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First Build: Blackwell Boatworks

January 13, 2023 By InTheBite Magazine

(Photo: Freddy Ippolito)

By Nichole Osinski

Craig Blackwell didn’t grow up on the East Coast where so many famous sportfishing boats have been designed and built to later dominate tournaments worldwide. The Blackwell Boatworks founder instead spent his early years in Michigan along the chilly waters off Lake Huron. However, some individuals are simply meant to live that offshore life.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Boats, Builders, Featured Stories, First Builds, News Tagged With: blackwell boatworks, east coast, first build, north carolina, popular

First Build: Jarrett Bay’s Sensation

December 7, 2022 By InTheBite Magazine

The Sensation on the water.
By Nichole Osinski

“If you’d asked me when I was 16 years old if I was going to build a boat, I would have told you you’re crazy,” says Jarrett Bay Founder and President Randy Ramsey when recalling his 30-plus year career in the boat building industry. But to understand how the company has risen to where it is today, you have to go back to the root of it all—hull #1, which stemmed from a simple and pure love of fishing.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Boats, Design, Featured Stories, First Builds, General News, News Tagged With: east coast, first build, Jarret Bay Boatworks, north carolina, sportfishing yacht

10 Knot Speed Restrictions Threaten Marine Industry

September 23, 2022 By InTheBite Editor

Federal government’s slow-speed zones would have severe negative impacts on East Coast boating and fishing. Rushed revisions to the Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule are the most consequential maritime regulations the industry has ever faced. Demand that NOAA put the proposed rule on pause. 

(New Gretna, New Jersey, September 21, 2022)—A rushed proposed rule to implement 10-knot speed restrictions for boats 35 feet and larger from Massachusetts to Florida could devastate the entire marine industry and cripple America’s outdoor economy.

The National Marine Fisheries Service, an agency within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is proposing amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule to reduce the likelihood of vessel strikes. The federal rule would broaden the current 10-knot speed limit to include boats 35 feet and larger (down from 65 feet); expand the zones from discrete calving areas to virtually the entire East Coast as far out as 100 nautical miles; and extend the go-slow mandate for up to seven months a year.

“The proposed rule, as written, would be the most consequential maritime regulation that we have ever seen imposed on the recreational boating and fishing sector,” says John DePersenaire, Director of Government Affairs and Sustainability for Viking Yachts. “It will affect not only boat owners but marinas, tackle shops, charter boat operators – basically all maritime-related businesses on the Atlantic Coast.” 

Adds Viking President and CEO Pat Healey: “This would be a devastating regulatory mandate. Right whale vessel strikes have just not been an issue for our industry. This is a classic example of government overreach.”

The proposed rule was published without any engagement with the recreational boating and fishing community. “We had heard talk of a proposal but were never directly contacted in any way,” says DePersenaire. “This is important because the proposed rule imposes excessive and unnecessary negative impacts on our community as a direct response of NOAA single-handedly putting forward regulations without public input. Moreover, the proposed mandate would force thousands of recreational boats to operate at a speed that compromises their maneuverability and overall safety at sea.” 

The proposal was published on Aug. 1, 2022. Viking immediately requested a 30-day extension to the public comment period. “Viking Yachts is completely sensitive to the status and outlook of the North Atlantic right whale population,” Healey wrote to NOAA. “The health of the ocean and all its life is of paramount importance to our company and boat owners. However, we believe the magnitude of the proposed rule warrants careful consideration to ensure that a practical, enforceable and realistic plan is put forward to address the right whale population.”  

A letter from a broad coalition of recreational fishing and boating organizations was also presented to NOAA, who has since extended the public comment period to October 31. “Now that we have the extension, we really need to turn up the volume and make sure our voices are heard,” said Healey. “Everyone needs to rally – yacht clubs, marinas, fishing clubs, charter boat associations. This is a huge deal that not many people know about.”

map of east coast

A map showing the existing and proposed speed zones

How to Help

The primary way to voice your concerns about the amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule is via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Click here to comment. You can also provide comments through various boating and fishing groups, such as the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Boating United group: click here, and through the International Game Fish Association: click here.

