NAUTICAL MILE

P  U  B  L  I  C  A  T  I  O  N  S

Merry Beth Ryan was born & raised in upstate NY and has always loved the outdoors. She is currently a columnist for “South Florida Sport Fishing” Magazine. Growing up, when she was not on the basketball court playing Point Guard for Syracuse, she was spending her time fishing. Merry Beth can be seen fishing the beautiful waters of Charlotte Harbor almost every opportunity she gets. Living with a full time fishing guide definitely helps feed her passion. She can be reached at:

merrybethryan@nauticalmileenterprises.com

Nautical Mile Publications

Merry Beth Ryan

Premium Pompano

 

Often referred to as “golden nuggets” pompano are a highly sought after fish.They are one of the best tasting fish in the gulf bar none. Pompano invade our inshore waters late fall and early winter. Once the water temperatures drop into the 70’s the pompano head inshore to feed on small crabs, shrimp, and any other tidbits such as sand fleas they can find. Pompano are a very elusive fish to say the least. Just as with many other species of fish they are there one day and gone the next. Patience is a must while fishing for pompano. Pompano run in schools so where you find one you are bound to find many. They move through the area in search of food.  They will move with the current and the tide looking for food just behind and right in the break of the surf itself.

 

You will have to do some running around while at the same time doing your homework on their patterns. Just when you think you have them figured out they throw you a curve ball and your back to playing hide and seek with them. The good news is once you do locate them your rewards will be well worth your efforts. Pompano will skip right out of the water which helps locate them. There is no need to put your engines into overdrive to locate the pomps. A slow moving boat keeping a steady pace will actually work to your advantage verses cruising through a school of pompano at a high rate of speed. If you are operating your boat too fast and happen to run through a school of pompano you will quickly see just how  fast they can disappear.

 

Keep your eyes peeled and when you spot a school of ladyfish that usually is a good indicator that pompano are scattered in with them as well. Another thing to watch for are schools of bat rays and stingrays they too will attract pompano to follow in tandem them eating all the goodies they raise up from the sandy bottom. Where you see one pompano skittering across the surface you are bound to see others close by.  I can remember the first time I spotted a pompano skip out of the water and it nearly landed in the boat I was in. Pompano have a shimmer like that of a silver-king. What a sight to see as their iridescent bodies wiggled up and out of the water. Talk about excitement these silvery slabs provide that and then some.

 

The most productive way to catch pompano are by using jigs. There are many jigs on the market designed for pompano. One of my favorites is Doc’s Goofy Jigs tipped with a piece of shrimp. Doc’s jigs are made right here in the state of Florida in the Tampa Bay area. His jigs are a hairless jig usually used as the trailer jig when using a double jig rig. When targeting pompano using the jigging method is a sure way to attract the pompano bite. Anglers retrieve the jig by bouncing it along the bottom.You want to bounce the jig on the bottom so that when it falls a puff of sand appears making it look like a crab that is trying to bury itself. This will almost guarantee a pompano strike if there are any in the area.

 

You are looking for the jig to imitate a crab or other small crustaceans scurrying out of the way of predator fish. Pompano like anything that is crunchy to eat.  Bounce the jigs along the bottom lifting the sand to attract the pompano’s attention. Make sure you feel your jig hit the bottom before starting to bounce it along. Depending on the depth of the water you are in, tides as well as currents will help dictate how fast you should retrieve the jig. A faster retrieve will be needed when the tide is running fast. If the tide is running at a snails pace use a slow retrieve. This will help enhance your odds of hooking these delicious eating fish.

 

Tipping your jigs with a small piece of shrimp seems to work as good as anything. Sand fleas are also a very popular and also an effective bait of choice. You can bring your “snowbird shovels” also known as sand rakes to the beach and rake up some sand fleas for bait. Sand fleas freeze well and can be used again. I have found that live shrimp tend to stay on the hook a lot better than frozen shrimp . So given a choice use live shrimp when available. Pompano are a challenging fish to catch. It takes practice to master the technique as with most fish you target. Pompano are often confused with their cousin the permit. Although they are both in many ways alike, there are things about the two fish that are very different. Both pompano and permit are highly sought after gamefish. Both are great eating fish as well. They both can be prepared by grilled, stuffed, broiled, bakes, or fried.

 

A permit’s tail is longer with darker edges than that of the pompano. A permit also has a longer dorsal fin with darker tips than the pompano do. Permit have a deeper body and slightly blunted shaped head than the pompano.The pompano will have more yellow color from their head back under their belly than a permit has. Permit do have yellow on them as well but mostly located on their underside near the back of the fish.

 

The average size pompano caught on a regular basis is usually a fish ranging between 1 and 3 pounds. There have been some much bigger pompano caught some weighing over 8 pounds but they are not your everyday catch . One thing is for sure pompano on the dinner table is a meal fit for Kings. If your looking for a different fish to target give pompano a try you will not be sorry you did. When you hook into your first ever pompano you too will quickly have the golden nugget fever. The challenge of catching pompano will keep you coming back for more.

 

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Protecting our reef fish  

 

As of June 1st of this year there are new state and federal regulations requirements in place that all recreational and commercial fisherman need to obey when fishing for reef species while fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Many anglers are probably not even aware of the new regulations but need to be. Anglers will need to carry and use circle hooks when targeting these reef fish using cut or live bait . They also now are required to have de-hooking device as well as a venting tool onboard.

 

These new regulations were put into place to help reduce by-catch while at the same time helping to eliminate reef fish mortality of fish they are caught but not kept.  Anglers need to make sure they have this new gear requirement on their boats at all times. If this new gear is used properly is will increase the survival rate of the reef fish that are caught and then released. Just having the equipment onboard is not enough we as responsible anglers  need to know how to use each device as well.

 

Fishery management have certain regulations in place such as minimum size restrictions and daily bag limits to help protect the resource and ensure fishing will be able to be enjoyed for many years to come by our youth. If anglers choose to ignore using these new regulations is sort of defeats the purpose of all the current regulations in place here in Florida as well as around the world.

 

Circle hooks are being used more and more by anglers.  They have been used  many decades by the commercial fisherman due to their ability to catch fish more efficiently. No question about is circle hooks reduce fish mortality.

 

Dehookers are used to dislodge the hook from a fish’s mouth without having to remove the fish from the water and it helps anglers from having to touch the fish which helps to keep their protective slime untouched as well. Always handle fish with wet hands. There are many different shapes and sizes available depending on what size fish you will be targeting . The quicker you can get the hook out of a caught fish the quicker that fish can be released unharmed to swim away to spawn and perhaps be caught again by others who enjoy fishing as much as we do.

 

Venting tooks need to be used on reef fish whose swim bladders have over expanded or even burst while bringing the fish too quickly up to the surface. Reef fish have swim bladders that  control buoyancy and allows the fish to swim at certain depths in the water column. After reeling in your reef fish take a moment to observe the fish making sure it is in good condition before releasing it.  You will be able to determine rather quickly if the fish needs to be vented or not. If the fish appears bloated and floats and appears to be unable to control it’s buoyancy that fish needs to be venting before releasing it.

 

Venting the fish as quickly as possible will help the fish have the greatest chance for survival upon it’s release. Lay the fish you are going to vent on it’s side and insert the venting tool at a 45 degree angle one to two inches back from the pectoral fin. Then proceed to insert the venting tool only deep enough to release the gases. You will be able to hear the sound as the gases escape . The deflation will be immediately noticed.  Make sure you keep a good grip on the venting tool during the process in case the fish suddenly jerks which could cause the sharp venting tool to dislodge which could harm not only the fish but anyone around the fish at the time of the venting.

 

We all need to work together to protect reef fish we are not going to keep. It only takes a few extra minutes to release the fish you catch the proper way. If you are not going to keep a caught fish we owe that fish the extra time and the extra care to help reduce fish mortality. Fishing is a favorite pastime of Florida residents as well as visitors to our state. Practice and share these techniques with your family and fishing friends to help keep the fishing populations abundant for our future fishing enthusiasts. The more we as anglers can do to limit fish kills the longer we will have fish to catch and share with others.

 

 

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Reeling in memories reef fishing

 

Reef fishing here in Florida is as exciting as it gets. Artificial reefs are in high demand. A marine food chain is quickly formed once a reef is in place. Barnacles and corals are usually the first to arrive, shortly after crabs and shrimp move in to feed on the early arrivals. Before long small baitfish quickly discover the availability of food and they soon arrive. Where there are small fish, larger fish are not are not far behind.

 

Artificial reef building has come along ways since the early days of this process. The days of sinking anything from refrigerators, washer and dryers, copy machines, bicycle’s are over. Living in paradise here in Florida means possible hurricanes as well as many tropical storms which would scatter all the debris defeating the purpose of the reefs. It became apparent that the old method of creating artificial reefs was not a safe way or a conservation minded approach. Today reef sites as well as the materials are carefully chosen to enhance the bottom habitat which in turn will increase the local fish populations.

 

Outdated bridges , pre-fabricated concrete sections as well as sunken ships have provided the materials for artificial reef building in today’s society. There are many recreational anglers as well as local government agencies interested in artificial reef construction. Many non profit fishing and diving organizations have a hands on approach to the development of artificial reefs all over the state. Right here locally a group of angler’s and friends of Dean-O Hicks  are trying to get a local Sanibel reef named after Dean-O. What a tribute that would be to honor and remember all the lives that Dean-O  touched . I am sure if the reef gets named after him he will be looking down from heaven and smiling as he watches all his friends catching fish on his reef.

 

Reef fishing provides angler’s with a variety of catches. On any given day there could be a different fish that shows up there to feed. Everything from grouper, snapper, amberjacks, kingfish, mackeral, permit, cobia, sharks, barracuda to tarpon can be found on the reefs. When your line is dropped down over a reef you never know what you might be reeling up. Some angler’s anchor up over the reefs other will slow troll in the area looking for the schools of bait fish hoping the predator fish are not far behind.

 

Recently I was able to get out reef fishing myself. When  the water is slick with a little breeze to keep us cool we are looking to head offshore to see what fish the reefs are holding. We had friends Tommy Todd and his son Mike Todd with us onboard the “Let’s Go Fishin”. We castnetted some nice big baits and we were ready to fish.

 

When we arrived to the reef there were the only boat there which was a good thing. We were looking for permit but in the meantime decided to troll some baits in search of kingfish. The conditions were perfect but the permit were not showing us those great big white lips so we trolled slowly in the area and within a few minutes we were hooked up with a nice sky rocketing kingfish. I happened to be sitting on the tower when the kingfish exploded out of the water and what a sight it was.

 

The hang time that fish had in the air would have impressed even Michael “ Air “ Jordan. It was a memory that I will have forever.  The sun hit the fish just right and it was a gorgeous sight. Fish on ! Mike fought the fish flawlessly. Captain Van gaffed the fish and we estimated the fish at 25 pounds and after weighing her with the Boga Grip she was right at 25  ½ pounds.  Mike and his Father were happy they had dinner in the box.

 

We were not about to give up on those permit though.  We would see one here three there and they sure gave us a tease but we never could find a concentration of them to free line a crab to.  We later hooked a small shark that had a lot of heart and great fun to catch on light tackle.  The day could not have been more perfect. The water was so clear we could see straight to the bottom in 20 plus feet of water.

 

I enjoy reef fishing because you never really know what you will catch out there on the reefs.  I enjoy wondering what I might be reeling up each time. You can expect to have a Goliath grouper or two try and swallow each and every fish you try to bring up off the structure down there. So that alone is challenging and frustrating at the same time.

 

There may need to be some regulation changes with the Goliath grouper in the near future oepning them back up to harvest. There have been times we have had to leave some great fishing because the Goliath’s have literally taken over the reef. Some anglers welcome the chance to reel up one of those large beasts. Personally I can think of much better ways to spend the afternoon verses reeling up a 400 pound Goliath grouper. But for some it is something they look forward to and are up for the challenge.

 

July is a great month to get out to the local reefs and take advantage of some great fishing opportunities. Be safe out there and watch the sky for those summer afternoon rain storms that can appear out of no where. Bring your camera some great Kodak moments are just a click away out there and you never know what your going to reel up which makes fishing even more exciting.

 

 

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Rockets in Flight

 

Sky rockets in flight is exactly what many anglers have been seeing and will continue to see througout December. Kingfish tend to explode out of the water leaving a lasting impression. Smashing strikes and supercharged runs will give even the calm cool and collective anglers a bad case of “Buck fever” while trying to hang on with your heart pounding while your drag is screaming off your reel.  The speed of the kingfish is no push over. These steamlined speedsters could compete with the likes of some of the best of the best Nascar racers to the finish line. If you have a need for speed kingfish are just what the fishing Doctor ordered.

 

Kingfish have a streamlined body with a tapered head. They have an iridescent blue green back. Their lateral line starts high and drops sharply below their dorsal fin helping anglers to identify whether they have a kingfish at the end of their line or a Spanish mackerel.  Young kingfish often tend to have yellowish spots and are frequently mistaken for Spanish macks. Kingfish feed mainly on migratory baitfish such as scaled sardines and threadfins as well as Spanish sardines. If you find the schools of baitfish the kingfish are not too far behind. Watch for birds diving that usually is a good indication there is baitfish below the birds with predatory fish beneath the baitfish. Feeding kingfish often explode out of the water . This is often referred to as sky rocketing. Kingfish feed on all and and any available food.  

  

Kingfish have huge eyes that appear to be glass like. They also have a mouth full of razor sharp teeth which is why using a wire leader is a must when targeting kingfish. There are several ways to fish for kingfish. Trolling, anchoring up and chumming the fish to you and drift fishing them. Trolling is the fastest way to cover a lot of ground to locate the fish. Most of the larger fish are caught trolling live baits, spoons or diving plugs.  Kingfish do not travel close enough to the surface to sight fish them. When using live baits make sure you do everything possible to keep your baits looking as natural as possible.  A down-rigger is used while trolling for kingfish as well  getting your baits deeper in the water column. The typical rig is a revolving spool reel with at least 300 yards of 15 to 30 pound line, a stinger rig consisting of a baited  hook and a treble hook trailed behind attached to a wire leader. Water clarity, bait availability and water temperatures all effect kingfish patterns.

 

Once you find the kingfish usually the action picks up and you will soon see there is not much slack time. The sound of screaming drags will surely get your immediate attention. They call the bigger kingfish smokers for good reason because your reels will be smoking throughout the entire battle with Mr. kingfish. Being bored and asking yourself what to do next will not be a factor once you start catching kings.  Once you hook into a kingfish be smooth and steady. As soon as the fish takes a rest  and gives you an inch to reel take advantage of that opportunity while you can.  There will be times when you have done everything just perfectly and all of a sudden your line will go slack and the hooks slip out and the fish is gone. That is part of fishing it will happen from time to time so accept it and get back to fishing.

 

Kingfish can be found both offshore and near-shore.  This month is a great time to get out and get your kingfish fix. Make sure you get a good nights sleep the night before because you will need every ounce of energy you have to keep up with the speedsters. Kingfish are famous for making long quick runs once hooked. They provide great action that keep the anglers coming back for more. Having a gaff onboard will help bring the kingfish on the boat. Be aware of their razor sharp teeth at all times. The daily bag limit on kingfish are 2 per person per day with a 24 inch to the fork minimum size.  

 

 

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Seeing is believing

 

Sight fishing cobia  can be one of the most exciting fish to stalk. Seeing these chocolate thunders in the water is enough to turn any angler’s adrenalin level into overdrive. Cobia hunters are as passionate about their sport as the die heart snook hunters are. Chasing cobes in near shore waters with spinning gear in hand and eyes peeled scanning the surface for that next fish is sure to keep the angler’s attention. Along Florida’s west coast can be one of the best places to find cobia. These big shouldered bruisers are second only to the tarpon in the hearts of many avid fisherman.

 

Cobia are a very hard fighting fish once hooked up. They pull as good if not better than any fish out there. Sight fishing has to be a team effort in order to be successful at it. Calm smooth water is the best conditions to spot fish in while sight casting. Most often the angler will position themselves on the bow of the boat while combing the surface for the slightest surface activity alerting them to their target. Cobia can be very finicky eaters. It would be best to carry a variety of both live bait as well as artificials when setting out in search of these brown beauties. Live eels seem to be the desired bait of choice .  Other live baits cobia seem to like are mullet, pinfish as well as crabs.

 

Cobia often swim in schools  just as mahi and tarpon do. The smaller fish sometimes get to your bait first , make sure you keep your fish on the line and the larger fish will stay with him. A helpful hint would be to use larger baits when going after the larger fish. Polarized sunglasses are a must when sight casting to fish. It is imperative to be able to see where to cast. Novice anglers are sometimes tempted to throw right at the fish which will spook the entire school and soon the fish will disappear out of sight. It is not normal for the bait to swim right up to a predator. When presenting live bait always remember to present the bait in the path of the fish and let the bait do the work. Bait fish and eels know what to do when a huge predator fish has zoomed in on them. The first cast may be your last cast at the fish so make sure to place it right where it needs to be. Being able to judge the distance of the cast will enhance the odds of catching more fish. Being prepared can make the difference between a good day of fishing compared to a great day of fishing.

