Hazel Won, Too
While browsing your August issue I read the Bimini part of your Bahamas Update with great interest. I have a trophy that says 2006 1st Place Sportfish, a plaque that says Largest Fish, a plaque that says Only Mackerel, and an empty envelope that says Overall Winner (I spent the money). All of these are from the 56th Annual Bimini Native Fishing Tournament, so you can imagine my surprise when I read last year’s winner was Myron Saunders in your magazine.
Hazel A Breen
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Ed. Note: Right you are, Helen. We even found your photo on the Internet accepting your plaques from Obie Wilchcombe for winning Class A under the headline “Top Female Angler.” We should have known that Myron won Class C. A belated congratulations to Helen and the crew of Reel Smart.
Time Flies
Congratulations on 35 years. I can’t believe it’s been 30-some years since I joined the “Piloted Cruise” in my 26 foot twin engine Lilly-Sea to experience the Bahamas in a way I never would have if it had not been for Southern Boating, P.O.R., Capt. Hezron Moxey, and of coarse all of you guys and gals of the Allen clan. May the best years still lie ahead.
Markus A. Schultz
Ft. Myers Beach, FL
FORE!?
Great article by Risa Merl as to boaters vs. our government/AIS, etc.
Especially the quote from NMMA Cindy Squires as to “boating must remain fun” and the fact that boaters will leave boating if it becomes more of a hassle...
WOW, NMMA has finally admitted that “boaters” exist and just possibly there may be some other recreational opportunities available for their disposable income!! Like golf–no access fees or lack of facilities, no registration, no titles, you don’t need multiple licenses to go different places (like fishing) and storage, tune-ups and winterizing of equipment does not exist.
One can also drink and golf...(it’s no wonder why interest in golf has grown so much in last few years).
Jack Hern
Sent via e-mail
Ed Note:Jack, need a caddy?
Lovin’ that ICW
In reference to your comment in the September edition of “Mail” regarding boaters helping to foot the bill for a fully functioning ICW, we would think all boaters would be willing to contribute. Boating in SW Florida would not be the same without the ICW. In 2006, we logged 211 days on the water and the ICW played a major roll in our travels.
Frank & Diane Regan
From the deck of LOVIE WON
Understanding NOWAKE!
There are boaters–I will not call them yachtsmen–who behave like teen-agers behind the wheels of their sport boats and jet skis. Their goal seems to be speeding every time they think a law enforcement officer is not in sight. No Wake zones exist for several purposes, a fact which seems lost on many skippers today.
Even many of those who will slow down in narrow channels to keep from crashing docked boats into pilings or sea walls zoom right through No Wake zones designated to protect fragile banks in areas of high tide fall. Their huge wakes needlessly undermine trees along the banks, which will someday crash across the waterway and need to be removed by somebody. Their wakes erode soil from banks, which will obviously be deposited at the bottom of the channel, creating a shoal situation for everyone, and we KNOWthe Army Corps has no money to dredge. I suggest adding $1 to every speeding fine in a NOWAKE zone to go into a state-administered trust fund for ICW maintenance dredging.
R. Barnes
Dataw Island, SC