Ships Are The New Hotels - Is A Ship Charter Right For Your Group?

What kinds of groups charter ships?

Companies and associations of all sizes. Companies charter ships for meetings at sea, while clubs and associations usually charter for locations. Birders might charter to go up the Amazon, a wine club might charter a river boat for a week to visit vineyards in France. Many families are booking charters for wedding, birthday or anniversary celebrations. Non-profit organizations are booking charters for fund-raising.

Whatever the purpose, you can tailor programs for any interest, combining retreats and meetings with wine seminars, golf excursions, scuba diving, or other special interests.

In the U.S. most popular charters are to see wildlife in Alaska, to meander on the Mississippi on a paddlewheeler, do wine cruises along the California coast, cruise the Great Lakes, or cruise along the East Coast between Maine and Florida. The Caribbean, Greek Islands and barges in Europe are the other top charter destinations.

Is chartering a boat right for you?

Advantages:


When you charter the ship, you have complete control over activities, and usually can choose port stops. The boat is yours, without any other passengers. You have no distractions, just bonding with group companions, being inspired by the sea, and being able to think with a clear head. You get out of a sterile hotel atmosphere onto the deck of a ship.

Disadvantages:


Even though you may not fill the ship to its full capacity, the price will be based on the entire capacity of the vessel.

Tips: Try to charter a ship that already will be in the area that you want and has an itinerary that you like. Otherwise there may be additional delivery or port charges.
Charters require a substantial deposit up front so be certain of your intent before you sign a contract. Make arrangements as early as possible, preferably a year or more ahead.

Choosing The Right Boat Trailer Accessories

There are many boat trailer accessories available. These accessories can help make it easier to transport your boat from place to place, as well as help protect your boat better during the trip. While some are optional, there are certain tools and boat trailer accessories that you'll need to accomplish your tasks.

If you want to get your boat to wherever you're going in one piece, there are several boat accessories that you should consider a mandatory part of your boating inventory. This includes such things as ti downs, such as ratcheting hook and latch tie downs.

In order to make sure you boat stays on the trailer, these tie downs are used to stretch behind and across your boat to keep it secure in case any of your other security devices for keeping your boat in place break during the trip. Consider it an essential backup for securing your boat during travel.

Of course, you'll also want a winch that is designed to hoist your boat out of the water and on to your trailer. The next trailer accessory you'll need is a hitch. The hitch secures the trailer to the towing vehicle itself. You'll want a hitch that doesn't have any parts that can easily be detached and stolen. You'll also want to make sure all the part are compatible so that it's easy to secure and unsecure the hitch from the trailer to the towing vehicle.

Don't forget to grab the proper jack in case your trailer gets a flat tire and you have to replace it. You'll also want the necessary tools to keep things in working order, such as your taillights.

Other boat trailer accessories you may want to consider are the proper chains for securing the boat, a tarp to protect the boat during transit, so that it is shielded from flying debris such as rocks kicked up by truck tires, not to mention the weather itself.

Types Of Accommodations On A Cruise Ship

One of the most important things one should think about before leaving on a cruise is about the sleeping quarters on the cruise ship. There have been many times when a person does not consider the sleeping quarters of the cruise ship and books a cabin without thinking about it. This has lead to a lot of problems as when the passenger finally arrives on board then they see that they would have preferred a different cabin than the one they had previously booked. So, it is always advisable to closely look into the sleeping options or cabins of the luxury travel ship to avoid any complaints that may arise later on.

Before you randomly book a cabin on the cruise ship, you should closely look at the details of the cabins given in the cruise brochure. This will help you get a lot of information about the accommodations and will also help you to decide on a cabin. When you are booking a cabin, the cost is also an important factor. It has also been seen that people tend to book the cheapest cabin so that they can save some money, however, you should be aware of the fact that the cabins of the ships are not that large in size and the cheap cabins will always be the smallest cabins that are just under or above the water level. This would mean that these cabins often do not have any windows. So, if you are a claustrophobic person, you know that it is best to steer clear from these cabins.

There are a whole large variety of sleeping quarters on a cruise ship. Some cruise liners may even give you a choice of twenty to choose from. The price of a cabin or the stateroom is often determined by the size of the room, the quality and the size of the bed. If you have some space to move around in your cabin or a window to look out into the ocean then this would make a huge difference. Most of the expensive rooms on a cruise often have big windows or verandahs or balconies attached to them. To be able to go and sit on the verandah in front of your home and to enjoy the view world have definitely helped you to move into a holiday spirit, if only they didn't burn such a huge hole in your pocket.

You can also do your research about the accommodations on the cruise liners website. The website would have all the details of the cabins that you are looking for. Often you will see that most of the cabins are described as standard. Standard usually means a cabin that is about 150 square feet with two twin beds or one double bed, and had a T.V, a dresser, a closet and a telephone. A D.V.D player or a V.C.R, an extra chair and a reading lamp is also included in a standard cabin. If you are lucky enough than your cabin may have a porthole as a window. In these cabins space is used efficiently, however, somehow these cabins are just not designed for the regular visitor.

If you have a tight budget and are not too keen on spending more on accommodations then the economy suite is the best option for you. However, if you feel that you would not be comfortable in an economy suite then you know that you have many options to choose from and it is always better if you spend a little more money on your accommodations.

