Pensacola Fishing Forum / General Chit Chat / General Discussion

boat financing

Strictly Bizness — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:51:40 GMT

we are looking to move up to a larger class boat in the next month or so. i am kicking around some options for financing. with the economy the way it is i have heard that credit unions have changed some of their qualifying rules for loans due to the amount of repo's. has anybody ever done business with the Marker 7 Group or Fishboatloans.com before? i have several options available to me but wanted some honest feedback from anyone that has ever used them or know someone that has. thanks in advance.

Hurricane Preparation Seminar at West Marine on Barrancas

oldflathead — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:18:01 GMT

We have had this planned for a month, but it may be too late for Tropical Storm Faye. Weather Underground has six computer models, four of them entering the Gulf, one of them "Nogaps' centered on Mobile Bay. However things could change drastically in the next few days. If we miss this one, be ready for the next storm.

We will be presenting a three part presentation, John Naybors, operator of three marinas in Bayou Chico will discuss how to prepare your boat left in a marina. The general manager of Pensacola Shipyard, Keith Bellflower will discuss what the shipyard can do for you and preparing your boat if it's on the hard. I, Tom Vandiver, AKA "Old Flathead" will talk about anchoring for the storm, where some people go for safe refuge, like Demopolis or up any river and where not to go anchor,like Bayou Chico.

This will be a roundtable discussion, so that those of you with experience can share "howudidit". So, come on down to the West Marine store at 3500 Barrancas, 7PM Tuesday August 26.

Tom 850-572-1225:bpts

Whopping Fish Declared New Species

TBonds — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:16:48 GMT

I found this on yahoo.com:

A man-sized grouper that trolls the tropical waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean for octopuses and crabs has been identified as a new fish species after genetic tests.

Called the goliath grouper, the fish can grow to six feet (1.8 meters) in length and weigh a whopping 1,000 pounds (454 kg). Until now, scientists had grouped this species with an identical looking fish (also called the goliath grouper, or Epinephelus itajara) living in the Atlantic Ocean.

"For more than a century, ichthyologists have thought that Pacific and Atlantic goliath grouper were the same species," said lead researcher Matthew Craig of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, "and the argument was settled before the widespread use of genetic techniques."

Once upon a time, about 3.5 million years ago — before the Caribbean and the Pacific were separated by present-day Panama — they were, in fact, the same species. Now, DNA tests have revealed the two populations have distinct genes, indicating they likely evolved into two separate species after their ocean homes were divided by Central America.

Scientists disagree about how to define the term "species" and what separates species from one another biologically, though some say that a species is a group that can mate with one another and produce offspring that are not sterile. However, this biological definition doesn't always hold up, for instance, with coyotes and wolves (considered separate species), which can successfully produce fertile offspring. In this study, the scientists relied on differences in the fishes' genetic codes to establish the separate grouper species.

The new Pacific species, now designated as Epinephelus quinquefasciatus, is described in a recent issue of the journal Endangered Species Research.

The Atlantic variety, E. itajara, is currently listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, or International Union for Conservation of Nature. Due to its scarcity, E. quinquefasciatus also may be considered critically endangered.

"In light of our new findings, the Pacific goliath grouper should be treated with separate management and conservation strategies," said researcher Rachel Graham of the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York.

The research was funded by Programa Petrobras Ambiental, Conservation International Brazil to Projeto Meros do Brasil, The Summit Foundation, National Science Foundation and Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology.

What's your screen name mean???

Garbo — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:23:03 GMT

I get asked that often. Here's mine.

Garbo

Years ago when Steve owned the P/cola Pier (when it was made completely of wood) I fished it often and when someone fed a fish then missed the hookset, he was called a Garbo, sometimes Garb for short. I missed my fair share, but the name was the closest relation I had to Pensascola.

Help Wounded Soldiers and Win a Boat!!!

TkTom — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:32:09 GMT

The Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) is proud to announce its statewide fundraiser with the

"The Boat of Heroes."

