" Mosquito Bite Just Before The Tarpon Do " Ol' Guide Charlie Weaver used to quip.
What he meant is the more warm and humid, still air the early morning or evening weather is, the better your chances for exceptional Tarpon action.
We are getting into that time of year now, been flirting with Tarpon more often in late March and early April but as we move closer to May the pace picks up considerably.
Plugs, small live crabs, Jigs and Fly's are a flats fisherman arsenal along with a good stout rod and a big Bowl of Wheatie's.......you will need it.
Yesterdays Tarpon were not very happy and after a lot of work we managed to put a couple in the air, full moon madness I'm afraid.
Sometimes they have been at the " Snak Shak " all night chowing down in the light of the Silvery Moon.
We found some Tarpon sliding around in the bottom in about 5-6 feet of water in a inshore basin.
Fun stuff but the are not the most approachable fish.
Mount up it's Tarpon Time!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Key West Tarpon Tango/ Shrimp Stomp
Fly fishing for Tarpon is one of those activities that once you have done it with some success, you just know it will be part of your annual agenda for life.
Think about that statement for a few seconds, Grand Canyon OK , saw it! Indy 500 Race , cool, once was enough, Aunt Margret's tits, great but.
A big Ol ' Tarpon with his head out of the water , eye balls straining to spot his feathery target and the subsequent hard grab at the fly line in your hand.....Sweet Jesus !
The other night was one of those - 3 days before full moon , sunset a large Red Ball hang'in over the western view and almost hissing sound as the Red Ball disappears into the Gulf.
No wind, just the HUP - POP sound of Tarpon sucking shrimp from the surface on a falling tide...
Staked in 3 feet on the flats west of Key West, they're all around us.
Waiting in the din for the closer, 11 o'clock shot and finely making a back cast at 3 o'clock because you can't wait, why should you, you've been here before - many tides .
In seconds a - one long pull after the Black Toad Fly hits the water, he's on!
The big Moon is up now, silvering the Tarpon when......... all ten jump.
Two hours later and 7 Tarpon Heads touched, 3 more jumped, all loved, every wild ass one of them.
Rocketing home in the glass slick calm of Midnight after touching the heads of kings.
Think about that statement for a few seconds, Grand Canyon OK , saw it! Indy 500 Race , cool, once was enough, Aunt Margret's tits, great but.
A big Ol ' Tarpon with his head out of the water , eye balls straining to spot his feathery target and the subsequent hard grab at the fly line in your hand.....Sweet Jesus !
The other night was one of those - 3 days before full moon , sunset a large Red Ball hang'in over the western view and almost hissing sound as the Red Ball disappears into the Gulf.
No wind, just the HUP - POP sound of Tarpon sucking shrimp from the surface on a falling tide...
Staked in 3 feet on the flats west of Key West, they're all around us.
Waiting in the din for the closer, 11 o'clock shot and finely making a back cast at 3 o'clock because you can't wait, why should you, you've been here before - many tides .
In seconds a - one long pull after the Black Toad Fly hits the water, he's on!
The big Moon is up now, silvering the Tarpon when......... all ten jump.
Two hours later and 7 Tarpon Heads touched, 3 more jumped, all loved, every wild ass one of them.
Rocketing home in the glass slick calm of Midnight after touching the heads of kings.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Great Big Deal SHARK FISHING tournament Key West
WOW this is really something you should experience, a reel sporting event that every outdoorsmen/women should witness.
SHARK FISHING -TOURNAMENT ?
OK here's how it's done, take notes, you want a Shark Trophy and a hat and T-shirt dont you?
#1 Kill alot of Barracudas for bait.
Dont worry the commercial Shark Fin Fisherman kill thousands of Barracudas for bait in South Florida and the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas every year.
Shark Fin Soup ya know! " Fin's sent to Japan "
So thats thousands of Barracudas and thousands of Sharks, guess that's the balance of nature
huh?
OK #2 you need a boat or, you can hire a SHARK EXPERT GUIDE... ya that's a good idea because he knows the secret spots and he also knows the secret bait!!
YA Barracudas are killed for the sporting event , dozens .....But the real pros KNOW that a Shark goes bonkers for ............chopped into chunks, bloody and smelly, really dead.
TARPON !
That to me is dismantling a..... Stradivarius to build a Ukulele sad
SHARK FISHING -TOURNAMENT ?
OK here's how it's done, take notes, you want a Shark Trophy and a hat and T-shirt dont you?
#1 Kill alot of Barracudas for bait.
Dont worry the commercial Shark Fin Fisherman kill thousands of Barracudas for bait in South Florida and the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas every year.
Shark Fin Soup ya know! " Fin's sent to Japan "
So thats thousands of Barracudas and thousands of Sharks, guess that's the balance of nature
huh?
OK #2 you need a boat or, you can hire a SHARK EXPERT GUIDE... ya that's a good idea because he knows the secret spots and he also knows the secret bait!!
YA Barracudas are killed for the sporting event , dozens .....But the real pros KNOW that a Shark goes bonkers for ............chopped into chunks, bloody and smelly, really dead.
TARPON !
That to me is dismantling a..... Stradivarius to build a Ukulele sad
Springing Into Tarpon Key West
We Have had a few flashes of Tarpon action during February , March and that's not unusual but, NOW we're getting serious.
Maybe the cool fronts are over for the year, I doubt it but , Spring/Summer is here for sure and the Local Tarpon are beginning to be a daily look see, if not the main objective.
I have had some tremendous night fishing on Spin/Plug tackle and Fly.
I always get cranked about Tarpon even after what may be several thousand hooked over the years, on all tackle!
The other night we jumped 7 Tarpon on a new Secret plug, nut's for it they waz..
Probably the most Personally connected to a Tarpon (or any gamefish for that matter) you can be is hooking and fighting a fish on Fly Tackle.
Making a cast, retrieving and hand setting the hook by pulling on the flyline, takes you closer to " hand to fin combat " than any other method of sport angling.
Don't get me wrong, a Tarpon on light tackle of any kind is a blast everyone should try!
They are here NOW , in our showroom for your inspection.......
Maybe the cool fronts are over for the year, I doubt it but , Spring/Summer is here for sure and the Local Tarpon are beginning to be a daily look see, if not the main objective.
I have had some tremendous night fishing on Spin/Plug tackle and Fly.
I always get cranked about Tarpon even after what may be several thousand hooked over the years, on all tackle!
The other night we jumped 7 Tarpon on a new Secret plug, nut's for it they waz..
Probably the most Personally connected to a Tarpon (or any gamefish for that matter) you can be is hooking and fighting a fish on Fly Tackle.
Making a cast, retrieving and hand setting the hook by pulling on the flyline, takes you closer to " hand to fin combat " than any other method of sport angling.
Don't get me wrong, a Tarpon on light tackle of any kind is a blast everyone should try!
They are here NOW , in our showroom for your inspection.......
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Log In The Fog Barracuda
Doesn't happen every year, sometimes it won't happen in five years.
The last few days we have had to run in the fog early morning and although today it lifted late morning, yesterday the fog hung around is some areas most of the day.
The flats, once you find them, can be eerie as with low visibility and flat water sometimes you can hear strange things moving about and you can be fooled by the thick air as to how far or near the splashes and pops and swirling can be.
For some reason, as I have witnessed several times before the Black Tip and Lemon Sharks can be absolutely nuts charging around attacking anything that breaks the surface.
The Sharks and US are not the only wacko's out in the fog lots of the other guys can be very aggressive .
But the real surprise of the day was when a Tube Lure cast in the direction of some noise out in the Foggy Boggy, produced after some high speed blasts a big, by Key West standards , Bluefish that was up in 18 inches of water.
As he charged and tail walked by the skiff in a Blue Panic!
"Whats with THAT.?".....Oh Shyte a Log of a Barracuda was after and caught our Bluefish now we're fighting a 25 lb Cuda and whats left of a 6 lb Bluefish.
Is that a record? Great fun in the fog.
The last few days we have had to run in the fog early morning and although today it lifted late morning, yesterday the fog hung around is some areas most of the day.
The flats, once you find them, can be eerie as with low visibility and flat water sometimes you can hear strange things moving about and you can be fooled by the thick air as to how far or near the splashes and pops and swirling can be.
For some reason, as I have witnessed several times before the Black Tip and Lemon Sharks can be absolutely nuts charging around attacking anything that breaks the surface.
The Sharks and US are not the only wacko's out in the fog lots of the other guys can be very aggressive .
But the real surprise of the day was when a Tube Lure cast in the direction of some noise out in the Foggy Boggy, produced after some high speed blasts a big, by Key West standards , Bluefish that was up in 18 inches of water.
As he charged and tail walked by the skiff in a Blue Panic!
"Whats with THAT.?".....Oh Shyte a Log of a Barracuda was after and caught our Bluefish now we're fighting a 25 lb Cuda and whats left of a 6 lb Bluefish.
Is that a record? Great fun in the fog.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Exploding Flats Fish Key West
Really unbelievable , Yesterday with a warm if not blowy Southeast Wind we had fish, big fish, little fish. long and wide fish.
Pompano, tackle busting Blue Fish schools, Sharks and lots of Jack Crevall......Jacks big enough to swaller a Pepsi Bottle.
That was yesterday, heading out today I expected after last nights low speed muggy SW wind even MORE gobbling.
Secret spot showed us a few schools of Blue Runners early in the tide but as the water came up out of the Gulf, in came over the top of the flats school after school of Jack Crevalls, many very large fish.
