I don’t know how to say this in any stronger way: Every dealer should set aside time Wednesday to attend a very important webinar (link below). Here’s why: (Read More…)

Should the evidence that our already-weak economic recovery is getting weaker, coupled with news from Europe that five countries have officially slipped back into recession, raise the specter of another stimulus package here? (Read More…)

Last weekend a new Yellowfin pulled into our marina. Shiny black hull 40-plus feet, four black Merc outboards, black T-top with matching black outriggers, and two satellite domes on the hardtop painted matching black, of course. “Oh, to have that boat,” I said to my wife, envy written all over my face. “It’s a beauty, alright, but I wouldn’t want it,” she responded. “You see those two satellite domes? They tell me that boat is always connected to the world. For me, that would defeat the true benefit of being out on the boat – being disconnected”. And, after thinking about it, I realized she was right on. (Read More…)

You’d think they’d get the message – these anti-fishing advocates that try to make an issue even when they’re told there is none. (Read More…)

I went fishing over the weekend in the Gulf of Mexico and caught some gag grouper and red snapper. But all were released because those fisheries are currently closed. It caused me to pause and think about the new Marine Recreational Fishing Program and what it may mean for saltwater fishing in the future. (Read More…)

The D.C. Circuit Court was the scene last week of oral arguments in the industry’s lawsuit to prevent the distribution of E15. We must now wait for the court to issue its ruling, the timing of which is unknown. (Read More…)

I went fishing offshore on a friend’s boat recently. While we scanned his marine radio for some fishing “chatter,” I asked him if he had gotten his MMSI? “What’s that?” he responded. So I asked him what happens if he pushes the red distress button on his radio? “That automatically sends out a Mayday call to the Coast Guard,” he answered. “Not exactly,” I countered. (Read More…)

Reports of overzealous boardings of boats, particularly by Coast Guard personnel in western Lake Erie, aren’t new. Indeed, over the years boaters and dealers alike have been critical of the Coast Guard randomly stopping boaters for time-consuming boardings that result in more animosity than boating safety. (Read More…)

It all started with a challenge . . . the principal of one high school challenging the principal of another to a fishing competition. No, not between themselves, but between their school fishing teams. High school fishing teams? Yes, and it’s a good model for boat dealers willing to invest a little time and  recognize that getting kids fishing has all sorts of short term and future benefits. (Read More…)

Occasionally I like to vent. Today is occasionally! (Read More…)