If you're new to the MegaByte, or any other boat for that matter, listen up...
1) If you have some old tackle lying around that means a lot to you, an old keepsake, then leave it home. 2 reasons, 1) it means a lot, 2) it probably will loose more fish than it will catch. Fishing tackle needs to be maintained and line should be changed at least once/year.
2) What can you bring? Well, food & drink for yourself (the MegaByte has a regular refridgerator & freezer). A bit of money (usually less than $50 for 99% of the inshore trips). We all chip in at the end of the day for bait, fuel & maybe you want to pick up a package of hooks or some sinkers or other tackle - just ask. Rags can get scarce and there is nothing worse than not having a rag on a boat. While using your pants legs can slean your hands, it wont help you get any dates back at the dock! So, if you have a rag lying around, bring it. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need beer to run a boat. If you want to indulge, just use your head. Too much beer is usually a bad idea to add to a rocking boat filled with sharp objects and a wet deck. (At the end of the day, while cleaning up, we usually put a few beers away on a hot day).
3) What to wear? Anything you'd wear to go to any other outdoor event. Watch the weather & dress accordingly. But just make sure it's something you wont mind if it gets ruined. Often, in the fishing game, there could be lots of blood. And it will stain. As will oils from bait. Also you should be aware that it can be a bit colder out on the water and it will be sunnier, so staying covered is a good idea. Shoes or sneakers whould have white soles so as not to mark up the deck. Also, it should be rubber or something soft. The deck is fiberglass and it can be damaged. Also, the deck is non-slip, but your shoes should be non-slip as well.
4) What's expected? Don't get in the way & help out at the end of the day. On the MB, my crew will often catch a few winks on the way out or on the way back. The captain has to stay awake & get you there & home. Also, the captain put you into fish as well (hopefully), so, on the MB, seldom does the captain clean the boat. If you get the job, be enthusiastic and be grateful you didn't have to fork out the 6 to $8,000 it cost to maintain her this year, or the $60,000 for new engines last year, or the $100,000 to purchase her. Get it? Also, check it out, any inshore full day charter will run around $700. So, spend 20 minutes getting off the blood and salt spray you helped put there.
5) Along those lines, please be careful. It's ok for anything that gets damaged by accident. No problem, no hard feelings, but if it's out of negligence, well.... (right Windiz???)
6) There is no shelter on the water. None at all. The sun can be brutal. A hat affords little protection because the water will reflect the sun up under the brim. Wear sunglasses (not an option) a wide brimmed hat, bring sun block, and keep covered to the extent you can. Also, be advised, the ocean is a wonderful radiator. In the spring & early summer, the water is still in the low 60's. So be prepared, if it's 80 on shore, it is 70 or lower out there (depending how far "out"). Bring an extra jacket or something.
7) Bring a cooler & some ice for the fish you will be bringing home. If you can, some extra ice for the boat is good too. We bring lots of it to keep the fish fresh. More is better.
8) A camera is nice. There is plenty of room abord the MegaByte to store things like a camera, but be advised, I wouldn't bring anything too expensive. Sun, water and a rocking boat can bring an untimely end to your $1,200 video camera.
9) Under no circumstances should a banana be brought on board. NEVER. It is a nautical NO-NO! Considered to bring the worst of luck.
10) Listen to the regulars around you (except maybe Windiz). We have been fishing for too long and can't even remember what we know. Take advantage. Ask questions.
11) Watch what you eat the night before. If you don't know if you get seasick no greasy foods the night before. Limit the spices. Eat a starchy breakfast (cereal is ok, a toasted bagel is better-very light on the butter). On the boat, ginger ale & coke is good (water is not too good an idea). Pretzels is a great way to settle a stomach (soak up them fluids & the salt helps). If you suspect you may get seasick, take something the night before, like Bomine or Dramamine. Then again when you get up and again as we shove off. You should be ok. Being sick on the water is no fun at all. Not for you, nor the others around you.
12) Stay safe. Limit your alcohol, wear decent (white soled) sneakers & be careful. The boat rocks. There are tons of sharp objects all around including hooks, knives, gaffs... All could seriously hurt you or worse. If you don't know how to swim, tell the captain. Know where the life jackets are and any other safety equipment. Be careful.
13) HAVE FUN. Have lots of fun. this is the #1 rule (besides the implicit stay safe). Have fun.
14) Catch some damn fish!
Good Fishing - Captain John
(cr) June 2002