, to state its approximate size and the closest access point to reach it.</p>
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<p><em>Willie Howard is a freelance writer and licensed boat captain. Reach him at tiowillie@bellsouth.net.</em></p></div>On the Water: Boynton Inlet drift boatshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/on-the-water-boynton-inlet-drift-boats2014-12-31T15:30:00.000Z2014-12-31T15:30:00.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960549467,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960549467,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="538" alt="7960549467?profile=original" /></a>A mate throws a pair of small kingfish into the fish-sorting bin from the Lady K drift boat</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>at Lantana’s Sportsman’s Park. The 65-foot boat is one of three walk-on fishing boats</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>that reaches the ocean through Boynton Inlet.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>Lady K:</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;">Located at Sportsman’s Park, 314 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana. Trips leave at 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The fare is $37 for adults, $25 for ages 12 and under and $33 for seniors, members of the military, law enforcement officers and teachers. Call 588-7612 or go to <a href="http://www.barjackfishing.com">www.barjackfishing.com</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>Living on Island Time:</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;">Located at Palm Beach Yacht Center, 7848 S. Federal Highway, Hypoluxo. Trips leave at 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The fare is $40 or $25 for ages 12 and under. Seniors, students and active military: $35. Call 585-4475 or go to <a href="http://www.fishingonislandtime.com">www.fishingonislandtime.com</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>Sea Mist III:</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;">Located at Boynton Harbor Marina, 700 Casa Loma Blvd., Boynton Beach. Trips leave at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Night trips (Friday and Saturday) leave at 6:30 p.m. The fare is $40 for adults, $25 for ages 12 and under and $35 for seniors. Call 732-9974 or go to <a href="http://www.seamist3.com">www.seamist3.com</a>.<br /> <br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>Driftboat basics</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <strong>Basic rules:</strong> Drift boats allow customers to bring their own rods, but braided line is frowned upon or forbidden because it is harder to untangle than monofilament line and can cut through the lines of other anglers. <br /> <strong>Big-fish pools:</strong> Most drift boat crews allow anglers to chip in $5 in hopes of winning the pot of money for the largest fish. Most boats exclude bonito, sharks and some other fish from the big-fish pot. <br /> <strong>What to bring:</strong> Layers of clothing are recommended during the winter in case of cold or rain. Hats and sunglasses are a must because they protect eyes from hooks and sinkers. Drift boat anglers often bring snacks and drinks in a small cooler and their own fishing tackle.<br /> <strong>Weather:</strong> Check the marine weather section of the NOAA website (<a href="http://www.weather.gov">www.weather.gov</a>) and look for wave height before deciding when to fish. If you’re seasick because of rough seas, don’t expect the captain to take you back to the docks. You’ll be out there for four hours.<br /> <strong>Tips:</strong> Call ahead to check sea conditions and the types of fish being caught. Show up at the docks half an hour before the scheduled departure time if possible. Ask questions to learn from captains, mates and veteran angler.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><em>-- Willie Howard</em></p></div>