More of What You Need to Know About Lake Fishing

Spring is here. You head out early in the morning, your fishing gear packed into the back of your SUV. You're looking forward to a day on the lakeshore and are hoping to catch a pickerel or perch. When you arrive, you pack your gear to the rocky shore and decide, for the fun of it, to use a nightcrawler for bait. You slide it onto your hook and cast. The bait sinks below the surface. Bang! A fish strikes. It is a good sized catch and a fighter. You can see it flipping and thrashing in the cool water, trying to free itself of the hook. You play the fish until it tires, bring it into shore and scoop it into your net. Much to your surprise, you've landed a northern pike.

Lake fishing is any type of fishing that is done on a lake. It can be shore fishing from a pier or marina or from a rocky shoreline. It can also be boat fishing, trolling or fly fishing. There are a wide variety of fish species found in lakes around the world. Lake species include bass, trout, catfish, perch, pickerel, northern pike, muskellunge, sturgeon, walleye and salmon.

If you plan to fish from a boat, you will need to own one, rent one, or go lake fishing with someone who has one. To fish from a boat, you will need a rod, reel, tackle, trolling equipment and a lake or fish map. If you are a beginner, use a basic lake fishing kit. This includes a six to eight foot graphite or fiberglass rod with a basic closed or open faced reel. Fishing line should be 8 to 15 pound-test, depending on the fish species you are targeting and the depth. Fishing near the surface requires 8 pound-test, while fishing the middle or bottom requires 15 pound test. The larger the fish species, the higher pound-test line you will need.

You will also need a variety of different sized hooks, ranging from medium to large. Split shot sinkers are best. If you are planning on fishing the bottom, larger weights will be necessary. Remember, when buying sinkers, be sure they are lead free in order to protect the environment. Floats can vary from cork to plastic to foam. Torpedo floats work great as well. Floats of various sizes can be used, but remember, smaller is always better. You don't want the fish to see your float.

A variety of bait, both live and artificial is used for different species of lake fish.

Trout


Live bait for trout includes worms, insects, insect larvae and crayfish. Artificial bait includes streamers, spoons, spinners and dry and wet flies.

Bass


Live bait includes worms, shad, insects, insect larvae, frogs, crayfish and minnows. Artificial bait includes spinners, streamers, Mepps, spoons, jigs, crankbaits and clousers.

Walleye


Live bait includes nightcrawlers, crayfish, minnows, chubs and leaches. Artificial trolling bait that is best is jointed minnows and spinner rigs.

Salmon


Live bait includes worms, prawns, crustaceans, insects and insect larvae. Artificial bait includes lures, flies, plugs, streamers and spinners. Prepared bait such as egg sacs and scents also work well.

Catfish


Catfish in a lake are usually channel cat. They are attracted to cut bait, worms, crayfish or peeled crayfish tails, mollusks, minnows, cheeseballs, breadballs, shrimp, chicken entrails and liver.

Pickerel


Pickerel feed on aquatic insects and invertebrates. Use nightcrawlers, minnows, crayfish, insects and frogs. Artificial bait includes worms, spinners, spoons, streamers and Mepps.

Perch


Perch feed on minnows, insects, insect larvae, crayfish, snails, nightcrawlers, grubs and maggots. Artificial bait includes worms, lures, spinners, streamers and jigs. Use small lures when fishing for perch, as they have small mouths.

Northern Pike


Pike are predators. They will take nightcrawlers, minnows and smelt. Pike, especially females heavy with eggs, prefer dead bait because it provides an easy meal. Artificial bait includes wobbling spoons, spinners, split minnows and red and white spoons. If you are removing a hook from a northern pike, use needle nose pliers to avoid injury.

Muskellunge


Live bait for Musky includes live fish bait that is 10 to 12 inches. Suckers work well, as do leeches, frogs, insects and sunfish. Artificial bait includes spoons, bucktails and large plugs. Muskies are fighters and will strip reels, break rods, mutilate bait and bend hooks.

Sturgeon


Sturgeon like fresh bait and are bottom feeders. They are attracted to clams, eel, crayfish, smelt, salmon eggs, shad, nightcrawlers and fish heads.

Lake Trolling


Trolling is the use of either large or artificial bait pulled through the water behind a moving boat. It is used on lakes, especially for trout and walleye. The boat can be powered by a motor or oars. The bait can be trolled at any depth and is intended to resemble live fish. Trolled plugs, spoons and flies can be fished deep by adding weights or using leadcore line. Live bait is fished below a sliding float when trolling.

If you wish to take up lake fishing and have concerns over equipment or bait that you should use, ask an experienced lake angler to give you some tips, or invite them to come along on a lake fishing trip. Any experienced lake angler will be able to help you with equipment, bait, casting and trolling issues. This could be a family member, friend, neighbor or a staff member at a bait and tackle shop that specializes in lake fishing.

Caribbean Cruises - Something for Every Cruise Traveler

If you happen to be planning a honeymoon, a family vacation or even a romantic getaway, Caribbean cruises are undeniably the best way to travel. They are widely popular as a result of the multiple assortments of activities and amenities available on board a Caribbean cruise liner. These fabulous liners make many a stop at the beautiful islands along the way, and allow their passengers to enjoy the natural magnificence of the Caribbean. With its perfect weather almost throughout the year, the best way to truly enjoy the scenic beauty of the Caribbean would be to book a tour on one of these Caribbean Cruises and sail off on what is destined to be a memorable journey.

Caribbean cruise liners offer a fantastic view of the islands. The beautiful sandy beaches, and the turquoise waters, not to mention the exquisite choice of cuisines offered onboard the Caribbean Cruise liners will make for you are the perfect combination of great memories.

