Firstly, you need to use sharp hooks. Buy new hooks frequently and replace your old ones. If you keep your hook on the line for a long period of time you should sand the point to keep it nice and sharp. Try to buy the best hooks you can (if you buy the cheapest you may save a few dollars but in the long run is it worth it?).

Hooks vary in size, shape and color so go for the hook that is best for the fish you are targeting. If you’re not sure, ask the people in your local fishing store. Some fish are supposedly attracted to red hooks (some sand varieties of fish target bloodworms and can be attracted to the red color of the hook) but a plain silver hook will usually do.

So you are ready to bait your hook. It sounds very easy but are you really baiting your hook correctly? Below are some common bait varieties and suggested ways to apply them to your hook.

1) Shrimp (prawn) should be put on the hook tail first and so the body of the shrimp curls up into the shape of the hook. Most people bait shrimp the other way (head first) but this will cause the shrimp to fall off more easily. Try to keep the hook entirely in the shrimp when threading through. Most fish species don’t mind if the shell is left on. Some people believe in de-shelling the shrimp but this takes time and often makes them soggy and they may fall off the hook easier. You can take the head off the shrimp as this often makes the shrimp too big to fish with if left on (and as an added bonus you can add the heads of the shrimps to your burley bucket to attract more fish)

2) Octopus should be baited using the tentacles foremost so they cover the hook. As with the prawn the octopus should thread over the hook to disguise it.

3) Squid is a good bait as it is hardy, easy to place on a hook and is hard for nibbling fish to nibble off. Just thread the squid over the hook and once again try to disguise the hook with the bait. Also try to use the softer parts of the squid body as some fish may not like the harder parts found near the head.

4) White bait, Mulie or any other small fish really needs to be hooked with a gang of hooks (at least 3 hooks in a row) otherwise they simply slide off the hook.

So next time you are baiting your hook, take the time to try to disguise your hook and make sure that the bait sticks on your hook securely. This will help you catch more fish and save you time as you will not have to keep replacing your bait.

Obviously there will be times when you are unable to use your boat. Winter is probably the time where you will get the least use out of your boat. But in summer when the weather is good, you should get out on your boat as much as possible.

Using your boat frequently will prevent seals from drying out and keep all parts of your boat nice and lubricated. Your fuel tanks will not fill up with condensation as you will regularly be using old fuel and replacing it with new fuel. Problems occur most of the time when boats are neglected for long periods of time.

So what do you do if you must leave your boat for a long period of time? Firstly, consider turning the boats engine over at least once a month. Make sure the engine runs for about 10 minutes minimum. If you have an outboard be careful to ensure a water supply is pumped into the motor to prevent damage. You should also always watch this water supply as hoses can become kinked and kids can turn them off which can result in extensive damage to your motor in seconds.

Try running all other devices in your boat to keep them in a good state. This includes all elecrtical devices, pulleys, steering, winches and cables. A quick flick of a switch once a month may save costly repairs down the track.

If you have an outboard motor and plan to not use it for an extended period of time, be sure the motor is trimmed down to ensure parts of the motor stay lubricated. If the boat is kept outdoors be sure to purchase a good quality boat cover to keep it out of the elements.

Basic maintenance indeed, but these small tips could save you big money repairs.  

If you drive your boat off the trailer, you are putting stress on your engine as soon as you get into the water. Most people allow their cars a few seconds to warm up, so why wouldn’t you do the same for your boat? Most engines will require substantial revving to give them enough power to slide a boat off the back of a trailer. This revving causes stress on the motor and will most likely decrease it’s life span considerably.

Driving a boat onto a trailer is just as bad. Although the engine would have warmed up, you are likely to stir up the sand with your propellor. This stirring up of the sand means the water that flows into your engine is also going to be mucky. Sand and other debris will enter your motor which can build up and cause damage.

When riding your boat onto your trailer you are also more likely to run aground, or worse still hit your propellor into something. Riding the boat onto your trailer also takes a fare bit of skill and opens up the possibility of a multitude of accidents.

So what is the best way to get your boat too and from your trailer? Use the winch! If the effort of manually winching isn’t for you, consider upgrading to an electric winch. It will ultimately be better for your boat, therefore giving you more years of trouble free boating. 

These days there are professionals who you can hire to charter out your boat for you. They will take care of all the work. They will take clients out, look after your boat, organize advertising and help with the paper work.

