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3 Ways to Practice Sustainable Game Fishing

Sustainable fishing methods and environmentally friendly practices are needed to save the ocean from the disastrous effects of irresponsible and unsustainable fishing practices. Destructive fishing methods and overfishing have destroyed large portions of marine habitat and depleted ocean species to the point of no return leading to shortages of resources and extinct marine species.

The steps listed below will ensure the continuity of the fisheries. Only by collectively working with the fishing community can we prevent a stock collapse and restoration of endangered marine life.

Catch and Release Fishing

We probably don't have to preach to you about the wisdom of throwing back fish, particularly the big, robust prize catches. If you throw them back, you give them the chance to live, mate and produce equally robust progeny. Be sure to learn the techniques espoused by catch-and-release experts, such as using a circle hook, which is less likely to catch a fish's gut and improves its chances of survival upon release.

But there are some instances when you can help preserve or improve the aquatic ecosystem by not throwing back certain fish. We're talking about invasive species, which have become a major problem in some waterways, gobbling up food and displacing native species.

Fishing with Barbless Hooks

Barbless hooks, not only make it easier to release but reduce the risk to the angler as well.  These small yet useful marine supplies reduce lip and jaw damage. In the event, you end up with a stray hook while handling a thrashing fish, barbless hooks are easier to remove reducing injury. Nine times out of 10 it will save you a trip to the hospital.

Fish Handling

If your target species is not your personal best or one, you’d consider a trophy, consider releasing the fish whilst it’s still in the water. By doing this, it will have a much better chance of survival. You will always want a photo opportunity with a trophy and take a fish or three home for a feed.

With the advent of selfie sticks, it’s now easier to photograph or video a wahoo at your Stacer Ocean Ranger boat side. Just make sure your selfie stick is in position and ready to go before you gently lift the fish for your pose. Make it quick and gently lower the fish, and swim the fish ready for release.

However, if you caught a fish that is bigger and better compared to your previous catches and you want that photo inside the boat, there are a few things you can do to let that fish have a better chance of survival (especially if that fish species have been imposed with strictly limited fishing regulations):

Sometimes you need to use a gaff, a large stick with a hook at the tip, on really big fish species. You can gaff the fish through the bottom jaw. Be careful not to pierce the tongue as this can cause the fish to bleed out. Always support the belly or tail when lifting it.

A lot of fish have slippery bodies so you may want to gently place them on deck. If it’s a sunny day, never put the fish on a hot deck. Have a mat ready that is already washed down so you can use it to lay the fish on. Use a bucket of water and pour it over its gills.

Don’t waste time taking a photo with the fish. Get the angler who caught the fish to ready himself, whether he should stand or sit down. Let his mates lift the fish before placing it on his lap or his hands. This careful technique prevents the fish from getting dropped on the deck.

After the photoshoot is over, place the fish back in the water and hold its tail until it slowly comes back to life.

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The Importance of a Boat Carpet

Marine carpet is one of the most important boat accessories to be added to every water vessel. It offers so many benefits that often only come to light once customers have had a chance to experience it for themselves. This article will cover six of the most notable aspects of marine carpets.

Protects Your Boat Floor From Punctures and Scratches

Vinyl floors are easily punctured and can get scratched over time. You’ll never know if someone will accidentally drop a sharp object on your floor and puncture it. Constant walking and pushing of luggage and moving furniture around can soon damage your boat’s deck. Carpets can help preserve your boat’s deck and protect it from scratches and punctures.

They Produce Less Noise

Sometimes all you need is some peace and quiet while you stare at the horizon, thinking about the good times. Or you just want to take a nap while the water gently rocks you to your slumber. The last thing you need is to be disturbed by heavy and loud footsteps. Marine carpets produce less noise compared to other kinds of boat decks.

Carpeted Boats Provide More Friction and Prevent Slipping

Vinyl floors can be very slippery when wet and boat flooring is almost always wet. If you have kids with you on your boat, they can be rowdy at times and may slip while running or playing. Even adults can also slip-on wet floors. You wouldn’t want your children or friends getting into an accident while riding your boat.

If your boat is carpeted, it can provide more traction even if it gets wet. You can relax and enjoy your boat ride without worrying about your kids and guests slipping.

