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where it all started…………..
They say that the ability to recall memories from early childhood varies from person to person. Some are able to remember events from when they were three years old, while others do not. In many instances certain images of one’s childhood evoke memories that would have otherwise been forgotten. Personally I am not certain where the vague events of childhood have secured their roots in my memory. Unfortunately I do not seem to remember much before the age of 4 or 5.
Yet naturally, I do have quite fond memories of growing up fishing/boating. I am not sure where this fishing infatuation started for me, a box of squid and endless bent rods on patch reefs catching grunt after grunt? Maybe it was the mosquito ridden trips to the interior of the glades with a bucket of 10 dz. shrimp and a popping cork? Or possibly the first bonefish that melted the line off my reel like nothing I had ever seen before?
Nonetheless the memories are there, somewhere not easily evoked, however fishing with my daughter brings up a lot of them and as she gets older our explorations have grown as well. Back in late Fall we had quite a strong run of memorable fishing trips, each day seemingly better than the next. Many permit tagged for Bonefish Tarpon Trust, our first slam, some afternoons filling the cooler with snappers/lobsters, some journeying in the flooded cypress forests………….…we were sharing many good vibes which is easy to overlook with so much hustle and bustle going on around us.
The flooded cypress forest always brings some smiles for a lazy day in the sweetwater……………
Yet even at 3yrs old, her and I think a lot alike, and when the weekend rolls around she persistently requests to head out on the skiff in search of “fishies to kiss”. Who am I to deny a little girl? And on one notable late September day we set out to fulfill her wishes.
Despite the fact of working quite hard to find some fish, by mid-day we still were battling the ‘ol goose egg as no “fishies” were kissed and we almost threw in the towel. Convincingly I persuaded her to take a long swim then we could attempt the afternoon tide. As luck would have it over the course of a few hours we had many opportunities to fulfill her request………..
Tag # BTT05129
Tag # BTT05135
Tag # BTT05145
She was down with the plan…………….
Not all fish were greeted with kisses…………..
By late afternoon we had left them biting on the best day we have shared on the water yet, hooking 4 permit tagging 3, catching 3 tarpon jumping lots, and 2 bonefish losing our third and last fish next to skiff…………..our first double (almost triple) slam.
With little time for myself these days I am making due with my only alternative to getting out on the skiff. Unfortunately my requests to fish with the guys are getting more often denied as my wife reminds me I catch more fish with the kids, there are worse things to complain about I guess…………….
Good luck to everyone fishing the Salty Fly this coming weekend…………..Sam’s tireless efforts clearly produce a great event!
Tom jumps a Tarpon on fly and I was being very critical
4.6.2011
Another original video clip. This is Tom of Wanganchor. Tom and I was fishing and we ran across a pod of Tarpon happily rolling around. After we got position Tom makes the cast and lines the pod. Despite it all the fish ate anyways. Both of us were excited and the fish comes off. Me being the smart @ss that I am says..”yoooooou screwed up..”. Sorry Tom.
2004 Maverick HPX-V 17 For Sale
Well, after much thought I finally decided to let go of my 17 HPX-V. This boat has brought me many memories and caught loads of fish. As of a couple of years ago, I went and did a complete makeover on the boat rigging it for tarpon and bonefishing on the ocean. This means it has been modified to run faster and drier then most other 17 HPX-Vs. This skiff is set up to handle big water, float shallow enough to conquer the demands of Flamingo, Biscayne Bay, and the Florida Keys, and display maximum agility while on the pole. Set up to run with maximum bow lift, this skiff can run on it’s pad trimmed high with the tabs all the way up. All service, installations, and modifications done by Shallow Water Customs and Erics Outboards.
2004 Maverick 17 HPX-V
-Yamaha F90
-Tournament Console with 3 plumbed wells
-2009 Ameritrail Trailer (loaded and set for dry launch)
-Powerwinch RC30 for trailer
-Garmin 545 GPS
-Wang Anchor Bracket with 5′ Wang Anchor
-Custom Toe rails by Shallow Water Customs
-All pumps recently replaced by Shallow Water Customs
-All brand new wiring and switches rigged by Shallow Water Customs on March 2010.
