Doug Kern has been a top saltwater fishing tackle dealer since 1981 after receiving his degree in business. He also jokes that he has a minor degree in fishing due to all the classes missed in college when the fish were biting. He is currently Co-Owner and general manager of Fisherman’s Landing Tackle in San Diego. He has worked extensively outfitting top long range fishermen, tournament yachts, private boat fishermen, and the general saltwater fishing population. He is a regular guest on the Let’s Talk Hook-up radio show. He is an avid fisherman and owns a 23 foot Parker center console from Sundance Marine.

My dad has always had boats in the 18 to 28 foot range. These are the type of boat I learned to fish. When Parker boats first became available on the West coast I knew that they were the best in their category and I was determined to have one. My 23 Parker center console has proven to be the perfect boat for my lifestyle and fishing preferences. As the Co-owner and general manager of Fisherman’s Landing Tackle Shop, I work a pretty heavy schedule. I do however cherish my fishing time. The 23 Parker is large enough for me to fish the islands and offshore for yellowtail, tuna and marlin, but it is small enough for me to fish the bay and kelp. I keep the boat in the water, but I can easily put it on the trailer if I want to fish another area. I am amazed how easily a boat of this size tows behind my stock Toyota Tundra. The boat requires very little time for maintenance and clean up so when I do have time to spend on the boat I am fishing. The boat is also quite economical to operate. Most of all it is set up to catch fish. I have chosen a Pacific Edge bait tank which is the best I have ever used. I sometimes overload it and the bait still lives all day. That is a huge plus. I have a Furuno 7000 GPS and meter which is a lot of horsepower for a boat of this size. It gets me out and back and helps me find the fish. I have also installed a set of Precision 12 foot outriggers. I think that outriggers are a distinct advantage on an outboard boat because it allows me to get a couple of jigs into the clean water lanes. Also, the separation of the jigs keeps me from getting lines tangle with each other. The boat has a T-top which gives me several rod holders that are out of the way. It also gives me some shade on those long hot days. On many center consoles the T-top might get in the way of casting, however the 23 Parker is big enough that I can easily throw surface iron, plastics, or live bait. I have equipped my anchor with only 14 feet of chain, but the chain is oversized. The heavier chain gives me great holding power but the shorter length means that I don’t get stuck in the kelp or structure as often. I have 300 feet of 1/2 inch rope so that I can anchor comfortably in deeper water when fishing for yellowtail. I invite anyone who would like to check out my boat to contact me at Fisherman’s Landing Tackle Shop (619-221-8506). I would be happy to show you the boat and answer any questions you may have.