When it comes to Caribbean cruise liners they have their own array of special and attractive features. Caribbean cruises offer various room options that provide both comfort and luxury to suit almost every traveler's budget. The rooms available vary from the grand suites to the simple yet tastefully designed economy class rooms. They feature many amenities such as personal choice dining that allows you to choose between casual, traditional or specialty menus, and if this does not satisfy, many of the Caribbean cruises offer full service restaurants.

There are approximately around two million people traveling to the Caribbean islands every year as it is one of the hottest destinations on the globe. When it comes to Caribbean Cruises the only challenge one faces is the matter of choice, since there is such a variety of excellent options to select from. So, if you happen to be planning to go for a vacation soon, a Caribbean Cruise is ensured to give you the experience of a lifetime.

Parts Of A Fly Fishing Rod

Fly fishing is absolutely never complete without a fly fishing rod. A rod has several specifications and parts as well so before you decide on taking a splash for the fish you just can't wait to get your hook in to, be sure you have an idea what your rod is really made of.

First, although fly rods have different shapes and sizes; some are longer, heavier or more colorful than the others, the different parts of a rod doesn't change at all. The important part of the rod is referred to the rod blank. It is the central shaft of the rod and it's where everything, where the rest of the rod is attached. Rod blanks is also called the tip and then the heavy section is called the butt. Generally, blanks are made of graphite but there are still other materials that can be used.

Next is the reel seat. This is located at the butt of the rod. The purpose of this is for the fly reel; the rings found on this part are meant to lock the reel and the foot in place. The material used for reel seats can be either graphite or metal. Then we have the rod handle. This is located just right above the reel seat. This part of the rod also varies in different sizes and shapes. You can find different materials for this one. For more expensive rods, the usual material used on this part is made of rubber. But for the usual cases, (rods that are less expensive) cork is the more common material.

And lastly, the rod guides. These are attached to the rod blank. The purpose is to "guide" the fly line through them. As always, this part of the fly fishing rod varies in shapes too. You'll also notice that the first guide is identical to the ones found on conventional fishing rods. What they are referred to as well is stripping guides. For the rest of the rod, the wire used is thin and it's usually addressed as snake guides. The last guide found at the tip of the rod is called the tip top.

Alaska Cruise Review

Why visit Alaska? Conjure up some postcard images: towering mountains, mountainous glaciers, sky-blue icebergs, leaping whales, lumbering moose, rain-forested fjords, endless tundra, bears and bald eagles, ravens as big as pug dogs, ice fields as big as cities, lumberjacks as big as . . . lumberjacks.

Sail the Caribbean and your megaship may completely dwarf the islands it visits, visible from miles away. Sail Alaska and that same megaship looks like a matchstick, completely overawed by the mountains, the expansive sky, and wilderness that seems to go on forever.

Visit the towns and meet people who embody the frontier spirit that brought them or their ancestors here. Add Alaska's rich Native culture, its Russian colonial history, its gold rush mythology, and its "North to the Future" attitude, and you have one of the world's great cruise destinations.

Most Alaska cruises concentrate on the Southeast Alaska panhandle, a string of islands linked by the waterway known as the Inside Passage. Some stay entirely within this region, sailing round-trip from Vancouver, British Columbia, or Seattle, Washington. Others sail north- or southbound cruises between one of those ports and the northern towns of Seward or Whittier, the ports nearest to Alaska's biggest city, Anchorage.

In addition to the Inside Passage, those cruises also sail through the Gulf of Alaska and sometimes Prince William Sound.

Luxury lines Crystal and Silversea offer Alaska cruises that sail roundtrip from San Francisco. Most of the small-ship lines sail from one of the port towns in southeast Alaska (primarily Juneau, but also Ketchikan and Sitka), though some also operate out of Anchorage and Seattle.

If possible, plan to arrive a day or two before your sailing date, especially if you have to travel a long distance. You can use that extra day to recover from jet lag and explore your port of embarkation, all of which have much to recommend them.

To Buy a New or Used Boat?

The majority of boats sold in the U.S. each year are pre-owned boats. In fact, it is estimated that used boat sales dollars are more than 4 times those of new boat sales. The average boat owner that buys a new boat will keep his/her boat for only 3.4 years before selling it. (It's been suggested that boat owners come down with a rare disease called 'foot and foot' disease. When you have that malady, you must buy a boat that is a foot longer or a foot wider to cure the disease and, therefore, it can be an expensive illness to cure!) In any event, there are always many quite good used boats in the market, if you know how to seek them out and to evaluate them.

In selecting a pre-owned boat, it is very helpful if you are familiar with the various boat brands and their respective reputations for quality, length of time in business, and market share. If you know, for example, that boat is manufactured by a tried and proven boat builder who has a reputation for quality, you will have fewer worries than if the manufacturer has only been in existence for a year or two! Naturally, better made boats are going to hold their price somewhat better than lesser known boats. You should also be aware of the various engines, whether inboard/outboard, straight inboard, or outboard as well as their respective drive units. If there is a certain drive or engine that is known for problems, it would probably be good to avoid. If you are the least bit unsure of this, it will pay to do your research or make contact with a knowledgeable friend in the industry.

Of course, there are certain advantages to buying a new boat versus a pre-owned boat. New boats and engines always come with a manufacturer's warranty so that you can be certain of your maintenance and repair costs for some period of time, at least. Financing is generally easier on a new boat and the length of the financing period is usually longer on a new boat. Down payments are smaller or non-existent on many new boats. Of course, having that brand new feel and smell and knowing that you are the only family to use it – also has considerable appeal. That appeal can be expensive, however! Boats depreciate more than 20% in their first year, on average. Many times, if you can find a year old boat in good condition, it may likely be just like a new one and at a much better price. Also, you may find a dealer with prior year models in inventory that can be bought at a discount and still have the new boat warranty, etc. It really pays to shop and to keep your options open.

