Do I need a marine radio to fish the Salt?

Snapshot · 06-26-2003, 10:04 PM

As some of you may know, I am a river fisherman but did fish the Columbia Bar years ago. Now, since the fish are in close, I want to join you on the big Blue. I do not have a radio or GPS system on the boat so my question is, do I have to have a marine radio?

Does the marine radios advertised in the papers at GI Joes or Fishermans have adequate reception to fish in close. In close means within a couple miles of shore. Does the hand held models receive all channels so I can laugh along with everyone while Pilar and mate entertains.

Would I be required to mount a peramanent antenna with a stationary marine radio. I really don't want to drill holes in the boat. Not for an antenna nor for my downrigger plates.

Any and all help in regards to the radio needs will be greatly appreciated.

*Fish only bite wet hooks*

crabbait · 06-26-2003, 10:28 PM

The short answer to do you need VHF/GPS to fish the salt is, no. I can remember when I was a kid fishing with my dad and brothers out of a 20' converted CG dory, we did not even have a compass. The majority of boats were fished the same way.

We often fished in the fog by simply staying within hearing of the bell/whistler buoys while waiting for the fog to burn off.

These days, there is no reason not to have at least a handheld GPS and VHF radio. Range of radios is largely a matter of line-of-sight and quality of the antenna (and correct antenna tuning). Transmit and recieve wattage are regulated, that is, an expensive radio is not putting out more power than a much cheaper one. Other features make up the difference in cost.

Fishplay · 06-26-2003, 10:51 PM

The range your talking about "couple of miles" can be easily covered by a cell phone. AT&T and Verizon have coverage up and down the Oregon Washington coastline.

A handheld VHF would fit the bill also and wouldn't require an antenna to be mounted.

[ 06-27-2003, 12:59 AM: Message edited by: Fishplay ]

corrirod · 06-26-2003, 10:56 PM

Snapshot, there are other "river" reasons to own a VHF also, not just for the ocean. I use mine all the time to talk to the barges coming up/down the river to make sure I'm out of their way. A lot of times just talking to them will get them to steer clear of me, when they can. A VHF is probably the fastest way to call for help also. Your cell phone would probably work at that distance but you'd better have the CG number pre-programmed in.

I think a handheld GPS is mandatory, especially when entering/exiting the ocean. If the fog rolls in or it gets dark you'll wish you had one.

Mr. Fisherman · 06-26-2003, 10:58 PM

Paying a little for a marine radio can be summed up the same way as pricing a life jacket when you are floating beside your boat and you need one. How much would you pay for a life jacket then? Any price but it is too late... It is better to have it and not need it than the other way around.
Don't take chances, prepare for any and everything because sooner or later it is always later.

Good luck out there...

Hamachi · 06-27-2003, 04:47 AM

Yes, you need a marine VHF to venture out in the ocean. The US Coast Guard moniters VHF channel 16. Broadcasting a mayday in the 15 seconds while your boat is sinking around you is the only thing that might save you.

If you don't want to drill holes in your boat, stay in the river.

Having no VHF is a no-go item.

Sea Jypzee · 06-27-2003, 04:55 AM

I'd go along with those who say you need the VHF at least. While it's not a legal requirement, I personally wouldn't go out on the big blue with someone who didn't have one...even just going in 'near shore' waters. I've seen lots of people in small boats brought into our ER here on the coast from capsized boats. Having that VHF in a time like that is vital to quick rescue.

Birdnest · 06-27-2003, 06:47 AM

Snapshot,

There are some pretty nice VHF radios for under $250.00. Even in this price range you can find them with the DSC feature, which is a one button distress call to the Coast Guard that will broadcast your position. Of course you will also need a GPS, funny how this boat thing can get expensive quick.

