Archive for January, 2010

Jan 31st 2009

I just got back from an Everglades Mothership trip. We were at the mouth of Lostman’s river for 3 days on a 100 foot mothership with full hotel like accommodations. I mean hot and cold running water, showers, kitchen, 70″ satellite TV, ac, full bar, ice maker, water maker, lounge, even a hot tub. We had 6 boats tied on to the boat so everyone could run around and fish their favorite spots and do some exploring.

The operation is Gulf Island Adventures out of Ft. Myers

It was an awesome experience for sure. I will write more details as I get a chance. I’m typing this on the road right now but will hopefully get more time tomorrow afternoon.

Meanwhile here are some photos from the trip.

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2009 was a very discouraging year for me. Never have so many things happened in such a short period of time that brought me disappointment, regret, and loss, but also realization and enlightenment to all aspects of my life. I have learned to be a better father, husband, son, brother and friend. Learning to make the most out of the time I have been given and not take my life for granted was realized. I am sure some of you out there can relate to what is being said.

That being stated, 2009 was a very interesting year also, it wasn’t all bad, and could always have been worse. I adapted to some problems life threw my way, and had some great times. Some good changes to my life occurred and great new experiences were had, as well as new friends made, and many new goals I had set for myself were accomplished. 2009 was definitely a roller coaster ride.

Of course, this is a website dedicated mainly to fishing and photography, so I will spare you the details. The goals and experiences discussed here are all last year’s fishing related hopes and achievements.

Below is an article I wrote last year at about this time for Salty Shores. It was not the usual “New Years Resolution” article, but geared towards fishing goals, as I explained above. I did primarily fishing goals for two reasons; the first being obvious-the piece was for a fishing based website, and second, I wanted to steer clear of the mundane resolutions that everyone always preaches. I am sure those that were reading (if any), feel like me; those articles are redundant, and surely most had read the resolution articles many times already at the start of the year. I was tired of seeing the same old stuff in the newspaper, magazines and television, so this is what I came up with. Even a fishing “resolution” article is a little ordinary to see, but this one is a little different than most. I am definitely glad I wrote it. I wanted to put up the article from last year and evaluate how I did on the goals I set to carry out. Of course, most fishing goals are easier to achieve than quitting smoking or losing weight, but the goals that one sets can be tough nonetheless.

Skim through the old article, it’s not too long, and then check out how I made out.

A Fresh Start-2009

Time for those resolutions. I know, I know. Another article about the annual changes some try to adhere to for the New Year. I have that new diet, quitting smoking, getting more exercise; the list goes on and on. To change it up a little, discussing some resolutions I may actually achieve just a little easier is best. So, this should be a no-brainer- fishing goals. I am an average Joe 9-5 worker. I was introduced to Florida salt water fishing five years ago after leaving my hometown of Baltimore. Moving to Ruskin, FL, I had no idea what was sitting in my backyard-Some of the best fishing in the Tampa Bay area. Ever since residing here I have been fishing at least twice a month, four times if I’m lucky. I have had more bad fishing trips (if there is such a thing) than good, but at least I am out there learning. As with all areas of my life, there are many changes that can be made to improve and educate myself, along with maybe putting a fillet or two in the fryer.

The first thing I feel is imperative for me is to find new areas to fish off the beaten path. The South Shore is pounded by fisherman and women all weekend; usually the “good” spots are covered up, or the fish wise up. Exploring more water to determine where else fish may be holding up is a priority. Learning the backcountry is a good start. The changes in depth, structure, and finding where the fish move during different tides will help me tremendously.

Changing tactics is a must. I have been stuck in a rut fishing the same live baits and artificials in the same ways for years. It’s time for me to have an open mind with my arsenal of unused tackle. If a certain tactic isn’t producing, what could it hurt to mix things up a little? It can’t.

Grouper fishing in the Bay. Having spent little time in the deeper water, the shipping channels of Tampa Bay will be a destination frequented regularly this year. Having just purchased two quality setups for grouper and tarpon, my first heavy duty combos that can handle the big boys will be used repeatedly this summer. I would love to catch my first keeper grouper, bottom fishing and trolling. It will be tough to pry myself away from the flats, but I need to soak some bait in the shipping channel. For me, it will be hard to have the patience to sit on the rocks for a while, but a sandwich and a cold one will help. Trolling for grouper is a different story; this method has so many variables, it could take more than this year to get a keeper running the edges. I will still be giving it a go.

Tarpon, Tarpon, Tarpon. My new heavy action rod for tarpon will have a pass crab or huge threadfin on the hook a few times during the annual run. Believe it or not, I have never even attempted to fish for tarpon. Maybe it’s a lack of confidence, limited knowledge of the etiquette expected while fishing for the silver king, or as with grouper fishing, a lack of patience. Hopefully I will be out this year with someone who can show me the way. Many stories have been told of catching these beasts, mine will be heard this year.

Last but not least, I will be spending more time on and off the water with family, and making new friends to fish with is also a goal. Fishing alone can be fun at times, but it can be unsafe. A bump on the head and a splash in the water is all it takes to wind up on the news. Be safe and good luck to all in life, and fishing in 2009. See you on the water!

