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Author Topic:   Something about those whaler guys...

MosslandingJoe posted 05-09-2012 05:05 PM ET (US)
So, mostly I go out fishing alone, no big deal. But, I see everyone else on Grady Whites or you name it they're having a great time with their buddies.... And I'm alone... and whats more when I see other whalers they're mostly alone... and that got me thinking ( always dangerous),. how come? What is it about those whaler guys that causes them to go out alone (usually with a very determined look on their face,like Spencer Tracy in the old man and the sea...), and it's like, no big deal. I can see it here in Monterrey bay, It's not crazy water, like you know up in "Blowdaga" Bay. And I once talked to a guy in a Montauk, old style, who had the whole deck lined with portable gas tanks and got out at the ungodly hour of 3:30 am to go out the 50+ miles to load up on Albacore, up to the gunnels, and come back in before the winds picked up in the afternoon, by himself! Crazy!... When I come in by myself the guys at the dock look at me like I'm crazy, and I know I choose mild days to go out on......and since the kids flew the coop I often think about placing a personnel on craigs list or somewhere that reads something like "Old fart seeks fishing buddy, must be divorced or retired,..." but then I just say forget it and go out by myself, again! So, why do you go out alone?
kwik_wurk posted 05-09-2012 06:40 PM ET (US)
I am a soloist myself. I prefer it, and enjoy the solitude. (And I probably have a serious grinding look on my face too.)

And the dock look is interesting. -- I tend to wear my full sailing foulies, which is a little more technical looking than standard issue rubber coveralls. -- But hey, as long as you enjoyed yourself and there are fish in the box, who cares how you got their.
A Montauk is a great 1-person fishing platform.
(PLB is in order though, as they are getting to a meaningful size and cost.)
elaelap posted 05-09-2012 06:44 PM ET (US)
I go out alone about half the time, Joe. Love it -- the only real solitude I ever get in this busy world, and an extra rush to boat a large salmon solo. On the other hand, it's a gas to be with most fishing partners, family members or friends (especially if the latter are Whaler enthusiasts).
So...any time you want to kill some Bodega Bay salmon (or at least give it a try), drop me an email a couple of days in advance, drive on up, and we'll see what happens.
Tony
Liteamorn posted 05-09-2012 07:02 PM ET (US)
I almost always fish alone, other people just ruin the conversation.
flippa posted 05-09-2012 07:45 PM ET (US)
I spend much more time on the boat alone than with company.
I really enjoy the peace & quiet. It's nice going out & not having to talk to anyone; I have to deal with people all day long on the phone. Silence is golden.
I have had some of my best days striper fishing while solo; most within a few hundred yards of the mooring. My buddies never believe my stories; we often get skunked when I have a crowd of people out with me.
JMARTIN posted 05-09-2012 07:56 PM ET (US)
I go solo a lot also. Some people will buy a boat because the boat is cool. Then they bring lots of people out to show them their cool boat.
I got a boat because going out in the boat is cool. Running a boat is fun. The view from a boat is incredible.
My boats are both 29 years old now and they are only cool to other Whaler owners.
John
martyn1075 posted 05-09-2012 11:03 PM ET (US)
Funny I end up going by myself a lot because everytime I ask someone to go they say no can't make it. I give them strikes and I don't forget. Its so funny because they talk it up when we are out for dinner over the winter. "Oh Martyn when are you going to take us out in your boat" " Oh man include me in for fishing" Never works out so I give them strikes and go out anyways enjoy the time immensely.
I agree John the best view in the world is from our boats and what's better is that it can change every time out. Just driving out a few miles in the open on a calm warm evening, turn the engine off lay back have a beer come back and hour later. Works for me.
Martyn
Sourpuss1 posted 05-09-2012 11:40 PM ET (US)
I'm impatient. I just can't wait until 1:00 pm to start boating. That is usually when my wife, relatives and friends seem to want to start boating.
So, even when I had a 26' pursuit, I do the majority of my boating alone. I crank the stereo, spool up 2 v-6 Yammies and blast up the Detroit river by myself, it was a rush. Some fond memories of certain Sunday morning, directly under the Ambassador Bridge in Downtown Detroit, blowing by the coast guard at 40 knots, airborn off their wake, and they were all smiles. Just me in a 26 boat!
Sooo many times I wish I had mounted a gopro camera on the console of that boat....
Sourpuss1 posted 05-09-2012 11:58 PM ET (US)
Sorry, not 40 knots, 40 mph, maybee...
