New at salt water fishing ,starting from Manasquan inlet

[trubadur]

Hi!
I keep my boat at Manasquan inlet and I want to meet ppl in that area to go out fishing in the 2013 season.My boat is a 25'Trophy with a single 275HP engine.I would like to talk to ppl who knows the area and the fishing spots.I would like to get to the Mud hole but I'm not sure if my boat is to small for that trip or is it ok?!
Thanks for your help!
zoli 

[wb]

Welcome. You should be good, maybe head out with a buddy boat until you are comfortable and confident with your Trophy. Lots of ppl here fishing out of MI who will offer to help. Have fun!!!

[trubadur]

Thanks !Some help would be  appreciated !Going out with a body boat that would be awesome

[Ms Fish]

You'll love it here! Good luck fishing in 2013! Make sure to post your reports and WE love photos  ! Tight lines!

[BigAl13]

Your boats big enough for a nice to moderate day, how many gallons of fuel do you hold?

[fellinger]

I fish from MI. I have a 23.5 Trophy hardtop with an I/O. As people have already said if you chose your day you can take that boat out as far as you feel comfortable and fuel will allow you. On a nice day it can be like a bathtub 25+ miles out. I would be willing to help you however I can. I am going to try to add some extra fuel to my boat this year to make some longer trips. I have caught the offshore bug. Sharks, bluefin tuna, etc will be on my agenda.

From MI we have 2 really nice artifical reefs within about 3 miles of the inlet. They offer good inshore bottom fishing for seabass, flounder etc. Striper fishing is often good within a short run from the inlet.

Kick around some older posts on this forum, particularly some that I have started and you'll get plenty of intel. Again, I'd buddy boat with you if you want or I am always looking for people to complete a crew. I usually do my fishing during the week.

What safety equipment do you have on board?

Fred

[trubadur]

the fuel thank its over a 100 gallons
never been empty so im not sure

[fellinger]

the fuel thank its over a 100 gallons
never been empty so im not sure

100 gallons should be plenty to get around where you want to go. I do it with less although I need to bring reserve with me. That's why I am going to try to add an external tank that I can put on when I need it for the longer trips.

[trubadur]

Hi Fred!
Would be nice to go out next season with 2 boats .Its my dream to get some Tuna and Sharks.My plan is to set up my boat for the next season w some good safety equipment.I just purchased the boat this year and I didn't go out much and I can say had no success fishing.Whats your suggestion  regarding the safety equipment?
Thanks
Zoli

[BigAl13]

I for one if going that far out would make sure that my vhf is working well and/or have a second one. A ditch bag ready just in case. An EPIRB is always helpful. Make sure you have shooting flares, and always leave a "float plan" with a competent person who you trust.

[fellinger]

I for one if going that far out would make sure that my vhf is working well and/or have a second one. A ditch bag ready just in case. An EPIRB is always helpful. Make sure you have shooting flares, and always leave a "float plan" with a competent person who you trust.

I echo Al's comments. If you cannot afford an EPIRB a PLB (personal locating beacon) is a good alternative although, it cannot be activated automatically. I have a model from ACR (http://www.acrartex.com/) and got a very good deal on it at the AC boat show. Your ditch bag should contain stuff to help you survive in the water and land if stranded. Some things that I keep in mine include; knife, multitool, bottled water, sunscreen, hat, aviation style inflating live vests, flares, signal flag, chunk dog food and nutrition bars, first aid kit, my PLB (although will begin wearing it on my person next year), flashlight, batteries, etc. It is all in a water resistant bag and kept very close when I'm out.

A handled VHF in the bag would be good too. I also added radar.

I always leave a float plan with my fiance (did I say that? Man that sounds weird).

[trubadur]

thanks Guys ! its very helpful
do you guys know any web sites with safety equipment?

[fellinger]

thanks Guys ! its very helpful
do you guys know any web sites with safety equipment?

I got a good deal on the bag from Bass Pro. Any of the chains have what you need. Reference the USCG regs for mandatory safety equipment. What year is your boat? I would be sure to inspect all of your thru hull fittings (live wells etc) and be sure they're sealed good and not cracked on the inside. This may require you to take apart some part of the boat to access them but, they are more than likely plastic and will sink a boat in a heartbeat. Also, be sure any hose clamps are tight. Carry spare hose clamps and wooden or plastic plugs in case of a leak. Bilge pumps will only do so much to keep you afloat. A toolbox is good too.

[Mr Limpett]

Lucky Stiffs! 

[Hotrod]

You'll be fishing for Bluefin in no time

[fellinger]

You'll be fishing for Bluefin in no time

Just need some Sterling titanium spreader bars..... NJSWF Tackle - Sterling 

[trubadur]

my boat is a Trophy '04  25' walkaround,with a mercury verado 275
i will inspect my boat in the spring

[fellinger]

my boat is a Trophy '04  25' walkaround,with a mercury verado 275
i will inspect my boat in the spring

Sounds like a good rig. Try to figure exactly how much fuel you have and then figure out what you burn per hour at cruise o figure out your range.

[trubadur]

just found out the fuel tank capacity is 160 gal

[Hunter 2]

just found out the fuel tank capacity is 160 gal

The fuel capacity you have with the Mercury Verado and boat size should easily put you in the 300 mile round trip range with a comfortable amount of fuel to spare.