So, there are the goals set for 2009, let’s see how I actually performed.

2010 Reflections

Finding new areas to fish and Changing Tactics:

I figure combining these two goals is best. Over the course of the year, I spent a good amount of my time looking for a few new “top secret” honey holes. This was partly because I resolved to do it, and partly because I had no other choice- it’s crowded out there on the South Shore of Tampa Bay. When you are familiar with and fish a certain spot on a regular basis, the fish may not always eat, but at least you know they are there and there is a possibility of landing a couple fish. This gives an angler such as myself confidence and makes it tough to not throw the anchor at that favorite spot. I forced myself (and whomever was on my boat) to go off the beaten path anyways. Being on the water scouting helped me out considerably. I found a few new, rarely fished spots that produced well. Fishing grounds other anglers would just run right by. Spots I didn’t think should have even been tried. I didn’t find all these new holes myself, some friends helped at times, but many were found on my own and were shared to return the favors done for me by others. I also used knowledge taught by others to scout these spots. Diving birds, mullet schools, baitfish and other clues were used on a regular basis to look for fish. This was a big change as I fished in the open water a lot, not just my normal mangrove lines and passes. Techniques I would never have tried the year before, such as different presentations and baits, lures that I have no confidence in, and different rigs were all used with success. Accomplishing these goals has been a huge confidence booster for me, and gave me the knowledge to adapt to the conditions around me for the most successful outing possible.

Grouper Fishing:

To start, I didn’t do much, if any, trolling for grouper that I can recall. I focused all my attention to dropping baits in the shipping channels and deeper portions of the bay. Fishing with my friends numerous times, friends that have knowledge in this area of expertise, helped me learn the techniques of fishing, in different areas, as well as what to look at besides the depth finder. All I thought that was needed to be successful was sitting on the ledge and dropping a pinfish down to the bottom. Boy was I wrong. Now it’s the norm for me to successfully fish for grouper on my own with confidence. I have had success fishing for deeper water grouper in the channels, and even more luck when shallow water grouper fishing in areas I would never have thought a grouper would be hanging around. I really put an emphasis on learning all I could from other excellent fisherman, and putting my time in on the water on my own. Snapper fishing was also a plus; I found many new rock piles and techniques to pursue this fish as well. Overall, bottom fishing this year was great, much better than I expected.

Tarpon:

Tarpon ribcage tattoo. Yeah, you could say I caught a small case of "the fever"...

Last year, I finally got off my summer inshore kick, and chased the “Silver King” with reckless abandonment. Reflecting back, when fishing for grouper and tarpon this year, I rarely even brought light tackle gear on the boat. This helped; I had no excuse to give up. After my first tarpon hook set, it was all over; I had the legendary “tarpon fever”.

 

Using the proper knots, leader size, and even analyzing what hooks were being used was like putting together the pieces of a puzzle. So I finally put that piece of the puzzle together, but there was more. When out on the water, I still had to use my head and as stated above, I had to make sure I didn’t stay one dimensional. Changing tactics and adapting was imperative. I learned that tarpon fishing is not just soaking a bait and waiting. For me, it was trying different methods, baits and conditions which helped me in landing my first tarpon. I can now say with confidence that I know how and where to fish for tarpon, and maybe even land one or two. 

 Making New Friends and Spending Time with Family:

Over the course of the past year, I can’t say that I have made a ton of friends or networked to a great extent. I really didn’t want to try and become Mr. Popularity, because I’m not. What I can say is that while making some really good friends in 09’, quality has made up for quantity. Considering myself a very good judge of character, I surrounded myself with people who, as a good friend of mine would say, “Are assets, not liabilities”. You guys (and gals) know who you are.

As far as family is concerned, finding the time and spending it with my family was not always a top priority; sometimes this took second. In 2010 it is of a great significance to me, especially after some tragic events that took place last year. The times I did spend with the family were fun though. I finally put my father on his first snook, my family and I had numerous barbeques, camping trips and parties, and all of us enjoyed each other through a year of adversity.

All in all, as I had stated, 2009 was a hard year. When reflecting upon the past years events, I won’t do much complaining about what happened and don’t want to change much about it. I learned a lot about life and feel I have become a better person in general. For 2010, I haven’t really come up with many resolutions. Some of my focus will be put towards furthering my knowledge of writing, photography, of course, fishing. Targeting some new species is something for me to look forward to also. I will be heading down to the Keys for some bonefish and permit action, with maybe a few tarpon mixed in. Continuing to make friends and doing a little networking will also be in the mix, and for sure, spending time with loved ones and making the most out of life is my top priority. We have all heard it before, but life is too short to take anything for granted.

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Extending The Possibilities

Simple in form, diverse in function, today’s tiller-based skiffs are the essence of uncomplicated fishing. A hull, motor and gear are all that’s needed to explore the shallows of your home port or those far away. Yet as any angler and outdoorsmen will attest, a modification or two always seems to find its way onto the simplest of skiffs.

