VOLUSIA COUNTY
By: Desiree’ Harbster and Capt Lynda Hawkins
Maintaining Your Boat and Trailer After Saltwater Use
Written By: Captain Martin Goldys Reel Harmony Fishing Charters
Whether I am running fishing charters, fishing for fun, or just spending the day on the boat with my family, I always practice the same clean-up procedures with my boat and trailer.
Maintaining a boat used in saltwater involves several steps to prevent corrosion and ensure longevity of your vessel. These steps include rinsing your vessel with fresh water after each use, cleaning your vessels hull and engine with appropriate products, and routinely inspecting and lubricating parts, especially those directly exposed to saltwater.
Here's a breakdown of my saltwater boat and trailer maintenance procedures. Likely the single most important step to maintaining your vessel after saltwater use is Rinsing and Cleaning.
Immediately after use, rinse your entire boat and trailer with fresh water to remove salt buildup. Some boat owners highly recommend the use of products designed to specifically breakdown Salt enzymes such as Salt-Away, Star Brite, Salt Attack, and/or Salty Captain. Always be sure to focus on Hull Cleaning.
Use a boat-specific soap and a soft brush or sponge to clean the hull and all surfaces of your vessel, paying attention to nooks, crannies, gaps, and corners where Salt can sit undetected.
To ensure your motor lasts, be sure and Flush your Engine after each saltwater use. Flush your engine with fresh water using an earmuff or a dedicated flushing kit designed for your motor.
Be sure to practice Trailer Cleaning after removing your vessel from direct saltwater exposure. Clean the trailer, including the wheels, tires, axles, lights, winches, rollers, tongue coupler, spare tire hardware, and latches to prevent rust and corrosion. Practice routine Boat and Trailer Inspection and Maintenance. Regularly inspect your boat and trailer for signs of corrosion, especially around metal parts and electrical connections. Always check for appropriate trailer tire pressure. Make immediate repairs where required to prevent additional problems from occurring.
Be sure and Lubricate your Boat and Trailer hardware after each saltwater use. Lubricate hinges, latches, lugs, trailer winches, trailer rollers, Trailer tongue coupler, spare tire hardware, and other moving parts with marine-grade grease. Some boat owners recommend the following brands: Star Brite Grease, Quicksilver Marine Grease, and/or Lucas Oil Products.
Always conduct a Propeller Inspection after heavy boat use or if you suspect damage. Remove the propeller and check for fishing line buildup around the shaft. Have it inspected by a professional boat mechanic if necessary.
Routinely check on your boats Electrical Components.
Inspect and maintain electrical wiring, connections, and electronic components for signs of corrosion or damage especially after use in saltwater. Always practice proper Storage and Protection of your vessel. Store your boat in a covered and wellventilated area when not in use. Use a high-quality boat cover to protect it from UV rays, salt spray, and debris. Most quality boat covers come with a 2-8 year ‘Full-Replacement’ Warranty. I recommend Budge Boat covers as they include a 7 year Warranty on most designs.
Apply corrosion inhibitors to metal parts, especially those prone to rust or corrosion. Most boaters will recommend CRC Marine Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, Corrosion-X, YamalubeYamashield, or what I prefer, T-9 Waterproof Lubrication.
Below are additional long-term boat and trailer maintenance considerations. Consider applying bottom paint to the hull of your vessel to help prevent barnacle and other marine organism growth if your vessel remains in the water most of the time (i.e. Not kept in dry storage or on a boat lift).
Maintain the boat trailer by checking for rust, corrosion, damage, and ensuring proper lubrication.
P.O. Box 290002
Port Orange, Fl. 32129
386-478-3725
www.fishnhuntmag.com
Email: fishandhuntday@gmail.com
Published By:
Desiree’ Harbster
Capt. Shelby Harbster Zona
In Loving Memory of Roger S. Harbster 12/25/1929 ~ 4/24/2009
Dorothy F. Harbster 3/17/1936-4/18/2018
WRITERS:
Desiree’ Harbster
Capt. Lynda Hawkins
Haley w/ Ponce Inlet Fishing Charter Network
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters Capt. Marty
Front Caption:
• First Place winners of the 37th. Annual HSFC Lady Anglers Tournament. Congrats Team Fillin Time. Pictured with 2 Mahi, Wahoo and Kingfish.
Schedule routine maintenance with a qualified marine technician/mechanic to address any potential issues keeping your boat and trailer in peak condition. By following the maintenance tips mentioned above, you can help protect your boat and trailer from the harmful effects of saltwater and ensure its longterm performance and longevity. To avoid maintenance on your boat and trailer, connect with Captain Marty of Reel Harmony Fishing Charters so you can leave your vessel at home while catching trophy fish on my Pathfinder 2200V. I specialize in nearshore and inshore fishing experiences for all levels of anglers. I provide Family Friendly Fishing Charters that guarantees everyone on board catches fish!
(386)679-0317
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters www.ReelHarmonyFishing.com ReelHarmonyFishingCharters@gmail.com
Paul Zimmerman and crew with a big Wahoo and Brian with a snook caught on a pinfish from Granada Pier.
