I bought a boat, now to get back into fishing!

[yorketransport]

So after a year of threatening to buy a boat, I finally just went for it. Was out at Cabelas last weekend and saw a used 2003 21' Trophy, got it to a price that I liked, and bought it. Everything looks good on the engine (4.3 Mercruiser), fresh water cooling, cuddy, full canvas, electronics, pretty much everything I was looking for. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow.

Now I need to get back into the fishing mentality. I've been more focused on hunting for the last 15 years, so I need dig out all of my salt water gear (if I can find it  ) and figure out where there are still fish to be caught. I'm not much for salmon, mostly bottom fish like sole.

Just curious, not looking for anyone's honey hole, but is there any good bottom fishing in the south Sound around Nisqually? We did all of our fishing up in Commencement Bay when I was a kid so I'm not familiar with the south end. Are there any other boat launches down here other than Luhrs Landing? Or are there any others between Olympia and Point Defiance Marina?

Andrew

[Austrian Hunter]

Awesome!!  Post some pics!!!

[lokidog]

Just curious, not looking for anyone's honey hole, but is there any good bottom fishing in the south Sound around Nisqually? We did all of our fishing up in Commencement Bay when I was a kid so I'm not familiar with the south end. Are there any other boat launches down here other than Luhrs Landing? Or are there any others between Olympia and Point Defiance Marina?

Andrew

No..... 

Actually, I have seen starry flounder taken off the Nisqually flats area and lots of dogfish.     If you bleed the dogs and put them on ice, they are pretty good fileted and deep fried.  No rockfish are allowed to be kept in the Sound.   

Many years ago we caught a lot of rock sole off double bluff on Whidbey using lead head jigs.  Lots of sea pens to snag so use a good heavy braid to pull them loose.

Which Trophy is it, full cabin, walkaround cuddy soft top, or hard top?  Good luck with the inboard, I'm not a big fan of them.

[yorketransport]

I was reading through the regs last night and saw that you can't even fish for bottom fish deeper than 120'! I may need to plan a trip out of the south sound to do any serious fishing. I have to admit that dogfish are a lot of fun to catch though.

The plan is to get into halibut and ling fishing when the seasons open up. I have a couple friends who did that a while ago, so I'll see if I can convince them to come out with me so I can steal their spots.

The boat is a walkaround cuddy hard top. I was initially looking for outboards, but a buddy of mine (who is a boat mechanic) said that the 4.3 Mercruiser is a solid motor as long as it has factory fresh water cooling and has been properly serviced. He's the guy who did the inspection for me, and I trust his judgement. I'll be honest though, I'm still a little nervous about buying a used boat. I've heard too many horror stories!

I'll get some pic up when I get it home later today.

Andrew

[Rick]

Did your buddy give the boat a once over,or was it actually surveyed?

I wouldn't touch a used boat without having a reputable company survey it.

[Gobble Doc]

I picked up a used whaler off craigs list a couple years ago and we have had a blast.  Enjoy!

[Arnbo]

Congrats!  Nothing better then a good day on the water for the Soul.............
   We do not have a big boat only 16 foot but she is Deep Vee and does good
 And powered by a Yamaha 40 Outboard.I have towed in a inboard over the
Last season.I think in most cases it is just lack of Routine maintenance.
Have fun.

[yorketransport]

Did your buddy give the boat a once over,or was it actually surveyed?

I wouldn't touch a used boat without having a reputable company survey it.

My guy didn't get in there and really poke at the hull, he was looking more at the mechanical side. For the condition of the overall boat we went by the inspection sheet from the service center at Cabelas. This may have been my mistake. I suppose I'll know to have that done next time.


It came with a Hummingbird 343c fish finder, Garmin 152 GPS, and a Furuno 1623 Radar. Now I just need to read up on how to use them. I'm used to fishing by luck and wild guesses.

My neighbor was over within minutes of getting home. He's already planning our first trip out. I have the boat, but he has the good locations. This could work out well!

Andrew

[RG]

You are going to have a great time in that trophy.  I had one for a number of years, they're a really good all around boat.  The 4.3's are OK, just take care of oil changes, impeller changes,fuel/water separator filters, outdrive boots and don't forget to winterize it well, meaning drain the manifolds, etc.  It will take care of you.

[yorketransport]

You are going to have a great time in that trophy.  I had one for a number of years, they're a really good all around boat.  The 4.3's are OK, just take care of oil changes, impeller changes,fuel/water separator filters, outdrive boots and don't forget to winterize it well, meaning drain the manifolds, etc.  It will take care of you.

I'm a stickler for maintenance. I have 3 delivery trucks which are subject to Federal  Motor Carrier maintenance and records regulations. I learned early on to get my stuff serviced the right way. There's nothing worse than spending $8000 on a motor, just because somebody didn't want to spend $200 on proper service.

Andrew

[Bullkllr]

Just curious, not looking for anyone's honey hole, but is there any good bottom fishing in the south Sound around Nisqually? We did all of our fishing up in Commencement Bay when I was a kid so I'm not familiar with the south end. Are there any other boat launches down here other than Luhrs Landing? Or are there any others between Olympia and Point Defiance Marina?

Andrew

Zittle's Marina- right near Johnson Pt. north of Olympia has a nice launch you can use at most tides.
Puget Marina- between Johnson and Luhr - good ramp but real steep at lower tides.
Luhr Beach- I believe would be real tough for a boat that size on lower tides.
Narrows- end of 19th t. in Tacoma -good launch
Solo point- N. of Nisqually of JBLM-need pass- basically a beach launch for smaller boats

[Wacenturion]

Nice boat...you'll have some great trips ahead of you. 

[Ripper]

There are a lot of good times in your future, have fun.