Friday, October 22, 2010

Taugin on the Chesapeake

Taug (Tautoga onitis) fishing is something we just don’t do enough of. Since this is getting to be the time of year for the old Taugers, we thought we would hook up with a couple of Taug and Sheepshead Pros who really target the species.

I met up with Larry Regula and Kevin Synowiec along with his wife Beth. We boarded their 24 foot praline and had a nice ride out to the second Island.

There was supposed to be a small craft warning in the afternoon, however it did not wait. As soon as we got set up, she was blowing 22-25mph. The Bay was a rockin for sure, and so were we.

The bite was not hot for either Sheepshead or Taug, however we did manage to pull of some keepers and several through backs on the Taugs. The Sheepshead bite that had been so strong the week prior, was gone for today.

I ask Kevin if he thought the weather just was not conducive for catching these types of fish, he explained that some of the biggest Sheepshead they were catching was on a fast moving tide in fairly rough weather.

These guys worked very hard for their fish. We fished the tubes at the second and third, and also the pilings towards the high rise. Fiddlers and Blue Crab was the bait of choice.

I had gotten up at 3am, met everyone at 7am, and by 3pm in the afternoon we had all decided after what was a fairly hard day of fishing, it was time to head in and catch more another day. Earlier in the week, yes, I busted my knee again riding my bike. So bouncing around all day with a swollen knee meant one thing, and now! Hit the bar at Bubbas in Lynhaven. When we got to Bubbas, the bar was waiting for us, the food was good and the Rum was cold. We were all pretty happy.

JBO TV will film again with this great crew and the program will air during our 2011 series. Great bunch of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to Taug and Sheepshead Fishing.

Looking forward to our next trip!!!

Jim Baugh
***Kevin Synowiec
"Thank Kevin" Handyman Services, Inc
757-635-7135

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Trout and Spot Rock

We filmed a good show yesterday catching some decent Trout and big Spot. We cruised in the Go Green Fishing Machine down to Little Creek and fished the Jetties catching of all thing, Crappie jigs. We got on the fish right away and had them about on every cast. We caught a few keepers and the rest were very close.

The Trout would bite right up next to the rocks, as well as literally right by the boat, we even saw some "Chasers" following the fish as we reeled them in. Bait was 1\8 ounce lead head, little joe's Chartruse with speckel flake. (yes, Crappie Jigs)

On the way out we tried the artificial reef at Little Creek, no luck there, so decided to head back to our fav. Spot holes in Hampton Roads and just nailed them during the last hour of outgoing tide. Very nice Spot. Once the tide stopped, that was it. The bite was BIG in 20 foot of water drifing.

Back at JBO Central, we fried up some Spot. Tout, and the best Calamari I have ever had. Barry B. had given it to me, and will ask him today where he got it. I have eaten enough squid in my day to grow suckers on my arms. This was the best I have ever had anywhere or fixed. As soon as I find out where he buys this fantastic Calamari, will post it here.
Tight Lines!!
Jim Baugh
PS. Guess whats cookin over at our

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

If your a "HO" or captain here is CG info that can keep you out of trouble

Legal Operation of Charter Boats-Guidance for Masters

This message is intended to provide clarification to recreational boaters seeking people to share expenses in the Hampton Roads area.

It is illegal for an uninspected vessel engaged in passenger for hire operations to be operated by an individual who is not licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Specifically, each uninspected passenger vessel of less than 100 gross tons as defined by 46 CFR 24.10-1 that carries six passengers or less, including one or more passengers for hire, must be under the direction and control of an individual licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. The license must be kept in the operator’s possession (46 CFR 26.20-1). In addition to needing a licensed operator, each uninspected passenger vessel must meet all safety requirements outlined in 46 CFR 25.
Additionally, in accordance with 46 CFR 175.110, if a vessel carries more than six passengers, including at least one for hire, it must meet all Coast Guard safety requirements for an inspected passenger vessel.

The question of at what point an individual becomes a "passenger for hire" has caused confusion but is very straightforward. "Passenger for hire" means a passenger for whom consideration is contributed as a condition of carriage, whether directly or indirectly flowing to the owner, charterer, operator, agent, or any other person having interest in the vessel (46 CFR 24.10-1). Therefore, requiring strangers to share expenses constitutes a passenger for hire operation.
"Consideration" means an economic benefit or profit including payment of money or donation of fuel, food, beverage, or supplies. It does not include a voluntary sharing of the actual expense of the voyage (46 CFR 175.400).

If a vessel carries just one individual passenger, or "hop on," who provides anything more than a voluntary sharing of the actual cost of the trip, the vessel is operating as a passenger vessel and requires a Coast Guard licensed operator. If more than six passengers are involved, the vessel will require certification as a Coast Guard inspected vessel, as well as a licensed operator. In other words, if the owner, charterer, operator, agent or anyone else who has an interest in the vessel receives any money, fuel, or supplies that the passenger did not freely choose to share as part of the actual cost of the trip, the vessel is carrying a passenger for hire and must meet the following requirements:

(1) The master in command of a passenger for hire vessel must be an individual licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard.
(2) Vessels carrying more than six passengers, in which at least one is for hire, must be inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.
(3) This inspection includes but is not limited to certificates and documents, navigation safety, structural integrity, general health and safety, ground tackle, lifesaving equipment, fire protection, machinery/electrical equipment,
pollution prevention, and completion of emergency drills. Different regulations apply depending on service and route.

It is important to consider potential liability for violating these rules. If a passenger receives an injury as minor as a fishhook in their finger, the owner may face insurance liability. In addition, many boat loans have conditions in their terms that the vessel may not be used for commercial purposes. If an operator takes a paying passenger onboard without meeting the requirements for an inspected vessel and the passenger is injured or drowns, the vessel may be held to the inspected passenger vessel standard for purposes of criminal liability. If the operator does not have a license and was operating the vessel as an inspected passenger vessel, their insurance company may deny a claim. Compared to this legal and financial distress, acquiring a Coast Guard license and passing a Coast Guard passenger vessel inspection are much less burdensome tasks.

It is the owner’s responsibility to determine the legal requirements applicable to the type of operation in which the vessel is to be employed and to ensure every requirement is fully complied with before operations begin.

The Coast Guard is committed to the enforcement of all applicable federal regulations for passenger vessels. In accordance with Coast Guard Notice of Violation policies, maximum civil penalties up to $1,100 for failure to have a valid Coast Guard license in possession and available when vessel is carrying passenger(s) for hire will be sought in cases involving unlicensed operators in accordance with 46 CFR 26.20-1, and licensed operators found to be operating in violation of applicable regulations will face suspension and/or revocation of their merchant mariner credentials. The Coast Guard may notify operators’ banks and insurance companies which may change rates and coverage. In addition, the Cost Guard will submit leads to the IRS for unreported income that could result in civil fines and criminal prosecution by the IRS.
Further, we will take steps to educate the public in the area about federal requirements for passenger vessels. It is our goal that an educated consumer will seek out only properly licensed operators for their business to ensure their safety.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my staff at the following address and telephone number:

Sector Hampton Roads
Inspections Division
200 Granby St. Suite 700
Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 668-5511

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Rockfish Season Starts Tomorrow, Oct 4!!


Hoping for a great season! JBO TV will be filming this week once the water clears up a bit. We will be posting reports and pics here, so stay Tuned!!


Jim Baugh

Pictured, me and Captain Max King and Crew, ROCK ON!