Willy’s Fiberglass Supplies is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. This place is a one stop shop for all of your fiberglass needs! All of those “hard to find” top notch quality products you’re looking for can be found right here at this local location! These guys are incredibly knowledgeable and ready to serve you.
WE DID IT YALL
Our voices have been heard.
NOAA/NMFS has withdrawn the proposed discard reduction areas as a result of the outpour of public testimony, and will NOT be implementing the bottom closure. Secretarial Amendment 59 has also officially removed the overfished status of Atlantic red snapper. It’s the crucial first step down a path in the right direction. This makes the past year of hard work, sacrifice, sleepless nights and dedication to engaging in the process all worth it. Thank you to NMFS for listening to our voices. Please please please remember—
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
I’m excited and hopeful for the future. Let’s get to work!
Haley Stephens Sea Spirit Fishing.
There was heartfelt testimony regarding longstanding, shared frustrations with the current system. Council-members agreed and recognized the dire need for fishery science to reflect reality.
Discussions included potential ways to maximize efficiency by considering things like abbreviated framework for regulatory considerations, and optimizing fishing access & harvest opportunities.
The goal is not to remove oversight—but for the process to become more competent. As always, thank you to Council and staff for the honest and transparent communication, and to stakeholders who have chosen to become involved! We’re about turn to a huge corner in the fishery management world, and I’m unprecedentedly hopeful for what’s to come
Natalie with an East Coast Sea Trout. caught on bait from Brookers Bait & Tackle.
Jimmy Cecil with a 34” West Coast Redfish caught on bait from Brookers Bait & Tackle stop by and get the lastest fishing report.
Haley Stephens is in Cape Canaveral. Busy day at the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council meeting
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides July 2025
Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo
Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)
Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead! Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
New Smyrna Outfitters
Select
Regular
Mud
Fiddler
Blue
Sand
Clams
Finger
Pinfish-Pigfish
Ballyhoo
Ribbonfish
Mackeral-Mullet
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides August 2025
Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo
Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)
Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead! Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
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Bringing Fish Back to Florida from The Bahamas
Bahamian waters near southeast Florida begin at the end of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. To ensure you know what jurisdiction you are fishing in, learn more about the U.S. EEZ limit line location.
This is intended for recreational anglers fishing in The Bahamas and bringing fish back to the U.S.
When
Fishing in the Bahamas
All passengers must possess a valid government passport from their country of origin with current Bahamian stamps and travel dates
Vessels must have valid Bahamian cruising and sportfishing permits
The requirement to clear Bahamian customs applies to all U.S. fishing vessels, regardless of whether they are embarking on a single- or multi-day trip. Check with Bahamas authorities to verify applicable fishing laws and regulations. Visit Bahamas fishing FAQ or Bahamas. gov.bs for more information
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides September 2025
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
Fish Cleaning Station Book NOW!! 1-2-3 Bedrooms w/kitchens
Backwater Provisions is Ormond Beach’s go-to destination for outdoor apparel and fishing gear. Rooted in the local fishing community, we’re proud to be a premier dealer for trusted names like Florida Fishing Products, NLBN, and Star Rods. While fishing is at the heart of what we do, our passion for Florida living extends far beyond the water.
We offer our own line of performance apparel, along with top-tier brands like Skinny Water Culture, AFTCO/Marsh, and Free Fly. To complement your outdoor lifestyle, we also carry trusted names like YETI and Traeger. Whether you're fishing, hiking, hitting the beach, or just kicking back, Backwater Provisions has everything you need to live the Florida lifestyle.
The Barnes family with a nice catch from the West Coast. They have a red snapper season months long. Caught on bait from Brookers Bait & Tackle stop by and get the lastest Gulf Coast report.
PUTNAM COUNTY
VForce Marine Named #1 Yamaha Boat Dealer in the U.S. — Redefining the Boating Experience in Central Florida
Longwood, Florida – In a landmark moment for Central Florida’s boating industry, VForce Marine has been officially named the #1 Yamaha Jet Boat Dealer in the United States—a prestigious honor that speaks volumes about the dealership’s relentless customer focus, and unwavering commitment to the boating lifestyle.
This national recognition isn’t just a sales milestone; it’s a reflection of VForce Marine’s unique culture— one built around passion for the water, trust in the customer experience, and a deep respect for the brands they represent.
While Yamaha headlines this achievement, the full story is much broader. VForce Marine has quietly built a stronghold in Florida’s boating industry by also becoming a dealer for two of the industry’s most trusted names—Key West and Bayliner. Whether it’s a serious angler searching for tournamentready performance or a family looking for weekend cruising fun, VForce has quickly become a go-to resource for every kind of boater.
At the helm of this momentum is Dewayne Nighswander, General Manager and the guiding force behind the dealership’s evolution. With decades of hands-on marine industry experience,
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
Dewayne has cultivated a dealership culture grounded in hustle, honesty, and hospitality.
“Dewayne sets the tone every single day,” says Steve Wilson, Marketing Manager and a veteran of the boat sales industry. “He doesn’t just lead—he’s developed every process that creates the synergy of the dealership.”