Your search for a used boat should begin at the dealership of the brand of boat in which you are interested to check out their inventory or new and used boats. From there, it will pay to check out newspaper ads (Sunday editions seem to be more complete), and the local edition of "Boat Trader" magazine as well as their online version called Boattrader Online - BoattrraderOnline.com One nice feature of the online search tool is the ability to specify a brand, year, and/or price category and then narrow the search to boats in you part of the country.

There are lots of considerations in shopping for a pre-owned boat. Mechanically, you need to ensure that the boat has been maintained and not abused. You can evaluate the number of hours on the engine if it has an hourmeter. The average boat is only run about 60 hours per year of service. An engine with more than 350-400 hours can be expected to require some repair expense in the next year or two. It would pay to have the engine looked at by a qualified technician to get a professional opinion on the engine and it may be worthwhile to pay for a compression check and hookup to a diagnostic computer. Most of today's engines employ an Electronic Control Module (ECM) computer which keeps track of many metrics on an engine. For example, by hooking up a diagnostic tool to the ECM, a technician can learn the actual engine hours, RPM's that it has been run at, any electrical, fuel, or mechanical problems that the engine is having. All of this is quite good to know and can usually be had for less and $100. That may be a fee well spent.

It is always a good idea to test drive any boat you are considering before you purchase it, whether it is new or used. All boats tend to look seaworthy when sitting on a trailer or boat rack, and you can only really tell about the adequacy for the engine's power by driving under a load.

You also need to observe the upholstery and canvas for rips, tears, and worn areas. If the boat is more than a couple of years old and has a wooden floor under carpet, be sure to check for soft spots that may indicate rotting. They should resist the probe of an ice pick; if they don't, there likely is a problem. The fiberglass gelcoat surface should be free from 'dock rash'. A few minor scrapes may be acceptable, but if they are deep enough to go through the colored gelcoat, they may require some expensive fiberglass repair. Be sure to inspect the boat thoroughly.

With a little homework, the decision about whether to buy a new or a pre-owned boat will be easier and, in any event, you will be more confident in making your purchase! Have a great voyage!

Alaska Fishing Trips - 6 Ways to Get the Real Fun!

If you are wondering where to go for a vacation, and more importantly, if you want your vacation to be a memorable experience, then Alaska is undoubtedly the place you should go to. Why? Because even if you do nothing else in Alaska, the simple and pure weather of the place is sure to impress you. One of the biggest sports in Alaska is fishing. Indeed, Alaska is a place where you can find different varieties of fishes. Plus, the weather of the place that changes throughout the ear is sure to make any person happy.

Once in Alaska, the first very first thing that would cross your mind is to go fishing. And why not? Here, you can find large quantities of fishes such as salmon, trout and halibut. If you don't know where to find them, just hire an experienced guide and he will be able to show you the right places to start fishing. Alaska is such a place where you can explore nature's beauty all around. There are a lot of outdoor activities you can do here. And if fishing is not what you like, there are many other things you can do what with its different types of climates in different parts of the year.

Keep in mind that if fishing is your priority in Alaska, you need to choose the correct locations or 'fishing hot spots' so that you can catch a lot of fishes per day. Apart from fishing, other things you will like about Alaska are that its air is pure, the whole place is surrounded by nature and you will see salmons returning each year.

Primarily people who visit Alaska are generally interested in fishing. If you are experienced enough in fishing then you can buy local packages which come bundled with everything you need for the fishing trip- all the fishing equipments, a fishing boat and an experienced fishing guide. If you are a pro fisherman and want to get some of best fishes of the season then Alaska is the place you should go to!

In Alaska you will be able to find different kinds of fishing lodges which are suitable for any part of the year. The easiest way to find out a fishing lodge, especially if you are traveling on a budget, is to do a quick search online and see which lodge best fits your pocket.

Don't dare to compare an Alaskan fishing trip with other fishing trips. An Alaskan fishing trip is an adventure of a lifetime, and testimonials from happy tourists prove it. Even those who don't go to Alaska but hear about the fishing trip adventures have only positive things to say about it. There are a lot of activities that one can do in Alaska. Even when you are on a fishing trip, it is inevitable that you will see whales, sea lions, seals, bears and deer wondering around. Bald eagles are also very popular there. All in all, an Alaskan fishing trip is something which can give you the thrill of an once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Fishing sports are really very popular in Alaska. Tourists visit Alaska for many different reasons, one of them being able to participate in fishing. A lot of different kinds of tours are available in Alaska, the most popular among them being the fishing tours. Overall, an Alaskan fishing trip will give you the enjoyment, thrill and excitement that you long for.

If you need more information about Alaska fishing trips, we have a complete resource guide available for that purpose. Simply click the link below in my resource box in order to access the guide.

6 Keys To Deck Railings - Finishing Your Deck With Style And Strength

Getting outdoors...enjoying the sun, a barbeque, an after-work moment of relaxation on your deck also includes the notion that you, your kids, pets and friends are safely enclosed by way of engineered and stylish deck railings. No longer the province of plain pressure treated timber, contemporary deck rails express style through cool designs, modern engineered materials, and an artist's color palette of tonal choices.

Deck Railing Ideas To Know About. Any deck railing plan is only as good as your creativity and anticipation of the many ways that you might use your deck...from quiet lounging and book reading...to barbeque meals...to 3-season use where you might need weather and bug protection. All these "potential uses" should be built-in to your final deck railing design. What sort of look balances with what sort of structural support you'll need in order to meet your town's building code, as well as give you future expandability.