All comments will be read and considered, according to NOAA’s Office of Protected Species, which advises participants to supply specific information about how the rule would impact their boating and fishing activities or business. You can also make suggestions for changes to the rule. The purpose in crafting these amendments is to ensure that the North Atlantic right whales are protected and do not go into extinction while placing as little burden on the mariner as possible, according to NOAA.

Given the limited amount of time for the public to weigh in on these rule changes, “it’s critical that you immediately contact your member of Congress and ask that they demand NOAA to put the proposed rule on pause,” says DePersenaire. “The additional time can be used to develop measures that seek balance between the needs of the right whale and our industry. Congress also needs to know that the rule has far-reaching implications beyond our sport. It will disrupt shipping and ports and exacerbate supply-chain issues and inflation.”

The Facts

The facts do not support the sweeping changes being proposed by NOAA. Since 1998 – 24 years – there have been 24 known right whale vessel strikes across 10 states. Of those, eight were attributed to boats from 35 to 65 feet. 

“In our 58-year history, with more than 5,000 boats delivered, we have never had a report of our boats having an encounter with a right whale,” says Healey. “And we would know because it would cause significant damage that would be repairable only by us.”

The odds of a vessel from 35 to 65 feet striking a right whale are less than one in a million, according to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA).

“The bottom line is this is far too consequential of an issue for it to be developed and implemented unilaterally with no meaningful input from our industry or the public,” adds DePersenaire. “Many of these impacts could have been eliminated or significantly reduced – while still reducing risks of vessel strikes – by working with fishermen and boaters.”

For an in-depth analysis and more information about the issue, please click here for an ASA podcast featuring an interview on the subject with DePersenaire. 

 

Filed Under: Conservation, Featured Stories, News, North America Tagged With: boat speed restrictions, conservation, east coast

InTheBite Dock Talk: Grand Slam Sportfishing Supply

April 29, 2019 By InTheBite Editor

Have you ever wanted to know the most popular lures used around the Bahamas, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mid-Atlantic? Take a minute and listen in to Grand Slam Sportfishing Supply owner Jim McGrath as he showcases the best lures for 2019. Lures include the recent World Cup and the Mid-Atlantic winner. Don’t wait and order yours today!

Filed Under: Dock Talk, Featured Stories, General News, News, Tackle Tips Tagged With: Bahamas, bait, billfish, blue heron, bluewater, dredges, east coast, fishing, Florida, Grand Slam, Gulf, gulf of mexico, InTheBite, lure, Lures, magazine, marlin, mid atlantic, offshore, popular lures, Sailfish, season, South Florida, sportfish, sportfishing, squids, supply, tackle, Tackle Tips, top gun, Tournament

The Carolina Classic–Albemarle Boats Holds 2018 Model Year Awards

November 26, 2018 By InTheBite Editor

 Albemarle Boats, The Carolina Classic held their 2018 Dealer Sales Meeting in Edenton, NC on November 13-14.  The event was well attended, and the dealers toured the 103,000 square foot manufacturing facility, sea-trialed several models including the new 27 Dual Console, gained in-depth product knowledge, and enjoyed the camaraderie of the Albemarle Family.  The event concluded on Wednesday evening with a 40th Anniversary Dinner at the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse.  The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2018 Model Year Awards.
 
Albemarle General Manager Burch Perry addressed the group.  Perry remarked on the history of Edenton and the significance of its courthouse.  He also spoke of North Carolina’s rich boatbuilding heritage, and he thanked the dealers for their contributions to the continued success of Albemarle Boats.  Perry stated, “Tonight we are here to celebrate 40 years of Albemarle Boats, and to recognize you, the dealers, for the critical role you play in the Albemarle Family.  You are the face of Albemarle in your home areas, and we have you to thank for the effort that went into each one of the 3800 boat sales that are a part of our history.  We salute you and thank you for your loyalty and hard work.  We are proud to be represented by the best dealers in the business.”
 