Among those who’ve thrived under Dewayne’s leadership is Beth Castle, General Sales Manager and a rising force in the dealership’s continued growth with a sharp eye for business and an unwavering dedication to customer care, Beth has become an essential voice in VForce’s success story. “Beth is the next generation of this business,” Wilson adds. “She’s got the talent, the instincts, and the heart. Watching her grow under Dewayne’s mentorship has been inspirational.”
Earning Yamaha’s #1 National Dealer Award meant outperforming hundreds of other boat dealers across categories like unit volume, service quality, and customer satisfaction. But Dewayne and his team aren’t just focused on accolades. Their growing partnerships with Key West, known for their robust, saltwater-ready builds, and Bayliner, a top choice for versatile and budget-friendly boating, round out VForce’s product line and further solidify its role as one of the most dynamic marine dealerships in the Southeast.
Beyond the showroom, VForce Marine also fosters community through its popular Breakaways Boat Cruises—a series of organized customer outings that invite boat owners to explore Florida’s waterways together. These events create unforgettable memories while building bonds between VForce customers and staff. Whether it’s a sunset cruise, a sandbar meet-up, or a weekend destination run, Breakaways Cruises celebrate what boating is really about: freedom, friendship, and fun on the water.
Another pillar of VForce’s continued success lies in its powerhouse Parts and Service Departments, which Dewayne proudly credits for breaking all-time revenue records in 2024. “These departments are the unsung heroes of our dealership,” he says.
“They keep our customers on the water, and they do it with expertise, speed, and professionalism. Their growth has been nothing short of phenomenal—and it’s only getting stronger.”
“We never set out just to be the biggest,” Nighswander says. “Our goal is to be the best—whether it’s the quality of our boats, the relationships we build, or the service we stand behind. That’s what earns a customer for life.”
Today, VForce Marine’s Longwood facility has evolved into a full-service destination—featuring expansive indoor showrooms, a deep inventory of new and pre-owned boats, Yamaha and Mercury-certified technicians, and a team of seasoned pros who live and breathe boating.
“This isn’t about a moment,” Castle says. “This is about momentum. We’re building something lasting— for our team, for our community, and for everyone who wants to enjoy life on the water. And we’re just getting started.”
To explore Yamaha, Key West, or Bayliner boats—or to connect with the team that’s raising the standard in marine retail visit VForceOrlando.com or call 407. 585.3190
MARION-CITRUS COUNTY
George in Volusia and Putnam counties. Beginning in 2020, restoration efforts include installing temporary fenced enclosures and planting eelgrass, a native freshwater aquatic plant.
Lake George historically had thousands of acres of submerged native plants, mainly eelgrass, which provided important habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species, including manatees.
This submerged habitat disappeared in Lake George following Hurricane Irma and has not naturally re-established, in part due to heavy grazing pressure from fish and wildlife.
To recover critical lake bottom habitat, the FWC planted over 90 acres, equivalent to 1,000,000 eelgrass plants, this spring.
Secluded 2.69 acres with a 2-bedroom doublewide mobile home together with a cute bunk house with an attached bath. The mobile home needs some TLC.
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
Temporary fenced enclosures were installed to exclude herbivores from grazing on recovering vegetation. In total, 34 different fenced enclosures exist around Lake George’s shoreline and cover over 110 acres. These planted areas will provide many ecological benefits and are important to the continued restoration of Lake George and the St. Johns River. An established eelgrass bed will provide food, habitat and breeding grounds for native fish and wildlife, improve fishing opportunities for anglers, and enhance water quality.
The FWC encourages boaters to use caution when navigating the shorelines of Lake George. Please refer to the map for fence locations.
These fenced enclosures have reflective tape at the top of the poles to aid in nighttime navigation, as well as signage installed at each location to inform boaters of their presence. The enclosures are permitted by federal and state agencies.
The FWC plants thousands of native submerged aquatic vegetation plants every year to restore, enhance and maintain aquatic habitat throughout the state of Florida. Members of the public with questions regarding the restoration of Lake George can visit MyFWC.com/AquaticHabitats or email AquaticHabitat@MyFWC.com.
Bills great grandson Cody Barnes with a nice bass caught on bait from Brookers Bait & Tackle in Leesburg. Bill is the owner.
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DEER HUNTING SEASON
August 15th-January 1st 3 DAY HUNTS $1,295 // 5 DAY HUNTS $1,995 Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing! www.collinslowcountryhuntingclub.com • 803-267-2825 • 10640 Ehrhardt Road Ehrhardt, South Carolina
We have the longest deer season in the US August 15th-January 1st, with weapon of choice for the entire season. The velvet hunts last through Labor Day weekend and the rut is throughout the months of October and November. We hunt seven days a week and allow two bucks per day, only with one small (under 12" wide) per hunter, per season.
We have open areas where first timers can take a buck, Long Managed Trophy Areas where bucks must be a minimum of 15" outside spread. Then we have our special Big Trophy Area, where the bucks have been on strict management for only mature bucks for the past 13 seasons, the bucks there have to be 16" outside spread of 110 Boone and Crockett Score. That area will be for very serious Trophy Hunters only.
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