-both brand new Lenco Trim Tab Actuators and trim tab switch
-Navman 2100 Fuel Scan meter
-Lowrance depth finder/water temp gauge (2.5 round gauge)
-Custom Sea Deck in cockpit, on front deck, and under rod gunnels
-New higher Capacity Aluminum Gas Tank installed by Maverick Boat Co.
-Powertech 3 blade 19 pitch PTR Prop
The entire hull is structurally perfect… no squeaks, no flex, no weak spots, nothing annoying to have to put up with. Motor purrs like a kitten and runs great. Trailer hubs never touched saltwater.
SOLD
New TV show on Bright House with my boat in the Tampa Tarpon episode.
May 17th 2010
Last weekend Tom of Wanganchor.com and Brian Sawyer of SticknPigz.com fished with the host of the a new fishing TV show . The new TV is called Extreme Fishing Adventures hosted by Captain Jimmy Nelson. They used my 2270 Canyon Bay to film the Tampa Bay Tarpon episode. Since this is a new show I’m eager to check it out on TV. I will let you guys know more as I know more.
Yesterday I shot some macro photography and I got some emails about what kind of lens I used. For these photos I used the Nikon 105mm 2.8 on a tripod. Yes a tripod is a must for macro photography as every little movement is exaggerated.
This will put things out of focus quickly along with the depth of field. Most of these shots were done using a flash on overcast day. Overcast days are great when the lighting is too harsh(high noon). The clouds acts as a filter. Granted you do not get lots of colors on these days but if you can light things up with flash, you can bring it out.
Spring has Sprung, Photography,Tampa Tat Convention, Upcoming Reviews
It’s been a while since I have written much, or have done any fishing. That’s the norm sometimes, having to balance family, work and other life events can take up a good amount of time, so I have to keep my priorities straight. That being said, the few times I have been able to get the boat in the water have been fairly productive. In the past month I have seen the flats come alive after a horrible winter. Trout has been the main target as the redfish have not cooperated for me over the last month. The bite has been pretty steady and these trout are hungry. Hanging in all the typical spots, I have been catching them on a variety of artificial baits. I have recently been seeing very scattered small bait schools in the bay, including glass minnows and small schools of pinfish, and that seems to have brought the mackerel in, as I have caught a few in six feet of water the past two times on the water. The mullet have become active all around the flats as well, which is a great sign. I am sure we have finally got out of this winter funk.
Finally, the Wang Anchor was tested and it gets my stamp of approval. I have been trying out numerous other products for reviews, including Marsh Works jigheads and soft plastics, Joe Hebert’s Edje weedless hooks, Mirrolure’s new 10 MR prop lure, Dave Hall’s wood plugs, a newEupro rod and Daiwa combo and an SWC moisture wicking hat. I have caught fish with all the above mentioned products, (except the hat 
) . The hat is great, so far. I am waiting to catch some BIG fish so I actually have some decent photos. These reviews will be up as soon as this happens. One thing that’s great about using new products, for me at least, is the fact that it helps me learn new techniques to become more proficient at using artificials in general. That is a major benefit.
Speaking of photos, I have done a bunch of experimental photography as of late; anything from flowers, animals, fish, horizon lines and even tattoos have been my Targets. I will show a couple I am proud of here, but they certainly don’t compete with the more seasoned photographers on this site. All I have really been doing is experimenting with the different features of the Nikon D3000 in different situations. Practice makes perfect.
I hit the 11th Annual Tampa Bay Tattoofest this past Friday, some of my pictures turned out well. If you want to check out the convention review, check the link. I didn’t want to clog up Salty Shores with a tattoo convention review and pictures, so I put it on InshoreInsider.com.