Florida's Firefighters are on the front line everyday, protecting citizens from the daily hazards of car wrecks, wildfires, heart attacks, and house fires. At the same time, America's soldiers stand on guard across the globe protecting us and providing the freedom we so dearly covet. Unfortunately, some of our soldiers suffer injuries that have the potential to ruin the lives of our brave soldiers. These brave warriors need the support of everyone in their attempts to recover and get back to living their lives.

I have created a Website with all the Information, Check it out.

http://members.cox.net/tschwarz1/

Please take a Minute to check it out.

Thanks,

:usaflag

RFRA MEETING TONIGHT 8-21

reelhappy — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:15:42 GMT

We the people need to unite together to save what is left of our fishing rights. If we sit on our a**'s and do nothing, we will not be able to fish for anything. it is getting to the point that a lot of our charter for hire guys are going out of business. ie. capt. dale perkins. so even if you could catch something their will be no one to take you! we need your help this is a election year they will listen to the masses if we can unite please try to attend tonight meeting at RFRA club house 1007 pine st pensacola 6:30 pm. i will be there how about you! thank you

scot mason

West Marine in GB store closing

naclh2oDave — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:35:11 GMT

I just left there and all sorts of stuff is 50% off. Including some big coolers all the gas grills and rope.

21 lb. Catfish w/Barbie pole?

aquabubba — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:06:14 GMT

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,407901,00.html

I don't know about this one.

Green Peanuts

Midnight Rider — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:25:09 GMT

Has anybody noticed the guy from Jay who usually sits at the old Winn Dixie in Cantonment and sells green peanuts?????? If you happen to see him how about drop me a line. Thanks.

OUPV License Study online (Passport Marine in Pensacola)

CaptCasey — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:03:09 GMT

Just stumbled over some information that I am looking into. There appears to be 4 small schools in the US that offer the 6 Pak course online. All you have to do is go to an approved school (most likely the one posting the online course) and sit for the test.

We are talking to the NMC (National Maritime Center) to find out what we need to do to be able to offer this in our area.

Having taught now for over 4 years in Pensacola, I know a lot of you guys have to take time off of work to come to the school. In all honesty, I really feel this is the best method. If you have questions they get answered.

I can only speculate at the moment on how this will go down but I assure you that I will wear it out once I find out if we can do it.

I still would hope that most people would prefer the class room environment but with the world in the shape that it is in now, many of us hold down 2 jobs just to feed family and our passions.

It may serve some well but I fear it may hurt some.

We will keep you posted on what we find out.

Capt. Casey Bunton
Passport Marine
3535 W. Fairfield Dr.
Pensacola, FL. 32505
850.455.8833

Bass Pro Shop vs Outcast

1923 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:35:45 GMT

Went to the new BPS Sunday and the place was packed with people and neat stuff. I did however do something that I have not been able to do at Outcast or GB Bait & Tackle , I left without spending one red cent.

They have made a sporting goods store rival DisneyWorld , everywhere you look there are tons of "stuff" . Problem was that for the "near shore and slightly off shore " fishing that I do, they had less than I had hoped for. "some " moldcraft, Islander, no Black Bart , and few Yo-Zuri trolling lures.

I will say that it was fun and I am glad I went, but matching shirts and name tags do not replace the sarcastic snears and B.S that I've come to look foward to around here.

Nothing the CEO of BPS can do will come close to what Tommy H., Paul R. Chris P .,,, and the list goes on and on from A thru Joe Z. have done for years.

I am sure that I could have spent a lot there ,but I'll save it for next spring when I'll be FIRST in line AGAIN .

Cool pics of sailfish attacking a baitball.

Corpsman — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:49:29 GMT

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/09/sailfish/nicklen-photography

Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club Tournamment T-shirts Available

pure bay — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:09:38 GMT

2008 PBGFC tournament shirts are still available all sizes and colors (long and short) for $10 each. Include International, Ladies, & even the Junior angler shirts. Available at Gene's Floor Covering on Navy Blvd. Mon-Fri. 8:00-5:00

I can't find the original post but Take a look anyhow.

captken — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:22:08 GMT

Gen-U-Wine bottom destroyer advertised as the "Ultimate Flats Boat."

