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Fishing hunting paddle sports

Nautical Knowledge “101”

Recreation Boating Education Class

June 24th-25th 8:30-5:30 (Both Days)

July 22nd-23rd 8:30-5:30 (Both Days)

(The July Class is A Women’s Only Nautical Knowledge “101”Boating Education Class)

This is a Recreational Boating Education Class That Includeds: Chart Familiarization, Docking and Anchoring Theory, Weather, VHF Radio Use, GPS, Magnetic Compass Use, Planning a Voyage, Emergency Actions while Underway, Life Jacket Use, Knot Tying, Tides, Man Overbaord Theory, and SO Much More. This is a full 2 Day, 16 Hour Class

*The Cost is $159.00 Per Student

Call: (941)-268-6622 OR Sign Up Online @ www.BoatTutors.com

Under The Nautical Knowledge Link

The USCG Rules of the Road Part 1

The USCG Navigation Rules of the Road (NAVRULES) are regulations which aid mariners in safe navigation, just as driving laws aid vehicles in safe driving. The NAVRULES are legally binding and relevant to each and every boater. The proper use of them makes our waterways safer for everyone to enjoy and helps prevent collisions and the loss of life. The overview I’m providing will be summarized in a three-part series and is meant for recreational boaters navigating on salt water bays, harbors, rivers and the Gulf of Mexico. While reading it, please keep in mind, the average recreational boater does not need the same working knowledge of all 41 NAVRULES that a licensed USCG Captain must know, but you are, “by law”, responsible to have a strong working knowledge of the NAVRULES. The first NAVRULE we will discuss is Rule 13 (Overtaking). As defined, a vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking (passing) when approaching another vessel from a direction of more than 22.5 degrees abaft of the beam; that is, in such a position with reference to the vessel you are overtaking, that at night you would only see the sternlight of that vessel but neither of the sidelights (running lights). The inland application of this rule (by law) requires that the overtaking vessel sound a signal of either one or two short blasts which must be answered with the same signal by the vessel being overtaken to acknowledge they concur with the maneuver or by immediately sounding five short blasts that indicates that they do not concur with the maneuver. When overtaking another vessel, you are designated the “give way” vessel and you must stay clear of the vessel you are overtaking.

Captain Jack R. Sanzalone is a 30-year submarine veteran and licensed USCG Master Captain and Assessor with 42 years of experience. He is the owner of The Captain School Orange Beach, Al and teaches both basic and advanced boating education. You can contact Captain Jack at: jack@boattutors.com or by visiting his website at www.boattutors.com

To catch red snapper in the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coasts, here are some specific tips: Timing and Season: Red snapper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is highly regulated and typically occurs during specific seasons. Stay updated on the current season dates and any restrictions set by both the state and federal regulations.

Locate Fishing Spots: Red snapper tend to congregate around natural or artificial reefs, wrecks, and other structures. Obtain fishing charts or maps that mark known fishing spots, or consider hiring a local guide like Captain James McCanless of Aquiline Custom Charters who knows the area so very well.

Equipment and Tackle: Use medium-heavy to heavy spinning or baitcasting rods and reels that can handle the strength of red snapper. Spool your reel with a strong braided or monofilament line with a test strength of 30-50 pounds. Use a strong leader, such as fluorocarbon, to prevent break-offs from the snapper’s sharp teeth.

Bait Selection: Red snapper are voracious predators and can be enticed by a variety of baits. Use live or dead bait like squid, shrimp, cigar minnows, or small baitfish such as pinfish, pogies, or croakers. Some anglers have success with artificial baits like jigs or soft plastic lures that mimic baitfish.

Fishing Techniques: Consider using a knocker rig or a Carolina rig to present your bait effectively. These rigs allow your bait to drift naturally and reach the desired depth. You can also try vertical jigging or slow trolling techniques to entice the snapper. Experiment with different retrieval speeds and depths until you find what works best.

Patience and Persistence: Red snapper fishing can sometimes require patience, as they may not always be feeding actively. Stay alert for any signs of bites, including rod tip movement, line tension, or changes in weight. If you’re not getting bites in one location, be prepared to move around and try different spots until you find the fish.

Follow Regulations: Ensure you are aware of the current regulations for red snapper fishing, including size limits and bag limits. Stay informed about any changes in the rules and adhere to them to protect the fishery and ensure its sustainability.

Remember to always prioritize safety on the water, wear appropriate safety gear, and be aware of weather conditions. Fishing with an experienced local angler or charter boat can provide valuable guidance and increase your chances of success. Enjoy your red snapper fishing adventure on the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coasts!

Lemon caper sauce is a perfect way to dress up your summer snapper catch. The bright, acidic sauce compliments sweet, flaky snapper beautifully. You can serve this with any pasta or vegetables you have on hand. Enjoy!

1 16oz Snapper filet, 1/2 inch thick

McCormick Garlic, Onion, Black Pepper, and Sea Salt all purpose seasoning blend

Jar of capers

1 stick unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley

2 tsp zest from your juiced lemons

2 lemons, halved for charring on the Blackstone

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Season your Snapper filet with kosher salt and a generous coating of the McCormick seasoning.

2. Place filet on Blackstone or skillet heated to medium-high heat. Cook for 3-4 mins per side, until internal temperature registers 145 degrees.