Sharks, Barracudas, Bluefish and Pompano Arse Ol's and Elbow's
Fly Rods and the little Weenie spin rods we stole from the Crappie Fisherman, bent double!
Then....Oh SHYTE! TARPON and several schools of Permit maybe 60 fish in all from 8lbs to near 30 lbs.
WE could not feed the Tarpon or Permit, they probably had heard about us.
Pass me the Pompano Platter Please......
Pompano, tackle busting Blue Fish schools, Sharks and lots of Jack Crevall......Jacks big enough to swaller a Pepsi Bottle.
That was yesterday, heading out today I expected after last nights low speed muggy SW wind even MORE gobbling.
Secret spot showed us a few schools of Blue Runners early in the tide but as the water came up out of the Gulf, in came over the top of the flats school after school of Jack Crevalls, many very large fish.
Sharks, Barracudas, Bluefish and Pompano Arse Ol's and Elbow's
Fly Rods and the little Weenie spin rods we stole from the Crappie Fisherman, bent double!
Then....Oh SHYTE! TARPON and several schools of Permit maybe 60 fish in all from 8lbs to near 30 lbs.
WE could not feed the Tarpon or Permit, they probably had heard about us.
Pass me the Pompano Platter Please......
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Key West Pompano and Monster Jack Attack
Yesterday was " One of Those" wondering when the grey edge in the northwest would turn into the Bear Claw Blue Northern and end the party with an Artic Blast.
Turned out we were lucky yesterday and Jane and Dave Bohren were treated to lots of great action all morning.
Jacks and Lady Fish started us out first off and the bottom of the falling tide had the basins a little dismal .....not a promise of Trout or Pompano.
Luckily when the tide turned and started in , along with a good guess at a new spot , the flats exploded with life.
First cast in the new lo-cal produced for Jane a nice Blue Fish on ultra lite tackle with his buddies trying to steal his rubber worm all the way to the boat.
At once David and I were hooked up to 12-14 lb. Jack Crevalle's.
Next cast and Jane and I had Pompanos, Dave another Big Jack and on it went for an hour and one half.
We had our shots at some spooky Permit, big suckers that were in a mixed size school , maybe 25 Permit in the school.
OOPS! here comes the Blue Bear Claws time to idle out and punch the Merc towards the Barn.
We were treated to a peek at a baby Hammerhead Shark as we slid down the channel, Jane got a kick out of this little 8 ft. 250 lb Baby.
We made it back to Garrison Bight unscathed but as it works for Mike I got blasted on my commute back to the home sea wall.
40 MPH, driving rain, visibility about 50 ft, 20 degree drop in temps as I shot across the flat soaked and shivering....grinning my ass off....
Turned out we were lucky yesterday and Jane and Dave Bohren were treated to lots of great action all morning.
Jacks and Lady Fish started us out first off and the bottom of the falling tide had the basins a little dismal .....not a promise of Trout or Pompano.
Luckily when the tide turned and started in , along with a good guess at a new spot , the flats exploded with life.
First cast in the new lo-cal produced for Jane a nice Blue Fish on ultra lite tackle with his buddies trying to steal his rubber worm all the way to the boat.
At once David and I were hooked up to 12-14 lb. Jack Crevalle's.
Next cast and Jane and I had Pompanos, Dave another Big Jack and on it went for an hour and one half.
We had our shots at some spooky Permit, big suckers that were in a mixed size school , maybe 25 Permit in the school.
OOPS! here comes the Blue Bear Claws time to idle out and punch the Merc towards the Barn.
We were treated to a peek at a baby Hammerhead Shark as we slid down the channel, Jane got a kick out of this little 8 ft. 250 lb Baby.
We made it back to Garrison Bight unscathed but as it works for Mike I got blasted on my commute back to the home sea wall.
40 MPH, driving rain, visibility about 50 ft, 20 degree drop in temps as I shot across the flat soaked and shivering....grinning my ass off....
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Permit and Barracudas show before Front
Today's 80 degree, sunny ski's and light breezes will give way to a rather strong cool front tomorrow afternoon.
We were in high cotton this afternoon tossing crabs at slow moving Permit and Tube Lures to Barracudas.
Fly chucken a bit but only fresh fare were taken by our little Permit pals and a matched set of 12 lbers came to a kiss and slap on the Ass at the boat.
First thing in the morning we'll be back out, one eye in a northwesterly direction watching for the promised " Blue Northern" that will end our day and maybe the next.
Just when we were talk'en Tarpon along comes a spoiler!
We were in high cotton this afternoon tossing crabs at slow moving Permit and Tube Lures to Barracudas.
Fly chucken a bit but only fresh fare were taken by our little Permit pals and a matched set of 12 lbers came to a kiss and slap on the Ass at the boat.
First thing in the morning we'll be back out, one eye in a northwesterly direction watching for the promised " Blue Northern" that will end our day and maybe the next.
Just when we were talk'en Tarpon along comes a spoiler!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Warming The Key West Flats
Today's cool air is leaving and the warm sun will bring more creatures into the flats and basins.
Our last few days were very cool , too cool for our little pays to play.
Most of us were in the gym this past few days or home in sweat pants brewing a pot of Chilly.
Our trip to the backcountry produced a few jacks and a couple of small Grouper on Weenie Spin Rods but the reel fun was launching Red Rubber Worms on the Flats.
One huge Jack, a big Barracuda and lots of misses with Black Tip and Lemon Sharks late in the incoming tide gave us some great action and abused our 4-8 LB. Weenie Rods.
This wind has dropped to a whisper tonight and the humidity has come up and we've hung out the welcome sign to the Trout, Pompano and Cudas.
With the great clear sky we have been enjoying the sight casting will be super and we will be jazzed!
Our last few days were very cool , too cool for our little pays to play.
Most of us were in the gym this past few days or home in sweat pants brewing a pot of Chilly.
Our trip to the backcountry produced a few jacks and a couple of small Grouper on Weenie Spin Rods but the reel fun was launching Red Rubber Worms on the Flats.
One huge Jack, a big Barracuda and lots of misses with Black Tip and Lemon Sharks late in the incoming tide gave us some great action and abused our 4-8 LB. Weenie Rods.
This wind has dropped to a whisper tonight and the humidity has come up and we've hung out the welcome sign to the Trout, Pompano and Cudas.
With the great clear sky we have been enjoying the sight casting will be super and we will be jazzed!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Cold Front Blows Pompano into Key West
And some Sea Trout, Barracudas and Sharks up on the Flats chasing bait.
It's that time of year , cool fronts driving bait fish south making Sailfish migrate oceanside and the Cobia, Trout, Pompano and Redfish move in out of the Gulf.
We're having lots of fun with light spin and fly rods in the basins and Gulf side Flats.
Barracudas on light tackle in less than a foot of water is one of the surprises first time flats anglers enjoy.
With a less that Stellar reputation offshore where Cuda's are considered a nuisance when they chop your slow trolled Ballyhoo in half before you have a chance to hook a Sail or Wahoo.
Those of us that find it fun to whip a big fish on what is considered light fresh water tackle, love to watch a Barracuda on a Weenie Rod smokem 100 yards of 10 lb. test and leaping 6 ft in the air.
Our last trip to the flats produced two nice big Lemon Sharks and about 10 Barracudas hooked and landed , hooked and laughed off and some yummy Sea Trout for dinner, unplanned but welcome!
It's that time of year , cool fronts driving bait fish south making Sailfish migrate oceanside and the Cobia, Trout, Pompano and Redfish move in out of the Gulf.
We're having lots of fun with light spin and fly rods in the basins and Gulf side Flats.
Barracudas on light tackle in less than a foot of water is one of the surprises first time flats anglers enjoy.
With a less that Stellar reputation offshore where Cuda's are considered a nuisance when they chop your slow trolled Ballyhoo in half before you have a chance to hook a Sail or Wahoo.
Those of us that find it fun to whip a big fish on what is considered light fresh water tackle, love to watch a Barracuda on a Weenie Rod smokem 100 yards of 10 lb. test and leaping 6 ft in the air.
Our last trip to the flats produced two nice big Lemon Sharks and about 10 Barracudas hooked and landed , hooked and laughed off and some yummy Sea Trout for dinner, unplanned but welcome!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Unbelieveable XMas Weather
It's really been like spring this past week or so and even a few Tarpon have noticed!
Don't run and grab the 12wt. but if warm stuff continues we will be sniffen around a few Poon Haunts.
The Permit have not been crazy and the Barracudas are not on the feed bag as much as they were last week when the inshore water was a little cooler.
But the Pompano, Sea Trout and Jacks have been really giving my Jig and Mylar Varmit Fly stocks a beating.
Fun fishing and great warm weather sooooo? How's the weather in Cleveland?!
Don't run and grab the 12wt. but if warm stuff continues we will be sniffen around a few Poon Haunts.
The Permit have not been crazy and the Barracudas are not on the feed bag as much as they were last week when the inshore water was a little cooler.
But the Pompano, Sea Trout and Jacks have been really giving my Jig and Mylar Varmit Fly stocks a beating.
Fun fishing and great warm weather sooooo? How's the weather in Cleveland?!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Key West Xmas Fishing
Same ol' Problem..... Cold Fronts and Christmas Fisherman
We'll get them out Casting for Cuda's and Jigging for Sea Trout, Pompano and Jacks , it's all fun.