Albemarle commissioned renowned marine artist Steve Goione to create an illustration featuring the Albemarle 29 Express and the company’s icon logo overlaid on a map of North Carolina’s Outer Banks and the Albemarle Sound.  The original and prints made from it were awarded to the dealers during Wednesday’s event.  Keith Privott, Albemarle’s Director of Sales and Product Development, assisted Perry with the presentation of the awards.  Blaine Richmond of Oyster Harbors Marine in Osterville, MA was awarded 2018 Salesman of the Year.  Oyster Harbors also took home the 2018 Dealer of the Year and the Outstanding Customer Service Awards.  Clemons Boats of Sandusky, OH was recognized as the 2018 Outstanding New Dealer.

Filed Under: Featured Stories, General News, News Tagged With: albemarie boats, dealer sales meeting, east coast, InTheBite, magazine, model year awards, north carolina, outer banks, the carolina classic

Captain Training Classes Offered by MTU

August 15, 2018 By InTheBite Editor

MTU offering Series 2000 M96L Captain Training classes

 It’s free!

MTU is pleased to continue offering interactive and informal classroom style Captain Training classes at various East Coast Distributor locations.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet local service personnel and learn from MTU factory personnel about the following topics:

  • Series 2000 M96 Engine Overview & Maintenance
  • BlueVision | NewGeneration control & monitoring system
  • Extended Warranty Coverage and other benefits available from MTU’s Premium Yacht Service

    The next complimentary class will be offered September 13, 2018 from 9:00am – 3:30pm at Johnson & Towers, located at 2021 Briggs Rd, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054.

    Interested captains, brokers, or vessel owners can register here.  Note class sizes are limited and preference is given to current and future Series 2000 M96 captains.

Filed Under: Featured Stories, General News, News Tagged With: boat maintenace, brokers, Captain, east coast, free, InTheBite, MTU, MTU engine, MTU premium yacht service, sportfishing, vessel owners

  MTU Offering Series 2000 M96L Captain Training Classes

June 21, 2018 By InTheBite Editor

It’s free!

MTU is pleased to continue offering interactive and informal classroom style Captain Training classes at various East Coast Distributor locations.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet local service personnel and learn from MTU factory personnel about the following topics:

  • Series 2000 M96 Engine Overview & Maintenance
  • BlueVision | NewGenerationcontrol & monitoring system
  • Extended Warranty Coverage and other benefits available from MTU’s Premium Yacht Service

The next complimentary class will be offered June 28, 2018 from 9:00am – 3:30pm at Johnson & Towers, located at 2021 Briggs Rd, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054.

Interested captains, brokers, or vessel owners can register here.  Note class sizes are limited and preference is given to current and future Series 2000 M96 captains.

 

Filed Under: Featured Stories, General News, News Tagged With: boat maintenace, brokers, Captain, east coast, free, InTheBite, MTU, MTU engine, MTU premium yacht service, vessel owners

East Coast Dolphin Movements to Date

June 15, 2018 By InTheBite Editor

As of June 11th, 2018, 656 dolphinfish have been tagged and released throughout our tagging zones by 66 captains in 170 outings.  Of those releases, 8 are recaptures recorded along the U.S. East Coast, 2 are return migrants from fish released last August, and 4 are satellite tags movements.  In the first week of June alone, the Killin’ Time IIFishing Team, led by Captain Don Gates, tagged and released 207 dolphin, 5 of which have been recaptured (as of 6/11).  This effort alone represents a 2.4% recapture rate.  To read more about movements of dolphin along the U.S. East Coast over the past few months, click here.  

Courtesy of Dolphin Research Program

Filed Under: Conservation, Featured Stories, General News, News Tagged With: dolphinfish movements, dolphinfish research program, east coast, Florida, InTheBite, june, migration, summer

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