Here are some "How to" tips that Joey Yerkes refers to as "Live Bait Sense" on how to procure that livewell full of fresh bait:
-Turn on your VHF radio to ch.11 and check your volume
-Call from the pass to find out our locations
-Once you've contacted us on ch.11 and recieved instructions, please be courteous to other fisherman who are either in line to purchase bait or baitfishing for a charter
-Start your livewell long before you pull up to get bait to ensure it's working properly and that there is no foreign chemical residue from your cleanup the day before
- Know in advance the amount of bait you would like to purchase
-Idle speed from a safe distance is appreciated and those who do will be rewarded for your respect and courtesy.Remember-speeding to the live bait boats will not increase your chances of getting bait.
-Be ready when it is your turn. use your VHF to communicate with us
-Don't be afraid to ask questions about the size and condition of the bait which varies everyday due to conditions beyond our control,ie.predators,ocean swell,tide,temperature or theft
-Fishing near the bait boats will greatly decrease your chances of being able to purchase bait from us.We try to fish away from the fleet whenever possible and expect the same respect from others
-Once you have purchased your bait, idle away slowly before throttling up your boat
Hi bottom bangers. The bait has been extremely good around here this season.We have fished through some pretty nasty weather lately to insure our people have bait. And don't ever forget Charlie the bait barge man,it seems as though he has a never ending supply of choffers,pig fish,squirrel fish,hard tails,and octopus.