MosslandingJoe posted 05-10-2012 12:56 AM ET (US)
Martyn: You're right , every-time it's different, Here in Monterrey Bay, that can mean Humpbacks or Dolphins or even Orcas... A research crew sent out a general call to all fishermen to help them locate the pod of Orcas that have been in the bay for the last week or so. On Monday I was into Krill so thick that it felt like I was in a giant single organism,swirling Crimson creating vortexes and wild patterns, today for a while there was no separation of air and sea only a beautiful silver to pewter transition, on a cool gentle roller coaster ride..... the seals were jumping out of the water doing tricks for me I swear they were staring at me and leaping in crazy jumps, 5 maybe 10 feet from the boat, way cool... all for about 3&1/2 gallons of gas and a $12 launch fee....
martyn1075 posted 05-10-2012 01:54 AM ET (US)
MosslandingJoe...thats awesome! the Orcas are pretty cool thats for sure. Something very compelling about coming across a pod of Orcas. Here on the Westcoast they pretty much own the area. Won't see them everyday but when they turn up you feel pretty much like a visitor rather than a local to the waters.
We had a very large King on like the tune of close to 50lbs and this pod came around the corner at least a few miles out. Within minutes it was all over surrounded the boat the big one came in straight at the boat took a dive and fish was gone. They moved on never to be seen again. They are awesome fearless hunters. The local guide on another boat even got photo of it.
Hilinercc posted 05-10-2012 09:52 AM ET (US)
Its been my experience that boating solo is much like riding my motorcycle - Its a "zen" thing.
As Tony implies, its when all your daily worries roll off the tips of your wake, and its just you and your vessel, stompin a groove through the briny and listening to the sweet drone of your engine(s).
The sights and sounds are soothing and you realize why you work so hard, and put money into a boat to be able to do it. (I'll never get the "boat is hole to throw money" venacular)
Friends and family are great to have aboard, but when you're by yourself, you can go anywhere you want, as fast or slow as you want, and just live in the moment.
gnr posted 05-10-2012 11:30 AM ET (US)
Twisting the wick to begin the ascent of a mountain pass.
Pushing off to begin the descent through a foot of fresh powder
Cresting the top and eyeing a line to get down the other side on a mountain bike.
Watching a deer, coyote, black bear, turkey, etc walk right by you and not even know you are there.
Putting your boat on plane solo on a misty morning.

The essence of life.
andygere posted 05-10-2012 01:21 PM ET (US)
Monterey Bay gets windy most days around noon. I don't like fishing in heavy wind, so I get up and fish really early. For some reason, many people are willing to get up early every day to go to work, but think it's crazy to get up early and go fishing. Accordingly, I sometimes fish alone.
Though I don't mind fishing alone, I prefer to have a like minded friend along, and about 50% of the time that works out. The other problem is fishing time gets scheduled around kids sports, work, and other activities, and it's hard for two people with similar circumstances to get it all lined up on short notice.
tom976 posted 05-10-2012 01:50 PM ET (US)
I would have to say this is probably the first year that I have gone solo with my whaler. (mainly due to me getting comfortable with backing my Conquest into a slip that's tight, only has 4 inches of room on each side and can have a good wind coming from any direction. Even pulling out can be interesting where I have to cut hard right and hit the gas to get the stern to kick out and turn. Otherwise I would get to know many other fine boats bows and anchors while the whaler side swipes them.
Anywho, fishing by yourself can be interesting and fun. Some of the best fishing I ever did was by myself.
Looking forward to it more soon as the larger stipers come into my area that I fish. (Long Beach, LI)
crabby posted 05-10-2012 03:09 PM ET (US)
I consider my Montauk my personal watercraft. Large enough for my dog and myself and some fishing gear. Heck, the dog takes up the entire seat for himself anyways (I had to rebuild the cushion platform so I have an inch or two for myself); he sort of serves as my leaning post, and if it gets choppy I find myself planting my butt against him so he doesn't slide around. I can take the boat way outside or sit in 12 inches of water in the back bays; slow sunset cruises with a couple of brews are as good as any other pleasures in my life, or just drifting along listening to the nesting birds on the marshes on a spring evening while tossing plugs.
Funny, before I got the Montauk I had an old aluminium Starcraft and almost always had a crew; once I got the Montauk my fishing horizons grew to where few other friends liked to go. Maybe the Montauk is just too rough riding for my (older) crowd, they all want to go out on the 22 Outrage instead. But for me and the pooch the Montauk is the way to go.
gusgus posted 05-11-2012 04:07 AM ET (US)
Great thread!
I figure the result of my boat purchase will be generally alone. I am not the easiest guy to get along with anyway, so I find being me is how I remain alone. Don't get me wrong, I have great friends, but do I want the stress of their issues, while I am escaping mine?
bluewaterpirate posted 05-11-2012 08:02 AM ET (US)
Having spent the better part of my life adult life deployed in the far reaches of the ocean (31 year Navy veteran) I find it very exciting to share my time on our Ventura with my wife Cheryl. She's been my first and only mate for many years while raising four wonderful children im my absence. Our Whaler is our link to our home away from home the deep blue sea.