Here are a few pictures I feel turned out well (Please note-No photo editing program has been used on these photos except to sharpen the image, I am still learning to use photoshop properly).
That’s all for now. I have some more wildlife pictures, as well as great pictures of flowers and foliage that will be edited some more, and post them up here. Also, be on the lookout for more product testing and reports, it’s finally time for fishing again!
Tampa Tribune Outdoor Expo and Boat Show
Every year I try to attend the Tampa Tribune Outdoor Expo and Boat Show. It’s close to where I live, and one of the biggest shows on the West Coast of Florida. This year’s show did not disappoint, and I had a great time talking to old friends as well as making new ones.
When going to shows, I tend to look for local Florida businesses that are new or unique, businesses that I think will take off and make it in the industry. There are many fresh new companies out there that some may have heard of, and some may not. I will give you a brief overview of some of my favorites from the show.
Skinny Water Culture. SWC is a clothing company out of the Dunedin area. Vince and his crew have become established as a company that has set itself apart from the rest, with sharp, clean designs, and a diverse product line which is always changing and improving. I picked up one of their new moisture wicking hats and am pleased with the fit and feel. Check out their website for the latest designs of microfiber and long sleeve shirts, hats, tee’s and stickers.
SWC Crew
Reel Sassy is a women’s clothing line owned and run by two young ladies out of the Stuart area, Kimberlee Ewing and Kristy Levin. I talked to them for a minute and they seemed to have it all together. The company is fresh and innovative; a clothing line developed by women, for women. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen a business around that’s solely dedicated to women’s fishing apparel that actually looks good and stylish, something that many women will actually wear. My wife and daughter loved their line, I may order some shirts for their upcoming birthdays. Reel Sassy has a pretty extensive line of clothes and accessories from tank tops to microfiber shirts, hoodies and hats to name a few. Check them out at reelsassy.com.
Sorry guy's they're married.
Hall em’ in lures. Dave Hall and his father base their family business out of Orlando. Some argue they may be the best artificial plug makers around. I consider their wooden plugs to be some of the finest I’ve ever seen. The attention to detail put into the shapes and colors of these lures is amazing. They also make shadow boxes for lure storage and other uses; some are even displayed in a gallery right in my home town of Apollo Beach. There is no reason not to own one of their creations, it may just catch you a trophy.
Hall Em' In Lures
I spoke with Tom of Wang Anchor, and Joe of Carbon Marine. I don’t really feel there is too much need for introduction for these two locals. Their products have been seen all around Florida and beyond, and will make your fishing much easier. I think their businesses are in it for the long haul. I just got my Wang Anchor and love it, you will too.
Tom from Wang Anchor
Joe from Carbon Marine
Breathe Like A Fish from Lakeland were around, and in force as usual. BLAF doesn’t need much of an introduction either. Kent and Bob came up with a pioneering design to compete with standard fishing shirts. Microfiber vented shirts with or without buffs, as well as much more have been seen in many fishing shows and magazines. BLAF is on its way. I forgot to take a pic, but if you follow fishing, I know you’ve seen their stuff.
Captain Joe Hebert was at the show with his arsenal of lures, lures that will catch just about any fish Tampa Bay has to offer. His company is based out of Dunedin, close to the area he also runs charter trips out of. His soft plastics and various weedless hooks, jigheads and spoons kept me busy for quite some time at the show. He has a pretty vast and diverse line of products and they catch fish.
Fish on Lures
Flat Out Fishin is a local Tampa Bay company run by Troy Antalek. The business produces nicely designed shirts at a modest price. I picked up one of his tarpon shirts and love it, but won’t wear it while fishing, only around town. His designs are fresh compared to other “standard” shirts, and seem geared towards the younger anglers, and there are lots of us. I really liked what I saw at his booth.
I got one of these tarpon shirts, pretty nice...
Operation Still Waters had a booth with Salty Shores. Operation Still Waters is a non profit organization that is doing some real good for injured ex law enforcement, firefighters and military personnel. Currently they are hoping to be taking these deserving folks on fishing trips to our waters with local captains. I wish them all the best, they are good people.
