Off Shore Update

OFFSHORE UPDATE FOR JANUARY 27th, 28th, and 29th, 2012!

Well,,, the 2012 season is here

and its all hands on deck getting things ready to fish on April 28th,

our first trip of the season!

Bill our marine mechanic,

is installing a new steering cable and helm assembly

on the "Atlantic Adventurer".

We're receiving all of of rigging and tackle supplies at the shop, and have shipped out all of our custom built rods for new handles and a fresh coat of epoxy. We've also shipped out all of our Shimano reels for new titanium bearings and drag washers!

I took a ride to "Mid Coast Maine" this week to visit my friends at the

Lyman Morse yard.

The boat builders here are always working on multiple

"world class" projects!

This is a new 70' sailing vessel that will be used in an attempt to break the world record for the oldest sailer to circumnavigate the world non stop!

Wow!

This is the mold for the main deck.

Its made out of carbon fiber and epoxy!

This is one of their many work bays full of "world class" Projects!

Another "world class" sailing yacht getting a complete refit!

Its always great to see my friend Larry,

and get a tour of the projects in the yard!

Thank you!

Next, I headed down the coast to see my friends at

Washburn and Doughty!

Here, they build Tug Boats

for world wide towing companies like Moran.

Presently they have three boats under the various stages of construction.

This radius flange in the engine space is where the "Z drive"

mounts. This is an underwater gear box that the propeller connects to. No more rudders on these boats. When the captain turns the wheel, the whole "Z drive" unit turns making the tug much more maneuverable and efficient in the water!

This flange is build out of 1' plate steel and welded to the tug with massive fillet welds giving it the strength to handle all the "muscle" that the tug can produce!

This is the "towing bit",and is one of Washburn and Doughty's "signature" pieces. This is where the massive towing hauser secures, or passes through as a "fairlead" depending on the towing configuration. Its built from 3" thick high purity stainless steel, and has to be strong! This gets polished to a mirror finish, then rubbed with a cotton swab to make sure there are no rough edges that could wear out a very expensive braided towing line!

Many thanks to my friend Mark!

I really enjoyed the tour of your yard!

Next, I headed down the coast to the Great "Port of Portland"

to catch up with my "old pal" Linda Greenlaw!

We met for lunch at Andy's and talked about the projects we're

both working on!

Linda is an amazing woman,"fisherwoman",and person!

Its ALWAYS great to see her and get "caught up"!

Also, I can't say enough good things about Andy's Pub located on Commercial Street in Portland!

This is our hang out! The food is great and reasonably priced!

Look for some of our "Post trip" video to be shot here on our new fishing show this summer!

Our thanks to "Rick and Jennifer" for all their help with the show!

We met with Cabela's this week, regarding our show schedule with them.

Looks like we'll be putting on 4 show's for them this spring throughout the North East. The crew and I always look forward to these events!

Our many thanks to Cabela's!

Well guy's, the crew and I are now working night and day

to get ready for the 2012 season!

April 28th will be our first scheduled trip of the season,

and I can't wait to go "fishin"!!!

We'll see you all next week from Atlantic Adventures!

Thanks and "tight lines"

capt. Jim

OFFSHORE UPDATE FOR JANUARY 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 2012!

It was winter "business as usual" this week at

Atlantic Adventures

With a couple of small storms along the coast,

we had to keep up with some snow removal at the yard.

So far we've had a nice mild winter in Portland!

This is the commercial end of the "Port of Portland",and our container pier.

Its getting a much needed upgrade!.

With structural improvements, the port will now be able to handle larger items to support Maine's industry!

I took a morning winter walk down Custom House wharf,

and stopped by Harbor Fish to pick up some fresh Maine Shrimp!

With this year's shrimp quota cut, it will be a very short season.

Gett'em while you can,

and help support the local fishermen!

I brought them home and blackened them up!

(This is I Mate Andy's favorite seafood dish,,,Andy stop "drooling" on your computer!)

I added them to some fresh "spring mix",

and had a wonderful fresh Maine shrimp salad just before

"Kick off"

Go Pats!!