Most years you can plan on the weather to be brisk Christmas week but many of the people arriving from Chicago , Cleveland , Pittsburg are just glad to not be shoveling sidewalks for the holidays.
So from the sunny but breezy Florida Keys HAPPY HOLIDAYS .....Barracuda 35 feet @ 3 oclock!
We'll get them out Casting for Cuda's and Jigging for Sea Trout, Pompano and Jacks , it's all fun.
Most years you can plan on the weather to be brisk Christmas week but many of the people arriving from Chicago , Cleveland , Pittsburg are just glad to not be shoveling sidewalks for the holidays.
So from the sunny but breezy Florida Keys HAPPY HOLIDAYS .....Barracuda 35 feet @ 3 oclock!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
OK SO That's Not a Ohio Steelhead Your Right!
YES I DID get a nice Steelhead on the Grand and lost another and your right that's British Columbia and a bigger fish I caught on the Copper River.
Didn't have a camera last week when I hooked a good fish of about 26+ inches and maybe 10-11 lbs.
He gave me a good tussel on a economy model Pflueger IM8 Fly Rod more like a 6-7 than the 8wt marked on the blank but a super little rod and a reel drag clicker that sounded like the stray cat that decided to sleep in the fan shroud of my old Chevy PU one cold front nite.
I hit the key at 6am the next morning and CRRRRRYYYYEEEEEEE...
Anyway there was a lot of complaining from that reel as my first Grand River Steelhead smoked down stream, I was giggling with the addrenaline rush that only a good fish can give when you have been in the river for 3 days without a sniff and the last thing you expect is a top water take!
I was rewarded again the next day with another...briefly.
Eric Evans and I plan on an annual October trip to the Grand dragging our pal Cappy "Top Water Todd Bowen" with us.
That will be our last northern her'raw for the year before we head south to the Key West Flats that have given us great lives.
Didn't have a camera last week when I hooked a good fish of about 26+ inches and maybe 10-11 lbs.
He gave me a good tussel on a economy model Pflueger IM8 Fly Rod more like a 6-7 than the 8wt marked on the blank but a super little rod and a reel drag clicker that sounded like the stray cat that decided to sleep in the fan shroud of my old Chevy PU one cold front nite.
I hit the key at 6am the next morning and CRRRRRYYYYEEEEEEE...
Anyway there was a lot of complaining from that reel as my first Grand River Steelhead smoked down stream, I was giggling with the addrenaline rush that only a good fish can give when you have been in the river for 3 days without a sniff and the last thing you expect is a top water take!
I was rewarded again the next day with another...briefly.
Eric Evans and I plan on an annual October trip to the Grand dragging our pal Cappy "Top Water Todd Bowen" with us.
That will be our last northern her'raw for the year before we head south to the Key West Flats that have given us great lives.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Summer Vacation Moto Style
Another motorcycle ride snaking east and west as I head north through Georgia into North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Parkway one again.
Planning my assault on Ohio to correspond with the Vintage motorcycle races at Mid-Ohio track at Lexington.
Wundering the flea market with its old motorcycle parts to complete bike's is always a time machine trip, remembering my first Indian Scout Bobber/chopped and painted with a brush, farting, coughing, push to start heap.
The BSA's Norton's Vincent's and the grey beards that continue to love them.
The next week I'm back for the Honda Super Bike Classic and a flash forward to today's fire breathing just sub of 200 MPH motorcycles.
Tomorrow I'll be in the Grand River of Northeastern Ohio to launch flies
at the Steelhead of Lake Erie with my pal Eric Evans.
The cold rain and snow flurries of the past week will have pushed some Steelies into the river and although this old Florida Keys Coconut is a bit out of his element it wont be the first time I popped up on a Steelhead stream.
For years September and October found me on the rivers of British Columbia wacking away for hours, force feeding Leach Pattern Flies to the Big Steelhead that come out of the Pacific to spawn in the mountains every fall.
Eric and I do not expect 20 lb monsters that are common in B.C. but 8-12 pounders are not out of the question..... we'll be tickled to capture any Steelhead.
Report to follow in a few days....
Planning my assault on Ohio to correspond with the Vintage motorcycle races at Mid-Ohio track at Lexington.
Wundering the flea market with its old motorcycle parts to complete bike's is always a time machine trip, remembering my first Indian Scout Bobber/chopped and painted with a brush, farting, coughing, push to start heap.
The BSA's Norton's Vincent's and the grey beards that continue to love them.
The next week I'm back for the Honda Super Bike Classic and a flash forward to today's fire breathing just sub of 200 MPH motorcycles.
Tomorrow I'll be in the Grand River of Northeastern Ohio to launch flies
at the Steelhead of Lake Erie with my pal Eric Evans.
The cold rain and snow flurries of the past week will have pushed some Steelies into the river and although this old Florida Keys Coconut is a bit out of his element it wont be the first time I popped up on a Steelhead stream.
For years September and October found me on the rivers of British Columbia wacking away for hours, force feeding Leach Pattern Flies to the Big Steelhead that come out of the Pacific to spawn in the mountains every fall.
Eric and I do not expect 20 lb monsters that are common in B.C. but 8-12 pounders are not out of the question..... we'll be tickled to capture any Steelhead.
Report to follow in a few days....
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Key West Tarpon War 2008
PHEW!
Lost in the fog of Tarpon War.... fishing all but three of the last 60 days.
But another Tarpon migration run and a chance to fish with old buddies and some new ones too.
Jim Cloud celebrated his 77th birthday with a 90 lber on Flyrod and as he said "buys another year of life and I'll be back for 2009"....me too Jim.
Peter Mullet was here for his week and after a few "Trout Lifts" and other assorted screw up managed to capture several nice Tarpon on Fly.
Peter and I always laugh alot.
Eric Evans another best pal, he and Jim Cloud have fished with me through several marriage's and sets of teeth........anyway Eric was here with his son Thadd and we scared a few Tarpon half to death, drank some Rhumb.
Adam Marton just left after a week of jumpen off some Tarpon and punishing the Chartruse Bunny Flies.
Mark Miller and Jack Gluckman are a couple of new friends that had success with Tarpon on fly and will be back next year.
We have had some ups and down with the fishing in May/June but it's been really good generally.
On this day off I will rest and do a little cooking.....well unless the wind backs down, then I take a ride and jump a Poon!
Lost in the fog of Tarpon War.... fishing all but three of the last 60 days.
But another Tarpon migration run and a chance to fish with old buddies and some new ones too.
Jim Cloud celebrated his 77th birthday with a 90 lber on Flyrod and as he said "buys another year of life and I'll be back for 2009"....me too Jim.
Peter Mullet was here for his week and after a few "Trout Lifts" and other assorted screw up managed to capture several nice Tarpon on Fly.
Peter and I always laugh alot.
Eric Evans another best pal, he and Jim Cloud have fished with me through several marriage's and sets of teeth........anyway Eric was here with his son Thadd and we scared a few Tarpon half to death, drank some Rhumb.
Adam Marton just left after a week of jumpen off some Tarpon and punishing the Chartruse Bunny Flies.
Mark Miller and Jack Gluckman are a couple of new friends that had success with Tarpon on fly and will be back next year.
We have had some ups and down with the fishing in May/June but it's been really good generally.
On this day off I will rest and do a little cooking.....well unless the wind backs down, then I take a ride and jump a Poon!
Monday, April 21, 2008
WHOOAH! They are Back, dem Poons.
Yesterday morning started with a few rolling Tarpon and Permit Tails poking up in the flat calm.
Turned out to be too calm, we had 3 crabs stolen, 2 by Tarpon 1 by a Permit.
These guy's can be tuff when the water is so clear and flat calm, truth is a fly-rodder has a better chance under those conditions.
I was short a Fly-Rodder.
This A.M. was not a lot better, dozens of Tarpon and Permit milling around as if waiting for the train to Pittsburgh.
We did hook a Tarpon and for a few moments we were brilliant, then we forgot to bow and he jumped off.
A while later another miss-Q and no hookup.
Hard to feel to badly when its so beautiful and your surrounded with Tarpon and Permit.
We should be seeing the migratory Tarpon in a week or so, with this kind of weather.
Turned out to be too calm, we had 3 crabs stolen, 2 by Tarpon 1 by a Permit.
These guy's can be tuff when the water is so clear and flat calm, truth is a fly-rodder has a better chance under those conditions.
I was short a Fly-Rodder.
This A.M. was not a lot better, dozens of Tarpon and Permit milling around as if waiting for the train to Pittsburgh.
We did hook a Tarpon and for a few moments we were brilliant, then we forgot to bow and he jumped off.
A while later another miss-Q and no hookup.
Hard to feel to badly when its so beautiful and your surrounded with Tarpon and Permit.
We should be seeing the migratory Tarpon in a week or so, with this kind of weather.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tarpon Fishing Key West Some More
Today's Cold Front gives me a break long enough to sit down and pop out a few lines.
Later I'll go to the gym and zip around town on the motorcycle, wearing pants and jacket.
We were happy jumping Tarpon and snagging a few Permit this past few weeks and then another really chilly front knock up down a notch.
62 degrees is not Tarpon weather and last night lows will return to mid 70's later today.
Many Tarpon are in a holding pattern just offshore and we'll start to see them by the end of the week.
Bags of Tarpon Flies and Boxes of Tarpon Plugs have been arriving this week.... munition's for the planned 3 month offensive.