Tom
bkoelbel posted 05-11-2012 05:55 PM ET (US)
My 20' Outrage is my own private island.
Bosses, clients, wife, ex-wife, ex-wife's lawyer......none of them can reach me.
Cigars, unhealthy food, vintage music, passing gas.......none draw the stink eye like on land.
I think we're all extremely confident in the seaworthiness of our Whalers, so the "safety" of going solo is never a question.
elaelap posted 05-12-2012 09:23 AM ET (US)
I was out solo yesterday. Perfect day: sunny, clear, soft breeze, not much lump. Put two nice king salmon in the box before noon. The eight mile run out to the fishing grounds with one's sweet Montauk occasionally taking a little air, a couple of hours of slow, contemplative trolling, listening to reports from other fishermen via VHF, the first strike, and then the frantic burst of energy as one steers, works the controls, fights the fish, and nets one-handed. Bliss.
Tony
fluke posted 05-12-2012 10:47 AM ET (US)
Getting ready to go out now!
elaelap posted 05-12-2012 11:37 AM ET (US)
Go get 'em, Mark!
Tony
floater88 posted 05-12-2012 04:19 PM ET (US)
Fantastic topic. I was out alone yesterday and today up on Lake Ontario. Same deal here with friends always talking about coming out but then I have to work to 'their' time frame and wait hours for them to be off work. No way. I like going out when I want and coming back in when I want. Some days i'm out half an hour and some days 8 hours. I always thought I was weird for going solo all the time but now realize it is a great place to be alone with your thoughts and your boat. Bring on the Salmon!
alfred posted 05-13-2012 07:45 PM ET (US)
I am another solo fisher. 30-50 miles off shore is a regular trip. Use to do it with my 18 Outrage and now in my 190 Outrage. It's great, I can choose what I want to do, where I want to fish, how long I want to stay out there or I can pack up and head home at anytime I want, best thing is no one interrupts the sound of no one else talking!
BQUICK posted 05-15-2012 09:34 AM ET (US)
Yeah, my pet peeve is not getting out on the water until early afternoon. Even though I have to drive an hour to the boat I like getting going no later than 9am especially if it's a perfect day.
By early afternoon the chop usually picks up then I get complaints.....I say if we had left at 9am we would be somewhere already and only have to deal with chop on the way home.
whaler131 posted 05-15-2012 09:59 AM ET (US)
I also fish 90% of the time by myself. I always let my wife know where and when I am heading out on the Lake Erie or the Gulf of Mexico. I will not travel to far out in the Gulf. Upon my return to the dock always make a call and let her know I am off the water. SAFTY SAFTY SAFTY. It is peasefull to go out alone and clears you head.
MosslandingJoe posted 05-15-2012 02:24 PM ET (US)
So... more and more "solo-ists" are speaking up! cool! It's hard to explain why it's not "anti-social" to want to be alone on your boat, unless you've done it enough to be comfortable, " in your own skin" so to speak... and I'm never against the right kind of company, it's just that they're hard to find... for the first time this season I went out with my son yesterday and had a great time, he never complains about the wind or chop or lack of fish,or the lunch I pack! But I know that I'll be going out by myself next time... I'm even considering increasing my on board gas capacity so that I can stay out even longer by myself!........................... Tony I would be glad to go out with you, Thanx for the offer!... Joe
Binkster posted 05-15-2012 05:47 PM ET (US)
I've fished alone and with friends, and family, for alot of years, most of my life so to speak. I most always have a good time when fishing or boating alone. Now that I'm an old guy (74) normally I still wouldn't have a problem with fishing alone, but I hear so many horror stories on this site, about the things that can happen to a person alone or with friends when things go wrong, I'm getting spooked.
rich
Bthom posted 05-15-2012 10:29 PM ET (US)
I find that the older I get, the less I want to share that valuable "water time" with anyone but family and close friends.
If they aren't available I go by myself.
Then there is the added challenge of landing fish by myself.
On different days, I've landed 4 chinooks over 25 lbs, got a chinook salmon back from a seal, and landed an 80 lb halibut, all solo.
Those days stand out as being extra special!
pcrussell50 posted 05-16-2012 03:44 AM ET (US)
Loner, for the most part. Mostly because my outings are spur of the moment, impulse decisions. I had a buddy who who was out of work a couple of years ago, who could be relied on to come out with me, and we made some good progress teaching each other how to fish the local kelp. I have a LOT more to learn though. Wish I had someone down here to to teach me, starting with nearshore/green water fishing. There's a lot to learn and in the mid-40's, only half of life left to learn it at best.