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/ultimate-1.jpg[/IMG]

Multi tools

Sniper Spear-It — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:04:46 GMT

Which multi tool do you feel is the best all around tool for removing hooks and cutting wire as well as everyday needs?

Short-term dry storage or trailer?

First Cast — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:22:11 GMT

My 21' center console lives in a boathouse that's not secure enough if a tropical system gets close. Anybody have thoughts for dry storage availability for a couple of months, or do they all require an annual contract? I'd also be willing to buy a trailer if somebody knows of one or where to look.

Thanks.

Man Makes Record Catch With Barbie Fishing Rod

bamaben — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:11:44 GMT

Man Makes Record Catch With Barbie Fishing Rod

Thursday, August 21, 2008

E-Mail ELKIN, N.C. — David Hayes' granddaughter just ask him to hold her Barbie rod and reel while she went to the bathroom.

He did. And seconds later he landed the state record channel catfish at 21 pounds, 1 ounce.

Alyssa's father had bought the pink Barbie fishing rod for Christmas and she had caught a few bluegill before her grandfather hauled in the catfish.

The Winston-Salem Journal reported the catch Aug. 5 in eastern Wilkes County has been certified as a record by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Hayes and his granddaughter have been fishing in the pond behind his house since she was big enough to hold a pole.

Hayes says his granddaughter worried he would break her rod. He landed the 21-pound fish on a 6-pound test line. It was 32 inches long, 2 inches longer than the rod.

Charter out of Orange Beach

golfdc — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:40:15 GMT

A friend of mine wants to charter a fishing charter out of orange Beach. He wants a boat (ship) 50' to 60' in length. Does anyone know of a good charter boat that big and will put you on fish?

Thanks for any info you can supply.

Ala.gators in Mobile Bay??

Snagged Line — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:58:20 GMT

I have been driving between Mobile and Pensacola a couple of times a week for Years and have Never seen a ala.gator untill recently and Now I am seeing them in groups every time I come out of the I-10 tunnel eastbound in the body of water on the south side of the bridge near the boat ramp and also swimming in the canal behind the old Hotel. It's kinda cool seeing them swimming around down there. Wish I could stop on the bridge and check them out.

Have I simply overlooked them for ever or have there always been a bunch of gators swimming around there???

Commercial Fishing Question

38bat — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:47:32 GMT

Post on here got me doing some research. Can anybody answer this question? In Florida, what can you legally catch and sell with only a SPL(fish only, not clams or shellfish). Assume that you have no other permits like RS. Out of curiosity I called the FWC and they were less than helpful. I also could not find this info on the website. I could however find a list that you can't catch without the RS. Any help appreciated!

I Need a Drawing/Painting of Islander Ballyhoo Combo

Billable — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:52:30 GMT

I know I have seen drawings/paintings of Ballyhoo Islander combos before, but can't remember where or find now that I am looking. Working on some graphics for the boat and just need an example to show the graphics designed. I'm thinking of a drawing/painting that gives a feel for how it looks in motion. If you have seen one, please tell me where or post/PM.

stuff for sale

sailfish23 — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:02:39 GMT

large pier cart and 2 penn little reels 5500ss,4500ss

more info in the flea market section

What kind of boat would you buy?

mdrobe2 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:15:36 GMT

Guys I need a bigger boat and I have to keep it in the garage. I figure anything will be better than my 14 footer. I LOVE my boat, but it gets a little crowded at times as I expand my repertoire to include Pensacola Pass fishing. I have looked at the Boston Whaler 17 Montauk- it's 30K and I don't like yankee boat names. I know I will probably have to have the trailer rigged with a folding tongue to fit the garage but that's OK. I am looking hard at the Cape Horn 17 at this point, as well as Bay Stealth and Blazer Bay 18's, if they will fit. I hope some of you wise old salts can help me find a dry, smooth riding boat. I know it won't be perfect, but it will do better than my flat bottom 14 for what I want to do, and I can keep it at home until I get in a position to have something larger stored off site. I was pretty high on the Carolina Skiffs but a friend told me they ride wet and rough. I need the voice of experience here folks. Let me know...

big ship off destin

fishhead0429 — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:51:18 GMT

Anyone else see that thing? Looks like it has 2 or 3 cranes. Saw it last night coming over the island all lit up and then again today. Just anchored out there.

inflating your inflatable / tender

sel1005 — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:23:15 GMT

just bought an inflatable for my larger boat, something to go ashore in, beach, etc.