Night time fly-fishing for Tarpon has been a ball when conditions permitted, sometimes we were home by 8:30 after landing a couple in 3ft of water.
Spot light's providing a silvery explosion next to the skiff.
I love Tarpon.... every one I even saw.
Later I'll go to the gym and zip around town on the motorcycle, wearing pants and jacket.
We were happy jumping Tarpon and snagging a few Permit this past few weeks and then another really chilly front knock up down a notch.
62 degrees is not Tarpon weather and last night lows will return to mid 70's later today.
Many Tarpon are in a holding pattern just offshore and we'll start to see them by the end of the week.
Bags of Tarpon Flies and Boxes of Tarpon Plugs have been arriving this week.... munition's for the planned 3 month offensive.
Night time fly-fishing for Tarpon has been a ball when conditions permitted, sometimes we were home by 8:30 after landing a couple in 3ft of water.
Spot light's providing a silvery explosion next to the skiff.
I love Tarpon.... every one I even saw.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Great Key West Flats Fishing
Our weather this winter has been a treat, we have had some cold fronts and 2 weeks ago, a doozie that brought record lows.
But so what? Many days of upper 70's and low 80's with lots of sun make for a very pleasant day on the Flats.
Yesterday started with more breeze than we would have prefered but not bad and although the Tarpon we found ignored our advances, some nice Sea Trout and huge Jacks showed up to kick butt.
Most of the day was spent Poling the Key West Flats for Barracudas and Permit, and we were rewarded with Toofie attacks!
Did not see but one Bonefish however the Permit popped in to humble my Caster ...
....about a dozen times #%^*
But so what? Many days of upper 70's and low 80's with lots of sun make for a very pleasant day on the Flats.
Yesterday started with more breeze than we would have prefered but not bad and although the Tarpon we found ignored our advances, some nice Sea Trout and huge Jacks showed up to kick butt.
Most of the day was spent Poling the Key West Flats for Barracudas and Permit, and we were rewarded with Toofie attacks!
Did not see but one Bonefish however the Permit popped in to humble my Caster ...
....about a dozen times #%^*
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Winter Break on the Flats
Just off a little break in the action.
What did I miss, great fishing of course and some tuff cool fronts also.
Flogg'en the Motorcycle up US 27 to Us 441, quick dash from Melbourne to Daytona on I95 to visit mom for a few days.
Another record run and super fun for an Ol' Moto Fag.
But your are not here for the "Motorcycle Chronicles"
This is whats happen "N"
The Permit fishing has been a blast between fronts, a few times in the last month the water temps have come up enough to push a some Tarpon into the basins.
Blue Fish, Cobia, Pompano, Big Jacks and Barracudas have filled in the, too cool days so the fun has been measured out with a few off days and days off.
We have today and the next 5-6 days ahead some very nice weather and plenty of Gurgler Flies and Poppen Plugs to deal with varmets......
What did I miss, great fishing of course and some tuff cool fronts also.
Flogg'en the Motorcycle up US 27 to Us 441, quick dash from Melbourne to Daytona on I95 to visit mom for a few days.
Another record run and super fun for an Ol' Moto Fag.
But your are not here for the "Motorcycle Chronicles"
This is whats happen "N"
The Permit fishing has been a blast between fronts, a few times in the last month the water temps have come up enough to push a some Tarpon into the basins.
Blue Fish, Cobia, Pompano, Big Jacks and Barracudas have filled in the, too cool days so the fun has been measured out with a few off days and days off.
We have today and the next 5-6 days ahead some very nice weather and plenty of Gurgler Flies and Poppen Plugs to deal with varmets......
Friday, January 04, 2008
Ice Fishing for Tarpon in Key West
Well the weather is nearly perfect for it!
A few days ago we were Tarpon fishing in the Backcountry Basin's near Key West.
Our weather had been spring like for almost two weeks and some of the Big Guys from the Gulf moved into the basin's for some chow.
As it often happens this time of year, the next cold front will run those Tarpon back to the protection of they're deeper Gulf of Mexico haunts.
This front is a doozie, blowing 30mph + and temps below freezing.
Remember air temps are measured a little differently in Key West and the Lower Florida Keys.
So we have come to believe that the water in your bird bath, will freeze over night if the temp's dip below 68 degrees.
You can spot the Key Wester's on the street, their pajama bottoms protrude from the cuffs of their blue jeans and miss matched socks, sometimes two ball caps on their heads.
The National Guard has suspended operations here, the air temperature is expected to reach 71 degrees today with prediction's of upper 70's this weekend, we should have no problem clearing out the ice in Key West Harbor.
The great news is we need these cold fronts to move the bait fish and stir up the Pompano, Cobia, Barracudas, Red Fish and Jacks so a few days from now as the basin/flats temps come up so will the Funsters...
A few days ago we were Tarpon fishing in the Backcountry Basin's near Key West.
Our weather had been spring like for almost two weeks and some of the Big Guys from the Gulf moved into the basin's for some chow.
As it often happens this time of year, the next cold front will run those Tarpon back to the protection of they're deeper Gulf of Mexico haunts.
This front is a doozie, blowing 30mph + and temps below freezing.
Remember air temps are measured a little differently in Key West and the Lower Florida Keys.
So we have come to believe that the water in your bird bath, will freeze over night if the temp's dip below 68 degrees.
You can spot the Key Wester's on the street, their pajama bottoms protrude from the cuffs of their blue jeans and miss matched socks, sometimes two ball caps on their heads.
The National Guard has suspended operations here, the air temperature is expected to reach 71 degrees today with prediction's of upper 70's this weekend, we should have no problem clearing out the ice in Key West Harbor.
The great news is we need these cold fronts to move the bait fish and stir up the Pompano, Cobia, Barracudas, Red Fish and Jacks so a few days from now as the basin/flats temps come up so will the Funsters...
Monday, December 17, 2007
Christmas Key West Flats Fishing
As the North Wind blows thru my office window, whistling me with a chill, I look forward to Thursdays fishing.
Tuesday and probably Wednesday this week, no one will look forward to being on the flat.
But these cold fronts are necessary and although on my last trip out we captured over 24 Sea Trout on weenie rods, we could see the symptoms of the basin waters becoming too warm for really good winter fun fishing.
The Jack, Ladyfish, Pompano and Shark activity down some, but not for long.
We want the cool water that the fronts bring to stir up the baitfish and bring the seasonal funster's inshore.
The big Jacks, Pompano, Redfish and Trout in the basins, the Barracudas and Cobia on the Flats
all need the cold fronts and water temp changes that they bring.
Timing for the Chrismas/ New Year break looks good this year and I'm whipping up a batch of Mylar Jigs and Fly's, a few Tube Lure's too.
Back under the covers for a little cold front nap!
Tuesday and probably Wednesday this week, no one will look forward to being on the flat.
But these cold fronts are necessary and although on my last trip out we captured over 24 Sea Trout on weenie rods, we could see the symptoms of the basin waters becoming too warm for really good winter fun fishing.
The Jack, Ladyfish, Pompano and Shark activity down some, but not for long.
We want the cool water that the fronts bring to stir up the baitfish and bring the seasonal funster's inshore.
The big Jacks, Pompano, Redfish and Trout in the basins, the Barracudas and Cobia on the Flats
all need the cold fronts and water temp changes that they bring.
Timing for the Chrismas/ New Year break looks good this year and I'm whipping up a batch of Mylar Jigs and Fly's, a few Tube Lure's too.
Back under the covers for a little cold front nap!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Pompano, Sea Trout, and Saw Tooth Jacks
Winter basin fishing has really turned on in the last few days, even though we have had an Indian Summer, weather wise.
Just beautiful days, if not the best clear sky for sight casting on the flats.
We have had a few Red Fish up in the sneaky spots close to the Mangrove's.
Todays 18+ Gator Trout ( large Sea Trout) was a sure sign that the winter fun fish have arrived, a few days ago some Bluefish shot thru and gobbled Gurgler surface popper flies.
One cast and your into big Jacks, SeaTrout, Ladyfish, Pompano, Black Tip Sharks ... Ass Over Tin Cup!
It's not the Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit rant that you expect from us in the lower Florida Keys but it's lots of fast tackle busters and as Jack says " that ain't bad!"
Just beautiful days, if not the best clear sky for sight casting on the flats.
We have had a few Red Fish up in the sneaky spots close to the Mangrove's.
Todays 18+ Gator Trout ( large Sea Trout) was a sure sign that the winter fun fish have arrived, a few days ago some Bluefish shot thru and gobbled Gurgler surface popper flies.
One cast and your into big Jacks, SeaTrout, Ladyfish, Pompano, Black Tip Sharks ... Ass Over Tin Cup!
It's not the Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit rant that you expect from us in the lower Florida Keys but it's lots of fast tackle busters and as Jack says " that ain't bad!"
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Pompano Fishing in Key West, 1970-2007
Seam's only a short while ago that the commercial fisherman I knew in the Lower Florida Keys were getting out of Pompano Fishing....it was over.
Selling their Pompano nets and concentrating on Lobster,Snapper,Grouper or Ballyhoo.
Pompano had been fished out, a result of Gill Nets and the effective genocide that Gill Netting is capable of.
The same thing happened to the giant Atlantic King Fish schools that , not too many years ago roamed up and down the East Coast & Gulf of Mexico .
But this story is about recovery.
The State of Florida passed a law effectively stopping the use of Gill Nets in state waters about 10 years ago.