So why would you want to charter your own boat out?

Firstly, chartering your boat out will obviously bring in money. The extra money you will receive will help you pay off your boat sooner. With this in mind, if you are in the process of looking for a boat perhaps you can spend a little bit more knowing you will get your money back from chartering it in the future.

Chartering your boat out can also lead to healthy tax deductions. The cost to use and maintain your vessel for chartering can often be claimed as a tax deduction. Speak with your accountant to find out more.

Of course there are some negative aspects to boat chartering. The main problem with chartering out your boat will be ware and tear. Accidents will always happen, but hopefully they will only be minor scratches and perhaps a few dents. Remember, most of this wear and tear can be easily fixed, so don’t let it put you off from chartering your boat.

The final problem may be that your boat will be being used when you wan’t to be using it. This problem can’t really be managed, you may have to just grin and bare it. 

One of the best ways to start to learn how to sail is to join your local sailing club. The sailing club is a great place to meet friendly people, see all different types of boats in action and to apply for any vacancies that open up.

Being part of a sailing club will help you determine what sort of sailing you like (either racing or cruising) and it will help you determine what sort of boat you will be after.

Another option to learn how to sail is to enrol in a sailing school. These courses may cost a bit more than joining a sailing club, but can offer you 2 week full time or monthly part time courses to learn how to sail. 

A final way to learn how to sail is to join a friend that you know who sails. Not everyone is so lucky to have such a friend so if not consider the first two options instead.

Sailing is both a great skill and an art. Proper training will ensure both your safety and enjoyment during this wonderful sport.

It is always essential to fish with the correct equipment and gear from your boat. You should purchase some high quality rods and reels but be sure to steer clear from the 12 foot beach rods. You should purchase particular rods targeted at the type of fishing you will be doing but as a general rule the standard egg beater is acceptable for most kinds of fishing. Before you get out there, you should also own some good quality sinkers, fishing line, hooks, swivels, tackle box and a sharp knife.

The bait you use should be aimed towards the species you will be trying to catch. Always buy bait that looks fresh and be sure to keep it chilled until you need to use it. Always try to purchase a few different kinds of bait so you have some variety when you are out on the water. Depending on which fish you are chasing you could also carry along some lures. It is best to be prepared and bring along a variety of baits and lures as once you are out on the water it is pretty hard to get any more.

Approach your fishing location as slowly as possible. This will prevent the fish from swimming off as soon as you get there. Once you reach the fishing spot throw some berley in straight away to attract the fish over to your boat. Get your lines prepared with as small a sinker as possible and have rigs setup to target the species you are after.

After this is done you will ready to get going and start catching some fish. As soon as you start fishing you should feel closely for any bites and stay patient. If you get a few bites you should strike back on the rod or reel to try to set the hook into the fishes mouth. If the immediate striking doesn’t work try doing it later to see what works best. Every species of fish strike a piece of bait at different times so experiment and see what works best for you.

If you have got a fish on your line it is time to bring it in. You will need to keep the line tight at all times to prevent the fish from spitting the hook out and swimming away. If you are fishing with a rod, pull the rod back and then proceed to reel in as the rod falls back down to parallel with the water. Never point the rod upwards more than 45 degrees or it may break.

A fish should be reeled in slowly and constantly so take your time and savour the experience. Using a net will help you get the fish out of the water. Most fish get lost when you try to pull them onboard so a net will prevent these losses from happening. Pliers will also help you to remove the hook from the fish. If you do not intend to keep the fish that you have just caught it is vital to get it back into the water as quickly as possible.

All fish are coated with oil so minimal handling ensures they have maximum chance of survival. The above is a good guide of catching fish but before you catch them you need to find them. You should look for darker water, with a ranging array of ocean bottom. Using a fish finder or GPS will also help you find steep cliffs and drop off’s where fish like to locate. Give each location you try a good go but if you have no luck try changing spots.

Try looking for where other boats are fishing and try next to them but remember to keep an acceptable distance away from their exact spot. So keep these fishing tips in your head and get out there and have a go. Keep reading and asking questions to find out as much about fishing as you can. All good fishermen and women learned how to fish from somewhere so don’t be afraid to keep learning more.

Firstly, make sure you always exhibit the correct lights from your boat. For most size boats and in most areas these are a red light on your port or left side, a green light on your starboard or right side and a clear or white light on the stern or rear of the boat. Make sure these lights are all working before you leave and also ensure they are unobstructed.