-Peter
andrey320 posted 05-16-2012 11:42 AM ET (US)
As many that have posted on this thread, I too enjoy being on the boat by myself. It doesn't happen often because I always try to get someone to go with me. Wakeboarding in the ocean is my #1 boating activity and unfortunatelly I cannot do that by myself....
Despite this, some of my best trips have been alone. The first trip to both Catalina and Santa Cruz Islands were solo.
JMARTIN posted 05-16-2012 12:29 PM ET (US)
Another reason I like solo, no surprises by others.
"I brought in all that extra rope between the boat and the anchor."
"I took off those ropes back there and put them in that thing with a lid up there."
"There was a little bit of water back there and I found the plug and put it back in."
"I got to go poop real bad."
John
KDW posted 05-16-2012 01:21 PM ET (US)
I spend 99% of my time getting ready to go fishing and 1% actually going. By the time I get around to the 1%, everyone esle has long given up on the fishing trip....just like I planned it.:)
A bad day fishing alone is better than a good day at work!!
Hey John, good list but you forgot a few:
"Do we have any dramamine?"
"Is that switch important?"
"I told him he could have that toy gun I found in the boat"
"Was that thing-a-magigy supposed to have something tied to it?"
gusgus posted 05-16-2012 02:54 PM ET (US)
Many years ago, I saw a very thick book about personality and occupation norms at the employment office and read some excerpts from it.
The things it said about the people I knew were stunningly dead on. Their occupations were chosen through their personality, not really such a large choice after all. I read about my job choice and was a little embarrassed that they had written about me. I was sure they had interviewed my family and friends to print these personal facts about me.
Since then (read 40 years later) I have witnessed many people in my chosen profession and they exhibit similar traits.
One being self reliance, another was being a loner, the third was a thirst to push on no matter the adversity.
So it seems many of us who own Whalers are loners and have some of those traits or at the very least, could use some Right Guard.
Binkster posted 05-16-2012 03:31 PM ET (US)
They say the Uni-Bomber was a loner. I don't think he owned a Whaler though.;)
KJ6TQG posted 05-17-2012 12:37 AM ET (US)
my fishing day starts when i leave the dock at 0200 hours. That's what time I leave. If your late you miss the adventure and I go alone without batting an eye...aaaaaaaaaye
tombro posted 05-17-2012 03:05 PM ET (US)
I always have liked fishing solo, and do it more and more often, as I have gotten crankier over time and less tolerant of guests' foibles.
Some people are great aboard, helping as needed, supplying bait, ice and gas. Others...not so much. I hate running the boat like I am a charter captain, unless I WANT to play charter captain. And that is usually when I have daughter and boyfriend aboard. Some days I want to fish a quick few early hours, head in early for lunch and a nap at the dock; best done alone.
Bthom posted 05-17-2012 10:32 PM ET (US)
Another thing to consider is that maybe the boats we own give us more confidence to go it alone.
Knowing that no matter what happens, having an unsinkable boat beneath you, makes solo trips more relaxing and enjoyable.
I know that I never considered some of the solo trips I've done while I owned my fiberform with I/O power. Knowing that the safety of my whaler connot be compromised by a blown bellows or exhaust hose makes me sleep easier onboard at night.
pglein posted 05-19-2012 02:32 AM ET (US)
Maybe it's because none of our family and friends want to put up with the harsh ride and spray.
Mr T posted 05-27-2012 10:00 AM ET (US)
I have to echo what many have already said here. I know from a safety aspect it is better to have more than one person on board, but for me when I can, I go solo. I spend so much time working on the boat, doing this and that, that it has come to the point of a personal relationship with her. I've done similar things with the other boats I have owned but the whaler seems special. Perhaps it's the age of the boat, (she's 42, I'm 47), but it seems to click with this boat more than others.
A quiet dawn, pale sun glow starting over the delta, cup of coffee in the holder, motor purring, wind in face, I really feel it is only me and the boat at those times- in a world where everyone seems to be in such a hurry to go do things, I like it that way. My job is pretty hi-tech, and I like those days where slower and simpler rules the roost. The boat is an escape, and some days I want to escape alone.
Is it a whaler thing, or the other way around? Are we the type of people who are drawn to a boat that can lend itself to solo use? I don't know that answer, but I know it took many years and 10 other boats before I bought a whaler, and I took too liong to do it. It's the boat for me.
kwik_wurk posted 05-31-2012 01:48 PM ET (US)
I had a few trips out in the Montauk this weekend off Cape Flattery, which is the NW most corner of the continental US.
The ones I did solo were the best. Nice cruises at 18 knots, getting some air in a few times. Banging through the washing machine spots due to current, waves and rock cliffs/beach was less desirable. -- But being the only boat (and person) within site was priceless.
http://maps.google.com/?ll=48.334343,-124.652939&spn=0.272511,0.714111& t=h&z=11

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