Back from oblivion are the Pompano, Mullet, Spotted Sea Trout, Red Fish, Look Downs, Snappers and a good number of non-food fishes that we just love to hook and play with.
We still are careful and turn back most fish landed.
A real professional fishing guide understands the importance of preservation of the fishery.
Remember that when, the Yahoo you hired to capture a Tarpon , shoots a bait fish full of WD 40 and winks at you as he slips the temporarily live but, toxic bait fish over the side.
See there I go again.....Pompano Fishing!
Selling their Pompano nets and concentrating on Lobster,Snapper,Grouper or Ballyhoo.
Pompano had been fished out, a result of Gill Nets and the effective genocide that Gill Netting is capable of.
The same thing happened to the giant Atlantic King Fish schools that , not too many years ago roamed up and down the East Coast & Gulf of Mexico .
But this story is about recovery.
The State of Florida passed a law effectively stopping the use of Gill Nets in state waters about 10 years ago.
Back from oblivion are the Pompano, Mullet, Spotted Sea Trout, Red Fish, Look Downs, Snappers and a good number of non-food fishes that we just love to hook and play with.
We still are careful and turn back most fish landed.
A real professional fishing guide understands the importance of preservation of the fishery.
Remember that when, the Yahoo you hired to capture a Tarpon , shoots a bait fish full of WD 40 and winks at you as he slips the temporarily live but, toxic bait fish over the side.
See there I go again.....Pompano Fishing!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Fall Back to Fall Ahead on the Key West Flats
! How did they know that?
We adjusted the Daylight Saving Time by pushing it one week later....they know the globe is
warming! sneeky bastards.
Anyway just like that we get our first real cool fronts, dropping humidity and air and water temps.....thanks.
We still caught Permit yesterday, that's Permit, as in saw one... caught one.
But that's OK with us because " rather catch one then -see eighteen"
Its windy, tuff , but you can almost hear those Pompano, Cobia, Redfish some, Jacks and Barracudas crashing into the Key West Flats and Basins.
All in pursuit of the migrating bait fish.
That does not mean Permit fishing is over for the year at all, Bonefishing for that matter will still be good when the water temps are not to low.
Fishing with Sam Pelly, one of our Navy Fighter Pilots, blowing 20 out of the NE and not alot of sun.
Sam brought his girl, Miss Halloween , she and I are both Halloween Babies so Sam was surrounded but, he managed to capture his first Permit on his first Key West Flats fishing trip in spite of the Spooks.
We adjusted the Daylight Saving Time by pushing it one week later....they know the globe is
warming! sneeky bastards.
Anyway just like that we get our first real cool fronts, dropping humidity and air and water temps.....thanks.
We still caught Permit yesterday, that's Permit, as in saw one... caught one.
But that's OK with us because " rather catch one then -see eighteen"
Its windy, tuff , but you can almost hear those Pompano, Cobia, Redfish some, Jacks and Barracudas crashing into the Key West Flats and Basins.
All in pursuit of the migrating bait fish.
That does not mean Permit fishing is over for the year at all, Bonefishing for that matter will still be good when the water temps are not to low.
Fishing with Sam Pelly, one of our Navy Fighter Pilots, blowing 20 out of the NE and not alot of sun.
Sam brought his girl, Miss Halloween , she and I are both Halloween Babies so Sam was surrounded but, he managed to capture his first Permit on his first Key West Flats fishing trip in spite of the Spooks.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Falling into Fall Fishing
The Bonefish continue to give us some thrills, especially the 7+ lbers.
But the cooler air that we usually see by mid October has not arrived yet, we all look forward to its arrival.
Down on Poo Key this morning Marcella and I saw a few small hawks, wrens and some Key West Dove's.
The Fall bird migration is ahead of the cool air.
October brings,.. much to the dismay of the resident Osprey, Sooty Turns and Kingfisher's,.... Krestals and Red Tail Hawks, You will see a lot of dog fights over the outer Keys as the local birds do not approve of the "Snow Birds" moving in on their "no fly zone's"
The Baby Tarpon are still sneeeken around the Mangroves as long as the water in the basins remains warm.
Thats a good thing but , we're looking for a little cool and the good Permit, Pompano and Cobia fishing that comes with it.....
But the cooler air that we usually see by mid October has not arrived yet, we all look forward to its arrival.
Down on Poo Key this morning Marcella and I saw a few small hawks, wrens and some Key West Dove's.
The Fall bird migration is ahead of the cool air.
October brings,.. much to the dismay of the resident Osprey, Sooty Turns and Kingfisher's,.... Krestals and Red Tail Hawks, You will see a lot of dog fights over the outer Keys as the local birds do not approve of the "Snow Birds" moving in on their "no fly zone's"
The Baby Tarpon are still sneeeken around the Mangroves as long as the water in the basins remains warm.
Thats a good thing but , we're looking for a little cool and the good Permit, Pompano and Cobia fishing that comes with it.....
Monday, September 17, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Bonefish Explode on the Gulfside Flats
Everyone knows that in September and October on into November that Bonefish show up in better numbers.
The water temps have dropped a tad and Bonefish are happily sliding in for a Crustacean snack, Permit too of course.
Small Bonefish Flies, jigs and live Shrimp will stop a Bonefish long enough to feel a hook jab then, off to the races, rod high in the air and a few WAHOO"S before these little rockets begin to slow down.
Using a smallish " Merkin" Permit Fly will help your chances for bites from either Bonefish and Permit.
Some of the hard Gulf Flats are great for walking on the lower stages of tides.
Reminds me of a Story...Few years ago, I was fishing with a couple that had been with me many times.
We approached a sand flat that I knew would flood with Bonefish Schools as soon as the tide started in.
Being too shallow to begin to get the skiff on , I sent Jim out with a spin outfit, a few spare hooks, split shot and a baggie full of shrimp.
Pat, Jim's wife stood on the front of the skiff with me waiting for the tide.
From his spot 60 yards away Jim saw a large school of Bones approaching, made a cast and of course, fought his first Bonefish of the day.
By now the water had reached Pat and I and we made the first casts as a school approached the skiff.
All three of us were hooked up and laughing when a very excited Jim yelled " hey there's a big Bull Shark with a school of Bonefish following it"
I told Jim to throw the shrimp just behind the Bull Shark and he'll hook a Bonefish.
A little nervious standing in the water with sharks, Jim made his cast and would you believe, the Bull Shark swung around and gobbled Jim's shrimp and tore off across the flat.
" Christ, what should I do now Mike!? " Jim exclaimed.
" DON'T PISS HIM OFF JIM !" Pat and I yelled .........
The water temps have dropped a tad and Bonefish are happily sliding in for a Crustacean snack, Permit too of course.
Small Bonefish Flies, jigs and live Shrimp will stop a Bonefish long enough to feel a hook jab then, off to the races, rod high in the air and a few WAHOO"S before these little rockets begin to slow down.
Using a smallish " Merkin" Permit Fly will help your chances for bites from either Bonefish and Permit.
Some of the hard Gulf Flats are great for walking on the lower stages of tides.
Reminds me of a Story...Few years ago, I was fishing with a couple that had been with me many times.
We approached a sand flat that I knew would flood with Bonefish Schools as soon as the tide started in.
Being too shallow to begin to get the skiff on , I sent Jim out with a spin outfit, a few spare hooks, split shot and a baggie full of shrimp.
Pat, Jim's wife stood on the front of the skiff with me waiting for the tide.
From his spot 60 yards away Jim saw a large school of Bones approaching, made a cast and of course, fought his first Bonefish of the day.
By now the water had reached Pat and I and we made the first casts as a school approached the skiff.
All three of us were hooked up and laughing when a very excited Jim yelled " hey there's a big Bull Shark with a school of Bonefish following it"
I told Jim to throw the shrimp just behind the Bull Shark and he'll hook a Bonefish.
A little nervious standing in the water with sharks, Jim made his cast and would you believe, the Bull Shark swung around and gobbled Jim's shrimp and tore off across the flat.
" Christ, what should I do now Mike!? " Jim exclaimed.
" DON'T PISS HIM OFF JIM !" Pat and I yelled .........
Monday, September 10, 2007
Running From Rain
Yesterdays trip was a late start, waiting for squalls to pass.
The last several days have been wet, down in the western lakes area we made a dash to avoid a really big funnel spout that followed us west for three miles.
I was finely able to charge north of it and head for Key West, lots of excitement for my sports.
Just the normal late summer pattern and not really very scary.but, if you haven't seen a water spout they can be disarming.
Anyway yesterdays late start sent us to a Tarpon spot, without Tarpon!
Act two put us on a Permit flat and they showed up and provided us with some thrills and eventually a cute little Permit of about 10 lbs.
We spooked and missed a shot at one in the upper 20's and a few more....
Three Shovel Nose Sharks on weeny rods for Anne and some photos to prove she's not afraid of Sharks!
The whole time we were on the flat there was a huge rain storm two flats away that waited for us to leave.
Looking over out shoulder on the way to the harbor, our little Permit flat got a bath.
The last several days have been wet, down in the western lakes area we made a dash to avoid a really big funnel spout that followed us west for three miles.
I was finely able to charge north of it and head for Key West, lots of excitement for my sports.
Just the normal late summer pattern and not really very scary.but, if you haven't seen a water spout they can be disarming.
Anyway yesterdays late start sent us to a Tarpon spot, without Tarpon!
Act two put us on a Permit flat and they showed up and provided us with some thrills and eventually a cute little Permit of about 10 lbs.