As some of you know,I also enjoy cooking,

and from time to time I'll be showing you different ways of how I prepare my

"catch of the day"

dinner!

On the fishing side,,,

We got all the reels striped of line and removed from the rods. Both rods and reels are now ready to ship out for service, which will get done this week.

With our new television series starting this summer,we've had several of the area marina's approach us for dockage this season. I have meetings set for early next week and will make a final decision on berthage for this summer.

I'll keep you all posted on this!

The "fish phone" is starting to ring with

our returning fishermen planning their summer vacations.

Its been nice to hear from you!

Well that's it for now,,,

See you all next week from the great

"Port of Portland"!

Thanks and tight lines!

capt. Jim

OFFSHORE UPDATE FOR JANUARY 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2012!

Another busy week at Atlantic Adventures!

This is the time of year when we sit down with our tackle reps,

and put the finishing touches on the newest lines of ground fishing tackle.

I deal with two tackle companies, Zing Tackle, and Pro-Flo Sport Fishing.

Chris and Peter from Zing, and Tony from Pro-Flo, are two of the countries most innovative tackle builders,with their products being fished worldwide!

Note the Cod in the background,

it was caught on the Atlantic Adventurer!

I've been trying to get these two companies together for over a year,

and it finally happened!

WOW!!!

We brainstormed for the entire day!

I can't wait to fish all this new gear!

Atlantic Adventures is proud to be "Pro Staff Members "

of both companies!

( this means we get to fish all the newest tackle before

anyone else even sees it!)

Think we caught big fish last year???

Wait till this year!

We signed a deal with Bass Pro Shops this week!

We'll be doing a fishing show for them on March 10th, and 11th.

I traveled to the Foxborough store this week to meet the staff,

and "get my bearings".

What a beautiful store!

If the 40' sport boat on top of the reel center

doesn't get your attention,,,

or the "life size" Humpback Whale,,,

Or one of many high quality mounts.

If none of this gets your attention,,,,

then join a bowling league,,,you are not a fisherman!!

Wow!!

What a beautiful store!

These people really understand fishing!

The Mates and I can't wait to do this one!

Come say hello and meet the crew on March 10th and 11th.

See you in Foxborough!

We're receiving all of our rigging and tackle supplies

and stocking the shop with the entire season's supply of gear.

So in the middle of the summer when everyone's out of what's "hot",,,

we're still catching lots of fish!

I'll have some updates from the shop next week,

as we're sending out all of our reels for service.

David our rod builder

will be servicing all of our custom built rods.

Its more than just owning a boat and a fishing pole.

These are just some of the reasons we catch fish!

See you next week!

Thanks and "tight lines"

capt. Jim

OFFSHORE UPDATE FOR JANUARY 7th, 8th, and 9th, 2012!

Well, 2012 is here and its time to get

back to work!

We just had our last boat of the season come into the yard.

We save a spot every year for this 40' Calvin Beal lobster boat.

The yard is now officially full!

We have 32 boats in the yard this year!

Its a lot of work to block and stand all these boats, but I really enjoy it. In the spring,I also enjoy seeing all the "captains" working on their boats!

I stopped by Harbor Fish the other day to pick up

some fresh Maine Shrimp!

Don't forget Shrimp season is here!

Get down to your local favorite fish market, and get some of these

tender morsels while they are in season!

I stopped by Portland Head Light on a pristine winter day to breath in some fresh ocean air!

This was also one of Henry Wadsworth Longfello's

favorite places to reflect! He was friends with the Light Keepers and would often hike from his home on Congress street to visit with them. Henry's father was also a sea captain!

If you've never visited his home on Congress street, I suggest you do. Its like taking a 200 year step back in time!

How lucky we are to have this rich history preserved right here in the Port of Portland!

I was poking around the waterfront and saw the "Islander" hauled out at Gowens for some routine maintenance. This is one of the tour boats owned by

"Portland Discovery Land and Sea Tours"

The Islander is one of three boats owned by capt. Bill Frappier. Bill and his father started this company on the Portland Waterfront many years ago and have grown it into one of Portland's best sightseeing tour companies!

