STOP thinking about it and go and buy a boat!
What better present at this time of the year than a boat that can take you to all parts of the Port and maybe to the open ocean.
Buying a boat requires some thought and consultation with others you intend to share the boating experience with.
Questions to ask include:
—How many in the family are interested in becoming a crew member? Are they day trippers or serious fishers?
—Is the boat to have all the comforts (padded seats, sun and wind shades etc.) or a flat-out fishing boat designed for fishing and little else?
—Where will you store the boat when not in use?
Once the decision has been made, search around as there are excellent boat yards in Port Stephens.
Towing a boat on a trailer still gives me a feeling of freedom and independence.
I have had a boat or boats for most of my days, starting with a rowboat on the Tweed River.
My favorite boat of all time is “Stinkpot”, an 11-foot tinny with nine eager horses to drive it along.
I have had “Stinkpot” for over 40 years and it has been a loyal servant, giving me hours and hours of extreme pleasure – and heaps of fish.
I launch the little boat at Kiddies Corner at the southern end of Fingal Beach and head for the Outer Light. Motoring along, at a steady pace, it normally takes me about 20 minutes before I drop anchor.
Then it is a case of toss out and – hang on!
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
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