 

Cobia have the same characteristics that a pit bull have. They are just as tenacious and once they are hooked the fight is on. Cobia run tandem with sting rays as well as manatee’s. They have found that staying close by the gentle giants a great moving shelter is provided as well as an easy way to scarf tidbits of food such as shrimp and crabs they fan off the bottom . Spotting rays and manatee’s in the shallow waters is a step in the right direction when seeking cobia on the flats. Look very closely down into the water because at times the cobia will stick very close to the sting rays and manatee’s making them nearly impossible to spot.

 

When approaching a ray the main goal is to get within casting range without spooking them first. Sudden throttle changes will scurry the fish and the rays to the bottom in a real hurry. Use an easy touch of the throttle or simply use trolling motor only when positioning the boat .  Cobia like to come to the surface to sun. Unlike snook and trout the cobia seem to strive in the warmth of the sunshine. It is not unusual to run across a pair of cobia swimming together on the surface verses a school of cobia. At times cobia can make the angler look foolish as they frolic along side the boat taunting the anglers on board.  The challenge of catching a cobia is what keeps cobia mania alive.

 

Many anglers at times believe they are casting to a brown shark when they first encounter a cobia. As cobia are cruising through the water they appear to be a shark at first glance. Like the shark cobia are not a bashful fish. When cobia are traveling alone surface noise usually helps to  attract them verses scaring them away. If the cobia are traveling with the sting rays or manatee’s it is important not to scare away those giants, when the cobia are riding with them. Cobia sure have a big fish attitude packed full of tremendous strength. Cobia can be tricky to the point of frustration. They can be very temperamental about taking a bait.

 

When sight casting to cobia timing is everything. Being able to make that perfect cast will definitely help determine the catch ratio . Cast ahead of the fish anticipating the direction of their path. The one on one  battle of angler verses fish does not get any better than sight casting to cobia. The hardest part of sight fishing is of course locating the fish.  Once the fish are located things become easier from that point on. Patience is a must when sight fishing. This method of fishing is not for the hurry up and go anglers. There is plenty of action with this type of fishing and the rewards as well as the memories are well worth the wait. Some days while sight fishing the action may take alot longer than anticipated. Fishing like hunting requires the ability to wait on certain conditions to be right before stalking the target. Being able to wait and watch will make a huge difference in the overall success rate of your goals while out on the water.

 

 

Training the eye to be able to spot the fish takes work as well as many hours on the water. It will not come overnight. Whenever the opportunity to sight fish presents itself don’t pass it up. The memories will last a lifetime. It sure is the best way to get up close and personal with the fish. Sight fishing is a challenge to say the least, but heck they call it fishing and not catching for a reason. Good luck and make it a point to get out there and catch cobia fever!

 

 

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Tarpon Fever

 

It is that time of the year again.  Anglers from all over the world flock to Florida to try to hook into an almighty “Silver King”. Tarpon are one of the most sought after game-fish in the world. Boca Grande Pass has been a tarpon destination for many years.  In Spanish Boca Grande translates to “big mouth” coming from the mouth of the waterway called the Boca Grande Pass. Boca Grande is known as the Tarpon capital of the world. Each summer tarpon migrate to the pass by the thousands. Perhaps the island should have been named after their “big fish” as well.

 

Tarpon fishing plays a vital role in the islands economy as well as the local area’s economy. There are many traditional guides in Boca Grande who still fish the traditional drift method that they perfected over the years. It is quite an experience to book a charter with one of the charter Captains who still practice that style of fishing. They have it down to a science and know the Pass probably better than they know themselves. They also know how to take care of the fish after it is hooked.

 

It is no secret that fighting a tarpon on light tackle wears the tarpon out past exhaustion. When the tarpon is released after a long fight they become easy prey to the fleet of sharks that lurk in and around the pass during this time of the year. So it is best to get the tarpon released as quickly as possible so it has a better chance to survive.

 

If you have ever had the privilege of hooking into a tarpon then you know firsthand what a thrill it is to watch the tarpon begin a series of spectacular acrobatic jumps in the air as it explodes out of the water. Seeing this sight up close and personal  is sure to get your heart pounding.

 

Tarpon can be caught from jetties, docks, passes, rivers, beaches as well as close to the shoreline. There are a variety of baits that are used while targeting tarpon. The tarpon crab also known as a “pass crab” is one of the preferred baits of choice. Threadfins are used on the beaches as well while sight casting to the fish. Squirrel fish are used frequently in the Boca Grande Pass I sometimes refer to them as tarpon candy.

 

A ceratin bait may work better at a certain time depending on such variables as tide flow, moon phase, location, time of the day as well as what the tarpon seem to be feeding on best that particular day.  Tarpon have an air bladder which allows them to absorb oxygen . You can see the tarpon come to the surface and gulp air. When you see this for the first time it is just about the time your knee’s start to feel weak.  Try to remember that in most cases the fish you see rolling will not be the fish that bite. Get your baits up ahead of the fish and let it sink down below to the bigger fish in the school. There will be times the tarpon slurp your baits as soon as they hit the water so you need to be ready at all times.

 

I do a lot of beach fishing for tarpon. Where you actually are sight casting to the pods of fish. This is a great way to see the fish up close. Your first cast is going to be your most important cast. Being able to get that first cast into the pod of fish may determine whether you get a hook up or not. Stalking the tarpon on the beach is very much like stalking wild game you have to be very quiet and move slowly. Trolling motors are a must in this style of fishing. You have to get up ahead of the fish and position the boat so you are casting to the fish and get ready to hang on.

 

You would think that a fish as big as a tarpon would always have a fierce strike but there are times that the initial bite is very subtle and you will quickly feel dead weight once you set the hook . Then it is time to start having fun with the magnificent fish at the end of your line.  Tarpon have a very abrasive mouth and you have to be sure that you penetrate their mouth with your hook set to assure landing the fish.

 

You have to also remember to bow to the fish once the fish explodes out of the water to release the tension in the line and you need to be ready to reel as soon as the tarpon hits the water while keeping your line tight.  If and when the tarpon shoots out of the water a second and third time bow the rod tip again. I have seen numerous anglers lose their tarpon because they get “buck fever” well in this case “tarpon fever” and forget to bow the rod tip. It has happened to the best of us.

 

Remember to show fishing etiquette when you are around other boats fishing tarpon. There is no excuse for getting too close to other boats who are working a school of fish.  Tarpon are easily spooked and constant boat traffic running over top of the schools will only decrease your odds of catching one . Be patient and you will be rewarded with a fish of a lifetime. Tarpon are my favorite fish to catch so this time of the year I, like many others, am ready to tango with a tarpon or two. I get just as excited each and every time I hook a tarpon as I did with my first tarpon I ever caught. Until you’ve experience it firsthand, you will not fully understand what it feels like.

 

 

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Fishful Thinking

 

Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year. It is for everyone and everything we hold dear. With a name like “Merry” rest assured Christmas is even more special to me. December 25th is also my birthday and my parents got creative and spelled my name using the Christmas spirit. I never complained , my name with it’s spelling is unique just as Christmas is.

 

Ever year as the holidays get closer we all start thinking about our  priorities in life. Most of them have to do with new commitments being made to spend more quality time with family and friends. With the economy so unstable more and more families are talking of foregoing their standard  practices of taking a major vacation every year or two, to doing things together more often and closer to home. Fishing and boating should be put at the top of everyone’s lists as good, healthy alternatives.

 

So this Christmas, don’t make it the usual video games, computer programs and other stay inside couch potato items for under the tree, give the gift of family togetherness. Fishing and boating items go beyond just getting people outdoors, they create bonds and memories that last a lifetime. You just cannot put a price tag on the thrill of watching a youngster catch their first fish or drive a boat for the first time. This is all about quality time spent together while enjoying the beautiful waters we are blessed to have at our fingertips. The getting ready, the going, the time on the water, the talking and connecting and the stories afterwards it what life is all about. If at some point in the process a fish interrupts, then that is a real bonus!

 

Instead of fishing ourselves devote all your attention to helping other’s who may be new to the sport so they too can learn the basics. Be patient, be supportive and get them involved. You can even let them take a turn at driving the boat when conditions allow, then they too will truly understand that water works wonders.

 

We all have a lot to be thankful for.   There are no amount of gifts wrapped under a Christmas tree with my name on them that can be compared to the amount of joy  I have been able to share with my Niece and Nephews fishing here in Florida over the years. Watching them grow up before my eyes and become better with their angling skills has put a permanent smile on my face. When they were younger they would allow me to help them bait their hooks and reel up their fish. Not anymore they want to do everything on their own to show me just how much they have learned.

 

I suppose the days when I used to  hook a nice snook  myself and hand the rod off to them letting them think they caught the fish are over with. All they want to do when they arrive for their vacations is fish. Forget about Disney World and forget about X-Box and cell phones all they care about is catching fish.

 

This is the time of the year to go out and support your local tackle shops and shop for your  special angler or your special outdoor enthusiast. Our local tackle and bait shops need the business.

 

 

My Mother instilled in me at a very young age that Christmas was indeed far more than the exchanging of gifts. I am thankful to her and always will be for teaching me that. Christmas to me is being together with family and friends and being able to share wonderful happy loving times with those we love.  Please always take that extra minute to tell your loved ones you love them. Not just at Christmas time but each and everyday of the year. Family and friends are two very powerful things . Remember to help other’s when you can that may be less fortunate  than you and I.  The spirit of Santa Claus can come into our lives each and everyday if we allow him to. The smallest gesture  to you may be a grand gesture to the person on the receiving end. Merry Christmas to you all. I hope your holidays are filled with lots of fish, and lots of happiness.

 

 

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Fishing can be fun for all ages……       

 

The one great thing about fishing is that there are no stipulation’s on age to qualify. All ages can enjoy this recreational activity.  This past week I have been blessed with having my 5 year old Nephew Chance Carter Nelson staying with me. He is from Duluth , Ga. and he sure loves his fishing. The great thing about taking a child fishing is they are not as hard to please as the adult anglers are. Just as long as their fishing pole is bent they are happy and it does not matter what is on the line as far as what species their catch is.   As soon as we arrived at my house he was ready to get in the boat and go fishing. There is no lack of energy or excitement in this little guy’s heart. If he could he would fish from sun up till sun down each and everyday just like all of us avid anglers dream about doing when it fits into our schedules of our everyday lives. Being a 5 year old my Nephew’s schedule  was wide open for the entire week he was here.  So we fished a lot and we smiled a lot as well.

 

If I could freeze frame every time my Nephew had a smile on his face out there fishing I would have enough beautiful memories to last me a lifetime. That is exactly why I was prepared with plenty of film in my camera so I could capture all those wonderful happy, proud moments he showed in his expressions as he was reeling up all the fish he caught.  I know he has got to be sick of his Aunt Merry saying “ OK  1-2-3 smile” It is well worth my efforts though because as he gets older he will have many pictures I captured of all the great times he was able to experience as a child here in Florida fishing.  He can sit down and reflect on those times and who knows maybe someday he himself will be showing those same pictures to his kids. I sure hope so.

 

Another great thing about taking kids fishing is that they are easily entertained if you allow them to play in the bait well after it gets filled with all your baitfish for the day. He enjoyed watching the bait get caught and watched over the bait all afternoon in the bait well to give us updated reports as to how the little baitfish were doing . Kids can be great chum throwers too. Just point them in the right direction and they will fire away chumming the fish up. The biggest problem with having them help to chum is trying to come up with a way to stop them . (Before all your bait is gone). But do keep an eye on the kids and make sure they save some baits to fish with. After all the person who worked hard to catch that bait would appreciate being able to use it after the kids have had their fun playing with it.

 

One thing that amazes me when a kid is fishing is their desire to want to listen and learn. Unlike us adult anglers, they don’t think they know it all . I bought my Nephew a travel fishing combination rod and reel that he can bring back and forth with him from Ga. . It came with it’s own carrying case and I put his name on the case so he really felt special.  He caught more fish than he can count with that little rod and reel combo . I even used it at times to reel up some snappers. It at times worked better than the more expensive equipment on board. We had some great bonding time together and he will never ever forget all the special times we shared on the water during his stay.  To be able to see a child’s huge smile as they are reeling up their fish is worth a thousand words. A picture captures their happiness in an instant and I always send lots and lots of pictures home to  his Mommy and Daddy as well.

 

When you have kids fishing with you there is no need to target huge fish. As I mentioned earlier just so long as their rod is bending often they are as happy as a pig in a blanket. The size of their catch is not so important to them as it is to other anglers. Their fish do not grow bigger by the time we arrive back to the dock. I know at times some of my fish have grown tremendously just in the amount of time from when I caught it till it arrived back home to make the story sound all that much better. I know at times my 10 pound snook has become a 14 pound snook without ever growing an inch. Remember to bring lots of water and juices and snacks for the kids.  I have often been amazed at the amount of food their little tummy’s can hold.  Having leftovers is far better than having nothing to eat while out fishing in the hot summer temperatures we have here in Southwest Florida. Make sure you apply sun block on the kids a half hour before heading out in the sun. A hat and sunglasses help too.

 

Take a kid fishing when you can, I promise you that you will not regret it! My Nephew is already planning his next fishing adventure back here and I can’t wait either. I will miss all that positive energy he had, it started to wear off on me as well. I felt as though as I was a kid again too and there is nothing wrong with that feeling.

 

 

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Fishing is no longer a sport just for guys

 

More and more woman are getting involved with the sport of fishing. At one time fishing was though to be only a man’s game. Fishing now is one of the most equal opportunity sports in existence.  Men and woman can compete on the same exact playing field without having a handicap. That clubhouse mentality of “no girls allowed “ is history.

 

The overall influx of woman into the sport fishing industry is for the better. There now are more husbands and wives fishing together, more family oriented fishing tournaments, more youth fishing tournaments and more family fishing in general then ever before.

 

Woman anglers have been known to actually listen to advise verses always giving it. Woman are very focused and and will learn from the advise they are given. Most fishing guides will agree that they would prefer a woman angler on their boat any day verses a male angler who knows it all and will not admit they still have plenty of room to learn more about fishing. Woman unlike most male anglers will ask questions when in doubt. I will not go so far as to say that ego does not come into play with female anglers because it does. Maybe not to the degree it at times reaches with our male counterpart fishing friends.

 

The typical stereo type that woman cannot be feminine if they go fishing has been shed along time ago.  Woman can look just as glamorous on the water as they do while out enjoying a nice dinner in an upscale restaurant.  A vast line of outdoor woman apparel designed by woman for woman is available to female anglers at most of the larger outdoor fishing and boating stores nationwide. Woman no longer have to wear those baggy clothes their husbands and boyfriends loan them.

 

The balance of woman in the fishing community is on the rise and they are increasing daily. Woman who get invloved with fishing now get to spend more quality time with their loved ones . Especially if the entire family gets involved and they all can fish together. There is no reason ladies need to stay home and wait for their fisherman to arrive. You too can enjoy all that fishing offers. There is no need to feel intimidated when it comes to fishing.  It is an outdoor activity we all can enjoy.

 

Why do you think the old saying “lady luck” applies when it comes to fishing. 9 times out of 10 the female angler on board will have the hot hand when it comes to fishing. They call it lady luck for a reason.  Not only do the ladies usually catch the most fish they often catch the biggest fish as well. Once this occurs the men onboard start paying better attention to their own fishing verses trying to instruct us ladies how to fish.

 

I can  not think of a more relaxing peaceful stress reliever than fishing. Is is a great stress reliever as well. Spending time on the water with family and friends is priceless and so are the precious memories created. Fishing is supposed to be fun. It does not always have to be a sport to determine who will catch the biggest fish or the most fish.  If competition is what drives you there are plenty of competitive fishing tournaments where you can do just that – compete.

 

The actual catching of fish to me is an added bonus to an already magnificent day on the water.  Being able to see dolphins, manatee, pelicans, eagles and  osprey just to name a few wildlife sightings is special in itself.  We are truly blessed being able to live here in the “sunshine state” surrounded by  such beauty. Florida is after all known as the “ Fishing Capital of the World” so why not get out there ladies and enjoy some great fishing that  Florida has to offer us.  

 

 

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Help Minimize Monofilament  Madness

 

The diversity and beauty of Florida’s marine habitats is what attracts tens of millions visitors to the sunshine state. Beautiful beaches, clean waters, and great fishing are things that set Florida apart and are the reasons many people call Florida home. Conserving vital marine habitat such as our mangroves, coral reefs, marine life, and our estuaries are critical to Florida’s economy. While these resources do belong to all of us, we all have a personal responsibility to use these resources wisely. We also have a responsibility to educate others when we see someone not respecting our marine habitat.  Going “green” definitely has a place in the fishing industry

 

Monofilament fishing line can last up to 600 years in the environment where it entangles wildlife. Monofilament fishing line is a threat to birds, fish, turtles, manatee’s dolphins boaters as well as swimmers. Monofilament fishing line that is discarded in the environment is hazardous to most anything it tangles with including humans. Thousands of marine mammals are killed or maimed by fishing line every year according to Leesa Souto who heads the Midwest Research Institute-Florida division. She is the manager there of educational programs as well. It is imperative that all anglers use proper fishing ethics. Those little things anglers do when they are unobserved are what in turn governs their impulses when no one is looking. Accidental line loss is a common occurrence during fishing outings, but by practicing responsible line handling some line can be recovered before it becomes dangerous marine debris.

