First-timers fishing for memories

[gutz]

My friend and I are bringing our families for the first time to Elbow Cay for Christmas (can't wait).... My buddy and I have decided to rent a boat and introduce our young daughters (and hopefully our 'girly-girl' wives) to exploring and fishing from the deck of a boat....

Now, I admit it...I need a little help before I embark on my (two) daughters' first day of salt-water fishing or else I risk exposing to them my true lack of fishing experience. It's happened before (we like doing new things together), but I am always a little embarrrassed whenever I overhear my oldest tell my youngest in whisper mode, ..."Daddy's just shootin' from the hip again...."

So, whatup gang? Any words of wisdom for these "redneck rookies" who hope their girls catch their very first fish in the Sea of Abaco on a December day?

MY buddy says he's bringing his own rig and tackle because the boat rentals don't keep that stuff anymore...I was hoping to rent everything I need....

Thanks,
GUTz (the redneck rookie)

[DrRalph]

Check out Fishing in Abaco (http://www.drralph.net/FishininAbaco2005.html).

[SamFamAustin]

I like DrRalph's trolling stragegy in his article - lots of people get fish that way down yonder and it is way relaxing.

My advice is to be careful if you do catch some fish, which no doubt you will because it is Fish Heaven. Those fish can have sharp spines and teeth. I usually bring along some old trashy T-shirts for fish rags and I promise it's not a bad idea - extra points if you have a lip-grabber or one of those de-hooking thangs. Oh, and a bucket in case they make red spots on the boat - gals don't generally like that. Little things like that show 'em you're a confident red-neck.

I always pack a small knife or even fingernail clippers as well, for cutting line. Have you got duct tape on your list? Probably the most important thing is that if you're going to drink beer in the sun, remember to have a bottle of water for each Kalik. We want ya to bring in some big snappers and smaller groupers to the dock, right?
-sammie

[Henz]

make sure you pack yellow colored jigs..most fish love the color yellow down there..You can troll them or drop them..many simply troll with a yellow feather and hook!
Bring some steel/heavy leaders..

[SamFamAustin]

Tell them about this beauty, y'all! All I can say is that these are usually caught fishing up-and-down, not trolling. They require smallish, extra-sharp hooks with real bait like conch leftovers. They are excellent bait stealers ... and probably the best eating in the Abacos. /sam

[gutz]

Thanks ya'll and yes sammie, your right about the "hydration" thang, us regular beer drinkin' rednecks are up to speed on that one....by the way, what kind of fish is that in the pic???

Still, I was hoping to rent fishing equipment with the boat (or nearby)....is that going to be a problem for me?

gutz

[SamFamAustin]

Queen Triggerfish, Gutz, and a beautiful one compared to the gray trig although just as good eating. Like I said, watch the spines because this puppy has one that can go right through your hand! Impress your redneck girls by impaling empty cans of soda after you got it landed and sedated. Just remember to grab them by the belly - they have a nasty way of waking up. As to gear, you're pretty much on your own unless you rent a place that has some old stuff, just thinking. Many folks pack 6' PVC tubes with a rod or two and put the reels in their bags ... you might call ahead if you're looking for a reservation to see if they have some snapper rigs to borrow. Not sure if the marinas fool with that anymore. Don't wait until you get there, honest Injun. I'm kind of in the same league as you because I use solid core graphite composites over 7 foot long with no joint, not really good to ship on an airline, so let me know what you find out - big redneck tourney coming up next May!. /Sam

[gutz]

OK - colored jigs, thanks. Dodge's guide says to bring silver spoons and /or a feathered(?) lure. Not sure what that is, but I've still got 136 days.....

Maybe i need a rum thang to relax.....just what exactly is a rum thang anywho....???

gutz

[CR]

Gutz,

Yellow Bucktail Jigs (3/8 or 1/2 oz.) work well for most Snapper, and Jacks, as well as Cudas.
Diving minnow type plugs like Rapalas work for Muttonfish, and small Grouper

You would be fine with a two piece medium weight spinning rod, and reel to match - nothing fancy required.
A two piece rod will fit in most checked bags, or can be carried on with you.

Anything shiney will work for Cudas and Jacks, and you can also use Conch for bait if you want to bottom fish.

R.

[SamFamAustin]

About anything, my friend, about anything. It can be a simple as rum & coke or a combination of several rums, fruit stuff, and that mysterious stuff called "whatever." Try this link for some great ones:
http://www.drralph.net/Recipes_Drink.html

Check out It'll Do's Cooler and Tina's Mojito - well they all seem good. You can use all kinds of frozen, canned, and bottled stuff but the real smack is fresh limes, oranges, and a Bahamian citrus called "sours."

Maybe try this one - hey DrRalph is this one worthy of listing?