We spooked and missed a shot at one in the upper 20's and a few more....
Three Shovel Nose Sharks on weeny rods for Anne and some photos to prove she's not afraid of Sharks!
The whole time we were on the flat there was a huge rain storm two flats away that waited for us to leave.
Looking over out shoulder on the way to the harbor, our little Permit flat got a bath.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Tarpon Trouble.........again!
We really intended to find some Bonefish to launch fly's at this morning, maybe a few Permit shots too.
Kevin asked about Tarpon and I had to tell him that we would sniff around first thing in the morning but I had not been seeing many the last few days.
Hot water and a tide chart that did not inspire the Tarpon or the Ol' Tarpon guide this week, but we stopped in a little spot that I hoped would give a shot or two while waiting for the sun to get up so we could pole the flats.
We got lucky, as we approached the area I saw quite a few Terns diving and soon saw a Tarpon back, then three, four...a lot more.
"Guppy Hatch" The falling tide was washing small baitfish off the flat into the deeper channel.
Ladyfish, Jacks and Tarpon were pushing up onto the flat to slurp up the goodies so.........
we slid up behind the fray and Kevin dropped a fly right into the mouth of a 70 lber.
Wahoo!... for a few seconds and the butt section of the flyrod leader parted.........SSHHHH TA !
Guide screwup.....
After some quick fix and a few Ladyfish chewing up some flies, Kevin hooked a big Cow about 150lbs.
Kevin lost the big Tarpon using a Curtsey instead of a Bow, but his first Tarpon on fly adventure was pretty good and produced some good laughs.
Hey , I'd rather be wrong and find Tarpon!
Kevin asked about Tarpon and I had to tell him that we would sniff around first thing in the morning but I had not been seeing many the last few days.
Hot water and a tide chart that did not inspire the Tarpon or the Ol' Tarpon guide this week, but we stopped in a little spot that I hoped would give a shot or two while waiting for the sun to get up so we could pole the flats.
We got lucky, as we approached the area I saw quite a few Terns diving and soon saw a Tarpon back, then three, four...a lot more.
"Guppy Hatch" The falling tide was washing small baitfish off the flat into the deeper channel.
Ladyfish, Jacks and Tarpon were pushing up onto the flat to slurp up the goodies so.........
we slid up behind the fray and Kevin dropped a fly right into the mouth of a 70 lber.
Wahoo!... for a few seconds and the butt section of the flyrod leader parted.........SSHHHH TA !
Guide screwup.....
After some quick fix and a few Ladyfish chewing up some flies, Kevin hooked a big Cow about 150lbs.
Kevin lost the big Tarpon using a Curtsey instead of a Bow, but his first Tarpon on fly adventure was pretty good and produced some good laughs.
Hey , I'd rather be wrong and find Tarpon!
Monday, September 03, 2007
Back in Action on the Key West Flats
The Montgomery Skiff is rerigged, rewired, and re-Mercury Engined.
The new DFI Mercury 115 is really sweet with plenty power and so quiet you can carry on conversation at 35 mph.
Fuel consumption is unbelievable, even though the motor is barely broken in I'm getting mileage NEAR what I was used to in the smaller Super Skiff with its 6o Bigfoot!?
Anyway......
I'm back from my annual cross country motorcycle trip and have been wacken a few Bonefish and Permt.
It's hot... September is always hot and we dont begin to cool down until mid October so, trips start and end early.
A few Tarpon can be kicked up in the Morning but the Bonefishing and Permit have been pretty good to great up in the Skinny Water.
If you want to see a turtle up close this is the time of year to see dozens, the Loggerheads are all over the flats and the babies are hatching on the Keys Beaches every night.
A evening walk on many beaches in Florida in late summer with a flash light will result in a treat as the little guys/girls dig their way out and head for the water....cool
The new DFI Mercury 115 is really sweet with plenty power and so quiet you can carry on conversation at 35 mph.
Fuel consumption is unbelievable, even though the motor is barely broken in I'm getting mileage NEAR what I was used to in the smaller Super Skiff with its 6o Bigfoot!?
Anyway......
I'm back from my annual cross country motorcycle trip and have been wacken a few Bonefish and Permt.
It's hot... September is always hot and we dont begin to cool down until mid October so, trips start and end early.
A few Tarpon can be kicked up in the Morning but the Bonefishing and Permit have been pretty good to great up in the Skinny Water.
If you want to see a turtle up close this is the time of year to see dozens, the Loggerheads are all over the flats and the babies are hatching on the Keys Beaches every night.
A evening walk on many beaches in Florida in late summer with a flash light will result in a treat as the little guys/girls dig their way out and head for the water....cool
Friday, May 11, 2007
Tarpon show for Love Fest in Key West
FINLEY we have some summer weather and Tarpon showing up in the flats and shallows for Fly Rodden.
Late but welcome, in spite of forest fire smoke blowing in from Florida to give an unusual eeriness to the early morning hunt.
That's gone now, reminded me of my British Columbia Steelhead trips!
The gin clear water and calm seas are really a treat after one of the most difficult winters in the 30+ years I've been fishing in the Keys.
Peter Mullet starts with me on Sunday, we'll have our usual laugh fest along with the Tarpon Fest and seven days with Peter is always a good time.
June and early July look great for Tarpon and of course Dr. Permit will be examining our fly's.
Late but welcome, in spite of forest fire smoke blowing in from Florida to give an unusual eeriness to the early morning hunt.
That's gone now, reminded me of my British Columbia Steelhead trips!
The gin clear water and calm seas are really a treat after one of the most difficult winters in the 30+ years I've been fishing in the Keys.
Peter Mullet starts with me on Sunday, we'll have our usual laugh fest along with the Tarpon Fest and seven days with Peter is always a good time.
June and early July look great for Tarpon and of course Dr. Permit will be examining our fly's.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Last Week Winter this Week Tarpon
Blimey! 2007 weather is confusing for everyone so, why should the fish be any less confused?!
February...stunk March...sucked April...cheez ass cry's
Someone shot a flare up on May 1st and now... we have been rescued !
I'm filing hook points, oiling Fly Reels and fluff'en chicken feathers for Big Daddy.
85 degrees, light winds and Tarpon Tuskers in the air...All is forgiven, its summer Tarpon Season.
The Tarpon are really happy about the weather changes, now they can continue on their annual trip to the big "Poon Fook Fest" and stop along the way to visit ol' guides and anglers that await with offering's of feathers and plastic baits.
Monday, April 30, 2007
April Key West Fishing in a Nut Shell
I had a lot of trouble sitting down to blog last month, working on skiff's when I wasn't fishing.
Not fishing because of bad weather, fishing in bad weather, bad fishing in bad weather!
John Swift aka Swifty was in for a few days and managed to hook on the 3 rd cast of the first hour a 120 lber, we got him after some great jumps and luck.
We rubbed his shinny head and back into the briny he slid.
Swifty and I always have fun, laughs, he's an old motorcycle fag like me so we spend our days babbling about the latest hot sport bike's, helmets, boots and where to wear them next.
Fishing together is the gear oil that keeps us driving forward during our time B S ing about motorcycles.
We stop and capture a nice fish without interrupting the bike bla bla.
He's been fishing about 3 times a year for 2-3 days at a time for ? 15-20 yrs!?
Leon Jackson from Montreal was fishing with me in mid April, we lost the first day because of a cold front and spent the next few days floggin the tarpon with every fly in the box with little success, very cold water, pissed Tarpon.
We enjoyed a nice cigar and every afternoon at Tea Time, a little Single malt.
Leon Jackson/ you would expect a 7 foot NBA guy from Alabama, not a born in French Canada Stock trader.
Leon will be back May 08.
Great guy Leon.
Butch and Joan Manasse, outfitters from Y-OMIN for a couple days and after Joan pulled on a Tusker for a good while took the rest of the day off.
They are a fun couple and good sports although, Joan has a habit of poken holes in a perfectly good kiddy Kat { 200 lb Cougar with a Arrow}
Jay Reed, one of the Indiana Hoggies was in for a few days, we shot the poo about our other Hoosier pals, past fishing trips and Whiskey Hunts.
Lost of tuff fishing in April but, great friends to play with.
May brings in Jim "Red Cloud" Cloud for our 26th year of fishing together...26 YEARS
Jim also in the past has hunted Alligators and Frogs from my airboat in the glades, saw him stick a frog once!
He's much better with the flyrod, Jims family
Peter Mullet my pal that arranges Mongolian Fly fishing trips for a week of Tarpooning. He will bring his monkey along for my viewing pleasure.
Adjum Marton from Chicago will be here for a week also, we always laugh out asses off and hook big Tarpon, hope he brings his dad for even more fun.
Doin the Tarpon Shuffel
Not fishing because of bad weather, fishing in bad weather, bad fishing in bad weather!
John Swift aka Swifty was in for a few days and managed to hook on the 3 rd cast of the first hour a 120 lber, we got him after some great jumps and luck.
We rubbed his shinny head and back into the briny he slid.
Swifty and I always have fun, laughs, he's an old motorcycle fag like me so we spend our days babbling about the latest hot sport bike's, helmets, boots and where to wear them next.
Fishing together is the gear oil that keeps us driving forward during our time B S ing about motorcycles.
We stop and capture a nice fish without interrupting the bike bla bla.
He's been fishing about 3 times a year for 2-3 days at a time for ? 15-20 yrs!?
