The 564.00 Flounder

by | Sep 28, 2023 | Boats, Fishing Guides, Places, Saltwater

The $564.50 Flounder

Jake stood at the edge of Carolina Beach boat ramp, looking at his fishing rod in one hand and a single flounder in the other. The waves crashed rhythmically, providing a serene backdrop to Jake’s mounting frustration.

After meticulously planning a fishing trip, Jake found himself reminiscing about the money he’d spent. The drive from Charlotte, pulling his small boat with his Ford F150 FX4, had cost him more than he’d care to admit. The hotel stay, while comfortable, had its own price tag. And then there was the food, the fuel, and the wear and tear on his truck and trailer.

His friend, Ron, had jokingly said, “Why not just buy a flounder at the store?” But Jake, enamored with the thrill of the chase, wanted to catch his own. Now, staring at the singular, small flounder, he couldn’t help but wonder if Ron had been right.

With all expenses considered, Jake’s trip had cost him around $564.50. A realization hit him: This was the most expensive flounder he’d ever “bought”, considering one would only cost him about $16 at his local store.

In the grand scheme of things, was it worth it? Perhaps not for the flounder itself. But as Jake packed up, he remembered the sunrise over the ocean, the thrill of the first bite on his line, and the peaceful solitude he felt. Maybe, just maybe, the experience was priceless

Conservative Estimated Trip Cost

  1. Distance: The distance from Charlotte to Carolina Beach is approximately 200 miles one way or 400 miles round trip.
  2. Gas:
  • Let’s assume your Ford F150 FX4 gets about 15 mpg towing a small boat (this can vary depending on many factors).
  • At 400 miles round trip, you’d consume about 27 gallons of gas.
  • If gas costs an average of $3.50 per gallon (it could be more or less in 2023), the fuel cost is $94.50.
  1. Wear and Tear:
  • The IRS mileage rate for 2022 was 58.5 cents per mile which includes gas, wear and tear, and depreciation.
  • Subtracting our gas cost (23.6 cents per mile for 400 miles = $94.50) from the IRS rate gives us 35 cents per mile for wear and tear.
  • Wear and tear cost: 400 miles x $0.35/mile = $140.
  1. Lodging:
  • Let’s say an average hotel near Carolina Beach costs $120 per night. For 2 nights, that’s $240.
  1. Meals:
  • Estimating $15 per meal and 3 meals a day for 2 days: $15 x 3 x 2 = $90.

Adding all these together: $94.50 (gas) + $140 (wear and tear) + $240 (lodging) + $90 (meals) = $564.50.

 

What Fishing line to use?

by | Sep 19, 2023 | Freshwater, Saltwater, Tackle

Look at the Pros and Cons of each line type and consider what type of fishing you will be doing. 

Braided Line

  • Pros:
    • Strength: Highly durable and strong, making it great for heavy cover and targeting big fish.
    • Sensitivity: Offers great sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest bite.
  • Cons:
    • Visibility: Highly visible in the water, which can deter fish.

Monofilament Line

  • Pros:
    • Stretch: Has a fair amount of stretch, which can be forgiving when fighting a fish.
    • Cost: Generally less expensive than other types of lines.

Cons:

    • Abrasion Resistance: Tends to have lower abrasion resistance compared to braid and fluorocarbon.

Fluorocarbon Line

Pros:

    • Invisibility: Nearly invisible underwater, making it less likely to spook wary fish.
    • Abrasion Resistance: Has good abrasion resistance, which is beneficial in rocky environments.
  • Cons:
    • Stiffness: Can be stiffer and more difficult to handle compared to other lines. Make sure to tighten the knots well. Use water to assit in the knot.

Conclusion

  • For Heavy Cover: Braid is typically the best choice due to its high strength and durability.
  • For General Use: Monofilament is a versatile choice, suitable for a variety of fishing situations.
  • For Clear Water: Fluorocarbon is often preferred for its low visibility in clear water environments.

Ultimately, the best line will depend on a variety of factors including your target species, the fishing environment, and your personal preferences. It’s not uncommon for anglers to use all three types of lines in different situations, so you might consider experimenting with each to see which works best for you.