Capt. Bill and his father have earned their place on the Portland Waterfront!

The "Islander" back in and awaiting shrink wrap

on Dimillo's Long Wharf.

This "bumpa" sticker made me laugh so much,

I had to back up and take a picture of it!

Its things like this that make the

"Port of Portland"

such a great place to live!

I'm meeting with video production companies in the upcoming weeks to get our new fishing show produced!

Also working on a huge deal with a new national sponsor!

I keep you all posted on this!

This season 13 of our charters will be in the show.

Who knows,,,

maybe you'll be on our show if you book on the right day!

Thanks and "tight lines"

capt. Jim

OFFSHORE UPDATE FOR DECEMBER 30th, 31st, and JANUARY 1st.

2011 and 2012!

Happy New Year everyone!

Wow,,, the end of 2011 already!

What a great year it was for us at

Atlantic Adventures!

I always like to recap some of last year's highlights

with the "New Years" Update.

Star Date,,, 2011 aboard the

Atlantic Adventurer.

We had several "near-misses"

on the State Shark Record last season!

Shark season ran well into the fall,

with some of the biggest sharks of the year taken!

And,,,Lots of big,,,

Ground fish!

Throw in beautiful sunrises,,,

amazing sunsets,,,

and you have all the ingredients,,,

for a spectacular season!

Thanks for all the great, cards, e-mails, and photo's we received throughout the holidays!

They brought back a lot of good memories!

Also, our thanks to everyone who helped make 2011,

our best season ever!

Now,,,looking ahead to 2012,,

How can we make it better??

2012 has started off at "Full Throttle"!

We've had calls from sponsors,television production companies,advertisers,and local outdoor shows. 2012 is going to be even better!!!

We're also working out a deal for our own weekly deep sea fishing show

shot right here in Portland Maine!

Also finishing up our celebrity guest list, for 2012!

(you won't believe who's coming fishing with us this year!)

I just received a Bulletin from the National Fisheries Service!

Effective January 6th 2012, through December 30th 2012,

they have just reduced the recreational Haddock limit, from unlimited, to 9 fish per angler, and increased the length from 18", to 19".

I support this!

It will help sustain the Haddock and not impact charter fishing in any way.

A six passenger boat will still be able to bring in a maximum of 54 Haddock.

Add this to all the Cod, Pollack,Hake,Redfish,Cusk,and Sharks, and you still have plenty of fish!

For New Year's,,,

Amy and I welcomed in 2012 at "David"s

Monument Square

I think my camera had too much Rum???

Well,,I won't have to worry about it getting the "Scurvy"!

(This was my last day off for awhile!)

Stay tuned,,,2012 is going to be incredible!

Thanks and "tight lines"!

capt. Jim

OFFSHORE UPDATE FOR DECEMBER 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2011!

Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year everyone!

I took this week off and just enjoyed myself

in and around the Port of Portland!

As always, the city Christmas tree was all lit up!

Even Central Fire Station was in the Christmas spirit

with their red and green lights!

(I wonder if the fireboat captain knows these are also Port and Starboard markers???))

City Hall was all decorated for the season!

Even The "Lobsta Man" on Commercial st. was ready for

the holiday's!

I stopped by the Victorian Mansion

to check out all the Holiday decorations

The staff always does a great job! You really get a sense of what Christmas was like back in the day, in the Port of Portland!

I squeezed in some skiing

with I mate Mr. Andy Beasley at Sunday River.

I did have to do a little work this week!

I got a call from the Director of the Port. It seems this old Gantry Crane base is now in the way of the "mega" cruise ships that visit Portland. They asked me to come up with a demolition plan for this piece left behind by Bath Iron Works.

Nice sunset over the bay!

The day's are now getting longer again!!!

But, don't be fooled by all this warm weather we're having.

The "old timers" have a saying,,,,"as the day's lengthen,the cold strengthens"

We'll have to wait and see what the rest of the winta brings???