 

We need to fish responsibly at all times as if we are always being watched by the eyes of Mother nature.   More and more anglers are proving they have a conscience. Fishing ethics is conscience. Without ethics and common courtesy the entire system would indeed fail. Education as always plays a major role in conservation. Without ethical anglers following fisheries regulations soon there would be no fish of value left for any of us to fish for. We need to learn respect for all the forces needed to be able to work together in harmony to produce a healthy marine resource, so we can ensure good fishing for generations to come. Respect for nature as well as respect for other anglers is what fishing ethics are all about.

 

The following are a few suggestions as to how you can avoid monofilament line loss. First always keep tabs on unwanted line while your fishing. If your in a boat always store your extra line in a safe place where it will not blow out of the boat. Next never empty your spool by leaving your reel bail open while trolling. This can and will potentially be a disaster. Always try to practice safe accurate casting trying to avoid mangroves and wires and rocks etc. where break offs can occur. Please always try to retrieve any line you happen to see in the water or along the mangroves to the best of your ability while keeping your safety first and foremost. One last note always change your line often on your fishing reels so the line does not become brittle and break off.

 

A few years back a  Charlotte Harbor female 2 year old dolphin was rescued because it had  become entangled in monofilament fishing that was left in the water by an irresponsible angler. The fishing line was wrapped around the pectoral fin and had cut through the bone, causing an infection that needed immediate attention or the infection may have caused this dolphin to lose her life. This is becoming more and more of a huge issue that needs to be addressed so all anglers can become better educated on why it is necessary to keep all trash out of the water. Disposing of fishing line, food, containers, 6-pack rings, plastic bags, cans etc. and any other garbage into the water is against the law.

 

Scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory has treated many dolphins that have become entangled in fishing line. Turtles and birds also have been victims of  people not properly disposing of their fishing line. The dolphin is just one of many examples of a marine mammal that suffers because of  discarded fishing line left behind. All too often many of us are quick to judge and have been guilty of putting blame on commercial fishing nets as the culprit to many of these maimed mammals. That is just not the case in every incident.  Recreational anglers are just as much at fault here. We all are responsible for our actions. We all need to work together to help reduce  fishing line entanglement. We all need to help heighten the awareness that fishing line impacts to the marine environment instead of being so quick to put the blame onto others.

 

There are more and more people fishing Florida’s waters.  After all we are known as the “Fishing Capital of The World”. We all need to be better stewards of the resources. We are very blessed to have such beautiful marine life. A song title from well known folk artist Bobby Hicks, a Tampa native and Florida cracker sums it up nicely, “It’s Florida Need I Say More”. One other topic I would like to touch on is why it is important Not to feed the dolphins. Dolphins are very intelligent mammals. They learn very quickly. You are not doing the dolphins any favors by teaching them it is ok to beg for food boat side or dockside.

 

Too many times I have personally seen fisherman anchored up catching and releasing snook, trout, redfish etc. directly and indirectly straight in the mouths of these dolphins. Also note this practice can and will deplete game-fish stocks you are fishing for. Sure at first it may seem cute, heck it’s even better than Sea World but please keep in mind you  ultimately are altering their natural behaviors and feeding habits they need to survive in the wild. One last thing to note this practice of feeding the dolphin or harassing them in anyway is prohibited by federal law and is punishable up to a $10,000 fine. So please the next time you see “flipper” cruising by remember to observe at a safe distance.

 

We all need to do our part to protect the environment so our youth will be able to enjoy the great outdoors for years to come.      

 

 

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My Life living with a fishing guide

 

Well first things first. I must warn you living with a fishing guide is as “fishy” as it gets. When I say fishy I mean lots and lots of fresh fish for meals (so you better acquire a taste for fresh fish), loads of dead fish for bait inside the freezer in ziplock bags, the same freezer that used to hold waffles, frozen dinner entrée’s, and ice cubes and other such items a normal freezer usually would hold quickly becomes a fish box. We do have a total of three freezers here at the house but it appears they have all become fish freezers over time and I have given up that fight. I simply try to find ways to sneak in the occasional frozen pizza or ice cube tray when I can. That is if I can get past all the frozen Gatorade bottles the Captain uses for ice in the boats ice chest that he managed to stick in there when I was not looking. You can forget about throwing away any sort of plastic bottle it will reappear in the freezer long before the garbage men arrive.

 

Living with a fishing guide can be challenging at best. Having to child proof a fishing guides house prior to the arrival of my Niece and Nephew’s is a must. Making sure each and every hook is out of reach and all the lures hanging from light fixtures full of treble hooks are out of sight so they don’t decide to use them as airplanes. Most people child proofing a house think to lock the cabinets that house the cleaning supplies, or put up a gate where you want to keep the kids away from , or to move all breakables to higher ground. Those are all very important tasks as well but child proofing a house full of sharp hooks and sharp pretty little fishing lures is the top priority before any child can enter our home.

 

I must admit it is not just the children that need to be cautious , I have found that each and every time I  vacuum the house it never fails I hook into a leader with a hook attached to the other end which severely slows down my clean up process not to mention hard on my Hoover. I simply shut off the vacuum and sit on the carpet while I figure out how to get the fishing line off the roller on the bottom of the vacuum while at the same time trying not to use any curse words. Eventually I get the job done and go back to my cleaning. Another struggle I have is when I go to look for my favorite Tupperware piece in the cupboard and realize that has now become a tackle tray for the boat. We go through more Tupperware and Rubbermaid items than you can imagine. We are also single handily keeping the Ziplock company in business. A fishing guide will use a ziplock baggie for most everything from a wallet, a cell phone case, or a leader holder.

 

When I first moved in with my fishing guide I often wondered if the weather channel was the only channel he got on his television. It seemed that was the only thing we ever watched. Well that and the occasional fishing program of course. I have since found a way to fix that we now have several tv’s located throughout the house so I am able to escape and watch my favorite shows when I want to. When my family members first met my fishing guide boyfriend they often asked me “Why does he always talk about the weather “ I explained to them that his business depended on the weather daily and he needed to be aware of the weather in order to prepare for his fishing trips. So after hearing my explanation my family member’s quickly nicknamed him the “Weatherman”.

 

Living with a fishing guide does have rewards as well. If you enjoy fishing as much as I do being able to drop the boat in the water on any given day weather permitting sure does have a nice ring to it. I have been spoiled to say the least. I do not wander off too far alone without bringing along my own personal fishing guide boyfriend when wetting a line. Not having to worry about how to tie a knot, or what hook to use, or what bait to throw sure reduces my stress level on the water. I can simply focus on making that perfect cast to my target fish and holding on for dear life. Living with a fishing guide sure has given my little Niece and Nephew’s some wonderful memories as well. Being able to share fishing with them has been very rewarding to both of us. The kids will have those memories with them for a lifetime. Talk  about being spoiled the kids were treated like royalty on the boat. They have experienced catching some of the most sought after fish in Southwest Florida at a very young age while some angler’s fish for years before being able to say they caught a trophy fish.  At times  some of the fish they were reeling up were darn near as big as they were. Talk about a Kodak moment. I have picture albums filled with all the special photo’s that I will someday hand over to them as they get older.  

 

When it comes to traveling the first thing we pack is of course the fishing rods and reels and plenty of tackle regardless of where we might be heading. Then we worry about our clothes and all those other necessities. We came to the conclusion that it was better to have the fishing gear with us and never get the chance to use it verses not having it with us at all. Thank goodness we have a huge van to carry all our fishing gear in. We actually could open a small Bass Pro Shop here at the house. I would only have one request if we were to open such a shop, that being we build a barn outside to welcome all our angler enthusiasts to shop in verses taken over the our last guest bedroom to use as a fishing tackle storage room here at the house.

 

My life living with a fishing guide is a challenge on a daily basis, but it is a challenge I obviously am up for. I would not trade it for the world. Fishing is such a serene rewarding activity one I am not willing to give up anytime soon. I have learned to let a lot of things slide and patience was always something I had trouble grasping . Living with a fishing guide has taught me patience I never thought in a million years I would achieve. Until next time I am off to go see what I can catch for dinner.    

 

 

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Permit in Paradise

 

Permit are sometimes referred to as “King Pompano”. Permit like the very similar but smaller pompano are both members of the jack family and are powerful fighters. I think I recently added permit to my top three fish I like to catch list.  Permit are usually thought of as fish of the flats . Many fly fishing anglers love to stalk permit on the flat just as they do bonefish.  But now anglers have discovered permit spawning on the offshore reefs.

 

Recently I was on board Captain Van Hubbard’s Let’s Go Fishin 23 foot Dorado when Esther Horton of Englewood Florida booked a Birthday trip for her husband Mac Horton who is the Supervisor of Elections here in Charlotte County. Esther made it clear that she wanted Mac to catch big fish. After all  he was the “Birthday Boy”.

 

Mac did hook up with the first big permit of the day. Soon after Esther’s line went screaming she too had a big permit on her line. Double header !  I could tell that Esther was happy and so was her husband. Life was good.  Esther had never caught a permit so she was enjoying the moment. She had several other permit on some took her to the wreck before she could turn them . At one point I thought the permit was going to pull her overboard until she decided she was going to take control of the fish.  She saw firsthand how powerful permit can be but she was not about to back down to the fish especially when her husband was catching them one after the other. Once Esther got the feeling of the fish she settled down and landed her share of fish on that day too.

 

Ladies you too can land big fish it is a  matter of relaxing and feeling the rod and knowing when you can gain some line back when the fish goes to rest. It is quite an accomplishment knowing you won the battle. More and more woman are setting world records with their catches.

 

Finding permit is not the hard part. The hard part is catching them.  When you go to the reefs arrive as early as you can just after daylight and keep your eyes wide open looking for curved black tails sticking out of the water. They will barely slice the surface but early in the day they can be spotted this way.  You also may see a mirror like flash of the fish as the sun gets higher. There also is a possibility you will be able to see the permit’s white lips.  Whether you spot them by their tails, their lips or their shine I assure you it will get your attention in a hurry once you do spot them.

 

Permit will hang around structure in depths of  water 20 feet or greater. They can be as wary as a bonefish so use a stealth approach when targeting these fish. The key to catching permit is being at the right place at the right time with the right bait on hand. Permit on the reefs move on a regular basis. They may be on one wreck one day and two days later they are gone. You may even have to run from one reef to another in search of these giant silver slabs.

 

Permit can be very suspicious especially if they have been over-fished on a certain reef.  Use your trolling motors when approaching a reef that has been holding permit.  Anchoring up and or drifting is a great method to catch permit as well.

 

There are certain periods throughout the day when permit are on the top of the water and are easiest to see. The first being during slack tide between the incoming and the outgoing flow.  When the current stops flowing the fish come to the surface.  Also keep your eyes peeled for tailing permit when the surface is flat calm which usually is early morning or between the land breezes and the sea breeze. Drifting a live crab usually works best under these conditions.

 

When rigging for permit use a clear monofilament line or a super stretch braided line and a fluorocarbon leader.  Permit have those great big round eyes for a reason . You should use a hook that is in proportion with the size of your crab your using for bait.  When fishing permit on the reefs be prepared when a hooked permit tries to take cover on the structure below every chance they get to . So be prepared for that so you can adjust and keep your permit from cutting you off. Goliath grouper also can be a problem fishing the reefs.  Nearly every structure off our coast has resident Goliaths  that can range from 50 pounds to over 500 pounds. These giant fish will eat any fish they can catch up to including a prize permit.

 

Reef fishing can be great fun. You never know what you may hook into or what other fish you will see out there. On some recent outings I was able to  fish certain reefs that had plenty of spinner sharks there to entertain me with their wild spins out of the water as well as several barracuda and several other smaller sharks. There have been days that the mackerel shot out of the water as well as an occasional sky rocketing kingfish. Larger sharks also frequent the offshore reefs.

 

If you are working a school of permit on a reef it is best to cast the crab slightly up-tide of where the fish are and let it drift past them at the surface. Permit feed on crabs so they are one of their favorite baits to slurp in. A light cork sometimes will help to keep your crab suspended and also helps give the angler a visual to alert them to reel as their cork disappears under water.

 

If you have never caught a permit before once you do it will not be your last one. Permit will quickly cause your adrenalin level to rise. They are a very strong fighting fish and seeing their silver reflection down in the water as your reeling in your fish is a sight you will always remember. Permit have a personality all of their own. They are equipped with all the hard fighting genes their cousins in the jack family portray.

 

Permit are not known to eat other fish they feed on crabs and other crustaceans  such as shrinp and sand fleas. Just about any sort of crab you throw at a permit seems to get bit when the permit are aggressively feeding. The little pass crabs that are found in the passes this time of the year in the weedlines tend to be a favorite of the permit. Remember  that big permit like big crabs so toss a larger crab when targeting big permit. Palm size blue crabs are  big permit candy.  

 

There are certain times that an imitation crab will work just as well. The new CW Crab lure was a successful choice on one of my recent offshore reef fishing experience’s targeting permit.  Within seconds after I tossed one of the CW crab lures  out to a school of permit I was hooked up with a beautiful 25 pound fish. The bigger permit tend to drift just below the surface ,occasionally finning or bobbing on top while investigating the weed clumps looking for food.

 

Patience is a must when looking to catch big permit.  Make sure tour first cast is as accurate as it can get. Do not cast the crab right on the head of the permit, lead the cast so it lands up ahead of the fish so it will enhance your catch ratio. Permit seem to thrive in warm summer weather when the water temperatures are also elevated. Permit is a fish you need no permit to catch. It is legal to keep one per day 20 inches to the fork or more. Permit make for a great photo fish. They are also good eating.

 

So ladies get out there with your fishing family and try your luck at hooking into one of these beautiful fish. I promise you the fight will be one that sticks with you for quite sometime. The best thing is “no permit”  is required to catch these magnificent game-fish.

 

www.cwcrab.com can perhaps be added at the end of my article since their product was mentioned in my story and  FSF  is listed on their media information as a publication that captured interest in this crab lure.

 

 

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Please do not feed the dolphin

 

Sure it may seem cute and harmless and what a great photo opportunity but feeding wild dolphins is not only very dangerous to them as well as to humans it is also against the law.  It is best to observe this beautiful animal from a safe distance . Living here in Florida we are fortunate to be able to  encounter dolphin’s surfing in our waterways on any given day. Watching the dolphin swim and play is sure to put a smile on your face. Watching a dolphin in the wild is priceless.

 

 

What might seem to be a kind gesture can cause changes in the behavior of the dolphin which may eventually cause them to be wounded or even killed.    This is a growing problem  worldwide but here in Florida I have personally seen an increase in this human behavior at an alarming rate. Feeding wild dolphins will disrupt their social groups which inturn threatens their ability to survive in the wild. Young dolphins will not survive if their Mother competes with them for  a “free lunch “  while failing to teach them to search for food.

 

 If you are out fishing and notice the dolphin have started to surround your boat while you are catching and releasing fish it is time to move to another fishing location.  Your fishing is essentially over with at this point anyhow. All too often I have witnessed a boat load of people fishing who stay far too long in an area feeding each released fish directly to the dolphin. By doing this you are cutting short the life span of the dolphins you are feeding.    Education will help here but please remember to pull the anchor and switch gears to find another fishing ” honey hole “ that is not being occupied by hungry dolphin. The average citizen probably does not even realize that feeding a dolphin is harmful to the dolphins.  But there are those that do know better yet still feel the need to harass the dolphin. There have been reports of people feeding the dolphin anything from hot dogs, to beer and candy bars this is unacceptable behavior. If you do happen to witness any of the above mentioned behavior please call the  FWC hotline to report it. That number is  888-404- FWCC ( 3922).

 

Dolphins are a lot of things but one thing they are not is stupid.  If they realize they are getting a free hand out they quickly adapt and will not leave the area anytime soon. That is why it is up to us to make the first move and leave the area. There are enough obstacles out there in the wild that can harm the dolphins on any given day such as red tide, boat props, sharks,  and entanglements  so please do not add to the already existing list of  dangers the dolphin face.

 

Dolphins are hunters not beggars , but when humans offer then free food like most other animals they take the easy way out. They in turn learn to beg for a living and lose their fear of humans.  The “Flipper “ myth has given us all the wrong idea that wild dolphins are friendly. Flipper was actually a  trained captive dolphin who knew not to bite the hand that fed him. There is a flip side to Flipper. Have you ever taken the time to look into a dolphins mouth. Although it appears dolphin are sporting a 24 hour a day smile those teeth are sharp and a dolphin can bite you in an instance. Wild dolphins will bite when they are angry, frustrated ,  or plain old hungry.

 

Dolphins do have a reputation of being very friendly however they are wild and should be treated with respect as well as caution.  Dolphins lose their survival skills which makes them vulnerable when there is human interference. Dolphins tend to swim too close to boat props and can be severely injured. It does not take them long to associate people with food which sets them up to all sorts of hazards. They can become entangled in fishing nets, hooks, and line and die.

 

Dolphins have great eyesight both in and out of the water and a good sense of taste they do not have a sense of smell.  So when they see an angler releasing a live fish that is in a weakened state the dolphin will jump at the opportunity for a free hand out and eat each and every fish you are releasing right before your eyes.  Do yourself as well as the dolphin a favor and when you see this happening do everything in your power to stop it.

