Author: Rogue Frog

The Deadliest States For Boaters

Posted on | by Rogue Frog | 9 Comments on The Deadliest States For Boaters

The Deadliest States For Boaters

Boating safety is an issue everyone should take seriously. Based on 2011 statistics, there are several states where it should be taken even more seriously. While this list likely isn’t going to take anyone by surprise as it consists entirely of coastal states, the sheer number of accidents is certainly something that needs to be looked at closely. According the the United States Coast Guard’s statistics, in 2011 there were more than 4,588 accidents and 758 boating related deaths.

While experienced boaters understand and respect the dangers of the high seas, those numbers should still be enough to startle anyone. That being said, there are a number of excellent resources to help make sure you and your loved ones have all the necessary knowledge to keep it safe on the water. You can do a Google search on your own, but here are some popular ones to get started with:

Jen Atkins is a freelance designer and occasional contributor to the Manitou blog.

Record Setting Maryland Blue Catfish Released Back into the Wild Raises all Sorts of Questions

Posted on | by Rogue Frog | 27 Comments on Record Setting Maryland Blue Catfish Released Back into the Wild Raises all Sorts of Questions

Maryland State Record Blue CatfishNews came yesterday from the WorldFishingNetwork that an 84 lb record breaking blue catfish was caught off the Potomac river. Ed Jones and his guide Captain Josh Fitchett have not disclosed their method of catching the fish, which I am sure is on everyone’s minds. Stranger still, the two anglers agreed to keep the fish alive while hauling it to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for weight and certification.

Once the two hard registered the fish it was placed back in the Potomac with tracking devices provided by the state. Curiously, they allowed the monster fish back in the water even though blue catfish are not supposed to be released after catch. The state is trying to rid the mighty river of these large fish that were originally stockpiled in the 1970’s.

This story raises all sorts of questions for fisherman today. First we look at the decision for the pair of fisherman to release the fish. Generally speaking an 84 lb catfish of this girth and magnitude would not necessarily be the prettiest fish on a wall. Nevertheless I have seen taxidermists do far greater wonders. This could have been an incredible showing piece with few to even match its story.

Whether or not to mount a fish has long been an argument outside of the fishing and hunting community and stayed a matter of politics. However in recent years I have seen a renewed interest in alienating the art of taxidermy and much of it is going out of style from the stand point of casual fisherman. You might not expect the same from professionals but we may see a trend emerging.

After it was agreed the two would not keep the fish to mount one has to wonder why the animal was allowed back into the Potomac especially since the DNR director from Maryland is quoted as saying that the fish are a major threat to the native species. If these monster fish (no offense to the catfish) are not wanted, why on earth are they putting the biggest one back in the river? I understand there are some worthy tests to consider, but at what costs?

Finally, it leaves me to question or decisions to place fish in bodies of water that don’t belong there to begin with. We see this all the time with fisheries stocking their local ponds and lakes in parks or private communities with carp. However, this aside some nasty creatures have been stocked and many not intentionally. This is especially true of the razor sharp toothed Chinese fish that can walk on land. Many DNR departments are offering lucrative bounties on these specimens. Is there a better way to solve problems of algae or micro-organisms in our water ways?

My guess these are questions that have been going through the minds of the fisherman who landed this beautiful catfish. It is obvious that they enjoy the story, the hunt and the fight far more than the show of a monster catch fish on their walls. Knowing you are, as a fisherman taking part in a project to promote the betterment of waterways and fisheries is at the heart of good sportsmanship and being a general good citizen. I imagine these two will have some great catches to come and would be awesome to tag along with for a fishing trip.

Scott is a guest contributor from Fishing Line, a blog that likes to focus on reviews for all kinds of tackle available to fisherman.

Fishing Enthusiasts Make a Catch on Martha’s Vineyard This Summer

Posted on | by Rogue Frog | 44 Comments on Fishing Enthusiasts Make a Catch on Martha’s Vineyard This Summer

With six scenic towns offering various shopping outlets, beautiful natural sites to explore, fine dining to indulge in, and a lively nightlife for visitors and locals to revel in, it’s no wonder Martha’s Vineyard vacation rentals are heavily popular in the summertime. Located south of the Cape, the Vineyard contains a summer population of more than 75,000 people in comparison to its year-round population of 15,000.

One summer activity that many Vineyard vacationers particularly favor is fishing, and not only because
the hit movie JAWS was filmed in the fishing village of Menemsha. Fishing is not only a sport, but a way of life for Islanders and visitors alike. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or want to spend time with your family making a big catch, Martha’s Vineyard offers various fishing charters for off-shore catches, during which you will be accompanied by an experienced captain and his crewmen to help you get the fish on-board.

27 inch striped bass from Sengekontaket Pond

If you don’t want your fishing experience on Martha’s Vineyard to end there, every fall, fishermen from around the world come to the island for the annual month-long Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. Running for 67 years now, the Derby is a fishing tournament in which up to 3,200 contestants compete in catching the largest of four species of fish: striped bass, bluefish, false albacore and Atlantic bonito. The Derby lasts from early September to early October and winners are awarded assorted tackle and gear, a plaque, and money according to their winning placement.

But fishing doesn’t have to stop at Martha’s Vineyard. During your stay at a Martha’s Vineyard vacation rental, you can boat your way over to Martha Vineyard’s neighbor, Cape Cod, by ferry. The Cape is one of the most sought-out saltwater fishing destinations, and fishing off the Cape makes for a great day trip. In addition to catching striped bass, bluefish, albacore and bonito, you may reel in great-tasting cod, flounder, fluke, tautog, mackerel, sea bass, or even a Bluefin tuna. You can make a deep-sea saltwater catch on one of the many fishing charters available, which offers you and your family a fun and memorable experience. If you would rather cast the line instead of the lure, fly fishing is a popular and exciting sport, in which you can fish for Trout and Largemouth Bass.

Although Cape Cod is surrounded with endless saltwater fishing waters, the Cape is home to 365 ponds and lakes for vacationers to make a freshwater catch. The ponds and lakes are stocked annually with freshwater fish that include trout, yellow perch, white perch, pickerel, bullheads, catfish and salmon.

With the various places to make a catch and the opportunity to catch an array of species, Martha’s Vineyard and the Cape are your fishing headquarters.

Jillian Johnson is a professional content writer who enjoys writing blogs concentrating on many topics, particulalry travel and vacation. Follow her @JillianLJ87.

Pacu Caught at San Pablo Reservoir

Posted on | by Rogue Frog | 2 Comments on Pacu Caught at San Pablo Reservoir

A Pacu was recently caught at San Pablo Reservoir. Mathias Langlotz caught the 12 inch Pacu on chicken livers while fishing for catfish.

Pacu Caught in San Pablo Reservoir

These omnivores are from South America and commonly eat nuts that have fallen from trees. They have also been known to bite off fingers and other extruding body parts of unsuspecting swimmers.