Key to your fish catching success is setting up the right tackle and lures for your intended voyage. At a stately 6 or 7 knots, sub-surface plugs are the lure of choice. I prefer a high-torque, low-speed reel for this scenario, mated to a rod capable of handling a relatively robust line test. You'll also want a rod with a relatively light tip to keep some tension on the hook/fish. An old Penn 3/0 or 4/0 Senator reel is a good choice, spooled with 30 to 50-pound braided line to allow the plug to gain maximum depth. I do not use a leader in this situation.

Once you get offshore and into blue water, it's time to put a line or two off the back. It's normal for diving plugs will make a rod vibrate at the moderate speeds for which they are designed. If there is no vibration it may indicate that the lure is fouled. Surface lures will run correctly at many speeds, but it is important to observe the action and make sure the lure is performing as intended. Some lures are designed to run straight and below the surface, while others are shaped to induce an intentional shimmy or wobble, or to pop to the surface every so often to gather air and create a bubble trail. Once you know what to look for, you can reposition the lures in or out of the wakes and adjust their distance from the boat to create the desired action.

Catching a nice fish while making a passage is not only a lot of fun, it can also have tasty results when a catch is prepared properly….but that’s another story for another time.

For most cruisers, getting away from it all isn't the same as loosing touch. Even when anchored out, we expect cell service and online access. In our travels, we often rely on public wifi sources to maintain connectivity. When doing so, there are a few simple precautions that will enhance the security of these connections.

Stick to Known Sources

Before logging onto any open wi-fi network, it's a good idea to make sure you know the source of the signal. There's a good chance that “Joe's Java Guest” network is coming from the coffee shop where you just spent too much for a caramel latte, but are you sure? More than one web surfer has been taken in by look-alike sites designed to capture the data of unsuspecting users. The same holds true for mobile hot spots. When browsing for a connection, don't allow your wireless card to automatically join the nearest network. Instead, manually select the network or hotspot you wish to connect to, and ensure it is a verifiable provider.

Double Check the Terms and Conditions

Once you find a provider that seems trustworthy, your eagerness to get online may tempt you to click through whatever welcome screen appears. But as with most contracts, it's best to read the fine print first. Some open wi-fi networks are run by marketing firms who offer bandwidth in return for personal information or access to your browsing history. One way to take advantage of such services while maintaining a degree of privacy is to create an alternative email address to use for these situations.

Stick to Secure Sites

If you plan to do any exchange of data—especially if you are making purchases or financial transactions—make sure the sites you visit use data encryption. These sites use a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to ensure that any data transferred between users and sites is impossible for a third party to read. Transport Layer Security (TLS) is another name for this process. Any site that begins with the HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) prefix in their URL holds an SSL certificate. For details of the certificate, you can click on the padlock symbol that often appears on the browser bar.

Switch to Cellular for Sensitive Apps

If you're using your mobile device to check your account balance, you might want to log off of wi-fi and burn a small amount of cellular data. Depending on the developer, apps may be less secure than web pages when operating on wi-fi, and are sometimes known to be tricked into accepting bogus security credentials. Sticking to apps from established developers while on public wi-fi will limit potential risk, but there are still risks. If you’re using the mobile versions of Chrome or Safari, you’ll have the same protections in place as you do when using the desktop programs.

Avoid Downloads, Installs and Sensitive Data

Unless your really have to, it's best not to download or install anything while on an unsecured wi-fi connection. If you must do so, make sure all your system software and security tools are up to date. If using a laptop, make sure you’re not sharing folders or devices with others on the network. This may be done automatically by your laptop's operating system when it recognizes that you are connecting to public wifi, but it’s worth double-checking.

Turn Off File Sharing and Blue Tooth

This may seem obvious, but failing to turn off these data-swapping applications has caused more than one user to get phished, which is geek speak for having sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card information stolen. On a Windows platform, go to the “Network and Sharing Center” on the Control Panel, then follow the “change advanced sharing settings” link. For Mac OS X, the option can be found under the “Sharing” entry in System Preferences and deselect the “File Sharing” box.

Consider a VPN

A VPN, or “virtual private network” is the equivalent of running your business through a third party. When set up properly, all communications between your computer and the VPN are encrypted, thus protecting data while it is in transit through questionable public wifi. There are a number of services that offer cost-effective VPN plans. There are also free services, but these are often designed to capture your data for targeted advertising and marketing pushes. Which can, quite ironically, defeat the point of using a VPN service in the first place.

Use Common Sense

If in doubt, limit your online activities on public wi-fi to browsing the news, checking emails, sharing cat photos and researching your next port of call. Don't do your online banking in the coffee shop, and try to avoid sensitive sites that require you to enter passwords. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure no one is looking over your shoulder when you log into your operating system, email, or other accounts. And make sure to not leave your laptop unattended when going to freshen up that latte.