 

 

There are far too many dolphins out there in our local waters who have been injured by the lack of responsibility of human behavior. It hurts me on a personal level when I  see a dolphin with a dorsal fin gone or a fin or clipper entangled with fishing line which weakens the dolphins ability to survive.  We all need to be better educators . I would like to think that once people realize that feeding a dolphin is harming that dolphin while at the same time illegal that they will stop doing it.  

 

I am sure that when FWC officers speak to the  people who are feeding the dolphin  get the same response ” We never knew it was illegal “  But please remember it is a federal offense to feed or harass a wild dolphin.  So let’s all try to educate others where and when we can to protect these beautiful animals so we can continue to enjoy their beauty for years to come.

 

 

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Back-country Basics

 

Back-country fishing provides a special kind of tranquility that only shallow water fishing can provide. It is a world hidden deep in the mangroves where your GPS and fish finder machines will not come into play. back-country fishing also referred to as flats fishing is all about precision. There is something for everyone when it comes to fishing in Florida. If blue water fishing is not your forte and you want to avoid sea sickness at all cost, back-country fishing is a true “get away from it all” adventure. If you are not up for a long offshore deep water fishing trip back-country fishing is for you. back-country fishing can be enjoyed by the entire family. More and more woman have gotten involved in this type of fishing which is sometimes referred to as “skinny water” fishing. Being able to see the shoreline and see land in general is a prerequisite of many anglers . Backwater fishing is a good way to get introduced to fishing in general. The pure beauty around you will be enough to get your attention catching fish will simply be a bonus to an already perfect day in paradise.

 

A fringe benefit of fishing the shallows is the scenery. You will be able to witness osprey’s eagle’s, white pelicans , spoonbills as well as many other tropical bird species for no extra charge. Dolphin, manatee as well as alligator’s will be among the many sights you see during your marine version of Jurassic Park.  If you like the challenge of stalking and having to make a near perfect cast to a fish you will be right at home in the back-country shallow water. Ladies can master this form of fishing just as well as their male counterparts. There is not a more relaxing form of fishing out there. Many times woman are hesitant to go offshore to the deeper blue water. The rough water  that is sometimes encountered as well as the travel time to reach your offshore fishing destinations is not for everyone. I was recently able to go inshore fishing with a family who owns a 65 foot sportfishing boat. Inshore fishing was something they had not done a lot of. This particular family was used to catching marlin and swordfish as well as sailfish. An inshore slam was something they never had heard of. That was about to change. After reeling up snook until their arms hurt along with some keeper redfish I do believe it will be something their family will definitely be doing more of in the near future.

 

If you have been reluctant to even consider heading into the “back-country” due to the draft of your boat or maybe because you did not really think there were any fish up those creeks, you will be surprised at what you have been missing. There is a whole new world out there you have yet to explore. There is a large amount of water that is unreachable to the casual angler thus providing some of the best fishing you could have ever wished for. The transparent shallows are usually beaming with life below. You the angler have to do your best to not be distracted by all the beauty that surrounds you while in the back-country. The herons wading nearby or the pelican and gulls that are diving down to dip up their meal will at times get your attention.

 

The dark brown bottom in the mangroves are basically a giant solar pad. The light coming through the mangrove leaves warms the water. Especially during the heat of the day fish come out of their deeper holes into the shallow areas to lie in the sun to warm up. These fish can be easily spooked so you will challenge your skills as an angler when targeting these shallow water fish. A push pole is something you will not want to forget when you are planning a day of back-country fishing. The task of getting your boat into the area where the fish are located is challenging enough. Once you reach that area a push pole will help you quietly get close enough to the fish to make an accurate cast you will need in order to successfully land backwater fish. You will be amazed at how close you can get to the southwest shallow water fish such as redfish, trout, snook ,and  tarpon  as well as many other backwater fish. Bonefish, permit and shallow water sharks are very popular southeast fish in the back-country. Only certain designed boats can even attempt getting into the back-country. If your lucky enough to have someone pole you through the shallows from the stern of the boat all the better. There are a variety of boat manufactures who have designed special flats boat for this type of fishing. Maverick, Lake and Bay, Hewes, Dorado, and B/C are just a few of those such boats that were built to back-country fish in.

 

Most of the fish that feed on flats for one reason and that is the prey is easier to chase down, in deeper open water bait can move almost in any direction they choose to in order to escape. Bait cannot move in the up and down direction in the flats therefore making it easier for the fish to catch. If your looking for a slow paced day in the water fishing look no further head to the back-country. On the water today we are seeing more and more flats boats than ever before. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing a tailing school of redfish just out of your reach due to the skinny water that surrounds you. Many anglers start out being blue water anglers until they experience the thrills of catching inshore fish. Before they know it they are out purchasing a flats boat while at the same time they are putting up a big for sale sign on their offshore boat.

 

It is all a matter of personal preference when it comes to what style of fishing one chooses. back-country fishing as with fly fishing can both provide a certain clam that is hard to come by. Slow drifting in the shallow waters of the back-country is a peacefulness that is priceless. Patience is a must when fishing in shallow water. If you can see the fish guess what they can also see you. Even a simple shadow reflecting onto the water can spook those skinny water fish. A good pair of polarized sunglasses with inshore green lenses will help you see the fish hopefully before they see you. It is imperative to be as quiet as possible at all times. The slightest sounds can be heard by the fish below.Move slowly around the boat and be ready to cast at all times.

 

You will be amazed at just how close you can get to the fish if you are patient. Catching fish in the shallow water on light tackle is as good as it gets. Being able to sight fish and watch the fish take your bait is a picture that will stay with you a lifetime. Another great benefit to shallow water fishing is it only takes a fraction of the time to get to your fishing destination verses going offshore to deep water fish. With gas prices as high as they are back-country fishing is a cheaper route to take to feed your fishing addiction, verses offshore fishing which demands a lot more gas. Both styles of fishing attract many anglers it is up to you to decide what style best fits you and your expectations.  There is a reason so many flats boats are on the water. Skinny water fishing is as good as it gets. It is a totally different perspective being able to see the fish you are casting to. Your adrenalin level increases by the second. Communication is a must with this type of fishing as well. There is not a lot of extra space on board a flats boat so making use of all the available space will help everyone onboard have a more successful fishing trip. If you do not own a boat or are not fortunate enough to live with a fishing guide like myself, a canoe as well as a kayak will both do the job and allow you access to the hidden world of back-country fishing. Grab a rod and reel and go out and give it a try. Getting lost in the back-country fishing the day away is just what the fishing Dr. ordered.

 

 

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Catching cobia will require patience

January is a great month to get out and target Cobia.

 

Highly rated for sport and table, the cobia is a strong and powerful light tackle opponent capable of strong runs and occasional leaps. It is a rough and tumble fight when a cobia smashes your bait. Cobia will antagonize  you with rapid direction changes, sharp turns and strong runs. They can bring arm jolting strikes. These flat headed chocolate striped torpedo’s are fun to catch.

 

The cobia’s popularity hinges on it’s battling attitude. Considering the fish can exceed 100 pounds, it can surpass the power of most other inshore fish. If you are targeting cobia around pilings and piers, anglers will have to use heavy tackle and line to stop the initial run.  But in the open sea, it is a light tackle game ideal for casting and spinning gear.

 

Cobia I sometimes refer to as “chocolate delights” because of their coloring as well as their reputation of being great table fare can grow to six feet long. They have a few dark stripes that run from their tails to their eyes but brown is their prominent color other than their white bellies. Cobia are often mistaken for sharks until they get boat side. When a cobia is spotted at the surface, the sighting will make every angler’s heart beat a tad faster in excitement. To some these “chocolate delights” are more satisfying than an expensive box of gourmet chocolates would be to a chocolate lover.

 

Cobia can be very finicky eaters at times. But they are not always picky eaters. Most often the question is not what a cobia will eat, but what it won’t eat. Cobia must have a cast iron stomach because they have been known to eat fish of all kinds, squid, crabs, and even catfish which have barbed poisonous spines. Cobia pretty much seem to eat anything they can wrap their big white lips around when they are indeed hungry. Then there are other days Mr. Cobia won’t touch anything.

 

Cobia have this amazing , annoying habit of parading around the boat, sometimes for hours, regardless of whether they are hungry or not. This can and does drive anglers mad with frustration. Huge fish circling the boat taunting the people aboard anxious to hook into that fish just does not seem fair. I have witnessed  finicky cobia first hand.  

 

If your looking for a hard fought battle then fishing for cobia is something you ought to put on your to do list for 2008. Cobia are great fun to catch and will bend your rod and then some.

 

I  have thrown live baits, artificials, you name it at them, no luck. Cobia  have been known to ignore each and every bait tossed in their direction at times as they circle the boat as if to say “your not going to catch me today”.

 

At times cobia can be spotted around the crab trap buoy lines and many times are right up on the surface. Sometimes they are solo other times there are several traveling together in a school. Making that perfect first cast will make a huge difference in your catch ratio when it comes to cobia fishing.

 

Sight casting to cobia is a very productive way to catch them. Make sure you have polarized sunglasses and make sure your cast does not spook the fish. Remember to cast ahead of the fish and bring the bait across it’s path and work the bait with plenty of action as the cobia comes near.

 

A lot of times cobia will run with sting rays, sea turtles and manatees waiting for an easy meal that those sea creatures scatter up for them. Cobia are aggressive and will chase food from the surface to the bottom eating just about anything in it’s path. But what may be working today to catch cobia may not be working tomorrow. Diversity and patience is a must when targeting cobia.

 

Landing a cobia usually requires more than one attempt. You will get it close to the boat only to watch it run away. It is best to use a gaff. The term “green fish”   is a fish that is not tired and still fighting.  Most cobia that we catch are very much so “green fish”. Cobia are extremely powerful and they can thrash violently and damage your boat as well as your passengers on the boat  so before you bring a cobia into your boat make sure you wear the fish out first.

 

Cobia are very good eating. Many fish lovers like Cobia smoked  grilled or broiled . Cobia can be a challenge to catch and  some may argue as hard to figure out as most woman are,but once you figure them both out they are a great catch any way you look at it.

 

 

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Doing  the  “Sting-Ray Shuffle”

 

It is that time of the year once again that we all have to be careful at the beaches and when we are in the water we need to be doing that ever so popular “sting ray shuffle”.  Sting rays have flat bodies with long slender tails that have serrated spines able to produce lacerations (cuts) and puncture wounds. The spines contain venom. These animals are widely distributed in tropical to temperate waters. They are not aggressive by any means. So injury usually occurs when a swimmer or diver accidentally steps on one. Sting ray stings are one of the most common beach related injuries.

 

Sting rays are at times right up close to the shore at the beach where a lot of people walk so it is necessary to shuffle your feet when walking in the surf. Sting rays are more afraid of humans than most people realize. As I mentioned earlier they are not aggressive so when they are startled by humans they become defensive. This is the time of the year when it is possible to see large schools of these sting rays in the surf on any given day. At times there will be so many of them together in one group the water will actually appear brown until you are close enough to eventually see that the reason the water appeared brown was due to the fact that there were hundreds if not more sting rays all gathered together frolicking our shorelines here in sunny Florida.

 

Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota Florida is a great place to visit to learn more about the Sting rays as well as many more creatures of the ocean. Manatee’s, Dolphin’s, Snook, Turtles, Jellyfish, Lobster’s Tarpon, Sharks  are just a few of our ocean creatures available to see. They have a sting ray pool set up where visitors can get up close and personal with the Sting rays. You can actually reach down into the pool area and pet them. Their highly qualified staff  have already taken their stingers off so there is no risk of someone getting stung. It is really an experience that you will remember for a lifetime. My Niece Lauren who is 7 and lives in Atlanta Ga.  visits me quite often.   Mote’s sting ray pool is on the top of her list to do once she arrives to Florida . She said she would choose being able to go to Mote and  pet those sting rays over Disney World any day. There is so much to see at Mote and well worth the visit.

 

Now I will talk about what you need to do if you are stung by a Sting ray. The victim may immediately feel sharp excruciating pain and some bleeding as well.  That pain will usually peak at 1-2 hours after the stinger punctures the skin. The wound may become red, swollen, and blue. Lymph nodes may also become swollen as well. Generalized symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, muscle cramps, tremors all may occur depending o the individual. Our pain tolerance varies of course.

    

To treat a victim of a Sting ray bite first flush the wound with fresh water. For pain relief soak the wound I water as hot as the victim can tolerate. The hotter the more effective it will be. Also add a tablespoon or two of meat tenderizer which has always been a popular recommended treatment. After soaking your wound for at least 20 minutes try to use tweezers to take the actual stinger out .  Do not close the wound with tape or stitches. Apply pressure to stop the bleeding. If signs of infection such as pus, redness, or heat occur then you should apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the wound. Try using the topical antibiotic for two days after the sting and watch the area really well to make sure there is not an infection . Do not hesitate to give the local emergency room a call to ask for some instructions to further treat the wound.

 

 

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Dress for success on the water

 

Here in sunny Florida it is necessary to dress in the proper clothing before heading out on the water for the day.  May temperatures are just a warm up for us to get prepared for those June, July and August temps. A perfect day in paradise out on our beautiful waters can be ruined simply because someone may have forgotten their baseball cap, their sunscreen, or perhaps their polarized sunglasses? All three of the above listed items are a must when spending the day on the water. Please take the time to make sure you have packed all the necessary needed items because  it is no fun having to head back to land once you have already experienced that refreshing saltwater misty air.

 

One of the most important items you need to have aboard is water. I cannot express enough the need to consume plenty of water while out in this heat. Our bodies need fluids and water is the best thing we can drink to replenish our fluids .  Now let me touch on what color clothing to wear when out fishing . Please wear all light colors when possible. White is the best color to wear to keep the coolest out there. Also there are now many great lightweight lines of fishing clothing you can purchase at most of your local fishing tackle store . Also available are fishing clothing that has SPF sunblock right in the material itself which is a great invention for the outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Long sleeved white tee shirts will keep the sun off you as well as keep you cooler. I have seen first hand a client aboard a well known fishing guide’s boat in the area who actually passed out due to heat stroke while on his charter. The gentleman also wore a dark shirt and dark pants which is a no no from the start.  The Captain immediately splashed some water on the man and got him to take a drink of water, but now their fishing trip was pretty well over before it began. I bet the next time this man ventures out for a fishing adventure he will not wear dark clothing.

 

Please no dark soled shoe’s either. They will leave the inside deck of the boat a mess. Wear shoes that have a light colored sole with a good rubber bottom.  It can be very slippery on the deck of a boat so be very careful when walking , it is best not to be moving around while the boat is in motion. Wait until the boat can stop then make your move. Is can be very dangerous if your trying to move around the boat while is is moving.

 

It is best to put your sunscreen on a half hour before getting out in the sun. We all need to protect our skin from those harmful rays. Take that extra minute or two and really lather the sunscreen on, especially on your  kids their skin is so fare and they will need all the protection they can receive. A lot of the times the boat you are in may not have very much cover if any at all so keep this in mind when deciding how long your trip will be.

 

Just because the sun itself does not seem to be out does not necessarily mean the harmful rays from the sun aren’t hitting your skin because they are. Overcast days will also burn your skin remember that. It is better to be safe than to be sorry. You will be glad you got your sunscreen on early is will allow you to enjoy the entire day in the outdoors verses cutting your day short due to sun poisoning or heat stroke.

 

Life jackets are a must on boats as well. It is the law so make sure you have enough life jackets aboard before your boat hits the water. We just never know what can happen on the water and it is best to be fully prepared if we ever need those life jackets it is a good feeling to know they are there. It is a good idea to carry a VHS radio too. Carry extra batteries as well. Cell phones will work fine if your not too far offshore . A satellite phone will be needed if going offshore on a regular basis. They are not cheap but it sure will be money well spent . Is is better to safe than to be sorry. You cannot have too much safety equipment on board.

 

All too often we are finding ourselves reading about another boating tragedy.     Many of those same boating accidents could have very well been avoided if the proper precautions were taken into consideration beforehand.  Be safe out on the water. If you don’t know something ask. Do not assume the answer because it may very well come back to haunt you if you do. Boats are a vehicles on the water just as automobiles are vehicles on land.

 

We must respect each other and respect our equipment both on the water as well as on land. Boats do not give us very much protection at all we are sitting in the middle of a floating vessel so please take every precaution so your every boating  and fishing experience will be a memorable one.

 

Remember alcohol does not mix well at all with the driver of any moving vehicle , this includes a boat.  So if you are going to consume alcoholic beverages please designate a  safe driver beforehand. You will be glad you did.  I hope all your boating and fishing excursions are full of memories that will last you a lifetime.

 

It’s summertime which means fishing time and family time together creating memories of a lifetime.

 

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Eyes Wide Open

 

Sight casting to one of Florida’s most sought after saltwater gamefish is as good as it gets. It’s tarpon time. Fishing in the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico from May through July is an angler’s paradise. This is all a part of the tarpon’s pre spawn courtship that has occurred for as long as one can remember. As the sun rises all eyes study the water looking for signs of tarpon. This style of fishing does require patience with a capital “P” in order to successfully stalk and land these shimmering diamond plated beauties.