Joe

Mark Mc · 06-27-2003, 07:30 AM

I'd echo those who say yes, you do "need" a VHF. I'd go one step further and say you'd be mildly insane not to have one, especially since you can get a decent one for real cheap (less than $150, which is less than the G Loomis rod you probably have.). You don't need one with a scanner & all the bells & whistles just to call the coast guard or a buddy. Other thing to realize, if you call the CG on your cell phone, nobody else hears you. When you put out a distress on ch. 16, most everyone else within range hears you, and can help you much quicker than the CG might.
Ask me how I know this :shocked:

BTW, digital select calling (DSC) is NOT functional yet. Here is a link to the CG statement:
http://www.ifish.net/cgi-local/ultim...;f=21;t=001294

Hawg Caller · 06-27-2003, 07:42 AM

I FISHED BIG BLUE FOR YEARS WITHOUT A VHF, BUT THE OLDER I GET THE MORE "SAFTY STUFF" I GET.
ITS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA.
I NOW HAVE VHF AND GPS.

DriftR · 06-27-2003, 08:01 AM

How much did your boat, motor and trailer cost?
How much money do you have invested in your fishing equipment on board your boat? How much is your house payment per month? How much gas do you buy per month for your car(s) and boat? Look at the cost of VHF radios and handheld GPS units. You could buy both of them and get quality units for under $500.00. Say they both last three years. That investment breaks down to $166.67 per year or about .46 cents a day. Cheap insurance for protecting ones life. Would I go out without VHF, CB, compass, GPS, safety items and water? NO.

CATCH AND EAT · 06-27-2003, 08:24 AM

Don't go without a radio Ray o'l boy. No excuse. For less than a $100 you can get a nice little working unit. Much faster than a cell phone and you can even get and interpret a fishing report from others. Whats another hole in the boat anyways?

edsr · 06-27-2003, 08:36 AM

Snapshot - Check out the folks at Rogers Marine Elect. They can help you get the radio, wiring, antenna, and tell you how to rig everything with the least problems. Total cost under $200.00 for the basic mounted models, less for a hand held. As features increase so does the price. Most radios are very water resistant, some submergible. Many of the current radios can be connected to your GPS and in the case of a distress call, give your location. How's that for modern gadgets? Cheap insurance!

edsr

Rod Holder · 06-27-2003, 08:39 AM

In addition to what the others have said, a VHF adds to the fishing fun factor. You can listen and chat with other fishin fools (not on ch 16) , get bar reports, weather updates and just general interesting tidbits. Get that drill out, it's just metal. Hand helds are OK, but, with a VHF permanently mounted, you know where it is and you can easily fiddle with it while you drive... Ponder this, a hand held is about the same size as your TV remote (how hard is it to keep track of that bugger. The more stuff on the roof, the happier your boat is :smile:

skein · 06-27-2003, 09:24 AM

So while we're on the subject of radios, does anybody use a remote mic setup? I'm thinking that would be pretty handy on a dual-station boat, especially those with the second station in the fishing area - like Ray's Sea Lion or MY ED WING! Oops, sorry for shouting. I meant "like my Ed Wing."

Do most remote mics just mean you have controls on the mic and a long cable, or are there wireless mics for some radios.

Pros or cons?

Skein

Tinman · 06-27-2003, 10:58 AM

Yes, by all means get a VHF radio. I suggest a waterproof unit that has a separate battery tray for AA disposable batteries, in addition to the built-in rechargable battery. Carry a few spare sets of AA batteries and you will never run out of juice. I suggest West Marine up near Jansen Beach...they know what they are talking about. Figure $150 bucks for the unit.

GPS is so cheap, you might as well get it for safety alone. The Garmin E-Trex model was in the paper today for $109 at Gart Sports.

Safety aside, the radio and GPS will put help you catch fish...radio chatter sometimes reveals where the fish are biting, and what they are biting on. GPS lets you mark hotspots so you can return later.

CATCH AND EAT · 06-27-2003, 03:46 PM

Golly, back in the old'en days real fishermen did'nt have radios. We navagated by the stars and let the wind take us to our next port. Arrrrrr....those be the days laddy. those be da days.

Just hoist the emergency flag to the wind and wait for the rescue skipper. Beware the pirrates and the ledgend of blackbeard. And remember, 'dars sharks in da 'vater. Arrrrrr.....

