One of the great benefits of living here is the ability to get out on the water. Up and down the Jersey Shore, there are plenty of locations where people can take their boats out, rent a vessel or go out on a fishing charter. We surveyed the team at TAK Waterman Supply in Long Branch, who offered up three recommendations for anyone who wants to get off the pier and into the ocean to cast a line. Scales & Tails, LongShot and the Fisher Price were the first that jumped to mind, and Capt. Derek Bieletz of the Fisher Price ran down some dos and don'ts for anyone looking to book a fishing experience.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Bieletz recommends being informed about what you're getting into. "You kind of get what you pay for, so don't let price be the biggest factor," he said. "Make sure you get a licensed, full-insured captain." Part of the planning process is knowing what kind of boat you're getting onto. The Fisher Price, which Bieletz captains, is "bare-bones" with no cabin to sit in. Additionally, be aware that where a boat is "based" doesn't mean that is where it is. For example, Bieletz keeps his boat in Highlands for the fall and late winter, is in South Amboy in early spring before moving to Point Pleasant for 3.5 months in the summer. "Book in advance, don't wait until the last minute," Bieletz says, adding that an outing can be canceled at the captain's discretion due to the weather or other factors.
SAFETY FIRST
If you are subject to motion sickness, Bieletz recommends taking Dramamine, or a similar nausea reducer, the night before and also the day of. Stick with something light for your pre-fishing meal. Sunscreen is a must, along with clothing to protect you from the UV rays. When on board, make sure you're wearing sneakers or deck shoes.
IT'S NOT A BOOZE CRUISE
Every boat is different," Bieletz says of alcohol policies. "If you want to drink, go to the bar. For one, it's about safety standards. But also, it's not the time and place." And while marijuana use is legal in New Jersey, it is not legal in federal waters, and licensed captains follow federal regulations.
SET YOUR EXPECTATIONS
"At the end of the day, it is fishing. We can't always guarantee fish," Bieletz warns about the possibility of coming back to shore with an empty cooler. "But we can try to have a good time out on the water."
Article by Bernie Augustine
Photography by Derek Bieletz
Originally published in Long Branch City Lifestyle