How you you inflate yours? I dont have the size boat (just a 36') to travel with her inflated, have to keep deflated and then when we arrive where ever we are spending the day / night, whatever, we take her out of the bag and inflate and add the small outboard.

interested in knowing if you use manual pumps, electric, what brands, etc, as well as how you manage the overall process of launching.

Thanks!

what kind of line do you use?

nextstep — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:10:25 GMT

what line do you use?

what do you use inland say for red? 20 or 12

flounder 12 or 8

trout 12 or 8 maybe 6?

bottom in state waters? 20?

you blue water guys i dont have a clue. 100? seems if i was stand up fishing it would not be any more than 50, anything else seems suicidal.

mono or braid?

what brand?

always get good info on here about leaders have not heard that much on line.

:bowdown:letsdrink

Wed. night meet up!

LITECATCH — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:29:17 GMT

I am back from the keys, anyone want to meet up tonight?

The Recent Adventures of a Fish Nerd

Coryphaena — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:33:07 GMT

OK, OK, I haven't been on the forum in a looong time and I've missed the folks I'm proud to call friends. I apologize for being out of touch. Number of reasons for the absence including a move to Fort Walton Beach and finally a move back to Pace (long story that's not all happy), but on the up side I have finally collected all of my red snapper barotrauma and venting data, run all but one of my statistical tests, and am finally making the first of my Big Presentations.

I'm in Ottawa, Canada, at the annual American Fisheries Society meeting and will be here through Friday. I've spent 4 years on this project as some of y'all already know, and this is the first public release of what I've found. As the trip progresses I'll share details.....

I find it amazing how small of a world we live in. I boarded the plane this morning, eye-crackingly early for a 5:45am departure. I knew it would be a great trip when, as soon as I stepped onto the plane I hear a familiar "HEY!!" Lo and behold, on that same flight was Bob... aka Stressless. I never thought I'd get to hang out with one of my friends from PFF on a plane layover in Atlanta. :)

I'm staying at the Westin Ottawa, walking distance from some really cool open-air pubs, and the Parliament building where I'm hoping to see the changing of the guard. Today's activities were minimal- I set up my display poster and we had a big welcome social. With over 1000 people here it's hard to meet all of the other fish folks, but I sure as heck hope I meet as many as I can.

Couple of quick photos from today-

The view from my room:

What a gorgeous night- full moon from my room!

Tomorrow is the start of all of the talks and my first opportunity to share red snapper data. I have a summary of my results which I will post once the conference winds down.

Glad to be back on the PFF and I will post more from Canada before I leave.......

Today's Forum Downtime.... Sorry Guys!

Chris Couture — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:16:43 GMT

Sorry the forum was down between noon and 3:00pm today. I had some major bandwidth problems at work today and shut the forum down to see if that was the problem and to better troubleshoot the issue. It didn't change anything but it did make reading through the logs much easier. (damn this site receives a lot of traffic)

I did find one thing interesting... We've been paying Cox for a 5mb OC3 line for a year now and they never upgraded us from the 3mb connection we had before. I questioned them about this in the past and they said it was set up even though the speed test didn't seem to show it. I got busy with other issues and never thought much about it again until now. They were very generous and we now have a 7MB connection for the same price for the next 3 years! Yea Haw! Thanks COX!

Also, about 3 months ago, we brought in a second OC3 fiber line from a completely different trunk line so we have a fiber connection from the south and one from the north. While the uptime of the one line has been suburb, this helps even more in the case of a natural disaster. Combine that with the 65KW generator we installed right after Dennis and we should be good....