 

Sight casting is a style of fishing that everyone can enjoy. We are seeing more and more woman as well as families out there on the water enjoying fishing. Ladies do not let the size of the tarpon scare you. I have personally seen several ladies catch and land a Silver-king that was much larger then they were. Ladies are enjoying catching tarpon so much I have even heard some of them refer to the catch as “Silver Queens”.   You will need stamina to battle your tarpon. Your adrenalin level instantly increases as you begin the battle of a lifetime. Tarpon will explode from the water in a missle like fashion as they try to shake the hook.  

 

Beach fishing for tarpon requires an early start.6am till noon is the prime time. A sea breeze usually picks up after those hours creating a chop on the water. The chop on the water makes the fish harder to see. The sooner you can get out there in search of a “happy” pod of fish the greater your odds are at catching one and creating a memory of a lifetime. Happy fish are a lot easier to work with then a school of  spooky fish that have been beat up on all day long. Milling fish tend to feed better. Being an early riser generally pays off. Tarpon usually will show themselves but not always. They give themselves away by “rolling “ on the surface. Remember that the rolling fish do not bite it is the fish below them that will. This is often referred to as “greyhounding”,these fish are as likely to stop as an angler would be just after a yellow tail snapper bite ignited. At times over casting works great because you can always reel the bait back towards the fish. Other times you simply may see a portion of their tail break the surface which is known as” finning”. Other times you may even be lucky enough to hear a popping noise while the tarpon are feeding.

 

Stalking tarpon can be compared with Buck hunting. The waiting game sure comes into effect. If you are not careful it is quite possible to catch a bad case of “Buck Fever” even while you are tarpon fishing if you do not Bow to the King. Simply put, you the angler have to relieve the pressure on the line once the tarpon is hooked. You do this by tipping your rod in a downward motion. As soon as you see the tarpon hit the water you need to be already reeling as your bringing the rod back up as your battle continues. If you bow the rod properly your odds of landing that fish are greatly enhanced. Oh yeah and hang on!

         

Once you are able to spot a school of tarpon you will need to make an accurate cast in front of the pack. If the leader of the pod chooses to ignore your bait you still have a chance with all the trailing fish. Never cast directly into or over a school of tarpon. Dropping a line over a tarpon’s back will send that fish and many other’s in the school as far away from your line as they can get. Keep the bail of the reel open when you are stalking tarpon on the beach. This allows you to pull the trigger at any given moment making a perfect cast to the school once you locate them and see the path they are traveling in.

 

It is important to be as quiet as possible when moving in on the fish. It is wise not to run anywhere you believe the tarpon may be. Outboard engines are heard a long ways off by tarpon. Tarpon will change their behaviors in shallow water especially when they sense an engine running nearby. It is best to shut off your big motor and use your trolling motor to quietly move in closer. Tarpon on the beach are usually found in water depths of 6-25 feet. Tarpon on the beach are even sensitive to the whirling thrust of trolling motors. Sometimes shutting the engine off and drifting over to the pod of fish works best.

 

The baits of choice when stalking beach tarpon are crabs. Live blue crabs or pass crabs. “Greenbacks” are also preferred. Tackle used when beach fishing for tarpon can be scaled up or down depending on the angler’s skill level. Some prefer lighter tackle while others want that stout medium rod and reel combo capable of holding at least 250 feet of line. You may not get unlimited casts to a school of tarpon so make every cast count.

 

Fishing etiquette on the beach is not a written law. It is your responsibility to respect other anglers around you. They too are working hard to locate fish. Never run up to them with your engine running. If you encounter a boat with a fish on do your part to stay out of the way. Allow plenty of room for that angler to break his fish out of the school, then the fish will regroup and settle down. It is a lot easier to work with other fellow anglers then it is to work against them. You will find a lot more fishing friends on the water by respecting those around you. Use some empathy here and remember what goes around comes around. Sit off the pods of fish and watch them to learn the speed of the fish, the direction of the fish and  finally the attitudes the fish have. If you are willing to work together with other boats on the beach you will quickly notice they can work to your advantage by moving the fish towards your boat if you simply have the patience to wait.

 

Until this day each and every tarpon I catch I get just as excited as I did the day I caught my first tarpon ever. Tarpon are well known for their acrobatic performances as they rocket out of the water tail walking.  Mary Lou Retton the famous Olympic gymnast does not have anything on these gulf water tumblers. Their high flying aerial show is sure to keep you coming back for more. You will encounter fish weighing from 100 pounds to fish pushing 200 pounds. Catching a tarpon is definitely a Kodak moment but please do not try to pull the tarpon onto your boat for a photo session. It is best to photograph this magnificent fish next to the boat while keeping the fish in the water. It is illegal to possess a tarpon without a $100.00 tarpon tag.

 

If you are looking for a pure adrenalin rush sight casting to beach tarpon without a doubt is your calling. Seeing those silver dollar size eyes looking at you daring you to throw a scrumptious crab or a lively threadfin to them is enough to make anyone catch Tarpon Fever! Just always remember to bow to the King , take a deep breath and whatever you do hang on tight.

 

 

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Fall Fishing Is Full Of Surprises

 

October fishing was hot here in southwest Florida.  October has always been a transition month with many species of fish on the move which makes for some great fishing action. November brings great fishing as well. Redfish were not the only fish taking the spotlight. Fall fishing is as good as is gets . Kingfish,snook, Spanish mackerel,  trout, pompano , permit , tripletail as well as tarpon can all be targeted this time of the year. I even was lucky enough to catch a fish I have never been able to catch before. One that is surely not a common fish to our local waters. More on that later.

 

Tarpon are still hanging around. I was blessed with some fantastic tarpon action in  October.  Big tarpon in the harbor feeding on the many huge schools of baitfish that surface this time of the year. Life is good when your able to still be catching Silver king well into October. Tarpon have always been one of my favorite fish to catch . I recently purchased a new Shimano Teramar rod to put  my Shimano Stella 8000 reel on which has been my go to reel for tarpon. When I am looking to do battle with those diamond plated jumbo sardines “Stella” has always allowed me to fight tarpon with ease.

 

Equipped with some perfect size ladyfish in the bait-well  I met Captain Van Hubbard one early morning to set out in search of some late season tarpon action. On my drive down to the boat that morning I saw an eagle soar above against the beautiful blue sky. I knew it was gong to be a special day. Within a few moments we were seeing tarpon roll, one here and one there. No real big concentration of fish but enough to get our adrenalin going. The pods of baitfish were everywhere. The sight and sounds of those huge schools of minnows is sure to get your blood pressure up. We worked the areas near the bait and sent our ladyfish out hoping to attract some hungry tarpon.

 

It was not long before the rod bent over “ Fish On” . When the tarpon exploded out of the water in the reflection of the sunshine sparkling throughout the water, it was right then and there that I knew I was right where I wanted to be . My new rod was about to be put to the test. A test passed with flying colors. Well mostly silver in color but still received a passing grade as I worked this huge 150 pound tarpon back to the boat.

 

More and more tarpon began to show themselves. After a few quick photos and a quick leader release is was time to go catch another one. Watching these huge fish free jump through pods of bait is a sight to remember. Seeing the tarpon roll literally right next to the boat is an awesome sight. We landed three tarpon that day and had several others on before we called it a day.

 

I did not think I could top that fantastic day on the water but the very next day  while fishing in the Gasparilla Pass area I was able to hook a bonefish yes a bonefish while I was jigging for pompano.  I could not believe my eyes as I reeled up what I thought was going to be a pompano or a permit. Then I saw what appeared to be a small bonefish coming to the surface and sure enough I had just caught my first ever bonefish right here in my backyard.

 

I made sure I got the fish in the boat for some quick photos. Because I was not so sure I was going to be able to prove I had caught that bonefish here and not in the Florida Keys where they are normally caught without having pictures. Being the photographer that I am I quickly reached for my camera and shot a few photos of the bonefish laying across my tarpon image on the deck of the boat making for a nice backdrop for my special catch.

 

All the while forgetting to pose with myself holding the fish. Oh well at least I do have photos of my surprise “grey ghost” catch. One of the

Many reasons I love fishing is the suspense of never really knowing what you might catch on any given day out there on the water. I was blessed with having back to back days of fantastic fall fishing without having to leave my backyard. Who could ask for more.

 

Kingfish are here. We have done well catching them once we find the bait pods with the help of the birds. Catching kingfish is fast action once the bite is on. These speedsters provide some long powerful runs that put your tackle to the test.

 

November offers some great fishing opportunities as well. Get out and enjoy some the action when you can. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and lets all be thankful we are allowed to get out and enjoy the sport of fishing. The cold fronts will be arriving soon enough and we will be forced to fish around the weather but hey that’s all part of the sport of fishing and something we anglers are used to doing. The rewards are endless so get out and wet a line when time allows you to.

 

 

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When buying a boat-

 

Whether  you are buying a power, or sail, little or big, new or used- virtually all boat prices are negotiable.  Prices are more negotiable at certain times, and with certain types of customers. There are certain sellers who will be more negotiable than others as well.

 

This is a great time to buy a boat. There are some fantastic deals out there if you do your homework.

 

Some good times to bargain ad save money when purchasing a boat are as follows: Buy at a boat show. Vendors at boat shows are generally eager to sell their boats there at the show verses having to transport them back. If you are patient as well as lucky you may even end up purchasing a show model special. Once you have done your homework on the boat that is right for you, and once you have arranged your finances, visit a large boat show and find a boat or two there at the show that fits the bill for your budget. Take note of the written sale price of the boat and all it’s options, including engines. Be very thorough and use your computer to research the boat further. As the end of the boat shows nears the end check on your favorite boat again. If your boat of choice is still there introduce yourself to the salesperson and let them know you are going to be purchasing a boat, but not necessarily their boat there today. Make an offer on their boat there at the show. Be brave. Do not feel intimidated, you never know your offer may just be good enough to make you the proud new owner of a boat of your dreams.

 

A second good time to boat bargain shop is at the End of boating season. Almost all boat dealers “floor plan” their boats just as car dealers do. What this means is that they pay interest on them as long as they sit on the boat dealers lot.  Dealers do not look forward to paying interest payments during their off season. They would much rather cut their prices some to assure a boat sale as the end of their season nears.

 

Another place to bargain would be at a  boat dealer who has gone out of business. Many boat builders come and go. Many such companies make great boats but they do not have the capital or the marketing expertise to survive in the boat business world which is forever changing. Be real careful when checking these type boats out. There may be a real bargain right at your fingertips. Avoid buying a boat from an out of business boat builder without researching the construction and all the specifications of the boat. It would be wise to have a boat mechanic or surveyor look at the boat with you present. If you can find a boat using this method you will be saving a great deal of money while still receiving a great boat.

 

Boats do not have a “ fixed asking “ price. Do not be shy about asking for discounts. If you don’t ask you will ever know the answer.  It is a well know fact that some boat dealers add a certain percentage to their asking price. Many boat sellers will negotiate on the boat itself. Be very careful because boat dealers will agree to cut the price of the hull itself  but then they try to charge you list price for engines, radio’s, and electronics. Negotiate the cost of each item on a boat individually as you choose the options you want.  Make sure the boat price includes safety and usage items. The selling price of new boats normally does not include equipment such as anchors, life vests, dock lines etc.

 

If you are looking at used boats you can come close to determining the value of the boat . Unlike new boats, used boats have published values normally based on what a lending institution will allow you to borrow based on what they feel the boat is worth. If you purchase a boat from a stranger make sure you research the finance history and past ownership of that particular boat first. Buying a used boat has similar odds to your odds at a craps table in Vegas. It is a gamble, but if you take your time and research the boats history it can be a successful gamble with positive results.   Do not become a victim to a con -artists scam.  May cons make a living hauling stolen boats from state to state selling them. Do your homework, insist on tracing the past ownership of the boat. Talk to previous owners when  at all possible. Also check the boats serial number against databases of stolen boats. You will not be sorry you took the time to take these precautionary steps.

 

Before you commit to buying any boat, make sure you have taken the time to think things through. Choose a dealer who provides great service after the sale. Never forget the story of a man who built a boat in his garage and could not get it through the door. Do not let this happen to you. Make sure the hull is rated for the engine you choose.  If you are planning on towing the boat make sure your vehicle is rated to tow a boat beforehand. Consider whether you will be keeping the boat at your home or having to pay to keep it in dry storage at a local marina. Make sure there are no zoning laws that will prohibit you from keeping a boat at your home.

 

Owning a boat brings great pleasure to your family life by taking advantage of all the beautiful water Florida offers us . Just be patient when purchasing a boat and make sure you have researched the boat you want to buy before signing on the dotted line. You too will soon experience how water works wonders!

 

 

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Beach Fishing

 

Beach fishing can offer land-based anglers a measure of excitement equally as enjoyable as boat fishing. The equipment needed is reasonably affordable and available at your local tackle stores. If you are going to try beach fishing, now is the time. Florida has thousands of miles of coastland; beaches are in close proximity with some of the most productive fishing in the state. What makes this type of fishing appealing to many fishing enthusiasts is that you do not need a boat to participate. Accessibility is the key to this type of fishing.

 

You can fish off the beach, a bridge or jetty as well as any other structure if you have the proper equipment. This type of angling is more often a waiting game. To enhance your trip make sure you bring all the needed amenities; lounge chair, tackle box, rods and reels, sun canopy, refreshments, sun block as well as lots of patience. You also will need a sand spike, or rod holder, which will be driven and secured into the sand. A sand spike can be purchased at most fishing tackle stores. You can also construct one yourself very easily.  All you need is a four-foot length of 1 3/4 PVC from your local hardware store. Use a hack saw to cut one end on a 45-degree angle, and the other end cut square. Clean the rough edges by scraping them with a razor knife. The angled end is the end that will be driven into the sand; the other end is for the rod handle to go into.

 

Before you set up your fishing spot you will need to know how to identify beach formations in order to choose a productive fishing area. If you want to catch fish on a regular basis, look for beach gutters or holes, they will yield the most fish. Holes are formed by erosion, which allows water to rush through. This erosion stirs up the sand and therefore releases food items making the fish hang around for their meals.  Waves breaking over the sand banks also stir up food, which is a fish attractant. The most productive beach fishing areas are located where swells exist between the breaking waves. These areas will hold large numbers of fish as well.

 

Pompano, snook, trout, redfish and even tarpon can be caught beach fishing. If you bring a “ Florida snow shovel” or better known as a sand flea rake you can get some sand fleas which are an excellent pompano bait. You never know what you might hook into while beach fishing. A variety of fish cruise up and down our local beaches.

 

After you have chosen your fishing spot on the beach it is time to set up. Place your sand spikes close by to where you will be sitting so you can keep an eye on the action. All too often we all have been walking the beach and had to walk under a fishing line that was left unattended. This can be a dangerous situation so please always be responsible and attend to your fishing gear while fishing. Be careful of birds on the beach as well. Do not feed the birds. As always be very careful when casting your line. Look in all directions before casting. Be sure there are no people in your path as well as no birds. There is plenty of room on our beaches for all to enjoy so please be considerate and respect each other’s space.

 

Make sure the drag on your spinning reels are set loose enough with the bail closed to prevent loss of rods and reels. The game of “patience” now begins. You now have all your lines out and you are waiting to be interrupted by that music to your ears sound of screaming drag. When this happens be ready to set the hook and have some fun reeling up your surf fish. Beach fishing offers quite a variety on the menu as far as what you may catch. Snook, whiting, jacks, ladyfish, pompano, redfish and even a chance to hook a tarpon can be on the agenda on any given day of beach fishing. You never know what fish you might catch while they are out riding the surf.

 

Don’t miss out on the fun beach fishing offers. It is something everyone can do. You do not need a boat, you simply need time as well as desire and you will be on your way to experiencing perhaps one of your most enjoyable fishing outings ever. Try not to be intimidated by a salty looking angler who seems to be able to cast his bait a country mile, get out there and join in on the fun. Who knows you too may become a seasoned veteran to beach fishing before you know it. You see going to the beach does not have to mean the old routine of setting up your beach chairs, lathering yourselves with sun block and soaking up the sunshine. It also can be a day spent enjoying beach fishing while at the same time being able to soak up all the wonderful offerings a Florida beach has to give us. Who knows, if your lucky you just may end up going home with dinner and some wonderful memories of standing barefoot in the surf. Life is good so get out and enjoy it!  You too may become “Hooked on beach fishing”.

 

 

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King Harold

 

Last month I was fortunate enough to go tarpon fishing with Captain George Howell of Mad Monkey Fishing Adventures. Captain George told me it would be fine for me to invite a friend along so I did just that. Our plans were to meet at Jensen’s Marina for an early start. My best friend Wendy Law had just purchased a new home on Sanibel Island and her Father Harold happened to be down here visiting her and checking out her new home. Harold has always been an outdoorsman. He and my Father were good friends. I lost my father 3 years ago this September so sharing this tarpon adventure with Harold meant the world to me. Before my Father passed away my boyfriend Captain Van Hubbard was able to catch my Father his first tarpon ever and I still can see the smile on my Dad’s face that day. Harold has fished all his life and hunted deer as well as elk so I knew this would be a treat for him to come along and have an opportunity to catch his first ever tarpon.