Ray, just get a radio ya cheapskate. I don't have time to look for ya. Might want to get a compuss too. Better yet. Stay in the river.

Miss B Haven · 06-27-2003, 04:37 PM

C&E- If you keep scaring off the newbies, who's gunna feed the crabs?

I'm runnin' out of Elk ya know!

Miss B Haven · 06-27-2003, 11:12 PM

Skein- as far as I know the remote mics are all wired and they do have controls for channel etc.

I'd rather have two separate radios, mics and Antennas. Two of everything is my motto (where feasable).

I'll tell ya one thing I miss that my Horizon (Bayliner) had that my Kenwoods don't.... that's the speaker in the mike feature. When it's noisy or the trans. is not clear and loud that thing was great. Just stick it to your ear and it was like a headset (if you cover the other ear). Even a remote speaker isn't as good as that was.

Speaking of which, I've often thought of why they don't make a headset for VHF's. Planes have 'em. My cell phone has one. My wife has one for the home phone. It would be great when you're running hard not only for hearing the radio but blocking out some of the engine noise.
Might help when the crew is whining too!

Mello-Yello · 06-27-2003, 11:26 PM

I'm not sure if this is apply's to everyone, but something to consider when relying on a cell phone for emergency response. In some cases, if you dial 911 on your cell phone, it dials the 911 service closest to "YOUR" cell phone service, not the closest to you. While they can link you to the 911 service nearest you, you could be wasting precious time. For example, I used to work on Bainbridge Island, WA. My cell phone service was based in Seattle (7 miles of water separate BI from Seattle). If I were to call 911, I'd get Seattle's 911 service. They would have to patch me through to Kitsap County's 911 service. I ended up programmin my cell phone to direct dial Kitsap County's 911 service.

Just something to consider if you're travelling away from home to do your fishing...

As for the VHF radio, chances are, if you stay within a few miles of shore, fish only on nice days, and hang around relatively popular fishing spots, you'll probably never need the radio....but what if you do? The ocean isn't fond of giving second chances. I can imagine no greater "sinking" feeling, than having a dead motor offshore and no help in sight. Also consider this. You see a boat capsize, or on fire, or something of the sort. You are the only one close. Watcha gonna do? I've had several distressed boaters ask me to relay a message to the CG.

I would also suggest drilling some holes. Handhelds get left behind too easily. Besides, a VHF antenna looks good on a boat. Two look even better. 12 antennas, however, would look rediculous.

Time for some lunch...
M-Y

skein · 06-27-2003, 11:30 PM

Miss B,

I'll have two radios - I just bought an I-Com handheld at Englund's - but I still figure I'll get the remote mic on my main unit. I like the headset idea.

Skein

Snapshot · 06-29-2003, 04:52 PM

Thanks to everyone for all the information. I know that safety should be the first condideration. I will follow a lot of the advise given.
With only three years to retirement, I want to set this boat up right as it is my last one and I want it to retire with me.

I did go out Saturday and did not have any problems but did not see a lot of boats out so they must have thought it was rough or something. I did not like fishing without other boats in the area, I went to 150' of water and rode out the rollers till 11:30 AM and headed in. No problems and no fish. Lost one chinook near the boat.

The thing that sticks to my mind is when Hawg Caller said, " The older I get, the more safety items I get". That sinks in and I will mount a radio within the next couple weeks and then hit the waters weekly.

Bernie, you drille and mount the radio for me. I cannot bear to do it myself. Whats your price?
Thanks again and good fishing to all.

Surething · 06-30-2003, 07:48 PM

do your self a faver and get a vhf and a gps. for about 200.00 you can get both in the handheld versons. the coast guard can locate you with a vhf if need be. we were out on sunday and on our way back we were bu the south jettie when i was hailed by a boat on my vhf and he wanted to hnow if we had gps on the boat (it was foged in on the bar and he chould see the way to get back. I had him jump in behind me and he followed me back to Ilwaco.His last words to me was I wont go out again with out a gps.