Anyway, I hope I didn't disrupt too many lunch schedules today with the site being offline.

eeewww that smell

VS200B — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:54:17 GMT

i figure this is worth a shot... if anyone has an idea of who is throwing the fish carcasses in the dumpster at beach marina, could you please ask them to stop.... seeing as how we have a SW wind pretty much every afternoon during the summer, the smell of that nasty crap passes the nasal openings of every single person who drives onto the beach....

even though it's only for a few seconds, the crap is gross, and as much as the tourists get in the way, i'm sure they don't like that the first thing they smell when they get to the beach is rotting snapper bodies.

thanks in advance,

The Perfect Man Room at your house. What would you have?

Garbo — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:45:37 GMT

I have yet to have one in any home I have owned, but one soon will have a Man Room that is mine to do as I please with everything about it. I want an old couch, large flat screen (for College Football), Fridge, Pool Table, Outside Shower, and all kinds of assorted sporting goods (storage).

What all would you have in a dedicated Man Room in or in the backyard at your home?

Apex predators

JHOGUE — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:07:51 GMT

All this talk about every fish being killed like the mega sharks and sail fish off the pier is nuts does any one under stand who the real apex predators are....US! if you can drop a bait down and bring up a legal snapper in under 30 sec there not apex predators and if Lou Nanny can catch a legal sailfish off the pier after an hour fight on a 706 thats not so apex. but most important if you can catch and put a 596.6 pound tiger freaking shark in a god dang 20ft flats boat!!!!!!!! he isn't an apex preadator!

Site fishing

neckred? — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:58:11 GMT

wat da hell is dis? wen evry bodi goes to da same site an fishes?......duh

Who do you think you know?

Garbo — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:55:52 GMT

I have a bunch of friends that I have met due to being a member of this forum. Some of which I have never seen, but I still consider them friends, and it is a large number of friends.

We communicate fairly frequently through the forum, and I look forward to hearing from them. When something is going on in their life it is important to me, Such as Susan (Ron/TunaMan's wife), but Ron or Susan and I have never met. Same goes for Wade and his Dad, who my heart goes out to, both of them.

Is there many members like this?

Who do you think you know on here, that you have never actually met?

Folding T Top

ishmel407 — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:00:20 GMT

I am looking into getting a T Top for my boat and I was told about these. They will fold down and then fold again. They are made of 1.90 aluminum and are very strong or so they say. Thought you all might want to check them out. And they are pretty cheap compared to a normal T Top.

http://www.fishmaster.com/index.htm

Jet ski and big lagoon

Sequoiha — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:51:42 GMT

Penny and I are going this morning to big lagoon to ride the jet ski,, tube and knee board. anyone up for a small get together,,,, we will be there on our new vxdeluxe 1100 blue,,, come on down....:usaflag

How much do you REALLY tell on here ????

Garbo — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:24:47 GMT

It is not hard to understand that fishermen don't tell all. The fact that noone gives out info about their secret spot is not something that just came up, and has been part of fishing and hunting for many decades if not centuries.

If you had to admit how much info or how much true info you give on the forum, how much would it be in Percentage?

Try to keep it in increments of 10, meaning 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100%.

Be for reall.....Really For Real...

random pics

biggamefishr — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:08:25 GMT

I came across these while looking for a sunset picture to put on the other thread

the dumbest dog in the world, but you have to love him, he has more energy than a 10 year old thats drank a case of redbull

my grandfathers pride and joy, a 1953 Packard he had one of these when he was in college and about 20 years ago he decided he wanted another, so he bought one and had it fully restored. Theres not a spot on this car, i doubt you could find a cleaner car on the show room floor. Seems like every weekend he has it at a car show somewhere between foley and panama city

What the Heck

Greenjeans — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:49:54 GMT

Worked all day and didnt catch the news.... I get home and find out that Tropical Storm Fay may still be a problem for our area. Whats up the with proposed hard left turn. I was looking forward to some smooth seas this coming Saturday. Thought this one would be long gone by then. Hoping it will be. Not too many fishing Saturdays left till I go into hunting mode.:banghead:banghead

Fish identification chart/ size limit

scottydoint — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:44:22 GMT

Hi, I've only been fishing for about a month and need a something I can print out to identify fish in the area and what the size mins and maxes are as well as the limit to keep. THanks.