Sammy's Kumquat-Ginger Rum Thang

5 fresh kumquats
1 tsp fresh ginger root, cut chunky-fine
1-2 Tablespoon superfine sugar
2 oz rum

Cross-cut the kumquats into thin slices and put in the bottom of your glass, like an Old Fashioned. Add ginger and sugar. This creates what is known as a "muddle," very cool. Mix it up good with a spoon. You can add mint and mangoes to your muddle but that's ... whoa, could be good!

Fill glass with ice. Pour in rum. Stir gently. Can be strained and poured if you must, like a martini. This is a very popular drink in Brazil.

[DaGoose]

Ooh, that sounds good, Sammie. might have to try one tonight!

Gutz, if your buddy is bringing rods, maybe he has room for one of yours in his carrier. You shouldn't have to spend an arm and a leg to buy a rod and reel plus you'll have it for fishing at home. I haven't been on many charters where I've had to rent tackle but in the few times I have, the gear hasn't been in very good condition.

You and your girls will have a blast. Simply exploring the different cays and taking in that gorgeous water should be enough, with a fish or two the icing on the cake.

Have fun and be sure to post a trip report with LOTS of photos!

Tina

[culp]

So Gutz...have you ever been to the Abacos before? Or the Bahamas?:)

[SamFamAustin]

Now be nice, Culp, I'm sure you meant that in a friendly way but in Texas them can be fighting words, like calling somebody out on the carpet. Think about it, you're never really in the Abacos unless you're walking on it, breathing it, eating their food, and all that good stuff. Otherwise it is a dream. The question is whether you know that dream good enough from going there more than twice. Ah yes, I do detect a smile from your direction now. /sammie :)

[culp]

Huh?!:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

[SamFamAustin]

Um please excuse me - Tina got me going on Mojitos and wooo ... I'm looking for a Bahamian hangover cure now.

[DaGoose]

Um please excuse me - Tina got me going on Mojitos and wooo ... I'm looking for a Bahamian hangover cure now.

I got you on Mojitos? I've been told I'm a bad influence but how'd I do that from so far away:D ?

Tina

[SamFamAustin]

I have no idea ... but do you know how hard it is to play guitar with a lampshade on your head? :eek:

[DaGoose]

I have no idea ... but do you know how hard it is to play guitar with a lampshade on your head? :eek:

Actually...no. I can't even do the chicken dance or YMCA after a few. You should have seen me try the Macarena:o it was...well...I don't know...sorta...REALLY BAD!!!

Tina

[culp]

Shoo....I'm just glad the heat's off me. Thanks for covering me, sista!:D

Now, what happened to our friend Gutz?
(Don't even start, Sammie.);)

[SamFamAustin]

[Resisting urge ... can't help it ... the force is too much ...] Probably with his brother Splatz and his sista Pootz! I well, wish I was headed over before May - can't wait.

[DaGoose]

[Resisting urge ... can't help it ... the force is too much ...] Probably with his brother Splatz and his sista Pootz! I well, wish I was headed over before May - can't wait.

:D :D :D Now, Sammie, you've really done it! ;)

Hey Gutz, this is all in fun...sorry for hijacking your thread. (Some of us have a tendency to do that:rolleyes: ) How's the planning going? Are your daugthers and the 'girly girls' getting excited? Where are you staying on Elbow?

Tina

PS, You're welcome Culp aka Shredder!

[SamFamAustin]

Sorry, maybe yesterday's hang-over cure was a little bit too powerful - raw oysters and yellowfin tuna with Cholula hot cauce and col' beers Michelada style, a little rabbit food (salad) on the side. Works, though.

Anyhoo, those two-piece Shakespeare rods work great for the inside and are easy to pack in a duffel bag - and cheap enough so if you break it on a huge grouper, no big loss. Just cut the stubby end off and keep on fishin'!

For the outside, you really need a thicker 5-6 foot boat rod because the dolphin and wahoo can have one heck of a strike. This is where you need your buddy to fess up with a 30-pound rig like a medium-heavy pole with a Penn Senator. The way to catch fish on the outside is to troll out the passes like Tilloo or MOW, which is sometimes dangerous in a small boat and against some boat rental policies, but very fun and always within sight of land. Hey, be sneaky about it, mon!
-sammie

[gutz]

Thanks friends, this is all good stuff....ya'll can hijack my thread anytime, it's all good....now if i can just learn to count i might get there sooner...

Actually Culp, we stopped at Gorda Cay (aka Castaway Cay) last Christmas on the dreaded Disney Cruise (that day being its only saving grace) and there I met a beautiful young maiden from Abaco who teased me with her tall tales of how beautiful the Sea of Abaco is......so when I got back I googled Abaco and now were coming.....Elbow Cay (All U Need) the last 10 days of December...

The planning is going good (thanks to the forum) and yes, we are all gettin' excited, especially my crew of 'girly girls.'

Gutz