Just got a used boat, want to fish the harbor

[johnnyraptor]

Hey guys need some tips on what I need to take on my boat to fish the harbor area. The boat is a 1988 Seaswirl 16 ft with a Evinrude 90. Me and my dad got it pretty cheap and would like to use it for recreational but more important for FISHING!!

467184671946720

[BlueGillChaser]

Congratulation on the boat...First thing is to take it to a lake and run it...Don't want to get stuck in the ocean..Pudding stone is a great lake to test it.

[flyhigh123]

Congratulation on the boat...First thing is to take it to a lake and run it...Don't want to get stuck in the ocean..Pudding stone is a great lake to test it.

if u take it to the lake, make sure u have the quagga sticker. make sure the engine runs before putting it in the water. other than that have fun. If you plan to take it out to the ocean, get a sea tow membership. i just got a boat, been towed twice, would have cost me over $1500 as opposed to just the membership.

[luckyjr21]

first thing you need is a bait tank , congrtas on the boat

[johnnyraptor]

I will definitely need to go and test it out. Thanks.

[johnnyraptor]

if u take it to the lake, make sure u have the quagga sticker. make sure the engine runs before putting it in the water. other than that have fun. If you plan to take it out to the ocean, get a sea tow membership. i just got a boat, been towed twice, would have cost me over $1500 as opposed to just the membership.

What does this membership cost?

[johnnyraptor]

first thing you need is a bait tank , congrtas on the boat

How big do you think will fit in the boat and not be overdoing it?

Thanks.

[murrieta angler]

Safety first Bro.

Fire extinguisher
Whistle
Life vests
Radio

Been a while since I've owned, OTHERS CHIME IN PLEASE

Robert
<><

[redondo todd]

Replace the trailer bearings first ,you don't know when the were serviced last , buy a extra set for on the road emergency repair , spare lug nuts etc. Put the earmuffs on the fresh water intake let it run to check for overheating , happy boating, Todd.

[flyhigh123]

~120 a year... if u ever need a tow without out, its around $300 to start and $300 per hour. Get it your first year of use at the least.

[TUNAVIC]

1: Vessel Assist
2: VHF
3: Two Batteries
4: All Safety equip,flares,PFDs,horn,ect...
5: Rope,anchor.
6: Ropes to tie off at dock,bumpers.
7: Push pole,to push away for dock,or grab dock or stop you from bumping dock or other boat.
8: Plenty of gas.
9: A lot of common sense,patience,and courtesy.
10:I'm sure there's more and I'll let others add to the list.
Oh yeah,have a great time!

Cya Tuna Vic

[lagunaCOCONUT]

I'm not sure if flares are still a regulation. I do know the Coast Guard will ask for a Type A throw able floatation device. If you are primarily using this in the saltwater, Vessel Assist is a must. One incident where you are towed back to the launch will be more than a years membership fees. Life vests much be Coast Guard approved and one for each person on board. Oh and a emergency 12v portable jump starter is always good to have. IT's always good to familiarize yourself with boating rules and regs before heading out. If you are out on the salt, you will most like always get stopped by Harbor Patrol for a much of questions.


Safety first Bro.

Fire extinguisher
Whistle
Life vests
Radio

Been a while since I've owned, OTHERS CHIME IN PLEASE

Robert
<><

[johnnyraptor]

Thanks for all the great info guys.

[flyhigh123]

I'm not sure if flares are still a regulation. I do know the Coast Guard will ask for a Type A throw able floatation device. If you are primarily using this in the saltwater, Vessel Assist is a must. One incident where you are towed back to the launch will be more than a years membership fees. Life vests much be Coast Guard approved and one for each person on board. Oh and a emergency 12v portable jump starter is always good to have. IT's always good to familiarize yourself with boating rules and regs before heading out. If you are out on the salt, you will most like always get stopped by Harbor Patrol for a much of questions.

flares are still required i think on size. must have a signaling device, like a mirror i think

[TwilightGuy]

You didn't mention which harbor, but no doubt, in time you'll want to go outside the harbor. So, I'd strongly recommend navigation equipment; GPS, Compass, nautical chart, depending on your destination. Also, a VHF radio in case you need to call the towing company, and to listen to weather broadcasts, talk to other boaters, etc.

Definitely suggest two bilge pumps in case of a leak; primary being electric, and a hand pump in case you lose your electric power. (you don't want to have to use a bait bucket or your hat)

Check the latest boating regs for required safety equipment, don't scrimp on life preservers!

Enjoy!

[komaiaboyz]

~120 a year... if u ever need a tow without out, its around $300 to start and $300 per hour. Get it your first year of use at the least.

It is around half that price because the year is half over. So Boat US membership and Unlimited towing as of August will run you around $100 give or take a few bucks.

[tpfishnfool]

With any new owner wanting to go on the big pond, take a coast guard course and get it ocean ready. Truly a different animal going out beyond the breakwater. Safe first. Do your home work and have fun.

