intracoastal fisherman needs bass boat help

[nicolasblueyes]

i recently acquired a 18' challenger bass boat with a johnson 65hp. most of my boating experience has been in saltwater. i understand the weather has a factor to do with boating but what hazards do i face in saltwater with my bass boat?
thanx for any help

[Christopherkeene9]

Hey another FL salty guy!

The biggest thing is to RINSE down the WHOLE motor after EVERY trip. And take ear muffs and run the motor after EVERY use.

As for gear make sure you rinse it down. LOCK the drag all the way down the spray the reel and rod with a lit mist. After that be sure to unlock your drag all the way for storage.

You will also have to replace your sacrificial anodes alot more often on the motor and boat (if it has one).

Hope this helps if not ask away!

Christopher

[islandflyfisher]

Everything Chris said is exactly right. Rinse everything off.
If you are using your bass rods and reels, make sure they are rust proof. My dad and I have a salmon rod that we use for bonefishing, and it needs to be rinsed off extremely well. It is our favorite bonefish rod, in case anyone was interested.

[skeeter944]

welcome to the forum nicolas!

[flfireman]

All that was said above. Also, the salt and sand encountered in fishing the Indian River will tear the carpet up quicker than fresh water.

[nicolasblueyes]

thanks for all the advice. i just wanted to make sure. all of that is minor. i can deal with that. thanks again.

[1FASTLASER]

Originally Posted by nicolasblueyes

i recently acquired a 18' challenger bass boat with a johnson 65hp. most of my boating experience has been in saltwater. i understand the weather has a factor to do with boating but what hazards do i face in saltwater with my bass boat?
thanx for any help

Interesting boat. Buster Dobbs the now passed on owner of Challenger boats had a GREAT thing going. Bass boats that anyone could own and run. Running a bassboat in salt water just involves RINSING, RINSING,and did I mention RINSING the saltwater off after each use. Pay ALOT of attention to your engine and troller and trailer. I cant stress enough how much you need to flush the salt off. Ofther than that you will be good to go.