One modification is a tiller extension. Designed to help better balance the weight distribution of a skiff and in some cases help plane the skiff off faster. Additionally, allowing for a wider variety of positions from which to operate the skiff. Whether a home brew, made from scrap PVC pipe and some hose clamps, or one of a growing number of examples made from super light carbon fiber to super strong aluminum, the choices are plenty.

Check out the full review at microskiff.com

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“Capture the Moment” photo contest!  Even better is that it’s free to enter!

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OK this my first update using a smart phone. Its going to br brief as I’m typing this on a small keyboard at 6am in a parking lot. I make plenty of mistakes as it is and now I’m handicapped.

Once I get to a place later today I can hook up a laptop I can upload some photos from yesterday’s outing.

BTW this phone will allow me to upload photos as well. It wont be as good as the dslr photos but hopefully I can capture some moments.

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The freeze put all us anglers into think mode…..where are we going to get shots, if we find them are they going to eat, where will the fish turn on first, etc….Sunday the wind was blowing 25+ but Ben and I decided we needed to get out of the house, so we did some exploration into old winter time haunts. We searched far into the backcountry in search of shallow mud flats for laid up fish (which is usually the case this time of year). We found an area outside the wind but were reluctant to find any fish able to make a cast to. The good news – NO dead fish to be found. The bad news, the few fish we found were in heavy camo mode. The flats should be heating up rapidly and providing more normal days in the near future. As you can see in the first photo, we were way, way back here in SW florida! No hero or fish shots but just a little idea of where we are searching this time of year. Great news though – Tarpon season is just a skip away and I hope we are going to have an epic season!

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Just wanted to give everyone a heads up about a fun tournament for fly fisherman in our Treasure Coast targetting Redfish, Snook, and Trout that will be happening later on this year. 

Off of Maverick’s website:

Second Annual Maverick/Backcountry Slam Tournament. A fly only tournament targeting redfish, snook and trout with a slam format (winning team catches biggest three of all species). Meant more for fun than competition and with a low entry fee, the event will include a post fishing raffle with tackle and items provided by The Backcountry, a leading fly fishing retailer located in Vero Beach. Keep an eye on the forum for more details and entry information.

Saturday, March 06th, 2010 07:00 AM – 03:00 PM

Captains meeting will be held Friday, March 5th at the Backcountry in Vero.  For more information go to www.verobackcountry.com. 

I was told there will be some pretty sweet prizes this year… See you guys there…

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All this talk about death and moping around has caused a big stir in the fishing community.  It is fact that both our snook and bonefish population have taken a major hit.  But at to what extent?  Nature has always had a way of surviving.  All is not lost.  When all seems grim and we are surrounded by death, nature has a way of surprising us. 

There is a light at the end of this short tunnel.  Reports are coming in from many different areas that the fishery is indeed improving.  Anglers are reporting some of their best days of redfishing from all parts of the state.  The black drum and sheepshead have not been this thick for a couple of years and of coarse, there are still snook being caught.  Permit and Bonefish are also still being caught in Biscayne Bay and the Keys.  Permit come in and out of the shallows off the deep water wrecks.  Bonefish migrate back and forth between South Florida and the Bahamas.  Those snook that managed to escape the onslaught of the cold are slowly returning to some of their wintery haunts.  Some hungry and very willing to eat a well placed fly or plug.  You’ll know when a snook is healthy when it charges and clobbers your fly.  Those that need more time to recooperate will likely just ignore your offerings until they are entirely back to normal.  Catching a snook has become more of a challenge then it has been in the last few years but those who are willing to meet this challenge head on will be greatly rewarded.  These fish will not be wiped out of existance due to catch and release tactics.  The important thing to remember to ensure a fish’s survival is to handle the fish with care and return it back into the water revived and with as little stress as possible. 

To put things into perspective, the last event as such happend in the 70′s.  There were no laws to protect a snook back then, even after the population has taken a hit as such.  This day, the FWC has placed laws to protect the species for a faster recovery, more anglers are practicing catch and release, and anglers have access to more information then ever about proper handling of a snook for a sucessful release.  Don’t let a few negative reports get you down… go out, go fishing, catch some fish, and cherish the time you spend on the water… don’t let anybody else tell you otherwise! 

See you guys on the water…

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Very cool video someone sent to me. They shot it for the Drake Fly fishing film tour.

We will be working something like this for the 2011 season. These guys got some awesome stuff!

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I got in the mail Friday the Cortland Sterling Mid Arbor Fly reel. This is a very nice looking reel that retails for about $150.00. I wanted to check out a reel that was fairly inexpensive and look nice. Sure you can pick up a $20.00 plastic fly reel at your local sports authority. If you can get something that last and look good why not spend a little more. You don’t have to spend $500+ for the higher end dollar gear because after all it just holds the fly line right?

I’m also checking out the the Cortland pe+ Crystal Fly line. It’s a clear fly line. I can only assume it is for stealth purposes.

Mind you, when I do write about these products I am no Lefty Kreh. I have not owned or used all the fly gear ever built, nor do I know the  history of every fly fishing company that has ever been in existence like many of the fly fishing experts on the internet. There is lots and lots of internet experts out there so take my review for what it is. I’m just some guy learning how to fly fish.

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