Metal Deck Railing. If you're looking for a modern finish...light weight...structural strength...and longevity, then examine the range of aluminum deck railing systems currently available. Easy to install. No sharp edges. Hardware adapts easily to deck posts. Colors and finish run the spectrum. Aluminum deck rails are produced in standard lengths, and your contractor can quickly and safely cut these metal deck rails to a custom length in order to reach a deck post.

Composite Deck Railing. Long life, low maintenance, earth-tone coloring but higher "front end" costs characterize the current breed of composite deck railing systems. Composite deck rails...manufactured utilizing polymers, resins and synthetic blends...provide safety to keep people, pets and object on the "safe" side of your deck. However, composite deck rails are not considered "structural" or intensively load-bearing, so installation is limited strictly to railing and horizontal plane containment.

Glass Deck Railing. Impact resistant...transparent...clear or subtly toned glass deck railing systems are perfect ultra-modern design finishes for a deck. Glass deck railing is typically manufactured from polymer resins, such as Lexan, in order to provide high levels of safety and impact resistance, rather than pure "glass", which would pose safety risk issues. Glass deck rails are produced in long, wide "runs" and accept most common fastener hardware set-ups, for easy installation and long low maintenance outdoors life.

Cable Deck Railing. Everyone has seen "suspension bridges"...with structural cables providing support and flex. Outdoor decks have attracted the same design attention, with a range of steel-strong cable deck railing designs. Benefits? Cable deck rails are easy for a professional to install. Torque or tightening tools accompany the cable deck railing system, so it's relatively simple to obtain the correct tensioning, in order to meet local building code specifications for safety. Cable lengths and "gauge" diameters vary, so pricing should be quoted in advance.

Cedar Deck Rail. Amongst the wooden deck railing choices, the cedar deck rail may be Nature's best choice. Cedar, rich in resins and dense by nature, is perfectly adapted to withstand the elements...weather and burrowing bugs...for many years. A true "natural" look, wood deck railings may rank #1 in clean outdoor aesthetics. Plus, a cedar deck railing system can be stained-finished to marry with both wooden decks as well as the earth tone colored composite deck finishes now available.

Deck Rail Planters. While deck railing systems are all about "keeping people and stuff" inside and safe, home owners inevitably "decorate" decks with plants, chairs and other stuff in order to create a relaxing outdoor experience. Deck rail planters are another design element, easy to install with clips to "hang" flower trays...or utilize decking material to custom-build planters, which can be secured onto the railing system.

Learn More About Deck Railing Designs And Modern Long Life Materials.

Fishing With My Grandson

"Will you take me fishing Grandpa?" My 8 year old grandson Ben had been asking me to take him with me to the lake for almost a year. Tomorrow would be that day! He was so excited about going to the lake with me that I knew it would be hard for him to sleep tonight. I'll admit I was a little excited too! What better thing could a grandfather do for his grandson than to take him on a fishing trip; the male bonding thing! I was already giving myself the Grandfather of the Year award.

Morning arrived and it was beautiful. God must have really meant for this day to be something special. It was a gorgeous morning; with a Robin's egg blue sky and small cirrus clouds drifting across the sky. I'd loaded the boat the night before with tackle boxes, rod and reels and an ice chest. We filled our carry cups with coffee and hot chocolate and headed out the door. We'd hooked the trailer to the back of the truck the night before and now we were on our way to the lake.

Across from the boat landing where we would launch the boat, there was a store that masqueraded as a gas station/convenience store/ café/ tackle shop. For the fisherman it was a great place to visit and spend lots of money! They had everything one would ever need to stock a tackle box, grab a couple of sandwiches and fill up the gas can for the outboard motor. After we filled up the bait bucket with crickets, we drove across the road to the boat dock.

After launching the boat and pulling the trailer into the appropriate parking spaces, we were ready to move down the lake to a spot where I had caught a lot of blue gills the year before. While I knew that Ben could swim, due to all the hours spent in the community pool, I still strapped around him a smaller version of my own life vest.

We were fishing for blue gill bream. They were bedding and with the mirror smoothness of the water, we would be able to see those beds from our boat. They wouldn't be very deep because bream spawn in very shallow water. Bedding, or spawning fish are easy to catch, if you can get a fish hook anywhere near those beds.

I cut the engine and drifted toward a little cove I recognized from the year before. Sure enough, before me there were dozens, if not hundreds of the small hubcap sized circles scooped out of sandy clay bottom of the lake. I moved within casting distance of the beds. My grandson was anxious to get his hook into the water, snatching his rod and reel out of its holder even before I could get the boat anchored.

This is where the fun begins, I thought as I began showing my grandson how to cast the spinning outfit I had given him. Having grown up with Game Boys and cartoons 24 hours a day, showing him something new was difficult; he thought knew everything there was to casting a bait 30 feet out into the water.

He cast and the bait with bobber flew about 10 feet straight up into the air and landed in the boat. No problem! On the next cast the cricket only sailed 3 feet from the boat. He was getting impatient. By now he was more attentive and after I explained how the reel worked, he began to improve upon his casting. I let him practice casting the bait off the side of the boat that was not near the bream beds.

On his first cast with a cricket, the bobber went under almost as soon as the bait hit the water. He brought the large bluegill into the boat. It was a beauty! This was the first of many fish we caught that day, but he'll always remember that first fish. It wouldn't have mattered how big it was, it was the first fish he had ever caught all by himself. He wouldn't forget it and neither would I.