Leon Jackson from Montreal was fishing with me in mid April, we lost the first day because of a cold front and spent the next few days floggin the tarpon with every fly in the box with little success, very cold water, pissed Tarpon.
We enjoyed a nice cigar and every afternoon at Tea Time, a little Single malt.
Leon Jackson/ you would expect a 7 foot NBA guy from Alabama, not a born in French Canada Stock trader.
Leon will be back May 08.
Great guy Leon.
Butch and Joan Manasse, outfitters from Y-OMIN for a couple days and after Joan pulled on a Tusker for a good while took the rest of the day off.
They are a fun couple and good sports although, Joan has a habit of poken holes in a perfectly good kiddy Kat { 200 lb Cougar with a Arrow}
Jay Reed, one of the Indiana Hoggies was in for a few days, we shot the poo about our other Hoosier pals, past fishing trips and Whiskey Hunts.
Lost of tuff fishing in April but, great friends to play with.
May brings in Jim "Red Cloud" Cloud for our 26th year of fishing together...26 YEARS
Jim also in the past has hunted Alligators and Frogs from my airboat in the glades, saw him stick a frog once!
He's much better with the flyrod, Jims family
Peter Mullet my pal that arranges Mongolian Fly fishing trips for a week of Tarpooning. He will bring his monkey along for my viewing pleasure.
Adjum Marton from Chicago will be here for a week also, we always laugh out asses off and hook big Tarpon, hope he brings his dad for even more fun.
Doin the Tarpon Shuffel
Sunday, April 01, 2007
3 weeks @ 30MPH
MY GOD!
Every joint in my old body hurts, Ibuprofen, Osteo Bi-Flex Glucosamine Chondroitin with MSM
be damned!
Every few years we have a March like this, cold fronts not strong enough to push a high pressure off the Florida/Keys coast or the worse case, the little cold front gets hurled back at us
(Backdoor Cold Front)
Either way it means lots of Wind and this week like the two weeks before it has been 20-35 MPH.
Does not encourage Tarpon to slide in to the shallows for a restful spring feast and poling the Flats for Permit Shots very tuff.
But the good news is.....April...we hope.
Got to run, Arthritis Foundation Crisis Hot Line is on the phone and I must get to Wal-Greens for the 2-4-1 sale on Bi-Flex
If your coming down, bring your suction cup deck shoes!
Every joint in my old body hurts, Ibuprofen, Osteo Bi-Flex Glucosamine Chondroitin with MSM
be damned!
Every few years we have a March like this, cold fronts not strong enough to push a high pressure off the Florida/Keys coast or the worse case, the little cold front gets hurled back at us
(Backdoor Cold Front)
Either way it means lots of Wind and this week like the two weeks before it has been 20-35 MPH.
Does not encourage Tarpon to slide in to the shallows for a restful spring feast and poling the Flats for Permit Shots very tuff.
But the good news is.....April...we hope.
Got to run, Arthritis Foundation Crisis Hot Line is on the phone and I must get to Wal-Greens for the 2-4-1 sale on Bi-Flex
If your coming down, bring your suction cup deck shoes!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Tarpon In The Wind
The last few days have been windy but worth the bouncy ride as early AM has produced a few Tarpon.
They are not everywhere but we found several places in the backcountry rivers that had more than a few Tarpon in for a bait fish meal.
That's what we gave them, live Pin Fish and some swimming plugs put several fish in the air.
The clouds and wind prevented us from poling the flat for Permit and this March...so far has been good for Permit fishing when the weather cooperates.
Where does the time go? New Years Day was only a few days ago....seems.
Half of March is left and that means plenty Permit fishing and starting the day with Tarpon training.
They are not everywhere but we found several places in the backcountry rivers that had more than a few Tarpon in for a bait fish meal.
That's what we gave them, live Pin Fish and some swimming plugs put several fish in the air.
The clouds and wind prevented us from poling the flat for Permit and this March...so far has been good for Permit fishing when the weather cooperates.
Where does the time go? New Years Day was only a few days ago....seems.
Half of March is left and that means plenty Permit fishing and starting the day with Tarpon training.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Back To Barracuda Basics
OK ....yes and it's been cool and windy ...again!
Seeing a few Tarpon and nearly...nearly hooking a couple of Permit the last two days but, we're really catching Barracuda's on Tube Lures and chompen granola bars between casts.
The Cudas have been pretty big and of course they are always a lot of fun , 360's at 40mph and long runs and jumps.
Ten lb test tackle in one foot of water, you gota have some laughs.
Mean while the live crabs and Tarpon flies wait patiently in the box.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Permit Fishing Restore's Faith
After the agony of another cold blast front the north it's warmed quickly and although the Tarpon are pissed and still lying low, the Permit fishing on the Key West Flats has lifted our spirits!
Yesterday early am I was wishing I had worn jeans and SOCKS but, by mid morning the Permit fishing on the incoming tide and a few hook ups and the socks were forgotten.
Bill managed after a few bad casts to put one together and after a prolonged struggle I grabbed the tail of his first Permit and a good one about 22-24lbs.
Of course I told him it was 26lbs and after inspecting an old Shark encounter scar, Bill had the honor of giving the fish some back and fourth pumps and a slap on the arse to get the adrenaline flowing and away the Permit smoked.
March Tarpon fishing will be rock'in in a few days.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Key West Tarpon Blow Out
ERRR! MARCH
The not so bad cold front, turns in to BAD
Three days ago it was Tarpon and Permit, now it's 30mph and boat maintenance.
Tomorrow the winds should drop and the Permit will be pretty good but Tarpon fishing will probably not recover for a few days.
The Pompano, Cobia, and Sea Trout will show back up though so we will have good "fun fishing" and of course Barracudas will be snapping.
Oh well, back under the skiff for a little scrub!
The not so bad cold front, turns in to BAD
Three days ago it was Tarpon and Permit, now it's 30mph and boat maintenance.
Tomorrow the winds should drop and the Permit will be pretty good but Tarpon fishing will probably not recover for a few days.
The Pompano, Cobia, and Sea Trout will show back up though so we will have good "fun fishing" and of course Barracudas will be snapping.
Oh well, back under the skiff for a little scrub!
Friday, March 02, 2007
Tarpon In the Air, Permit on the Run
The Last two days have been Tarpon in the early AM and when the sun gets up, poling the flats for Permit,
Lots of wind make easy shots at Permit, they don't see us coming!
Of course it's more of a challange to make the cast in the wind but we can get so much closer to the flighty Permit, it's a good news bad news kind of thing.
The water temps are up and a southeast wind bring the Tarpon inshore and encourages the Permit to pop up onto the flats for a crab breakfast.
We lost a couple of nice Tarpon, little late on the rod bowing will do that but, its fun to lose a Tarpon, getting him to jump is half the fun.
We should have a great March!!
Lots of wind make easy shots at Permit, they don't see us coming!
Of course it's more of a challange to make the cast in the wind but we can get so much closer to the flighty Permit, it's a good news bad news kind of thing.
The water temps are up and a southeast wind bring the Tarpon inshore and encourages the Permit to pop up onto the flats for a crab breakfast.
We lost a couple of nice Tarpon, little late on the rod bowing will do that but, its fun to lose a Tarpon, getting him to jump is half the fun.
We should have a great March!!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Here comes summer
Wow 80ish and 86% humidity....those Tarpon will be rolling into town for an inshore feast.
Ten days ago I was in SOCKS, now its sunscreen and maybe maybe its spring in the Lower Florida Keys.
I'm sure we'll see some more cool fronts but I've the Tarpon itch and will go to the backcountry to welcome my pals.
Shakespeare sent a few new Custom Graphite rods that should do a good job of whippen those rascals.
Dusting off the Sage's and Tibor's for launching chicken feathers into the open maw's of the new arrivals.
Fetch my horse squire!
Ten days ago I was in SOCKS, now its sunscreen and maybe maybe its spring in the Lower Florida Keys.
I'm sure we'll see some more cool fronts but I've the Tarpon itch and will go to the backcountry to welcome my pals.
Shakespeare sent a few new Custom Graphite rods that should do a good job of whippen those rascals.
Dusting off the Sage's and Tibor's for launching chicken feathers into the open maw's of the new arrivals.
Fetch my horse squire!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Clouds Foil Permit but Tarpon Respond
Lots of high clouds mean low chances for shot at Permit on the Key West flats.
We dont have a lot of total cloud cover days but it does happen, this is one of those days!
After a two hours of chrome sky we threw in the towel and went sniffen for "Floater Permit " or Tarpon in the little rivers.
Our efforts paid off with two nice 70+ lb. Tuskers that gave us some trouble on light rods.
One was gone after 3-4 jumps and zero bowing of the rod, but the other we managed to get up to the boat.
We were rewarded with a jump almost into the boat and a good saltwater shower that managed to wet all!
Gone but not forgotten was Mr. Tarpon
We dont have a lot of total cloud cover days but it does happen, this is one of those days!
After a two hours of chrome sky we threw in the towel and went sniffen for "Floater Permit " or Tarpon in the little rivers.
Our efforts paid off with two nice 70+ lb. Tuskers that gave us some trouble on light rods.
One was gone after 3-4 jumps and zero bowing of the rod, but the other we managed to get up to the boat.
We were rewarded with a jump almost into the boat and a good saltwater shower that managed to wet all!
Gone but not forgotten was Mr. Tarpon
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Springing into Tarpon Fishing
I'm building the last of the Barracuda Tube lure's for 07 and have 3 big bags of Tarpon Gurgler Flies just itchen to get wet.
