By Capt. GEORGE TUNISON

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with stockings stuffed with new reels, lures, electronics, even that new boat you’ve been dreaming about, now proudly sitting in the driveway.

If you did get that new boat and are new to Southwest Florida, bringing little or no boating experience with you, there are a few things to ponder before heading out on our crowded, winter season, waters.

Do you know what side of the “road” you’re supposed to be on when a boat approaches? Who has the right-of-way in a crossing situation? Passing? Is it the same as driving on Florida’s roads where the left lane is now the slow, dreaming and texting lane and the right, the passing lane?

On the open Gulf there’s plenty of room to maneuver but in crowded channels through areas of very skinny water, understanding the rules of the road is critical. Taking a USCG approved boating course or spending a half day with a local captain is highly recommended.

During winter, Southwest Florida experiences ultra-low tides — called negative tides — and even more caution is advised at this time. Running aground is a real possibility here in Southwest Florida’s shallow waters and that danger should not be taken lightly. Boaters relocating from areas of deep water and high tides would be wise to spend a good amount of time studying the area’s maps and become familiar with tide charts before putting the throttle down.

Never forget that weather; especially wind direction and speed can greatly alter tide height predictions, leaving less than a foot of water where there is supposed to be much more.

In a fast moving boat with no seat belts, suddenly running aground can be catastrophic, causing passengers to be ejected or worse, sustain terrible injuries or death from being suddenly thrown around the boat’s interior. Small children are especially vulnerable during this type of accident.

New laws now require you to have your engine’s kill switch lanyard attached to your person when on plane in boats under 26 feet. Being thrown out of a boat that’s still running and moving, and now running in circles with you in its eventual path is not a good place to be.

On your first outing, leave the fishing rods at home and pick a negative tide day to carefully explore the area’s waters. Again, hiring a local captain on his boat or yours to show you the area is money and time well spent.

“Don’t leave home without it!” That’s really good advice so be sure to have purchased an on the water breakdown/tow policy membership before getting that new boat wet. What if you run aground or turn the key and nothing happens? As they say, “Who ya gonna call?” Local operators like Sea Tow offer their on the water services for under $200 a year.

If you trailer your boat, be sure to get the optional on-the-road trailer coverage added to your policy as well, which is very inexpensive.

One bad mechanical breakdown far out in the Gulf or getting stuck and stranded many miles from the dock with night closing in and the bugs eating you alive, most would gladly pay the 200 bucks to get back home.

What if you lose a trailer bearing and break down on the road? Do you have the knowledge and, carry the tools for a late night wheel bearing change?

Remember, you must buy your policy before, going out. Often folks break down then call Sea Tow and quickly buy a membership expecting service right away. Service only goes into effect after 24 hours from the purchase. See you tomorrow! Don’t be that guy!

The inshore waters have cooled and are clearing. Long casts, lighter lines and leaders, and slower lure retrieve speeds are called for. Downsize lures as well and pick ones that work best at slow retrieve speeds. Slow down!

Happy New Year!

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. Contact him at 239-282-9434 or captgeorget3@aol.com.