FEATURE: Fit to Dock… Ready to Fish

FISHING IS A GREAT motivator for men and women. 

Few things will get us up early on days off from work not only voluntarily but enthusiastically. 

The idea of catching a big kingfish, bull red, or limit of crappie has us focused on things other than comfort, and sometimes that can be a bit of a mistake. 

It’s easy to overlook our boats and make sure they are outfitted with what they need from the boat slip to the bay. No one has to tell you the kind of financial investment a boat has these days, so it’s more important than ever to keep it in good shape and of course to keep you safe on the water. 

To kick off 2023, we’re going to take a look at some of the boating components you need to function at your max on the water and also in some cases stay Coast Guard compliant from our friends at Calcutta Outdoors in their Shoreline Marine collection. 

Rubber Inflatable Fenders: “Super-soft” fenders are non-abrasive and can be tied to cleats or rails to put protection exactly where you need it. Made of high-quality vinyl. Ribbed on all sides for strength and durability. It comes with reinforced rope holes for added strength. Rope holes on both ends allow for horizontal placement. It is even outfitted with a needle valve for easy inflation. 

You can never have too many fenders on hand as they are literally the only thing protecting your boat hull from damage especially when the winds are howling and docking is challenging.

Folding Dock Cart: Carrying all of your fishing supplies to the dock can be painful. This can make it easy and efficient. 

The high-impact plastic folding dock cart is easy to wheel and great for transporting your marine items. Folds compactly for easy storage. 

Rechargeable LED Mini Spotlight: This is great when you need that extra bit of light to look around the boat or help spotlight that big fish for netting on nighttime adventures. The rechargeable light includes a 48” USB charging cable. Super bright 800-lumen searchlight with three modes, strobe, high and low.

It also comes with a sealed charging port, battery life & charge indicator LED lights, a trigger-operated integrated hinged support stand, and an impact-resistant body and bezel. 

Clamp-On Bow Light: Clamp-on bi-color navigation lights are now available in LED. This super efficient light powered by “D” cell batteries clamps onto boats in two positions and thicknesses up to 2 1/4”. This is great for boats without a 12-volt system or as a safety emergency back up and it’s water resistant.

It’s important to have a good bow light even on small crafts so buying one to use and another as an extra to stow away is not a bad idea. It’s better to be prepared than to be caught without. 

All Around Stern Light: All-Round plug-in navigation anchor light. It comes with a universal plug that fits most 2-pin bases, the anodized aluminum pole resists the elements. Features a frosted 360º globe. 

Distress Flag: This distress flag measures 3’ x 3’. Although many anglers may not be familiar with the symbol, it meets USCG requirements for a daytime distress signal. 

Anything that gives you an edge in getting help on the water is extremely important as situations on the water can turn dangerous in no time. This is an affordable, simple aid you will not regret purchasing. 

Dry Storage Box: Perfect for keeping your valuables dry, it comes with a water-resistant O-ring seal and a comfortable oversize handle. It has top-access storage and is great for tools or small electronics. 

Classic Stainless Steel Cleat: Heavy-duty 316 stainless steel cast cleats will help hold your boat securely and last. These include pre-drilled holes for easy installation on docks or boats. Open base design allows for use with multiple line sizes.  

Dock Line: This is a premium double-braided line for strength and flexibility and comes with a braided jacket, over-braided inner rope core, and a professional 12” eye splice for long-lasting use. It resists rot, and mildew and is easy to handle because it will not kink or rotate under a heavy load. It can store wet or dry and is shock absorbing. This one comes in double-braid nylon or polyester. 

Fender Line: The fender lines are made of 3/8” thick braided MFP. There are two fender lines to a pack and they are six feet in length so that you can easily adjust your fender height depending on the docking conditions. 

Reusable Air Horn Pump: This innovative, reusable air horn uses no chemicals. The horn screws onto one end with a pump handle on the other. Simply pull and push the handle for loud 120-decibel blasts. It is audible for up to one mile and meets USCG specifications. 

#7 Slip Rig Anchor Kit: You need an anchor if you’re going to fish so why not get one that’s affordable and effective? This slip ring anchor kit includes a #7 galvanized slip ring anchor, two 5/16” drop forged shackles, a 3/8” x 50’ twisted nylon rope with thimble, and a 1/4” x 4’ galvanized anchor chain. 

Sometimes it really is the little details that make a big difference and with boating and fishing, there are many details to consider. 

The first thing to look at is safety, which is why we covered items like a distress flag and a reusable air horn pump. If you’re not safe, it doesn’t matter how many fish you catch. 

Additionally, keeping your boat in good shape and having equipment that will help make that possible saves you money and increases the lifespan of your boat. 

And finally, having boating components in order makes it possible for you to focus on fish when you hit the water. If the anchor holds and you pass by the Coast Guard on the way out before dawn with no issues, fishing can be the fun experience that beckons us all to the water.

—story by TF&G STAFF

< PREV Return to CONTENTS Page NEXT >