You also need to make sure these lights are showing during the period of sunset to sunrise. You need to show these lights whilst either underway or at anchor. It is also a good idea to display these lights during daytime periods of limited visibility such as during fog or rain conditions.

It is also essential that you try to maintain your night vision. After a few minutes in the dark your eyes will slowly adjust and your vision will improve in the dark. Try to minimize any lighting on your own vessel to prevent disturbing this vision. You should also show restraint in the use of spotlights so you respect the night vision of others.

Finally, it is important to proceed with caution during night time boating. Many pylons, buoys and markers are unlit so you need to always proceed at a slow and safe speed. 

So with these tips and your local laws and regulations in mind, get out there and give night time boating a go.

Why is shrimp (prawns) the best bait to use when fishing to catch more fish? Below is a list of reasons why i think shrimp is the best bait to use for any fisherman.

Shrimp is versatile. It can be used to catch more fish in the ocean, rivers, estuary’s and lake fishing. Most species will be attracted to shrimp and shrimp is readily available in supermarkets, deli’s, gas stations and fishing shops.

Shrimp also sticks strongly to hooks and can easily be used for multiple casts. When attaching shrimp to your hook you should first push the hook through the tail end of the shrimp. Keep pushing the shrimp onto the hook, turning the shrimp so the shape of the shrimp matches the curve of the hook. Try to cover as much of the hook as you can with the body of the shrimp.

Once on your hook, the shrimp will either catch you a fish or last you around 3 or 4 casts before it will eventually fall off. Considering you can get a bag of around 30 shrimp for a few dollars it also works out as an inexpensive bait option.

Some people de-shell their shrimp before placing it on the hook whilst others do not. Some people don’t use the shrimp heads while others do. It usually all depends on the day, the conditions and the fish species you are chasing. I have known people however that have caught fish using a whole untouched shrimp (head and all). I have also seen our shrimp bait supply run out and my fishing partners using just the heads of yesterdays shrimp to great effect.

So get out there and try fishing with some shrimp today.

Other baits are also available which work quite well in lots of conditions. Squid and octopus are two other bait options that work well and are also readily available.

With regular maintenance you should have years and years of safe boating. But what do you do if your boat’s engine won’t start? Below is a list of common problems to look for that may save you a lot of heartache. 

Firstly, if your engine won’t start and you are out on the water you need to stay calm and drop anchor. Staying where you are increases your safety and stops you from drifting out to sea. Always drop the anchor and take a few minutes to contemplate what you are going to do if your engine fails.

If your engine won’t start it usually can be traced back to two factors, either the fuel or the ignition. Firstly, you should look at the obvious things as to why your engine is not starting.

Is there any fuel in the tank? It is an obvious one but many people fail to regularly check this even before they go out on the water. Is the fuel line free from obstructions and not kinked in anyway? Check the primer bulb is tight to ensure fuel is getting to the carburettor.  Also make sure the kill switch isn’t switched on which would prevent your boat from starting.

Once these checks have been done it is time to look elsewhere. Are the battery cables connected tightly to the battery? Look at the spark plugs and see what condition they are in. They should be clean and in one piece. If they are dark, chipped or cracked it is time to get new ones. See if the spark plug is firing by pulling it out, placing it on a surface and turn the motor over. See if you can see a spark, and if not make sure the leads are firmly connected.

If the engine is still not starting look elsewhere. Have a look around the boat to see if there are any noticeable problems such as broken leads, cables or electronics. Have a quick look around your boat and see if you can see anything out of the ordinary.

Once you have done all of these checks you should have got your motor up and running. If not it is time to call in a professional to either fix it on the spot or tow you back to shore.

A harness is a usefull safety device in most applications and it is vitally important if you plan to travel well offshore. A harness is basically a line that attaches to your torso and also attaches to part of the boat.

Whenever you are outside the cabin a safety harness should always be worn. Not only could it save your life, it also gives you peace of mind that if anything were to happen you will be safe. The harness is quite comfortable and should not impede your movements in the slightest.

Considering a lot of work on a boat needs two hands which means you have nothing to hold onto, harnesses are vitally important.

So if you plan to do a lot of offshore boating or you plan to go out alone, choose a good quality harness for both peace of mind and safety.