Operation Still Waters
Overall I had a good time at the show and probably missed a few great new companies out there, but I feel some of the best were highlighted above. I wish them all well. I’m looking forward to see them around at the upcoming shows and beyond.
Wang Anchor Install…Way too Easy
I am always the last kid on the block to get the new toys. Weather it be a phone, video game system, computers, cameras, televisions-you get the idea. Well, this applies to fishing equipment also.
I finally caught up with the ever growing pack, and got my hands on a Wang Anchor system for my center console bay boat. I wish I hadn’t waited so long. Having used the system before, I already knew what it could do, but had I bought one sooner, my back would have thanked me.
The system consists of a stake out pole and mount. It’s that simple. With the system purchase, you receive instructions for installation and the stainless steel screws to mount the bracket to your boat. A bow mount and transom mount system is available; stake out pole length varies from six to ten feet. I went with the 10 footer, as I can also use it as a push pole. Why not?
Installation is a breeze. With the bow or transom mount system costing less than two hundred and fifty dollars; no installation fee will need to be tacked on to that. Like I said, installation is simple, so this makes the Wang a very economical, yet effective addition to just about any vessel.
This write up is not to review the product, as most out there know what it can do- the system and functionality are pretty self explanatory. My write up is to show how easy it is to install. In case some are intimidated to install one, after seeing this, you shouldn’t be.
Before install, you need to take into consideration if the system will come in contact with the wake from your motor creating a bad spray, and also make sure it is not too close to trim tabs or other components on the back of the boat. Keeping the system level, as well as high as possible towards the top of the transom is a pretty good idea too. About a 1/4 inch from the rub rail is where I mounted mine. Another thing to take into consideration, is when mounting the bracket, the area chosen should be fairly thick. Some parts of a boat transom can be thinner than others. Many boat manufacturers keep certain parts of the transom thicker than others, partly to save weight in addition to cost. Just make sure to have a good bit of thickness for the screws to get a good bite. If your install area is very thin and you still wish to install it there, just use through bolts (stainless) and washers. Either way a simple task.
Let’s go ahead and see just how easy installation really is. For the install, all one needs is a drill, and in my case a 7/32 drill bit, screwdriver, marker, level, and some 5200 marine sealant. Besides the system, that’s it.
Required tools and equipment:
The Wang Anchor with drill, screwdriver, drill bit, marker, sealant and level.
First, pick a good location that is out of the way of clutter:
This was my choice, the opposite side of the swim platform.
Next, place the bracket level, in the desired spot, and use the marker to mark a hole for drilling:
Mark the first hole in order to mount the bracket with one screw, creating a template to mark the other holes.
Drill into the fiberglass to start the mounting process:
Be careful while drilling, wear safety goggles and make sure to press firmly on the desired location, not allowing the bit to slip.
After the first hole is drilled, mount the bracket to the hole and HAND tighten the screw, keeping the bracket fairly tight, but still allowing room for movement:
The screws won't thread in extremely easy, but you don't want to use power tools as fiberglass can easily become stripped.
Next, level the loosely mounted bracket and use your marker to mark the remaining holes:
Ready for more holes to be marked.
Marking the remaining holes.
After marking your holes, remove the bracket and drill the rest. With the bracket used as your drilling template, you should have no issues with bracket alignment:
Finishing up with the drill for the day.
Now you are ready to mount the bracket, the job is almost done! Use 5200 marine grade sealant to coat a portion of the screw threads as well as around the bolt holes on the bracket. CAUTION: Use this stuff in moderation. It is PERMANENT, I have heard horror stories of guys trying to remove components with this adhered to it:
Again, use sparingly. Like the teacher said in grade school, "a little dab will do ya".
A little bit is all you need, and this is just for extra protection. The bracket would probably hold perfect without it.
Next, thread in each coated screw by hand and ensure a good fit:
Ready to go...all the screws lined up and the bracket is level.
