Bassin,
I second Carl's comments. 17 foot is great, but BE SURE to have a heavy anchor, preferably a Danforth (I think that's what they call them) that will dig into the bottom. It's a rocky bottom and if you don't have an anchor that will hold you the wind and tide will pull you right along. I use two, bow and stern.

Carl,
I can wait on the fish, er, bird picture. I wish the couple I had of you turned out better.