Ocean Trolling with a rental...

[FirstDownPirates]

I will be in Hopetown in june with a group that wants to fish everyday. We all are avid-lifetime boaters and tournament fishermen, but we also want to play within the rules.
We really don't have any interest in "chartering" a full service fishing charter, but we thought there might be someone associated with one of the boat rental companies or a known local that would accept $$-and/or-fish to spend a half day or two fishing with us (we have tackle/rods/etc) on our rental.

There is even some wording on the boat rental "rules page" that states that it is agianst the rules to run on the ocean side UNLESS prior arrangements are and permission granted???

Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

David

[Abacowilly]

....taking the rental boats out on the Atlantic side can be dangerous if you are not familiar with the area. In general the rental companies do ask that you not go out there because of the "obstacles" you may not be able to see.

I've "heard" of folks who have been out there and have found themselves in the midst of a coral reef more than once on the "outside". Even "heard" of one fellow who knocked a chunk out of his prop the size of a silver dollar just beyond Gumelemi and Guana. BTW, props are very highly "thought of" in the Abacos :o . Having just replaced the 2 props on my own 30 footer back home I was thinking around $125 for a "composite" prop. That was in the late 90's and how about $275 plus installation!!!! 'Tough lesson.

However, this same fellow has also done some decent "bottom fishing" just off of Guana in about 135 ft without incident. Somehow I just can't quite recall that guy's name . . . . . . hmmmmmmm. ;)

[SamFamAustin]

Aw come on AbacoWilly, if the boat renter sees they have experience and they get an insurance rider, it should be no big deal in small swells. Those Albury boats were meant to go out there - it's just that most folks can't handle the boats or know where to drive even on the inside! With a game plan, Cruiser's Net, Dodge Guide, several nautical charts, depth finder, and a GPS (and some common sense) the more savvy ought to be able to have a blast.

I mean come on, we know most outfits don't like to do this but with the new fishing regulations and already high costs, give us a break. Some of these guys do a "flight plan" and are pretty scientific about it, including having the tide tables. They know when the sky looks ominous for thunder boomers and to run for cover. They know fishing structure and the weedlines. They know if you nick a prop pretty bad that's a minimum of $300. Let 'em run, man, as long as the renter says it is OK.

The only thing I say so the gentleman poster is to never offer free fish for anything. That is a major no-no, as you do not possess a commercial license for resale of fish products in the Bahamas. On a good day, though, you can get your six pelagics and 20 pounds of scale fish per boat and have a perfectly good time - and be home before the seas get up in the afternoon.

Come on, mon, the Abacos is about realizing your dreams, and if you're a competent sailor and all is OK, I say go for it. /sammie

[abacomah]

....BTW, props are very highly "thought of" in the Abacos :o . Having just replaced the 2 props on my own 30 footer back home I was thinking around $125 for a "composite" prop. That was in the late 90's and how about $275 plus installation!!!! ..... ;)
Come 'on AbacoWilly come clean,

You and your brother still laugh about that today. The proprieter of the rental boat company at the time, who will remain nameless, was very understanding.

AbacoWilly's brother was newly married at the time and pennies were tight, heck pennies are still tight for us now and all those pennies go to Abaco trips. They have two little girls now and a baby due anytime so they have not been to Abaco in several years. They are in the "Henz" stage of life.

I think the owner could see the concern on their faces, especially AbacoWilly's brother, when he told them the price tag. He graciously offered to install the prop for free!

The laugh they continue to have today is the exact words the proprietor said after the two of them heard the price.

[Abacowilly]

. . . . you bring an awesome perspective for sure. Sound boating experience, along with a general "sense of adventure", can clearly afford anyone with a broader boating experience in the Abacos for sure. Although most rental boats there are NOT an "Albury", more often than not the experienced boater (and their rental boat) will return unscathed. I've "heard" far, far more of these days than the alternative.

As an avid boater myself and one who does enjoy "trolling" or "Bottom fishing" on occasion, I cannot even begin to imagine a trip to Abaco without getting out on the water. Even landing a barracuda or two can be just as exciting as seeing your grouper come up with only a head left after the sharks hit it.

For those somewhat new to the area my key point is that there are numerous areas where coral reefs abound....many just mere inches below the water's surface and often difficult to see in the bright sunshine. As can be witnessed in the recent conversations regarding projects in the Guana Cay area, these are valued treasures of the Abacos and should be treated with the greatest respect.

Over the years perhaps the rental companies have become more understanding about going to the outside. But, consider the "boating enthisiast" who tears up a prop or ruins an outboard, it costs the rental company revenues regardless of who foots the bill for the repairs. That boat could be out of the rental pool for days or weeks before generating revenues for the rental companies again.

Bottom line:
It's possible to enjoy the Abacos full throttle (I know from experience and can even remember some of it), but please be carefull and respectful out there without being a "bull in a china shop" as you make your way out to the Atlantic.

Have a very Abaco Day ;)

[ccbex]

I LOVE that Tshirt!