 

Harold has heard me time and time again share my fish stories over the years. We have been out fishing together and caught lots of great redfish, snook and other fish but never has he been on the other end of the line one on one with a tarpon. I tried to explain to him it would be an experience he would remember for the rest of his life. But until one experiences it firsthand they really have no idea what it entails.  Captain George had stopped and cast netted some minnows before he picked us up to be sure we had some healthy baits in the live well. As we were leaving Redfish Pass I quickly spotted some large thread herrings and pointed them out to George .  I said “ Captain, we may want to cast net a few of those “ he was quick to agree.  I took over running the boat while our Captain cast netted a good hundred jumbo size thread fins. We all felt better having such inviting baits on board and off we went towards Knapp’s Point in search of tarpon.

 

We could not have asked for a better day weather wise on the water. It was a Chamber Of Commerce day and we were not complaining and thankful we were able to spend the day on the water together. I have to mention that Harold did have a flight to catch the very same day we were out fishing back home to Syracuse New York. We were given our quitting time orders from Harold’s wife and daughter as we left the dock. But in my heart I knew Harold would be willing to miss that flight if a tarpon happened to interrupt his day. But we surely didn’t  want to let that be known otherwise they might not have let Harold go fishing. As we approached Knapp’s Point off in the distance I began to notice a few more boats all in one general area. That is usually a sure sign the tarpon are near by. We shut off the big motor and Captain George eased us around using only his trolling motor. We began seeing tarpon rolling everywhere. It was a beautiful sight.  The water was crystal clear and shined like a mirror. There was hardly a ripple on the surface which made it a lot easier to see the rolling tarpon. I could quickly tell Harold’s adrenalin level was rising. Just being able to see all those rolling fish was a gift now catching one would simply be a bonus to an already perfect day.

 

Captain George positioned the boat just far enough away from the tarpon so we would not spook them. We quickly baited our poles and got some baits in the water. I could not wait to wet one of those jumbo threadfins in hopes a hungry tarpon would choose my bait to feed his hunger.  We had four poles in the water. Harold and I each held our rods while two others sat baited in rod holders. Captain George was busy keeping track of us and the tackle. Within a few minutes I saw one of the rods in the rod holder bow down and soon there after a tarpon exploded out of the water next to it. I shouted” Grab that pole a tarpon is on it” George ran over to it and yanked it out of the rod holder and attempted to hand it to Harold to fight but as Harold grabbed the rod I am not sure he knew what he was taking hold of. He did not grab it with all he had and before we knew it one of my favorite expensive tarpon reels a Diawa “Saltiga 6500”  was overboard.  I panicked and within seconds Captain George was also airborne jumping in after it before it sunk. The tarpon had spit the hook otherwise my rod and reel would have been long gone. I am not sure who had the better acrobatic flip the tarpon or our Captain? If I was thinking I should have shot a photo or two of what our Captain was willing to do to save my expensive outfit. He went to great lengths to save it before it sunk. When I got home I took my reel into a local tackle store to be checked and he told me those Saltiga reel are so well sealed the saltwater probably never entered the reel . So that was encouraging.

 

I was very grateful that George saved the rod and reel. In the meantime his cell phone was full of saltwater and most likely shot. Something Captains deal with from time to time being on the water day in and day out.  George said he had the proper insurance on his phone so we all felt better after knowing that. Our Captain was now ready to get back to tarpon fishing and so was Harold and I.  The excitement of having a rod and reel overboard got all our heart rates beating a tad faster.

  We settled down and made sure our casts to the tarpon counted. Because the waster was so clear we knew if we were seeing the tarpon so clearly they too were  seeing us. So every cast had to count.  We watched several tarpon right next to the boat roll on our baits so we knew it was just a matter of seconds before one of us hooked up. I put a fresh lively bait on my hook and made one cast to the fish and bam FISH ON!  I yelled for Harold to come take the rod and get into fighting position on the bow of the boat.  Harold grabbed the pole right after the hooked tarpon made it’s first jump out of the water . I quickly found a fighting belt to attach to Harold’s waist and the battle was on.  It did not take Harold long to realize the pure strength and pure power tarpon have. Within a few minutes Harold made a comment to George and I that he felt the tarpon was pulling the boat like a sleigh.  

 

Captain  George and I were both quick to assure Harold that was exactly what was happening. George cranked up the big motor so we could follow the fish and help Harold gain some line back.

 

We hooked into the fish around 1pm and Harold was still fighting the same fish at 3pm. The fish weighed a good 150 pounds. Harold would tighten the drag down as he felt it needed to be. I wanted him to experience the thrill of this powerful fish as long as he felt he was man enough to do. Keeping in mind his flight home at 5:30pm that day of course. Harold’s family all came down to the beach at Sanibel hoping we would be able to get the fish close enough to the beach for them to see it but this tarpon had a mind of her own and she was not about to let Harold dictate her direction. I kept assuring his wife and daughter Wendy we would have Harold back on dry land in time to make his flight. I shot what pictures I could while the fish was close. Harold fought his tarpon with great intensity and there were times I had to force Harold into taking a time out to take a drink. He was fully concentrating on his battle of man against beast and he basically blocked everything else out. I could tell he was having the time of his life and so were George and I watching him fight his first ever tarpon. Towards the end of the fight the leader finally frayed which happens when tarpon fishing especially after a long battle like Harold had. It is all part of tarpon fishing. Harold had the fish next to the boat 20 different times it was a caught fish Captain George touched the leader several times. We just never got the tarpon to cooperate for that up close and personal photo next to the boat.  When the battle finally came to an end I could tell it was a day Harold would never forget. The expression on his face spoke a thousand words. I believe Harold lost a good 3 pounds or more throughout the battle that day.

 

We got Harold to the Sanibel causeway where his family was anxiously awaiting his arrival. I told Harold I felt sorry for whoever sat next to him on the plane because I was sure he would be telling his tarpon tales from the moment the plane left the ground in Ft. Myers till it landed in Syracuse. If the tarpon battle gave Harold any aches and pains he was not about to let anyone know that.  He was already planning his next trip back again to catch another tarpon. I guess you could say he caught tarpon fever! I would like to thank Captain George Howell from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to bring Harold that day and for putting us on the fish not to mention for risking his life to save my rod and reel. Thanks to Jensen’s Marina as well for allowing us to use their wonderful facilities there at Captiva Island.

 

 

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Making a List, Checking it Twice

 

Boat season is here. Knowing the right way to handle and maintain your boat trailer is the key to a successful boating outing.  One of the worst thing that can happen during your boat’s journey is a breakdown. Visualizing you and your family sitting along side the road instead of cruising the water is a sight everyone would rather avoid. Give your trailer a thorough inspection before heading out to enjoy a day of fishing on southwest Florida’s beautiful water.

 

First check the tires on your trailer.

 

Kicking the tires is not a method you should feel secure in using. You need to check the thread depth as well as he air pressure. Be sure to look at each tire’s sidewalls for any UV induced rotting or cracking. If you have any doubt about a certain tire it is better to be safe than sorry, replace the tire in question.  Remember to apply all this advice to your spare tire as well.  You can also check the alignment of your trailer wheels by using something with a straight edge and lining up the front and rear tires. Wheel bearings also need to be checked on a regular basis as well. There is a device called a Bearing Buddy that your local dealer can sell you. This device pressurizes grease in the wheel bearings so they do not fill up with water as you launch your boat. If you are not comfortable checking the wheel bearings yourself you can take you trailer into your local boat dealer or back to where you purchased the trailer.

 

   Make sure the lights on your trailer work. If all your trailer lights are dead use a test light to check for good current. After doing this check for a broken or a corroded white ground wire on the trailer. Repair any corroded connections or shorts caused by the wires rubbing against the  rough trailer edges on the frame. You also need to replace cracked lenses before water enters in there and corrodes the bulb sockets . Trailer lights all need to be working properly to ensure the safety not only for you and your family but for  everyone else who may cross your path.

 

The brakes on your trailer also need to be inspected . Brake shoes need to be checked and adjusted as needed. Many boat trailer brakes are not self adjusting. Depending on the amount of wear your brakes will need to be adjusted from time to time. Over time your brake may corrode behind the drums and cylinders which will cause them to start leaking. Grease can be applied to the lug us and bolts to prevent some of the corrosion. If your trailer has surge brakes they require brake fluid. Check the reservoir and fill as needed. If the color of the fluid seems cloudy it is probably contaminated with water and should be changed. If it is not changed it could alter the trailers braking performance and cause a serious accident. . Have the fluid bled and refill then entire system to assure your brakes will be operating correctly.

 

After checking all of the above , do a general walk around inspection. Tighten every bolt you can find. Check for broken springs or cracks while doing this walk around inspection. Make sure the fenders as well as the bow supports are secure. Always check your transom tie downs for wear and tear. Ok, you are now confident your trailer is in good shape and ready to hit the highway. It is wise to carry a tool kit so you will be ready to handle the most common trailer problems . Carry a spare tire this may seem obvious but how often do we see abandoned , one wheeled trailers left on the road side. If your trailer did not come with a spare tire buy one. lug wrench is the next thing your tool kit needs to have. Do not assume the lug nuts on your trailer can be loosened with the wrench you use on your tow vehicle. One set may be metric and the other may not be. A jack is a must as well . Make sure you have a jack that is rated to lift your trailer. It has to be short enough to get under the axle or frame yet still needs enough reach to get the tire off the ground. Always carry an air pressure gauge to make sure the tires are filled with the proper air pressure. And last but surely not least a lamp repair kit should round out your tool kit. One of the most common trailer mishaps has got to be non functioning lights. You will need a self powered test lamp to locate your broken wire. Spare bulbs, both male and female trailer light wire connectors, wires, wire strippers/ crimper tool, electrical tape, spare fuses for turn signals and brake lights and last but not least a good sturdy flashlight. It is always better to be safe than sorry so if there is something you feel needs to be in your tool kit make a point to have it there.

 

After you have inspected your trailer and are  ready to hit the road make sure you are extra cautious on wet roads, sudden braking can cause the trailer to push the back of your vehicle into a jack knife skid. Always be able to anticipate situations that might cause for sudden braking. Leave plenty of space between you and the next vehicle ahead of you. Additional mirrors can be installed on your tow vehicle to cover that large area of your blind spot and help you see the position of your wheels in tight maneuvers. You have to learn to swing wide when towing a boat to avoid clipping curbs or other vehicles in your path. When pulling into a parking lot always determine the easiest way out. Avoid having to back up when possible. Always seek that tow-friendly parking spot. One last thing you have to remember when towing a boat is to measure your bridge clearance as well as clearance for all low hanging structures that could damage your boat which is usually taller than the tow vehicle towing it. I have personally seen some of the above mishaps and it is not a pretty site and can be quite costly as well.

 

Take that extra time to assure your trailer is secure before you start singing that ever so popular song  by Willy Nelson that goes something like this “ On the road again, I just can’t wait to get on the road again,” Be safe  and get out and enjoy the month of March on the water it offers some of the best fishing of a wide variety of inshore fish such as snook, redfish, sheepshead, pompano, and trout while offshore in March be looking for kingfish, mackerel, cobia , snapper, and grouper but be sure to remember the regulations of each fish before taking them home for dinner.

 

 

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Sheepies

 

Sheepshead that is. Many species cycle down for the winter months and become less active, the sheepshead are the opposite they are just getting fired up this time of the year. This month is a great time to target sheepies. Where to find these zebra striped fish is no real secret at all. In order to be successful catching sheepshead look for structure, a rock pile, pilings under a bridge or a near-shore reef.

 

Sheepshead feed on barnacles as well as live bait. Shrimp or a sand flea or a small crab work great as well. They have a set of crusher teeth for a reason. What may appear to look like a rock to other fish is dinner for a hard mouthed sheepshead. A sheepshead will grind their food into small pieces before they swallow it making them challenging to hook at times. More times than not a sheepshead will get away with your bait before you even know it hence earning the name “convict fish”. Having the black and white markings is another characteristic the convict fish wears well.

 

Hold your pole very still. You may feel a tap, tap, tap and before you know it your bait is gone and so is the sheepshead. Hold your pole very still, you may even want to place a finger on the line as it comes off the bail to better feel the fish and increase your reaction time to setting the hook. Sheepshead can be great fun to catch. Although they do not nearly have the power to smoke the drag on your reel as a kingfish does they do have enough strength to get your attention once they are hooked. If you want to increase your odds of catching these “convict fish” bring along a bucket filled with barnacle shavings from local docks or pilings to chum with. If your willing to use the chum in this manner you will maximize your winter fishing experiences on the water. Once the chum slick is found you will soon be counting sheep as you start reeling up one after another.

 

Just like snapper, sheepshead fishing can be very active once you get the attention of the fish below. Also just like snapper are famous for doing the sheepshead will leave you a bare hook time and time again minus your bait until you get more comfortable with feeling the initial bite. There are some sheepshead anglers who catch their daily limit rather quickly while other’s leave their fishing spot scratching their heads wondering why they did not catch one single sheepshead? Remember that a sheepshead will not grab your bait and run with it like a snook or redfish does. They tend to stay in one place their objective is to crush your bait right off your hook before you ever notice. Move your hook before you ever notice. Move your bait slowly to see if you can feel the bite. Sheepshead tend to “mouth” the bait before they crush it, if you can master a technique to help you feel that happening your odds of catching one will greatly increase.

 

It is imperative to drop your line straight down when fishing near structure. By doing so it will reduce your chances of getting hung up which only reduces your fishing time and us diehard anglers cannot afford to lose any precious fishing time while we have it. Try not to leave your bait stationery in one place for very long. Because sheepshead have a reputation as bait stealers you must be able to feel the fish below just as the fish is ready to take your bait. Something that has worked for many angler’s while fishing is closing their eyes and using your other senses to focus on simply you and the fish without any other interference. Try it you will be amazed at the results.

 

This month as well as into February is prime time for sheepshead. As with all fish once you get them chummed up the feeding frenzy is a sight you will not want to miss. I have been seeing more and more anglers targeting sheepshead these days. Docks and pilings are probably two of the best places to look for sheepies. As a matter of fact there are many fisherman who strictly target sheepshead. Many people enjoy eating them as well. Be careful there are some bones that need to be picked out before eating the fillets. Winter fishing in Florida has advantages. There is no need to be an early riser when targeting winter fish. The fish will wait for you unlike those early morning tarpon daisy chaining along the beach in the summer months.

 

Happy New Year . I hope everyone put fishing at the top of their New Years resolution list this year. Be safe and get out and enjoy some great fishing and everything else southwest Florida has to offer in the great outdoors. Be sure to bring your camera to capture memories of a lifetime.

 

 

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Looking for Silver  

 

From the bays to the beaches to the bridges and the back-country tarpon season will be in full swing for the next three months. The water temperatures have warmed up nicely and that 75 degree water and above is just perfect for tarpon. Silver-kings are a very powerful fish full of attitude. So if you are looking to catch a fish you will remember for a lifetime tarpon is the ticket.

 

Tarpon are my favorite fish to catch. I anxiously await May to arrive each and every year knowing I will soon be hooking up with the almighty silver-kings. Even though I have caught plenty of tarpon over the years, each and every one I hook still gives me the same adrenalin rush my very first tarpon did. Tarpon are very acrobatic and well known for their leaps as they explode out of the water. Trust me when I say hooking up with a tarpon will surely get your attention once the fish decides to slurp your bait of choice in and starts tail walking across the water.

 

The best place to tarpon fish is where you see them. Some anglers prefer sight casting to the schools of tarpon on our beaches. Getting out at fist light and being ready to begin your battle with a happy hungry tarpon before all the boat traffic scatters them out will increase your odds of catching one. The biggest challenge for beach fishing is being where the fish are.  It is not unheard of to see hundreds of schooling tarpon in several pods on the beach and then go a few miles and see none. There will be days that the tarpon help you locate them as they bust through a school of baitfish. Other times when the water is slick calm you will be able to see them rolling indicating their location. I can assure you that seeing a happy lazy pod of schooling tarpon is a sight tarpon anglers dream about. You may simply just see the  tip of their fins and tails so having a good pair of polarized sunglasses are a must when sight casting to tarpon.

 

 A quiet boat will be get the angler much closer to a school of tarpon than a noisy aggressive boat operator will.  Use your trolling motor at a slow steady speed being careful not to change speeds that will in turn alert the tarpon of your presence while at the same time scaring the fish in the school. Position your boats far ahead of a school of tarpon and let the fish come to you.  Remember just because you are on your tower and see the fish from a ways off don’t forget the fish can also see you.

 

Fishing the bridges and bays will have deeper water than the beaches. Many anglers like to free line a bait by tossing your bait up current while giving it enough slack to swim to the bottom until you feel that thump on the rod then it is time to set the hook and hang on. Tarpon also concentrate near passes. Thousands of tarpon migrate every year to the likes of Boca Grande Pass. It is a favorite destination for many anglers.  Wherever you are fishing for tarpon always remember to bow to the king. This is a simple technique that many first time tarpon anglers fail to do . You simply have to bow your rod in a downward motion as the tarpon explodes out of the water once hooked to release the tension otherwise the tarpon will be gone within seconds.