[dpaulus9]

for your first few trips, take someone who is experienced in boating on the ocean.

[nbayfishing]

North Bay Charters specialize in fishing charters (http://www.northbaycharters.com) in Bodega Bay. Fishing in Bodega Bay like to catch include sturgeon, striped bass, salmon, rockfish, dungeness crab, tuna, lingcod etc. Contact us at captainericholthouse@gmail.com.

[johnnyraptor]

Thanks for all the great advice.

[SpinnerBaitKing]

Hey guys need some tips on what I need to take on my boat to fish the harbor area. The boat is a 1988 Seaswirl 16 ft with a Evinrude 90. Me and my dad got it pretty cheap and would like to use it for recreational but more important for FISHING!!

467184671946720

Congrats on the boat. Tip: Make sure that it runs and the water pump is strong. You can go out of Alamitos Bay and check the islands or the break waters out. Outside early morning, then inside by 12p. Search for GPS coordinates on the Rock Pile. I have them in my old GPS but I don't know where it is. No need for a bait tank yet; go get some strong jigheads in 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 oz, Berkley Power Shad, Super glue. Great set up for the 3 Bs around the Breakwaters. My pop got a legal white seabass once. You can also drop rig them as well. They look great in the water

[DockRat]

No need for a bait tank yet;

25 lb Yellowtail 5 min outside the break wall. If it flat and not windy pin on a sardine on a 3/0.
Barracuda too. When the gamefish leave then go back to bass.
Buy a Gaff. This kind of fishing so close to home is awesome.
Go Big or Go Home !
DR

[4sallypat]

With any new owner wanting to go on the big pond, take a coast guard course and get it ocean ready. Truly a different animal going out beyond the breakwater. Safe first. Do your home work and have fun.

We just returned from our summer fishing trip to Washington state.
I had to have a WA Boaters Education card in order to rent a 90HP Seaswirl.
Oh and get a fish finder like a Hummingbird - they do get you on the fish quicker!46770

[nbayfishing]

North Bay Charters specialize in fishing charters in Bodega Bay. Fishing in Bodega Bay like to catch include sturgeon, striped bass, salmon, rockfish, dungeness crab, tuna, lingcod etc

[JL]

All the suggestions so far are great. Regarding tow service. Go on line and look up Boats US. Vessel assist also services Boat US clients. You can by a year membership at any time. Worth while. Even though you state you want to fish in the harbor. with the calm waters we have had lately you will get outside the harbor and fish. Just a couple of miles off the Dana pt coast could hook you a tuna, dorado, and more.
Radio: Most critical piece of gear for the ocean.
If you have only one battery I would suggest you will fishing in neutral with the engine running to preserve the battery.
Check for Bait tanks on line however if you are near Dana Point. Check out Hogans tackle for information on The correct size Bait tank. Several boats like yours have bait bags than hang over the transom and do not interfere with fishing space on the boat.
Life ring with 100 feet of small diameter strong ski rope should be on the boat in case someone falls over board.
Life jackets. I know we hate to wear them....... we insist everyone wears life jacket when boat traveling over 10 knots.
If your boat rocks a lot in the waves you should keep life jackets on

Buy gal of salt away and run it through the engine after you pull it out. It is concentrated. Get it with the little reservoir that goes between the hose and your engine. Will preserve you engine from salt damage.

We started fishing the harbors with our 15 foot lowe boat and got so hooked we bought a 22 ft center console and now we fish 20 miles off shore. Best wishes and God Bless/ Tight lines

[johnnyraptor]

All the suggestions so far are great. Regarding tow service. Go on line and look up Boats US. Vessel assist also services Boat US clients. You can by a year membership at any time. Worth while. Even though you state you want to fish in the harbor. with the calm waters we have had lately you will get outside the harbor and fish. Just a couple of miles off the Dana pt coast could hook you a tuna, dorado, and more.
Radio: Most critical piece of gear for the ocean.
If you have only one battery I would suggest you will fishing in neutral with the engine running to preserve the battery.
Check for Bait tanks on line however if you are near Dana Point. Check out Hogans tackle for information on The correct size Bait tank. Several boats like yours have bait bags than hang over the transom and do not interfere with fishing space on the boat.
Life ring with 100 feet of small diameter strong ski rope should be on the boat in case someone falls over board.
Life jackets. I know we hate to wear them....... we insist everyone wears life jacket when boat traveling over 10 knots.
If your boat rocks a lot in the waves you should keep life jackets on

Buy gal of salt away and run it through the engine after you pull it out. It is concentrated. Get it with the little reservoir that goes between the hose and your engine. Will preserve you engine from salt damage.

We started fishing the harbors with our 15 foot lowe boat and got so hooked we bought a 22 ft center console and now we fish 20 miles off shore. Best wishes and God Bless/ Tight lines


thanks for the advise. We actually went out of newport a couple weeks ago and got 3 Bonitos. We used a homemade bait tank that worked pretty well. We still need to the get the VHF Radio.
47097