they’ve opted to use transport ships between South Florida and the Pacific, via the Panama Canal. After establishing home base at Los Sueños Resort, they then exploit their boats’ massive range to enjoy multiple-day fishing expeditions to Cabo and Magdalena Bay. “With Costa Rica being on the bucket list, I’d most likely use a transport service if we decide to go there. That’s a lot of wear and tear and engine hours you can avoid,” explains Capt. Neil. Whether delivered by cargo ship or running on their own bottom, once in port the anglers typically fly in to join the boat and crew. Owners and guests may come and go for weeks at a time, as their stateside schedule allows. While they’re away, Captain and crew oversee the outfitting and day-to-day operations and maintenance of the boat, perhaps running a few charters or enjoying some downtime ashore. Planning around other life events and commitments is one thing, but forecasting and reacting to the weather is quite another. Both Harris and Neil admit that despite the best laid float plans, at times you simply have to slow down, or wait, to ensure a trip can be safe and successful. “There are all types of challenges that can popupwithlongrangetravel.Mostofwhich can be avoided with proper planning, but things do happen. Mechanical issues can be a real headache depending on where you are—customs and shipping parts can really become an issue. Planning ahead is the key,” Neil says. Harris echoes that proper preparation and redundancy helps keep issues to a minimum. His Captain, Brent Gaskill, “always carries double of what we need aboard: hoses, pumps, fluid, filters, etc.” Travelers’ resourcefulness and willpower were put to new tests in recent years by a dynamic minefield of coronavirus travel restrictions deployed throughout the Caribbean. “COVID presented some challenges this past year but nothing compared to what some of the guys dealt with when it first popped up. It was a nightmare for a lot of good crews and owners I know,” Neil says. One such owner was Harris; Builder’s Choice was in the Dominican Republic in Spring 2020 and they were asked to leave the country when the lockdown hit. “Planning is the key. Make sure you have all of your necessary documents. Have them neat and organized, as you’ll be asked for them quite a bit,” advises Neil. While COVID-related issues have eased greatly in most places, Harris acknowledges fuel prices currently have not. However, that isn’t stopping their trips, it just might change how they operate the boat at times; choosing to throttle back and enjoy the scenery more along the way. Why: Despite all the challenges and expense, nothing seems to be stopping owners from planning more longrange trips to enjoy the fishing and rest and relaxation at exotic locales. “The combination of good fishing and being in beautiful and warm destinations is the main draw for boat owners,” concludes Capt. Neil. There’s also something to be said for being self-sufficient to such a high degree and wanting to accomplish all of these adventures with your own boat, family and friends. For some boaters, the preparation, outfitting and travel days can be almost as much fun as the fishing at the final destination. But even if it gets stressful, it’s clearly worth the payoff at the end. “For me it’s about getting out of the cold winter and enjoying different types of fishing while experiencing the cultures in different countries,” says Harris. Lucky for him, he’s been able to outfit a world-class vessel with the speed, storage accommodations, range and dependability to make this dream fishing lifestyle a reality! Builder’s Choice doing their thing 16 BLUEWATER
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