Tighten the bracket up and you have completed the task, if you want to call it that. You will have to put a little elbow grease into install of the screws without power tools, but it’s not that hard:
Tightening her up.
The final turns.
OK, your done. Insert the stake out pole and check it out. The install is so easy, I would be surprised if it took longer than an hour, unless space issues or other factors get in the way. My install area was free of clutter and clean, which helped out greatly.
Ready for use.
If the weather ever breaks, I will get to use this bad boy, I'm ready!
Lakeland Fish and Dive Expo
It looks like a pretty windy weekend so this is a good time to find something else to do besides the “honey do” list or cleaning the boat.
I will be attending the 3rd annual Lakeland fish and dive expo.Salty Shores has a booth and will be represented by myself, Dale Sneed and Richard Traugott. Richard will even be giving a seminar on photography at the event. Salty Shores Apparel will be available for sale as well. Get it while you can, it may not be around much longer.
The Lakeland Fish and Dive Expo is returning for its 3rd year to Off the Wall Adventures (2055 Shepherd Rd. Lakeland, FL 33811) on Saturday, February 6, 2010. This year we have an even bigger lineup than last year, as well as some different booth vendors. Like last year, we will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs and sodas, with ALL proceeds going to CCA (Coastal Conservation Association). We will also be selling chicken wings courtesy of Pinch-a-Penny Pools/Spas and their Big Green Egg Cookers, again with proceeds going to CCA. CCA-Polk will be on site to sign up any potential new members and also handle some of our raffles that will be going on, which will also benefit CCA. The 2009 Hell’s Bay Waterman that is being raffled off by CCA will be on display and raffle tickets for the skiff are $25 each. This is family friendly atmosphere designed to bring outdoor enthusiasts together and have a great time. Start time will be 8:30 am. The first seminar will begin at 9:00 am. Seminars will last approximately 50 minutes. The last seminar is scheduled to begin at 4:00 pm. The expo will last until 5:30 pm. We will be having seminars going on both in the classroom and on the pool deck. Here is this year’s OFFICIAL lineup…….
Booth Vendors
CCA
Carbon Marine Fabricators
Fishy Kid
Marine Supply of Winter Haven
Rolls Axle Trailers
East Cape Skiffs
Stone’s Outhouse
Andy Thornal Co.
Awesome Fishing Radio
O’Brien’s Irish Pub
Skinny Water Culture
Inshore Power Boats
Wang Anchors
Breathe Like a Fish Shirts
Ankona Boatworks
USCG Auxiliary #74
FantaSea Marine
Finatic Designs
Pinch-a-Penny Pools/Spas
Salty Shores
Hell’s Bay Boatworks
The Rod Rack Shack
Mote Marine Laboratories
FWC/Get Reel
Bartow Ford
Coastal Angler Magazine
Lakeland Power Squadron
Slam Gear
Classroom Seminar List
Capt. Lynn Zirkle – Kingfishing 9:00-9:50
Capt. Rob Salimbene – Tides and Solunars 10:00-10:50
Kevin Fenn, East Cape Skiffs – Skinny Water Poling 11:00-11:50
Richard Traugott – Fishing Photography 3:00-3:50
Phil Pope – Fly Tying 4:00-4:50
Pool Deck Seminar List
Jeff Harrell, Florida Youth Ranches – Take a Kid Fishing 10:00-10:50
Kids Casting Contest 11:00-11:50
Eric Bachnik and Guest – Mirr-O-Lure 12:00-12:50
Capt. Ray Markham – Fishing Tampa Bay With Artificials 1:00-1:50
Neil Taylor – Kayak Fishing 2:00-2:50
We will also have casting contests and demos throughout the day. There will also be a rock climbing wall courtesy of Off the Wall Adventures and many raffle prizes. The event and parking is free for everyone. Come out and make it a family day!!!!!! For more information call T.J. Konitzer (Off the Wall Adventures) at 863-709-9253 or Capt. Jon Bull at 863-860-7250.
