Riptide Report: Gearing up for 2012!
After enjoying the best season ever for Riptide Charters, things have barely slowed down. I’ve been spending the fall and winter getting all my gear ready for what is shaping up to be a super 2012. I’ll get right down to what’s new and exciting.
This offseason we’ve picked up several new sponsors, including Columbia Sportswear and Normark/Rapala/Suffix/VMC/Williamson. The former will be supplying Riptide Charters with all of our fishing, boating and hunting apparel, while the latter will be keeping us well stocked with great fishing tackle. We have a few other things in the works, so stay tuned to find out what other great companies we’ll be working with for the 2012 season.
Also of interest may be the following speaking engagements this winter and spring:
February 24-25: The Big Game Bash 3 at the Quincy Marriott
- Spinning for Bluefin Tuna: Learn how to catch and land big tuna on spinning tackle.
- Fishing South of the Vineyard for Exotic Species: Learn how to cast to mahi, yellowfin tuna, and white marlin close to home.
March 28: Cape Cod Salties Meeting at the Yarmouth Senior Center
- Learn about the incredible spring/summer striper fishing we had last season on the Outer Cape, with emphasis on the numerous trips the Salties took aboard Riptide Charters.
May 10: Buzzards Bay Anglers Club at the Mattapoisett Chowder House
- Hear about the amazing variety of species available on and around the Cape, with emphasis on the sharking and pelagic bite we had for most of last summer.
With the winter finally showing its cold side here on the Cape, the big Contender is safely tucked away and eagerly awaiting fresh power for 2012. Once again, Mercury Marine has gone above and beyond, and will be supplying us with a new set of 300-hp Verados.
2011 was our busiest season ever, and 2012 is on track to meet or even exceed last season. If you are interested in booking a trip for 2012 or have a specific date(s) in mind, please let me know as soon as possible. May and June are almost filled to capacity.
If the water stays warmer than normal over the winter, which it has thus far, we will be focusing a lot of our efforts on the waters to the south and trying to duplicate the insane warm-water fishing we had last season. Many of my sports landed their first shark, mahi, bonito, tuna and marlin on this type of charter. It was a great way to catch a ton of exotic fish during what is normally the “summer doldrums”. Having 600 horses of new Mercury power on the back of the boat will continue to make those offshore runs fast, safe and comfortable. There is nothing like the peace of mind knowing you have a new pair of the best motors available behind you to get you home safely.
That’s all for now. I’ll be sure to keep everyone in the loop as we get closer to the start of the season.
In the meantime, I wish you all a safe and productive new year, and thank you for your continued support of Riptide Charters!
Capt. Terry Nugent, Riptide Charters
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About the Author
Terry Nugent has been fishing the lakes, ponds and coastal waters from New England to Florida for over 30 years. In 1998 that experience was put to good use and Riptide Charters was born. As a professional guide, Terry is also the captain of the Navionics Tournament Team. With major Striped Bass tournament top 10 finishes to his name and several top 3 finishes in ASA and FLW events. Capt. Terry has proven successful with inshore species and offshore pelagics from the islands to the canyons. He has guided his sports to a Massachusetts Governors’ Cup and back to back 2006/2007 IGFA World Records for Thresher and Blue Shark.