I got a call from Mr. Pat Clark this morning,

Pat is an offshore Lobster man and he's hauling his 40' Calvin Beal and coming into the yard next week. Pat comes into the yard every year at this time to lay up and get some maintenance done.Mr George and I will be ready with all the blocking and stands when he arrives.

I'm trying to get one more week off,

before we start working "full steam ahead" on the 2012 season.

Happy New Year everyone,

and I hope its a GREAT! year for all of us!!

See you next week!

Thanks and "tight lines"

capt. Jim

OFFSHORE UPDATE FOR DECEMBER 16th, 17th, and 18th, 2011!

Happy Holiday's Everyone!

Well,,,with Christmas on our door step,

its time to take some time off and enjoy the

Port of Portland!

There was a "lit" boat parade this week in the Harbor.

Only the "hearty souls" run their boats this time of year!

The Dimillo's do such a great job every year with their boat!

Lots of lights in the "standing rigging" of this sloop.

Nice Sea Ray all lit up!

Even the Bay Lines decorated a ferry!

I also wanted to share some of the great holiday decorations

in and about the Port.

The "Sailing Santa" was one of my favorites!

Obviously the home of a captain or mariner!

The Port of Portland is such a magical place this time of year!

If you're not in the Christmas spirit ,,,then get down here,,,grab a bowl of chowder,,,and walk around...you'll find it!

With all the shops and,,,

store fronts decorated,,,

even the buildings themselves,,,

look like giant ornaments,,,

all lit up in the night sky!

I hope you all enjoyed the spirit of Christmas in the

"Port of Portland"

How lucky we are to live in such a Great place!

I'm taking two weeks off and headed to Sunday River to do some skiing.

I'll be updating the site next week with some great

New Years looks from about the Port

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

from the crew of Atlantic Adventures!

Thanks and "tight lines"

Capt.. Jim

OFFSHORE UPDATE FOR DECEMBER 9th, 10th, and 11th, 2011!

Another busy week here at Atlantic Adventures!

I was invited to attend a two day conference at the

Gulf of Maine Research Institute to discuss the declining Cusk stocks.

There were scientists from all over the world with input on this issue.

What a nice facility located right here in the Port of Portland,

on Commercial st..

This two day, well run conference,looked at many of the issues effecting the Cusk stocks. One problem is Lobster men catch Cusk in their traps,and have brought the "onshore" Cusk population to zero. You can still catch Cusk offshore, but in limited numbers. Cusk are solitary fish that don't school and travel. They also grow at a slow rate, making their reproduction slow.

Another problem facing Cusk, is that they suffer from barotrauma (decompression) when brought to the surface,making their release (alive) almost impossible. We heard from many scientists on this issue, and looked at a study where a fish that had suffered barotrauma had gone through a series of MRI scans to determine the additional trauma. In addition to barotrauma, the fish also suffer from exopthtalmia (pop-eye). This is when the fishes eye pop out of their heads. Cusk also suffer from decompression under their skin when brought to the surface. Another problem, is their swim bladder expands and pushes their stomach out their mouth. Some inexperienced captains thinks you can just take a biopsy needle and release the pressure in the swim bladder, this is not true, and will result in releasing a fish that won't survive. This is a very complex problem. This summer we've been asked to try several experimental devices that can lower a fish back down to a predetermined depth and release, recompressing the fish, much like a diver in a hyperbaric chamber. We'll keep you all posted on the results form this study!

Pretty quiet at Fort Gorges this time of year,

as the Casco Bay Islands settle in for the long Maine winter

Even the pier at Old Orchard is a "ghost town"

this time of year!

Dimillo's Long Wharf was even quiet this day at sunrise.

I really enjoy walks at sunrise in the Port of Portland!

Its amazing to watch the waterfront "wake up" at sunrise!

I think we're just about done hauling boats for this year. We hauled a very classic "Friendship Sloop" this week, nice old wooden boat. We've got a 40' Calvin Beal coming into the yard right after the first of the year, and that will wrap things up at the yard till spring!

Next week I'll be posting some great holiday photo's

that I've been taking about the port!

Don't forget to finish up your Christmas shopping,,,

remember a nice custom fishing rod with a Shimano Trinidad 40 series reel will make the perfect gift!!!