Loop push pole, free mirrolure, wang anchor, Tampa fishing outfitters, las margaritas, dead snook
Jan 21st 2009
Yesterday was trying to catch up day. Nine am I had to meet up with with Jim of freemirrolure.com. Jim has a pretty cool idea that has been working well. He gives a way a free MirroLure with every shirt he sells for $17.95 not a bad deal really considering the lure cost about $6.00 at the tackle shops.(note: put in coupon code “cap mel” at the end and get a 25% discount, that’s even a better deal) We talked about a bunch of stuff and one of which is perhaps printing up a calendar or coffee table book of all the coolest images.
I then met up with Tom and Joe for lunch. Since I’ve been using the Loop Push Pole for a few weeks now and it seems to be working out pretty nicely. It’s cheaper, just a stiff as my stiffy hybrid and even a little lighter. It’s so light it tough to pole in 6′ of water(for tarpon) as the pole wants to float. I got Joe to to be part of the video projects I am putting together in 2010. Tom also wanted to be involved in the fishing and putting the wanganchor on the boat so everything went quite well.
By the way, if you live in the Tampa Bay area and like authentic Spanish food you need to stop by Las Margaritas. Located on 4031 W Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL, the food was cheap and excellent. It’s just a little hole in the wall but the food was much better than 90% of the Spanish restaurant I’ve been to. I read some reviews on-line complaining about the service. We had good service as we went there just before the lunch rush. The bill came to $29 for 3 people with drinks. We even had one café conleche and 2 espresso. That is cheap!(me being the adventurous type ordered the ox tail)
I had some time to kill before the next meeting so I stoped by Tampa fishing outfitters. If you go their website (yes it sucks), it don’t look like it, they have the largest inventory of any tackle store in the Tampa bay Area. They have all the high end gear from Shimano, Diawa, Sebiles all the way to castanets(they are the largest in the country) crabtraps, fly gear .. just a monster of a tackle shop. If you have not been there..its like a mini basspro for saltwater fisherman. Also they had the book “Skinny” by Captain Mel with my photos on the cover. He tells me the book is doing very well and that they have sold over 100 copies in that store alone. Maybe I should have asked for a kick back.
Speaking of photos, while talking to Mr. Lee, I turned around and I see the latest Florida sportsmans on the shelf. No, it’s not the one with the girl with a brand new Gloomis hat, in the bikini holding up a one pound sheeps head. (I know, very realistic,.. NOT). Just kidding Rick D. One of my photo finally made a Florida sportsman cover. It is the photo of Jason Stock hold a redfish. The redfish is underwater and Jason is on the boat. Wooo hooo!
I then had to make another meeting with a local boat company near by. John builds a 16 foot tiller skiff. He tells me on the phone that he could sell the boat retail for like $6995.00 with out the motor. So I was thinking to myself, yeah but it’s probably gonna look like a john boat or a gheenoe. I show up to his wear house and I was pleasantly surprised. The boat looks like a tiller Hewes Redfisher. Very wide, roomy and stable with sharp V entry. He said that with a 50hp 2 stroke(boat will run 30mph) he can sell them for $12,900.00 boat motor and trailer. This is a deal for this boat. I know people that pay more than that for Carolina skiffs. This boat is finished and looks like it should cost 15k to17k I asked him how he could sell it so cheap, he tells me has been in the fiberglass business for 25 years and has no middle man. Needless to say I’m dying to take it for test run when I get a chance. If it’s anything close to what I suspect, John should do very very well in the “economical skiff” space. I will let you know more about the skiff once ride in it and I take a few photos of it.
Today Jan 21st more follow up work. (over cast skies and windy, good day to catch up) Things are hopping over here on Saltyshores. I will do my best to keep up.
Photos of large breeder snooks.. all died from the unprecedented freeze Florida recently had.
Some shots I got from this week… poling the empty flats as Biscayne… and the tailing redfish is from Pine Island.
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