 

Buck fever has gotten the best of even the seasoned veteran anglers. Seeing a fish well over 100 pounds fly out of the water gracefully flying through the air is breath taking to say the least.

 

The bait of choice for many tarpon anglers are pass crabs and large threadfins. There will be days that one may work better than the other. If tarpon happen to be feeding on pass crabs I would highly suggest throwing a crab out in front of the school. Make sure you are hanging on because as soon as your bait gets bit it is time remember to bow to the king and start your one on one battle with your fish of a lifetime. There is no time to waste you have to be prepared at all times.

 

This Mother’s day weekend I will be fishing in the Boca Grande Chamber Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament. There are a total of 50 boats in the tournament. I look forward to that tournament each and every year. My sister’s Kathy and Jennifer from Atlanta Ga. will be coming down to fish it with me. It is a great weekend to be together on the water and who knows this year may be our lucky year and we may just win the tournament? I will let you all know how we did in my June article. If you are looking to catch Tarpon Fever May is a great month to get started.   

 

 

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Special Times

 

I was blessed with having my Niece and my Nephews from Atlanta with me for two weeks in July. I have never been brave enough o take on all four at one time until this summer. They look forward to their summer vacation with their Aunt Merry. They know it’s fishing time when they arrive and they are waiting on the dock some mornings even before I am awake. They sure love their fishing as much as I do.

 

They also know their Aunt Merry hardly ever uses the word no in her vocabulary when is comes to them so the no rules apply daily routines are something they talk about all year long. These kids would choose fishing any day over Disney World. This vacation they each had brand new fishing rods waiting for them here.  

 

I told them they are too new that we must go break them in and catch fish. When the kids were younger I could get away with having a nice snook or redfish already hooked on their lines and yell reel and them never knowing the difference. That no longer works. They want to bait their own hooks, cast themselves, and catch their own fish these days.

 

Fishing is in these kids blood. Chance is now 10 years old his brother Pierce is 8  and their cousin Lauren is now 12 and her Brother Gabe is 8. I assure you is is a challenge trying to keep all four of them happy fishing on the boat. These kids also inherited their Aunt Merry’s love of “catching” we tolerate “fishing” but we love catching fish a whole lot better.

 

Each day we fished with the kids Captain Van made sure the baitwell was full of live minnows. Sometimes the kids have more fun playing in the baitwell than they do fishing, especially when the bite is slow. Kids need action action action when they are out fishing.  As long as their poles are bent with a fish on the line they are happy . It really does not matter so much what species they are catching or how big the fish are just so long as they are catching fish.

 

Summer inshore fishing here in southwest Florida provides some great action. On any given day anglers can catch snook, trout, redfish, drum, mackerel, mangrove snapper, ladyfish and the occasional small blacktip shark as well as other fish species. Summer is also a great time to see dolphins, manatee’s and a lot of other Florida wildlife that provide us with some great photo opportunities.

 

Seeing the excitement in the kids eyes is something I cherish and look forward to each and every time they are here. Being able to answer all one hundred of their questions they ask is something that brings me great joy. Kids are like a sponge they will absorb tons of information especially if it is a topic they are interested in like fish and fishing.

 

Is amazes me that they can remember a certain fish they caught as well as the location they caught it in from a few years back . This year the kids were spoiled with some great catching. They caught snook, trout, barracuda, sharks, grouper, drum, ladyfish and a few other species. Some kids never get to experience catching a single fish much less catching several hundred fish before the age of 12.

 

One particular day stands out in my mind as day they will never forget. We had some small crabs for bait and went looking for a school of Drum that had been hanging around one certain area. As we approached that area within a few minutes we had spotted the Drum and is was time to set the anchor down quietly and get ready to fish.

 

The kids all caught some really nice big Drum all by themselves with no help. Hard to try to explain that to their parents though once they saw the photos. I am not sure they will ever believe their kids caught those fish on their own. But I know they did and it is a priceless memory I will have forever and so will the kids.  Pierce reeled in one that I swore was bigger than he was but he was determined to hold the fish himself for the photo session.

 

He later even admitted to me his arms hurt from reeling up his big catch. I told him that was ok and it would soon pass and well worth the pain to reel up such great big fish.

 

Be sure to bring along plenty of patience when taking kids fishing because your going to need it. The fishing trip needs to be about them . Let them know that the goal is to make sure they are first and foremost having fun. If the kids are not happy I promise you the adults will not be happy either.

 

You will be amazed at how easy it is to entertain kids while out fishing if you have a game plan and stick to it.  If the kids are catching fish they are happy campers. The size of fish they are catching does not matter just so long as they have a bent pole and a big smile on their face you have done a great job. It does not take a lot to gain a child’s attention  and once you have it the hard part is over with.

 

Allowing  the kids to help with baiting their own hooks and casting their own pole means the world to them. Let them participate as much as they are willing to. That makes them feel special and after all that is our goal when taking a kid fishing.

 

Year after year I have watched my Niece and Nephews grow up right before my eyes and I have enjoyed each and every second of it. I look forward to each and every visit and when they leave I am already counting down the days until they come back.

 

I would not trade the special time I had to spend with my Niece and Nephews this summer fishing and catching for the world.  Getting kids  out fishing here in Florida and  in the outdoors in general will  change their entire lives and make quite an impression on their young minds. Being able to share fishing with kids will help protect the sport of fishing so others can enjoy the sport of fishing for many years to come. After all fishing is our youth.

 

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Looking for Silver

 

From the bays to the beaches to the bridges and the backcountry tarpon season will be in full swing for the next three months. The water temperatures have warmed up nicely and that 75 degree water and above is just perfect for tarpon. Silverkings are a very powerful fish full of attitude. So if you are looking to catch a fish you will remember for a lifetime tarpon is the ticket.

 

   Tarpon are my favorite fish to catch. I anxiously await May to arrive each and every year knowing I will soon be hooking up with the almighty silverkings. Even though I have caught plenty of tarpon over the years, each and every one I hook still gives me the same adrenalin rush my very first tarpon did. Tarpon are very acrobatic and well known for their leaps as they explode out of the water. Trust me when I say hooking up with a tarpon will surely get your attention once the fish decides to slurp your bait of choice in and starts tail walking across the water.

 

   The best place to tarpon fish is where you see them. Some anglers prefer sight casting to the schools of tarpon on our beaches. Getting out at first light and being ready to begin your battle with a happy hungry tarpon before all the boat traffic scatters them out will increase your odds of catching one. The biggest challenge for beach fishing is being where the fish are.  It is not unheard of to see hundreds of schooling tarpon in several pods on the beach and then go a few miles and see none. There will be days that the tarpon help you locate them as they bust through a school of baitfish. Other times when the water is slick calm you will be able to see them rolling indicating their location. I can assure you that seeing a happy lazy pod of schooling tarpon is a sight tarpon anglers dream about. You may simply just see the  tip of their fins and tails so having a good pair of polarized sunglasses are a must when sight casting to tarpon.

 

    A quiet boat will be get the angler much closer to a school of tarpon than a noisy aggressive boat operator will.  Use your trolling motor at a slow steady speed being careful not to change speeds that will in turn alert the tarpon of your presence while at the same time scaring the fish in the school. Position your boats far ahead of a school of tarpon and let the fish come to you.  Remember just because you are on your tower and see the fish from a ways off don’t forget the fish can also see you.

 

   Fishing the bridges and bays will have deeper water than the beaches. Many anglers like to free line a bait by tossing your bait up current while giving it enough slack to swim to the bottom until you feel that thump on the rod then it is time to set the hook and hang on. Tarpon also concentrate near passes. Thousands of tarpon migrate every year to the likes of Boca Grande Pass. It is a favorite destination for many anglers.  Wherever you are fishing for tarpon always remember to bow to the king. This is a simple technique that many first time tarpon anglers fail to do . You simply have to bow your rod in a downward motion as the tarpon explodes out of the water once hooked to release the tension otherwise the tarpon will be gone within seconds. Buck fever has gotten the best of even the seasoned veteran anglers. Seeing a fish well over 100 pounds fly out of the water gracefully flying through the air is breath taking to say the least.

 

 

 The bait of choice for many tarpon anglers are pass crabs and large threadfins. There will be days that one may work better than the other. If tarpon happen to be feeding on pass crabs I would highly suggest throwing a crab out in front of the school. Make sure you are hanging on because as soon as your bait gets bit it is time remember to bow to the king and start your one on one battle with your fish of a lifetime. There is no time to waste you have to be prepared at all times.

 

May means tarpon time so get out and hook into one of these jumbo sardines. It is a fish of a lifetime .

 

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The King of Speed

 

Kingfish are known for their smashing strikes and their supercharged runs. The speed of a kingfish is no pushover. If you have a need for speed, Nascar is not your only answer. King Mackerel are the fastest fish in the near-shore gulf. These streamlined speedsters could compete with the best of the best track and field athletes in the world when is comes to speed.

 

Each and every bump and rattle of the clicker will give every angler a  jolt of adrenalin that redefines sport fishing. Kingfish have a streamlined body with a tapered head. They are built for speed.

 

We are still catching some nice kingfish here in south west Florida even though the water temperatures are warming up. Where there is bait fish there will be kingfish. The kingfish as well as Spanish mackerel follow schools of baitfish up and down the coast. Watch for birds working and once you spot the birds that area would be a great place to start trolling for kingfish.

 

I recently was able to get my 7 year old Nephew Todd out fishing. We decided to target spanish mackerel as well as kingfish knowing he would need lots of action to keep his attention. I know from experience that action is the key when you have young anglers in your fishing equation. Perhaps that holds true for myself because I tolerate fishing but prefer “catching” to fishing any day.

 

We had a baitwell filled with the best kingfish baits one could ask for. We had a variety of threadfins and even were lucky enough to castnet a few shad which are also sometimes referred to as “ kingfish candy”. The kingfish seem to love a live shad and having some available to fish with will only enhance your catch ratio. The shad do not tend to last as long as other baits will but they would definitely be my first choice of a bait to drag when kingfish are in the area.

 

We got the rods all baited and started to troll an area that looked real fishy. It did not take very long before one of the rods started to scream. That  all too familiar sound got my Nephews attention in a real hurry and he quickly ran to the stern of the boat to start the battle of reeling in what very well might have been his biggest kingfish catch to date.

 

Make no mistake about is Todd was determined to reel up this fish all by himself even though the fish at the end of his line very well may be just as big as he was. That was not about to stop him though. I had to position myself near him to help if and when he allowed me to. I did not want him to lose the fish so I coached him and he even  listened some of the time. Once he was over the initial shock of the strength the kingfish had at the end of his line he got focused and did a fantastic job at bringing his fish to the boat.

 

When the kingfish was pulling off line I told Todd to just hold on and when he could gain line back to do just that. I told him to listen to his drag system on the reel and not to work against the drag. When the fish decided to rest I explained to Toddy that was his time to gain line back and to try to get the fish under control. He was quick to remind me that the fish was his fish .

 

After about a ten minute battle Todd had his fish next to the boat we gaffed the fish.The excitement in Todd’s eyes will be forever etched in my brain. He had the biggest smile and his eyes were the size of silver dollars . He was one proud angler and I was one proud Aunt.

 

Be careful when bringing a kingfish into the boat. They have a mouth filled with razor sharp teeth so be very careful and do not get close to their mouth when your taking the hook out of them. Immediately put kingfish on ice if your bringing the fish home to eat. Kingfish have to be a minimum of 24 inches to the fork to keep. 2 per person per day. I am quite certain Todd will remember this particular kingfish fishing outing for the rest of his life I know I will.

 

 

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”Permit” me to Explain

 

Permit are sometimes referred to as “King Pompano”. Permit like the very similar but smaller pompano are both members of the jack family and are powerful fighters. I think I recently added permit to my top three fish I like to catch list.  Permit are usually thought of as fish of the flats . Many fly fishing anglers love to stalk permit on the flat just as they do bonefish.  But now anglers have discovered permit spawning on the offshore reefs.

 

Recently the permit fishing has been spectacular both inshore as well as offshore. We have been finding some nice 3-5 pound permit in crystal clear shallow water. They are great fun to sight cast to and a great way to bend a rod. These shallow water permit put up quite a fight and make some nice runs. You can sometimes watch the fish as they eat your bait the water is so clear.

 

Permit on the offshore reefs can be much larger fish. Is is not unusual to catch permit on the reefs that weigh 20 – 40 pounds. You just have to be careful not to allow the permit to overpower you and take themselves back down into the rocks and structure below and cut itself off . Grouper are famous for this method of escape as well. Be sure to try to keep your fish up out of the rocks it will take some practice as well as some strength in order to successfully achieve this.

 

Ladies you too can land big fish it is a  matter of relaxing and feeling the rod and knowing when you can gain some line back when the fish goes to rest. It is quite an accomplishment knowing you won the battle. More and more woman are setting world records with their catches.

 

 

Finding permit is not the hard part. The hard part is catching them.  When you go to the reefs arrive as early as you can just after daylight and keep your eyes wide open looking for curved black tails sticking out of the water. They will barely slice the surface but early in the day they can be spotted this way.  You also may see a mirror like flash of the fish as the sun gets higher. There also is a possibility you will be able to see the permit’s white lips.  Whether you spot them by their tails, their lips or their shine I assure you it will get your attention in a hurry once you do spot them.

 

Permit will hang around structure in depths of  water 20 feet or greater. They can be as wary as a bonefish so use a stealth appraoch when targeting these fish. The key to catching permit is being at the right place at the right time with the right bait on hand. Permit on the reefs move on a regular basis. They may be on one wreck one day and two days later they are gone. You may even have to run from one reef to another in search of these giant silver slabs.

 

Permit can be very suspicious especially if they have been over-fished on a certain reef.  Use your trolling motors when approaching a reef that has been holding permit.  Anchoring up and or drifting is a great method to catch permit as well.

 

There are certain periods throughout the day when permit are on the top of the water and are easiest to see. The first being during slack tide between the incoming and the outgoing flow.  When the current stops flowing the fish come to the surface.  Also keep your eyes peeled for tailing permit when the surface is flat calm which usually is early morning or between the land breezes and the sea breeze. Drifting a live crab usually works best under these conditions.

 

When rigging for permit use a clear monofilament line or a super stretch braided line and a fluorocarbon leader.  Permit have those great big round eyes for a reason . You should use a hook that is in proportion with the size of your crab your using for bait.  When fishing permit on the reefs be prepared when a hooked permit tries to take cover on the structure below every chance they get to . So be prepared for that so you can adjust and keep your permit from cutting you off. Goliath grouper also can be a problem fishing the reefs.  Nearly every structure off our coast has resident Goliaths  that can range from 50 pounds to over 500 pounds. These giant fish will eat any fish they can catch up to including a prize permit.

 

Reef fishing can be great fun. You never know what you may hook into or what other fish you will see out there. On some recent outings I was able to  fish certain reefs that had plenty of spinner sharks there to entertain me with their wild spins out of the water as well as several barracuda and several other smaller sharks. There have been days that the mackerel shot out of the water as well as an occasional sky rocketing kingfish. Larger sharks also frequent the offshore reefs.

 

If you are working a school of permit on a reef it is best to cast the crab slightly up-tide of where the fish are and let it drift past them at the surface. Permit feed on crabs so they are one of their favorite baits to slurp in. A light cork sometimes will help to keep your crab suspended and also helps give the angler a visual to alert them to reel as their cork disappears under water.

 

If you have never caught a permit before once you do it will not be your last one. Permit will quickly cause your adrenalin level to rise. They are a very strong fighting fish and seeing their silver reflection down in the water as your reeling in your fish is a sight you will always remember. Permit have a personality all of their own. They are equipped with all the hard fighting genes their cousins in the jack family portray.

 

Permit are not known to eat other fish they feed on crabs and other crustaceans  such as shrinp and sand fleas. Just about any sort of crab you throw at a permit seems to get bit when the permit are aggressively feeding. The little pass crabs that are found in the passes this time of the year in the weed-lines tend to be a favorite of the permit. Remember  that big permit like big crabs so toss a larger crab when targeting big permit. Palm size blue crabs are  big permit candy.  

 

There are certain times that an imitation crab will work just as well. The new CW Crab lure was a successful choice on one of my recent offshore reef fishing experience’s targeting permit.  Within seconds after I tossed one of the CW crab lures  out to a school of permit I was hooked up with a beautiful 25 pound fish. The bigger permit tend to drift just below the surface ,occasionally finning or bobbing on top while investigating the weed clumps looking for food.

 

Patience is a must when looking to catch big permit.  Make sure tour first cast is as accurate as it can get. Do not cast the crab right on the head of the permit, lead the cast so it lands up ahead of the fish so it will enhance your catch ratio. Permit seem to thrive in warm summer weather when the water temperatures are also elevated. Permit is a fish you need no permit to catch. It is legal to keep one per day 20 inches to the fork or more. Permit make for a great photo fish. They are also good eating.

 

So ladies get out there with your fishing family and try your luck at hooking into one of these beautiful fish. I promise you the fight will be one that sticks with you for quite sometime. The best thing is “no permit”  is required to catch these magnificent gamefish.