See you all next week from the Port of Portland!

Thanks and "tight lines"

capt. Jim

OFFSHORE UPDATE FOR DECEMBER 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2011!

December,,, It doesn't feel like December?

Finally looks like "winta" will be arriving later this week,

with temps forecasted to be in the teens

(BURRR).

Now its time to pay for all that late season warm weather!

Mr. Tom McGrath putting the finishing shrink wrap touches on the

"Bay View Lady"

As the boat owners in Portland Harbor get ready for winter!

The yard at "Gowins" is filling up

with the last of the haul outs for this season

Even the "Providian" is in dry dock.

This is the largest fishing boat in Portland Harbor, and I've always wanted to see the bottom of this massive fishing machine. Its getting a bottom job at

"Fore River Dock and Dredge"

This boat draws 12'

The dry dock barely had enough buoyance capacity

to lift this huge vessel as seen here with only 1' of clearance

above the water line

Check out the massive rudders and prop nozzles.

(I'm glad I don't have to pay their fuel bill!)

I was in the mood for some fresh Haddock this week, so I took a ride down to Harbor Fish. This place is as Iconic as it gets on the Portland Water Front!

I hate to "buy" fish!!!

For me,,, Its like a banker having someone balance their check book,,,or an auto mechanic paying someone to change their oil.

But,,,this time of year I have no choice,

and I really enjoy checking out all the different fish,

and seeing my friend "Dan" the manager there!

It was Another very busy week at Atlantic Adventures!

I received a request from a tackle manufacturer to endorse their products. We met to go over their lines, and are putting a deal together with them.

I also got an invitation from the Gulf of Maine Research Institute to participate in a two day conference to study the the Cusk population in the Gulf of Maine.

We'll be working with the scientists there to determine what measures are necessary to help rebuild these fish stocks!

I'll keep you all posted on the outcome from this study!

We're still very busy hauling boats and getting the last of them worked into the yard and "on the hard"

Well guy's that's all for this week from the

"Port of Portland"

and

Atlantic Adventures.

Wishing you all happy holiday's

"and tight lines"

capt. Jim

OFFSHORE UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER 25th, 26th, and 27th, 2011!

End of November already???

This month flew by!

Pretty quiet in Portland Harbor this time of year.

The Casco Bay Ferry's are now running

on their winter schedules.

With the long cold Maine "winta" just around the corner,

and the demand for heating oil up,,,

There's inbound and outbound tank ship traffic in the harbor

every day!.

It was so quiet and still in the harbor this day,

you could even see the reflection of the vapor trail's

from several transatlantic flights.

Because of all the air traffic crossing the Atlantic,

the Gulf of Maine is one of the safest bodies of water to work in!

All these planes are equipped to receive distress signals for an "EPIRB" in case of an emergency.

Well that's what's happening this week in the great Port of Portland!

We're already working on the 2012 fishing season!

We're getting our 2012 commercial fishing permits,and sending out all our

rods and reels for service!

We're meeting with the great folks from "Zing" tackle next month to work out

the details on a new line of tackle that we'll be endorsing!

We've been working with the designers there, and we'll have all the latest lines on the boat next summer!

Well guys that's all for now.

Stay warm and safe,,,

(and get your Christmas shopping done early!)

Remember an Atlantic Adventures gift certificate will always be the right size and color!

Thanks and "tight lines"

capt. Jim

OFFSHORE UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER 18th, 19th, and 20th, 2011!

Sorry I'm late with the update this week,as I Mate Mr. Andy Beasley and I were up at Sunday River doing some early season skiing! We were there during the 14" dump of new snow!

Skiing couldn't have been better!!!

Pretty quiet in the Port of Portland this week!

With Thanksgiving, and bad weather in the forecast,

the lobster fleet "tied up" for some rest!

Even the offshore fleet was all "rafted up".

Although there aren't many boats left, the fishermen that didn't take the government buyout's, and kept fishing, seem to be doing well. All the boats look

clean,painted, and in good repair.

This is a tough way to make a living!