They Make Your Boat More Comfortable

Compared to other kinds of boat decks, carpeted boats are softer to walk on. It feels more comfortable on the feet and can give you a more relaxing and cozy feeling while the wind blows gently on your face. Whether you walk barefoot or with your shoes on, it will always feel more comfortable. In addition to that, in case someone falls, he or she will land on a soft surface and will not be injured seriously.

Marine Carpet Is a Cheap Way to Refurbish a Boat

Even though marine carpet is made to a high standard, it will exhibit wear over time and start showing its age. However, this doesn’t mean you have to buy a new boat to make your old one look like new again!

Your boat can be restored close to its original condition by having it recarpeted. Nothing looks better than a vibrant carpet with no traces of wear!

Marine Carpets Repel Moisture and Water

Marine carpet is a water-resistant carpet created specifically for use on boats and in marine situations. It’s usually composed of stain- and fray-resistant polypropylene fibre and is available in various colours and finishes. Unlike conventional carpet, marine carpet does not absorb moisture and does not degrade fibres. Stain resistance is also a feature of high-grade marine carpets, such as the carpet we use. As a result, if you spill a drink or a bucket of fish guts on your Stacer bowrider, it may be hosed off quickly without soaking into the carpet or causing a stain.

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Parting Ways With Your Old Vessel: How to Get Rid of It

Is your boat looking ramshackle? Like it has seen better days? Have you found damages to the hull or other parts of the boat that is way beyond repair? Or do you simply just want to buy a new boat and you want to get rid of your old one? Take these as signs that it’s time to replace your boat.  

Parting with your boat is such sweet sorrow but there will come a time to get rid of it, and when that time comes, you should decide how to dispose of it.

Disposing of your boat is not as hard as it sounds. Gone are the days when a boat is scuttled to get rid of it. Scuttling is extremely harmful to the environment; it disrupts the seafloor and its surrounding environment which can damage the ocean habitat. And some boats are not suitable to be scuttled; some of their parts will disintegrate and create marine debris that can cause navigational obstruction and safety hazards. They could also harm marine organisms as well and even cause marine pollution.

Nowadays, scuttling is heavily regulated by authorities and only a few numbers of vessels are allowed to be sunk at sea. Sometimes, they purposely do this to create an artificial barrier in a certain location to protect marine life.

If you’re worried that disposing of your boat is wasteful or inconvenient, don’t fret. You can dispose of it in a lot of different ways that the boat can still be used while making some bucks.

This article will give you tips on how to get rid of your boat fast, hassle-free, and environment-friendly while earning money along the way:

Recycling

Even though your boat may no longer serve you and you can’t donate or sell it because it’s so dilapidated, it doesn’t mean it’s no longer usable. No matter how shabby it looks, it can be recycled for other purposes.

If your boat has an aluminium hull or if you have any boating equipment that is no longer in use, you can bring it to the scrapyard and sell it there. The scrapyard will use your hull for recycling and refurbish its parts to create new items.   Not only you’re saving the environment but you’ve also put your old boat to good use and you get to earn some cash in return.

However, if you’re disposing of a fibreglass vessel, unfortunately, they have to be brought to a landfill. Fibreglass can’t be recycled compared to aluminium and metal materials. Hire a garbage removal company to remove the boat from your vicinity. They will take care of the dirty part of disposing of your boat.

Repurposing

If your boat has still sturdy parts and is still durable, you can use your imagination and get creative by repurposing or refurbishing your boat and transforming it into another item. You can your tinnie boat as an outdoor sofa for your patio. You can use your fibreglass boat in a flower bed and place it in your garden. You can use a wooden fishing vessel and transform it into a bookshelf or a table. It’s really up to you how you will repurpose your boat. Not only you’re saving the environment but you’re also saving your boat from getting dumped in a miserable landfill.

Donating

If your boat is still usable and is still in good condition, but is unsellable due to some factors, you can donate it. You can contact schools, nonprofits, organizations, and businesses that ask for boat donations. This will help you save from the hassle of removing your boat from your storage. Make sure to keep your boat’s title since you will transfer it to the new owner.

Selling

If your boat still has great value and is in excellent condition, you can always sell it through auctions, direct buyers, marine shops, and boat dealers. Selling your boat is sort of like a return on investment for you. It’s a win-win situation; you’ve used your boat according to its purpose and you get to make a significant amount of money once you sold it.