Boat Loans - Getting A Boat Loan You Can Afford

Unless you're flush with more cash than most people on the planet,
you'll need to secure a boat loan for that boat purchase you've
been thinking about. It's important to understand the basics of
boat loans so that you can secure the best boat loan possible.
So how do you do that?

A lot of lenders will be happy to grant you a boat loan. Just
remember, they're in business so they are looking out for their
best interests and not neccessarily yours.

But these boat lenders
need customers to stay in business so if you make it clear that
you are shopping around, they'll start looking at putting together
a boat loan offer that works well for you.

Where can you get a boat loan?

* Credit Unions

* Boat Dealers

* Financial Services Companies

* Boat Brokers

* Banks

The first place to check for a boat loan would be with a lender that
you've done business with in the past.

If you've been a customer for
awhile and they offer boat loans, it's a pretty good bet that they'll
work with you to give you good terms on your boat loan.

You'll still want to shop around and see what other terms you can get,
just to be sure. This include boat loan terms such as interest rates,
length of the boat loan, and monthly payments.

The types of boat loans available are:

* Fixed Rate Loan

* Variable Interest Rate Loan

* Simple Interest Rate Boat Loan

* A Balloon Payment Boat Loan

Keep in mind that your credit history, job stability, income, size of down
payment and length of the boat loan all will play factors in the terms you
can get, as well as which type of boat loan would be best for your financial
situation.

Once the boat loan is taken care of, you'll be ready for lots of great experiences
and adventures on your new boat.

How to Get the Best Alaska Fishing Charter

One of the best deals you can get the in the United States is an Alaska fishing charter. Why? Because Alaska is famous for its scenic beauty and wildlife diversity. One of the best things you can get in Alaska is fish. Alaska has some of the best varieties of fishes available in its regions. If you want to get hold of these unique fishes then you need to have an Alaska fishing charter. As long as you are in Alaska, you can rent different types of fishing charters. If you are planning to take an elongated camping tour then you can get charters to help fulfill all your fishing desires.

Alaska has much to offer as far as fishing is concerned. The best thing about Alaska fishing is that there are many places in the state which have been left unexploited. It doesn't matter whether you want to catch halibut, salmon, bottom fish, or even lingcod, if you want to make your fishing trip enjoyable I would suggest that you rent an Alaska fishing charters. These charter companies have experienced and smart guides and captains who can take you to little known places and give you tips and advice on local fishing. If you take time to plan your fishing trip, you can get amazing package deals from these charter companies. They know just about everything regarding Alaska fishing-its fishes, water-bodies, etc. Even better, these charter companies will offer you tips about many other things you can do to add spice to your fishing trip. If you are planning to make an Alaska fishing trip, then in all probability you are not a local resident, and you value your time and money very much. Chances are that this is the only opportunity you have got to go on an Alaska fishing trip, and you would want to make the most out of it. Therefore it is your best bet to rent an Alaska fishing charter if you want to view its lakes and rivers, enjoy its wildlife, and of course, your fishing trip!

Or, if you love adventures then you can hire a helicopter or a private cabin, land on a remote island, and spent a few days there with an Alaska fishing charter company discovering its new and unknown fishing areas. In order to attract the tourists, most fishing regions in Alaska make sure their water bodies are always stocked with fishes, no matter what part of the year it is. However, if you want to find out the hot, or the unknown fishing areas of Alaska, then make sure you contact an Alaska fishing charter company before going on the next fishing trip.

If you need more information about Alaska fishing, we have a complete resource guide available for that purpose. Simply click the link below in my resource box in order to access the guide.

How To Get A Job on a Cruise Ship

After three and a half years of cruising the world, mainly on the Queen Elizabeth 2, I ended up traveling to over fifty countries and six continents around the world. If you've ever wondered how to get a job on a cruise ship, then keep reading so I can share with you the secrets on how to do the exact same thing.

Many people wonder what it's like working on a cruise ship and are even more curious how to get a job on one. You might be thinking it's like an insider's secret! In a way it is, but it won't be when you finish reading this article. My first job on a cruise ship came when a cruise employment agent contacted a friend of mine who was unavailable to work, so my friend told him to contact me and the rest is history. I've also got jobs for several friends who ended up traveling the world, but for the people who don't know me, it's okay because I'll show you how to do the same thing in a different way.

Here is exactly how it works. For every department on a ship, there is someone who oversees that department. That person reports to someone on land in the corporate offices for the cruise ship company, whether it is Princess, Royal Caribbean or Carnival. Now here's the hooker. That person in corporate works with an agency or contractor that hires people by qualifying them before come aboard the cruise ship. This is what happens 70% of the time. 20% are hired through the companies that are onboard contractors. These can be the onboard shops, art auctioneers, photographers or other third party revenue vendors. The other 10% are people who contact the cruise ships directly for certain positions such as Sales Specialists, Printers, Disk Jockeys and people who have jobs that only involve one or a few people.

When people are hired through an agency, there's a fee that's paid by either the cruise ship or the employer. Usually this fee is paid by the cruise ship. It's a way to hire a third party Human Resources to take care of all the logistics and coordinate with the corporate office and employers onboard. This only makes sense because there are many logistics of hiring, ticketing and travel guidelines. From there, the third party agent or administrative assistant from the corporate office will be just a phone call away for anything you need until you join.

There are plenty of jobs to choose from with the amount of ships at sea nowadays. For instance, one cruiseline will have more "entertainment" jobs, as to where another ship may have more "hotel services" positions available for you to choose from. Obviously you'll be working, but you'll also be traveling. To get days off in ports and spend as much time ashore as possible, work out schedules with your fellow co-workers. You may be thinking that sounds like a daunting task, but trust me, it's no biggie and takes about thirty seconds before everyone is happy. If you work in certain departments, like the entertainment department, your department gets to make your own schedule. Other departments, like casinos and shops are not allowed to work while in port (not a bad job to have)!