 

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Planning & Patience

Summer time is here. A great summer activity for kids is fishing. When is comes to taking kids fishing is is all about planning and being prepared, oh, and action is a must. Like myself, kids can tolerate fishing but they like “catching “ a whole lot better. So choose your target fish wisely making sure the bite will be good keeping the kids attention from wandering off.

 

Young anglers really do not care so much about what species of fish they are catching just so long as they are catching fish. Be prepared have lots of bait and snacks and water on board. At times I have seen kids enjoy playing in the baitwell just as much or more as they enjoyed fishing. So have plenty of minnows to fish with because with kids playing in the baitwell you are bound to lose some.

 

Shrimp are also an excellent bait for summer fishing with kids. No matter what bait your fishing with just be sure to have extra with kids on the boat.

 

I just recently had 4 of my Nephews with me and my only Niece staying with me for 10 days. Talk about being brave. The time I get to spend with my Niece and Nephews to me is priceless so I would not miss spending time with them every summer for the world. Every Summer they look forward to getting together to share part of their summer break with me. Well at least that’s what I like to believe but I am starting to think is is the fishing they look so forward to. They just tolerate their Aunt Merry so they can get lots of fishing in during their stay.

 

This summer they caught a variety of fish. They saw some good permit action as well as trout and snapper and snook. They are still a little too young to tango with a tarpon. We did get to see plenty of tarpon though as we were fishing for other fish. We also were able to get the kids out crabbing in the Boca Grande Pass which is always one of the highlights of their trip. Dipping those pass crabs is something they all enjoy doing. They do not like to miss any as they are dipping so they have a friendly competition going year after year to see who can net the most crabs.

 

The key to having a successful kids fishing trip is action and patience. When the kids are catching fish things are good. But be prepared to change hooks and rebait their lines often it is all part of the whole take a kid fishing experience. Kids are great listeners most of the time. They are like sponges they want to learn .

 

I am amazed at a childs memory . My Niece and Nephews were reminding me of certain places they caught a specific fish over the years. I think that is great that they have such wonderful memories of their fishing adventures throughout their young lives. Some children never even get to experience what fishing is all about. Other kids are as passionate about their fishing as I am.

 

The look on a kids face as they are reeling up a tiny fish or a fish that is sometimes as big as they are is priceless. I could sit all day long and watch kids reel in fish and never pick up a fishing pole for myself to fish with. This is probably the one and only time I understand what the word “patience” really means .

 

When we take kids fishing we all have to remember they are our primary focus. We want them to catch fish and be happy. Trying to juggle keeping their lines straight and baited will be plenty to keep you busy. The adults can fish another time make sure you do everything in your power to make the fishing trip one the kids will remember a lifetime. That first impression a child gets when he or she are just learning to fish is very important. One mistake with lack of patience on our part could  risk turning a child away from fishing forever so be careful and put the kids wants and needs ahead of yours.

 

In the summer months you do not need to get out there at the crack of dawn. Kids usually do not like to wake up bright and early during their summer vacations. Make sure they are wearing sun block and the boat  has some shade. Drink plenty of fluids on the boat even if you do not feel thirsty. It gets HOT out there this time of the year . If the kids want to cool down during your fishing outing take a time out and maybe go over to a local sandbar and lets the kids burn off some energy there while they cool down some in the water. Have a lunch break as well.

 

Remember planning and patience and lots of action are the recipe to a successful kids fishing outing this summer. Get out an enjoy some time with your family in the great outdoors while the kids are out of school this summer. I have some wonderful memories as a kid fishing with my family. Those are memories that will be with me my entire life. Now I am able to share some time creating special memories with my Niece and Nephews out on the water fishing till our arms hurt.

 

 

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No Bull!

 

The bull shark is gray in color and is a very heavy bodied shark with a short blunt snout and small eyes in comparison to their body size.  Bull sharks have a second fin which helps in identifying them from other  sharks. Their second dorsal fin is  1/3 the height of the first fin. Bull sharks are common in water less than 30 feet deep. They also can be found in and around the passes and especially in areas where  there is food they can feed on.

 

Bull sharks have been known to go up into estuaries . They can tolerate a wide variety of salinity. Bull sharks have a very carnivores diet which includes  fish such as tarpon , catfish, mullet and other bony fish. Stingrays are also part of the bull sharks diet as well. Bull sharks will eat other sharks as well as turtles, birds and dolphins.

 

I have talked to some local shark fisherman over the years and was told they have also found crab, shrimp and aquid inside a bull shark after they cleaned one they had caught. Bull sharks are not picky when is comes to feeding. They tend to hunt for food solo but have been known to hunt in packs as well .

 

Bull sharks are very visible during tarpon season in the Boca Grande Pass as well as along the beaches. Fisherman from all over the world come to Boca Grande to fish for tarpon year after year. Take the necessary precautions while releasing your tarpon and all the other fish species you are releasing when the bull sharks are present.

 

Bull sharks are known to be very aggressive sharks and can be dangerous to humans. They are very territorial and will attack other animals as wel as humans that come into their territory. Most human attacks have been attributed to  bull sharks . Experts can tell by the shape of the bite exactly what species of shark made the attack.  Bull sharks use what some call a bump and bite technique when they attack their prey. They like to live in murky waters and sometimes are not even seen before is’s too late. Living here in south west Florida we all have to be aware of our surroundings.

 

It is not a good idea to jump into a canal at any time. You need to be very cautious while swimming in the gulf.  Dusk and dawn are not the times to be swimming in either place. Bull sharks just like all other sharks that swim our local waters do not attack humans due to hunger. To a shark a swimmer looks like a seal or other prey that they attack. Sharks are attracted by splashing in the water as well as vibrations which both are attributed to attacks. Sharks are also attracted to blood so do not swim in the water if you have an open wound that is bleeding. Sharks can smell blood over a mile away.

 

 

 

Fall Fishing

 

Although October  has been traditionally known for Halloween and fall colors, it is also a month known for some great fishing here in south west Florida. Anglers look forward to fishing for redfish this month as well as any other fish. The north winds of the fall and winter will force the redfish into deeper channels and canals.

 

Redfish are pretty predictable to weather change. Redfish are more tolerable to cold water unlike shook and trout are.  Dirty water, low salinity and cold water temperatures can and will cause a redfish to react either favorably or not.

 

Once the cold fronts start arriving the redfish will get together in tight schools making them easier to target just as they are during a low tide. Falling tides are when redfish seem to feed the best. Redfish feed on crabs, shrimp, and other crustaceans that lurk around the grassy shoal areas. You very well might just see  a redfish tail sticking up out of the water while they are feeding on the bottom and what a site this is.

 

Seeing a good number of those spotted tails waving back at you is get the blood flowing in all anglers bodies. Keep your eyes peeled for schools of mullet . Usually the redfish will travel with the mullet as they eat all the leftover goodies the mullet stir up as they travel.

 

If you are not able to get live bait there are plenty of artificial lures that work just as well and sometimes even better than live bait will. Mirrorlure as well as Rat- L- Trap lures are two very good ones to start with. For many redfish anglers the gold spoon will be their lure of choice.The gold spoon has been a very dependable spoon for many years when targeting reds.

 

Redfish will not be the only fish you can target in October and November. Look for pods of baitfish and birds working If you are feeling the need for some powerful fast fish  you should focus on the fall Spanish mackerel run as well as the kingfish run. Both these fish are fun to catch with lots of action. Once you hook up you will swear you have a mini torpedo on the end of your line. Especially if you hook into a smoker kingfish or two.

 

These two speedy strong fish along with the bonita mixed in will be sure to test your endurance as well as your tackle. Take your time to see which direction the school of fish are moving in. Get ready to make an accurate cast just up ahead of the schools of fish and hang on . When your bait hits the water you need to be already reeling. Slow is not a word that comes to mind when you are targeting kingfish, Spanish mackerel or bonita. They like Nascar drivers have a need for speed. Both lives minnows as well as lures work great for these speedsters. There will be times you can even anchor and chum the fish to you. Other times trolling will work fine.

 

Fall fishing gives you the time to get more aquatinted with some of your go to lures. Bait will become less and less available. Live shrimp will be a great bait to use as well for the inshore species of fish.  I am looking forward to fall fishing this time of the year as I always do. Make some time to get out there and enjoy some of the great fishing we have right here in our own backyards.

 

 

 

 

Hot January!

This month I hope a lot of you avid anglers are ringing in the New Year by getting out and catching more fish. With cold fronts the norm this time of the year in Southwest Florida and water temperatures much cooler the fish are at times lethargic and in slow motion so do not be in a hurry when winter fishing.

 

There is no need to be the first one out on the water at daybreak like you need to be during prime tarpon season in the summer months. Let the sun get up and warm the water before targeting whatever fish you are after. During January the fish take a little longer to wake up just as we human’s do when we are cold . This is a time of the year that many anglers switch to artificial bait and lures due to the fact that live bait is hard to come by .

 

Using artificials can be challenging. Especially if you have been spoiled and are used to using live minnows on a regular basis. You have to know how to work the bait as well as where to work the bait. They can be very effective if they are presented properly. Live shrimp are a great bait to use this time of the year as well. Both pompano as well as sheepshead love shrimp. Redfish will inhale shrimp as well in these winter months. Many of the local guides as well as recreational anglers have reported great redfish action recently.

 

 Sheepshead are not an easy fish to hook. They are called “convict fish” for a reason. They are bait stealers and will leave you with an bare hook if you are not paying attention and feeling them nibble at your bait. Docks and any structure are great places to seek out sheepies to catch. January is a time pompano frequent our local waters as well. Pompano provide a great fight for the size fish they are.  Many pompano anglers will use a jig tipped with a piece of shrimp. One of the most popular pompano jigs used is one called  “Doc’s Goofy Jig” which are made in Largo Florida. If you want to catch pompano I highly suggest investing in some Doc’s Goofy Jigs. They have not let me down and you will be amazed at how well the pompano are attracted to them . Pompano are a great eating fish and a fun fish to catch as well. These golden nuggets are sometimes referred to as a fish fit for Kings. Watch for pompano skipping out of the water if you see one skip it is a great place to slow down and look for more.

 

Tripletail and cobia are also two fish that you can have great success with in January. Look for the Tripletail hanging around the crab trap buoys. Cobia will also hang along the crab trap bouy lines. Look on the surface for what may  appear to be a chocolate looking shark. As you get closer you will quickly notice the difference and realize the brown colored fish are cobia . Talk about a fun fish to catch packed with power cobia will grab your attention in a hurry. They are a very powerful fish that will make long runs once hooked. Be sure and wear the fish out before even thinking about bringing a green cobia into the boat.

 

 Winter fishing is a lot of fun. Many fish have to change their usual surroundings to feed and to stay warm. Sandy bottoms in the shallow water will warm up a lot quicker that other areas. So take it slow when looking in those type areas. Fish like redfish and snook will be there laying trying to warm themselves up. Be careful not to spook the fish. If you can see them it is highly likely they can see you too.

 

Last month I did some commercial mullet fishing and had a blast. Hopefully we will be catching some more this month too. It is hard work and can be very long days on the water. But that is all part of the mullet fishing. Once you find the fish things can get exciting. I enjoy the hunt to find the fish . Seeing  the mullet all together by the thousands can be a sight to see. I have not learned to throw the cast-net yet (probably on purpose) but I may have to learn to throw it for next seasons mullet run. For now I will stick to running the boat and grading the fish. Happy New Year everyone ! Hope your New Years resolutions include more fishing.   

 

 

 

Tackle Maintenance

Tackle maintenance is a very important part of your fishing experience. Yet this area of the sport is often neglected. A fairly high number of fishing enthusiasts use their fishing equipment until it breaks. “Murphy’s Law” will not work when it comes to fishing. If your fishing equipment breaks it very well may mean losing the fish of a lifetime.

   

Most angler’s are conscientious about washing down their fishing rods and reels after use in the saltwater, but in many cases that simply is not enough. To keep your fishing tackle operating properly and doing what it was designed to do requires a lot more attention than a quick wash job. There are a number of minor maintenance activities that should be performed on a regular basis during your fishing season.

 

Checking for line chafe, spraying metal parts with oil and a lubrication product such as corrosion block to all moving parts is a must. Be careful not to spray any on your line while doing this. It could cause the line to have a smell that will not help in attracting the fish to your bait. Quality equipment needs to be properly set up prior to the season.

 

Major cleaning  and repair of tackle should include complete disassembly of reels regardless of the amount of use. Salt has a way of getting into the internal parts of fishing reels and causing damage. Make sure you take the time to carefully clean all your reels. If you feel you do not have enough experience to accomplish this task by yourself most of all your local tackle stores will have someone with the experience on site that can do it for you. It will be well worth whatever the cost is. In the long run it will allow you to have your fishing tackle in tip top order for a lot longer than if you neglected to do your tackle maintenance on a regular basis.

 

Rods will rarely require more than a good cleaning. Except for replacing a damaged guide from time to time. Other than a complete tear down of a reel or the re wrapping of a guide, most other maintenance can be performed by the individual. In addition to general maintenance of your tackle there also are some fine tuning of tackle that should be done in the off season. By doing this your tackle will perform better when you most need it to. If you notice a rough or chattering drag, or a small abrasion to your line take immediate action to fix these problems before your next fishing outing.

 

Hook choice and hook maintenance are a very important link between an anglers success at catching fish verses just fishing. A successful day on the water can be won or lost by hook choice.  Whether you are a casual fisher person, an avid weekend angler, or a diehard tournament angler overlooking your hooks can make a big difference in having an average day on the water or one that will be remembered for a lifetime. Because of our high pressured fishing waters, bites sometimes come less often, making it more important than ever to ensure that we make each and every strike count. There are as many hook styles out there o today’s market as there are types of fish. Hooks have been designed for every type of fishing from pompano fishing to tarpon fishing.

 

Your hook is one of the key links between you and your prize fish you have often dreamt about catching. Make sure your hooks are sharp and that you are using the proper hook for the type fish you happen to be targeting on that given day.

 

Know what is in your tackle box. Take the time to sort through and repair old baits, and to take stock in what you need to purchase to replace old or lost tackle.  Make a list of those things you remember losing and those you used to catch fish with. Make sure you have the variety necessary. Check your size ranges of hooks, sinkers, line etc. Check for color selection of baits as well. If you replace what is missing, get rid of what you do not need. Add some of the newest style of baits, it will surely enhance the odds of your becoming a successful angler on any given day.

 

Keep your tackle well maintained. You will be glad you took the time to do so. Do not fall into the “Wishin I were Fishin” trap. Keeping your tackle well cared for may not be a fun job, but it will be very rewarding I the long run. You can now concentrate on catching fish instead of constantly fiddling with your gear.

 

Preventive maintenance can sure make or break your fishing experience. There are already plenty of factors out of the anglers hands when is comes to fishing but making sure the tackle you fish with is up to date and in working order means everything when is comes to your catch ratio.

 

 

 

Big Trout

Florida  speckled trout give anglers plenty of action. Trout are great table fare as well. Trout like to stay close to grassy bottom with potholes. Often when fishing for trout the water is rather shallow. Using a cork will sometimes help keep your bait above the grass when fishing in shallow water situations so the trout can see your bait.

 

Florida trout are not all that selective when it comes to live bait or lures. Trout just like most fish are moving and you need to present your baits perfectly when targeting trout.

 

Leave your big , unorganized tackle box home this trip. You will need 1/8 ounce jig heads, several plastic grub tails, and a few DOA plastic shrimp along with a spool of 20 pound mono leader material. Faithful mirrolures will work well here too. Live shrimp work well too.

 

Most trout do not put up much of a battle. Yet they are still very popular to the beginner anglers as well as to the veteran anglers and great fun to catch.

 

Your drags will be singing and your rods will quickly have a bend in them. Trout are not spectacular leapers or battlers but they fight vigorously generally with a strong run or two followed by reversals, dashes and circles. They will also thrash at the surface once hooked. Trout are schooling fish usually found in shallow waters over sandy bottoms. Work the edges really well when casting to these shallow water trout.

 

Spotted sea trout need to be handled with care. They are far less suited for catch and release like their cousin the redfish are. Trout are very delicate and need to be treated as such. Try to use a dehooking devise when releasing them back into the water. Touch them as little as possible. Never use a towel use wet hands.

 

Their livelihood depends on it.  If you do use a trout for a picture please try to be very quick snap the picture and carefully place the trout back in the water . Trout are a beautiful fish and make for a great photo. Hold their beautiful spots in the sun so they will shine.

 

When it comes to spotted sea trout you can have a successful fishing outing if that is your target fish. Perfect days  in paradise  are not always the best fishing days. Watch your weather , June usually brings a lot of afternoon thunderstorms. If there is no lightening or thunder it is safe to stay fishing. If you see lightening in the sky is would be best to head to the dock as soon as possible. Safety first the fish will be there once the storms pass.

 

Trout as all fish react to any change in the barometer they can turn on and off like a light switch.

 

This year there seems to be plenty of trout to target. They

seem alot larger than in years past . Anglers have enjoyed great success catching and sharing trout with their family and friends for dinner which may be a great sign of things to come in the future of our trout populations throughout the state.

 

If you are going to snap a photo of your trout make sure your hands remain wet and you shoot the photo as quickly as possible and get the fish back into the water immediately. Trout are not a hearty fish they are delicate so treat them with extreme care when releasing them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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