If you can, try to get a job on a ship that has a big fleet or that has alot of destinations. When I was with Premiere Cruise Lines, I transferred cruise lines three times in four months, so instead of going to just two countries, I went to ten. Another example is Princess Cruise Lines, which has several ships that all follow a similar protocal throughout. That way, crew can transfer from one ship to another with ease and confidence.

You would be quite suprised to see how many resources and agencies can help you get a job on a cruise ship. You're probably thinking, "How would I get a job out of the thousands of people who apply?"

Okay, here's the secret. Those thousands of people you're thinking about are thinking the same thing, so they don't even apply! You wouldn't believe the shortage of staff cruise ships companies always have. If there isn't a job immediately, one will open up within three months because that is how the contracts work out with multiple ships. There was NEVER a day when all the jobs were filled in ANY department. Department heads are ALWAYS asking the agencies if they have found anyone to fill the position. In many cases, positions don't even get filled! Many crew have to EXTEND their contracts because the agencies can't find the right people, because everyone is wondering, " There must be several people who would get the job before me," or they just simply don't know the people to contact.

Many people ask me everyday how to get a job on a cruise ship, after all, I achieved my dreams by twenty-four and have seen several others do the same. What I always tell people is simple. Get a database and resource guide so you can contact these hiring agencies and corporate offices directly. From all the resource guides I've seen, nothing compares to one I came across awhile ago, which was Neil Maxwell Key's resource guide. He use to work on cruise ships as well, but took it a step further to gather all the resources anybody could need to get a job on a cruise ship. If you are serious about getting a job on a cruise ship, then I highly recommend his book for less than a meal out with two friends.

If you're looking to do what only your friends and family dream of, then go get a cruise ship job for the experience if nothing else! The journey of seeing other cultures and learning more about yourself are priceless. I cannot even begin to tell you the amount of self-growth I've done over the years through travel. Also, people are fascinated by the concept and will always be asking you what it's like traveling the world and getting paid for it.

How to Get the Cruise Deal that Suits you Best

To avoid any disappointment, you should book your cruise well in advance so that you get the package that you want. Although this approach works while booking airline tickets, it may not necessarily be the wisest thing to do when booking a cruise package. It certainly will not get you a discounted cruise.

This is because some cabins go unsold as the cruise date approaches, so the cruise line will create last minute discount packages to sell the remaining cabins rather than leave them unoccupied. You may actually be able to get these unsold cabins for a fraction of their regular price! However, the cruise lines may not promote these discounts in magazines and on television in order to protect the interests of their travel agents as well as their full-fare business. The easiest way to make sure that you're informed of the cruise line's promotions is to subscribe to their website's newsletters.

You should also check with your travel agent which discount cruises are available. Don't be surprised if you can actually choose from a number of discount cruises from a cruise line of your choice! These cheap cruises do not compromise on quality and you can rest assured that you will still get the best of everything. Your discount can range from 10% to 75% -- it all depends on the time you book and the availability of the cabins.

Discount cruises are available from leading cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, Costa, and Disney. Sometimes it's better to buy from your cruise agent instead of buying directly from the cruise line as your agent buys in bulk and can help you get your package at the best rate.

Booking at the right time can get you a five-night Caribbean cruise for as low as $260. You may even save as much as 81% by booking at the last minute, provided you find the right cruise agent.

You can also save on your luxury cruise if you approach a traditional travel agent as they can get you a good group deal. If enough people come to them, they can book the cruise packages at the same time and so you can get a discount for bulk booking. However, you have to decide whether you are willing to travel as a group as you may also have to do many activities together. Although you save money, you may have to compromise somewhat in the freedom department.

With some patience and research, you should be able to find a great cruise deal with all the trimmings of a full-fare cruise, but one that will leave you with some extra cash in your wallet. It will make your cruise holiday that much more enjoyable!

Matching Your Fishing Rod To The Fishing Situation

Many anglers neglect to take into account the importance of their fishing rod for varying fishing situations. As a matter of fact, some anglers have one or two rods, and that's it. If they're going trout fishing they use the same rod as they do if they are trying to catch carp. This is a mistake. You need to have different fishing rods for different fishing situations. The biggest reason for this is that it will help you catch more fish. If the wrong fishing rod is being used, bites will be much more difficult to detect, and therefore less fish will be caught.
A great example is with river fishing. Most of my time is spent river fishing for trout. I prefer to use ultra light gear, including my rods and reels. My normal ultralight fishing rod is five feet long and it works great for me in the summer and fall. But in the spring, when the water is high, it's very difficult to fish with. So I switch to my six foot six inch ultra light rod when the water's high in the spring. The longer rod makes it easier to "feel" my bait and keep it at or near the bottom. With the shorter rod, this is almost impossible. My longer ultra light rod also gives me added casting distance, so in situations where making long casts is necessary, I use my longer rod.

Many boat anglers do this. They have different rods for different types of fishing. One rod for trolling, one for casting, one for jigging, Etc. Anglers who fish in rivers should do the same thing. Do you need to have 20 different rods and reels? No of course not, but three or four is a wonderful idea. As a matter of fact if money is the issue, simply have a couple of different rods on hand and switch the reel. That's exactly what I do with my ultra light rods. I use the same reel and simply put the same reel on whichever rod I decide to use. Simple and easy, and by the way there is no reason to spend more than $40 on a fishing rod. I use Quantum Xtralite rods for my ultralight fishing and I believe they are under $30 in most cases.

The bottom line is that matching your fishing rod to the fishing situation is very important. It will make your fishing that much easier and more successful if you're using the proper fishing rod. In the earlier example, if I use my five foot ultra light rod when the water is high, I won't even get a bite (or if I do, I can't feel it), but with the longer rod, I catch fish. Matching your fishing rod to your fishing situation will result in more hook ups for you as well.

Essentials For Your Cruise Travel Plan

You can prepare holiday plans well in advance to have a worry free vacation. It does not matter whether it is a summer, winter or just a short vacation. The essential thing is that you do not want to pack your worries as well. So, before embarking on a cruise you must not lose your focus.

A list of "must haves" for your comfortable travel tour:

Crucial Documents like a proof of identity. Usually a driving license suffices travelling within your own country. An overseas vacation on a cruise would mean that you must carry your passport. Also cross check if you would require any visas for the places the ship would either harbor in or sail through. Also documents like your medical insurance and vaccination records must be carried. You could call your cruise liner or your travel agent to access reliable information regarding these. Ofcourse, to top it all do not forget your tickets!

Money matters

You must carry money in the form of both cash and plastic. Paper money like traveller's cheque is also a good idea as it is readily accepted and convenient to shop with. After all you may wish to buy some souvenirs!

If you carry your debit or credit cards then do remember to keep a copy of their contact numbers to report theft or a missing card. It is better to keep the cards and their contact numbers in different pockets to safeguard against pickpocketing.

Essential Medications

Forgetting your toothbrush is no big deal. A new one, even though expensive, could be easily bought on the ship. On the contrary, it could be truly tragic if you forget your prescribed drugs. To avoid custom queries regarding carrying your medicines you must carry a note written by your doctor to avoid any hassle. Fragile items like contact lenses and reading glasses must be taken in extra pairs in case of any damage. To avoid minor physical troubles during the cruise, you must carry a first aid kit that includes certain common medications like aspirin and seasickness tablets.

If your cruise line permits you, then carrying a Swiss army knife or a small sewing kit is handy. If you have your tour itinerary then you could pack other items needed on a daily basis. A tentative tour program would help you to determine the luggage contents for both on and off the board activities.

Do remember not to overstuff your suitcase. Do leave some space for the souvenirs.

After you finalize these essentials for your travel plan voila! Start dreaming of your cruise vacation. Happy sailing.

Planning A Cruise Getaway

A cruise getaway can be a great vacation for both family and couple. Some cruise companies even come out with different packages catering particularly for families or for lovers. If you are planning a cruise getaway, there are really plenty to choose from and you should take your time and look around for the right cruise company. Here are some tips that can help you.

Avoid Peak Season

Cruise is not a cheap vacation. A family cruise getaway can easily cost you more than $1000-$2000. Cruise package for couples will cost you about $600-$800. Also, the price difference between peak and non-peak season vary by about 30%. To save your cruise expenses, the first thing you should do is to avoid the peak seasons and always on a look out for special offers. Don't plan your vacation last minute, especially cruise because you will always get the more expensive deal if you are doing some last minute work. Instead, plan at least 3 months in advance and always on a look out for special deals and offers. This will help you to save a big deal.

Cruise for family

If you are planning a cruise getaway for family, you should look for family friendly cruises. These cruises should offer built in kid's play areas and other kids facilities. These are child friendly areas where you can leave your kids with qualified child care staff while you take time out to indulge yourself and relax. The best thing is the kids won't mind since they will have a lot of activities to keep them entertained. Another great thing about a family cruise is that you stop at many different locations but you do not have to worry about airport checks or finding your luggages. You simply stop for the day and enjoy the sites with your family. In the evenings you go back to your cruise ship and the fun doesn't stop there. There is lots to do and see on board.

Cruise for lovers

A lovers cruise is undoubtedly the perfect getaway for you and your partner. Some cruises are tailor-made for couples and the package come with complementary champagne, VIP treatment and free access to the shore excursions of your choice. Some popular destinations include the Caribbean and the Galapagos due to their hot and sexy appeal. For couples who prefer a bit of adventure you can get a cruise to Mexico where you can experience ancient history and long buried treasures. Even if you just decide to stay on the cruise itself, there are many things you can do. You can relax by the pool and sunbathe the day away or experience the entire range of entertainment available during both day and night.

Getting a last minute cruise

To certain extend, last minute cruise deals are great value for money. You may finish up paying less for a last minute cruise than if you were to book several months earlier. However, there is a risk attached to getting a last minute cruise. Your chosen cruise ship might be sold out, or the price might not fall to the level that you had hoped for, or the cheaper cabin may be sold out and you have no choice but to get the more expensive cabin. If you are not planning for some special occasion, it is okay to ahead risking and getting some real good deal in a last minute cruise. But if you are planning for some special occasion, it is better to book the cruise way in advance because the cruise operators usually offer generous discounts to secure forward bookings.

Tips for cheap cruise

Let's say if you only a budget of $250 dollars, what can you do with your money? Well you can try a 3 or 4 night cheap cruise around the Bahamas. These cruises leave frequently from Port Canaveral and Miami, Florida. The cruise is completely luxurious meaning you can relax to your hearts content. If you reside on west America, you can spend your $250 on a 4-night cruise to Mexico. These cruises include the ports of Catalina Island and Ensenada on the Baja peninsula and Long Beach in California.

By preparing ahead and asking all the relevant questions, it will be easier to choose the right cruise vacation for your family or your loved one.