Only the end of Febuary and March promises more Pompano, Cobia and Barracuda but, the Permit and Tarpon fishing will be sneaking up on us very soon.
A lot of my regular guy's are calling or e-mailing to make sure we have our dates planted, they have had enough of winter in the east and mid west and dull the pain by thinking about Tarpon and Duval St. Pina Colada's.
Permit will march into March first, they tolerate a little cooler water than Mr.Tarpon.
We saw a few Tarpon poken their heads up this morning but they are still a little cold and didnt care to play.
Planning a sock burning party for March 15th.
Only the end of Febuary and March promises more Pompano, Cobia and Barracuda but, the Permit and Tarpon fishing will be sneaking up on us very soon.
A lot of my regular guy's are calling or e-mailing to make sure we have our dates planted, they have had enough of winter in the east and mid west and dull the pain by thinking about Tarpon and Duval St. Pina Colada's.
Permit will march into March first, they tolerate a little cooler water than Mr.Tarpon.
We saw a few Tarpon poken their heads up this morning but they are still a little cold and didnt care to play.
Planning a sock burning party for March 15th.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Frosty Flats Fishing Key West
Knit caps, Long Johns and SOCKS, I hate socks.
But January and lots of Febuary...I was in socks.
Febuary is all but over now and there's hope that the cold fronts are fewer hopefully, less of an impact.
The last few days have been in the mid 70's and the Permit are beginning to wander back to the flats.
Yesterday it was Barracudas and some Pompano and Bluefish, a few Permit shots too...just a few.
Todays strong southeasterly wind pushed up the water temps and encouraged more Permit to pop up for a crab sandwich.
One big boy maybe 26 lbs, pretending to be a Black Tip shark, was finely properly identified and force feed a juicy Florida Green Crab.
Smoken the drag and removing a 150 yards of braided line a few times before the Ol' guide could grab him by his tail and give him a brief warm up in the Key West Sun, a photo shoot and he was back over board to complain to his family about the Alien abduction.
Tomorrow will be more strong southeast wind warming the flats waters up and I'm sure some more Permit will challange our casting abilities.
March is next week and the Tarpon will begin to get as much attention as the Permit, maybe more.
Hate to see the Pompano start to fade as the water temps moderate but change is good.
Mike
But January and lots of Febuary...I was in socks.
Febuary is all but over now and there's hope that the cold fronts are fewer hopefully, less of an impact.
The last few days have been in the mid 70's and the Permit are beginning to wander back to the flats.
Yesterday it was Barracudas and some Pompano and Bluefish, a few Permit shots too...just a few.
Todays strong southeasterly wind pushed up the water temps and encouraged more Permit to pop up for a crab sandwich.
One big boy maybe 26 lbs, pretending to be a Black Tip shark, was finely properly identified and force feed a juicy Florida Green Crab.
Smoken the drag and removing a 150 yards of braided line a few times before the Ol' guide could grab him by his tail and give him a brief warm up in the Key West Sun, a photo shoot and he was back over board to complain to his family about the Alien abduction.
Tomorrow will be more strong southeast wind warming the flats waters up and I'm sure some more Permit will challange our casting abilities.
March is next week and the Tarpon will begin to get as much attention as the Permit, maybe more.
Hate to see the Pompano start to fade as the water temps moderate but change is good.
Mike
Monday, December 18, 2006
Pompano Fly Fishing Key West
Winter fishing in the Key West Back Country means Sea Trout, Cobia, Barracudas, Jacks, Bluefish and the pee wee Permit AKA Pompano.
They are cute and tuff for their size and you have your hands full with a 7-8 WT fly rod.
Most of the Pompano will be on or near the bottom in the shallow basins and channels, usually 4-6ft so, a slow sink or sink tip line is a good idea.
I use a full floater also and a long leader with a lead eye Mylar Minnow Fly.
Dredging will produce a good jolt/strike and several powerful runs, sometimes he'll come up and flash for you only to dive and smoke off a few dozen more yards.
Sometimes Pompano will FLOAT, holding in the current a few inches down and you can swing the fly infront of the school and watch a strike!
Last winter this happened to us several times and we had a field day landing dozens of Pompano in one shallow basin.
They were apparently sucken in very small minnies that were being washed to them with the tide.
We used a small 1/0 epoxy minnow and the Pompano went nuts, so did we but, we put all but 3-4 back.
They will be much bigger this winter, the one's I released, not the one's I fried in butter!
They are cute and tuff for their size and you have your hands full with a 7-8 WT fly rod.
Most of the Pompano will be on or near the bottom in the shallow basins and channels, usually 4-6ft so, a slow sink or sink tip line is a good idea.
I use a full floater also and a long leader with a lead eye Mylar Minnow Fly.
Dredging will produce a good jolt/strike and several powerful runs, sometimes he'll come up and flash for you only to dive and smoke off a few dozen more yards.
Sometimes Pompano will FLOAT, holding in the current a few inches down and you can swing the fly infront of the school and watch a strike!
Last winter this happened to us several times and we had a field day landing dozens of Pompano in one shallow basin.
They were apparently sucken in very small minnies that were being washed to them with the tide.
We used a small 1/0 epoxy minnow and the Pompano went nuts, so did we but, we put all but 3-4 back.
They will be much bigger this winter, the one's I released, not the one's I fried in butter!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Fly Fishing Key West Flats
Winter fly fishing provides some shots at fish other than the usual Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit Targets.
Cobia moving in, out of the Gulf of Mexico, following Sting Rays and sometimes Nurse Sharks.
They move up onto the flats as Wing Man, picking off the bait fish, crabs and other small wigglers that are on the move trying to avoid being lunch for the rays.
They spring out and get wacked by the Cobia who is better equipt with eye sight and speed then the slow moving rays.
Any good sized fly will sucker a Cobia, bait fish patterns, Crab Fake's even a good Bass Popper works well on Cobia.
Many of these guys will be over 20 lbs and can be much bigger.
Last years big Cobia was near 60 lbs and on the flat in 2ft of water, when you hook a big Cobia you had better get on the stick, because, he will spool you quick on light tackle.
Tossing a fly on a Sting Rays back will sometimes produce Jacks and even Red Fish or the Flats Snapper prize, Mutton Snapper!
We'll have some big Barracuda and Shark Flies along too.....just because.
Cobia moving in, out of the Gulf of Mexico, following Sting Rays and sometimes Nurse Sharks.
They move up onto the flats as Wing Man, picking off the bait fish, crabs and other small wigglers that are on the move trying to avoid being lunch for the rays.
They spring out and get wacked by the Cobia who is better equipt with eye sight and speed then the slow moving rays.
Any good sized fly will sucker a Cobia, bait fish patterns, Crab Fake's even a good Bass Popper works well on Cobia.
Many of these guys will be over 20 lbs and can be much bigger.
Last years big Cobia was near 60 lbs and on the flat in 2ft of water, when you hook a big Cobia you had better get on the stick, because, he will spool you quick on light tackle.
Tossing a fly on a Sting Rays back will sometimes produce Jacks and even Red Fish or the Flats Snapper prize, Mutton Snapper!
We'll have some big Barracuda and Shark Flies along too.....just because.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Xmas fishing Key West
It's that time of year, Snow Birds sneezing and coughing their way up and down every isle in the grocery store.
They just arrived and need to restock the condo with Key Lime Mustard, dishwasher soap and batteries for the 3-4 remote controls.
Another clue is the Ol' guide, building Barracuda Tube lures with 3 layers of super glue on said guide's every finger in the effort to have enough flash jigs for the Pompano,Sea Trout,Blue fish war.
Line on reels, reel lube, Flu shot, order in to Shakespear for more AMO!
My regular Christmas/New Year croud will be here, glad to see some winter fishing action and tell me about last summers Trout trip to Montana.
Some ofcourse Tarpon fish with me in the spring and we'll relive a few Tarpon Tale/Tails.
The weather has been delightful, a little wind and clouds but with the cooler water around the inshore action has been great!
" POMPANO ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE...JACK SCALES STICKEN TO MY CLOTHS..........
They just arrived and need to restock the condo with Key Lime Mustard, dishwasher soap and batteries for the 3-4 remote controls.
Another clue is the Ol' guide, building Barracuda Tube lures with 3 layers of super glue on said guide's every finger in the effort to have enough flash jigs for the Pompano,Sea Trout,Blue fish war.
Line on reels, reel lube, Flu shot, order in to Shakespear for more AMO!
My regular Christmas/New Year croud will be here, glad to see some winter fishing action and tell me about last summers Trout trip to Montana.
Some ofcourse Tarpon fish with me in the spring and we'll relive a few Tarpon Tale/Tails.
The weather has been delightful, a little wind and clouds but with the cooler water around the inshore action has been great!
" POMPANO ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE...JACK SCALES STICKEN TO MY CLOTHS..........
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Key West Flats Fishing for Barracudas
Everyone knows what a Barracuda is, to offshore trollers he's the bad guy that eats up your perfectly prepared Sailfish bait.
On heavy tackle drug behind a Sportfisherman he's not much fun, winching him on 50lb test, the mate bitching about the varmits.
Well how would a Rainbow trout fight using the same menthods, funny huh?
On the flats in the winter, lots of big Barracudas come up in a foot or less of gin clear water to gobble bait fish.
They move in "Wolf Pack's" and rocket into the bait fish schools or lurk on the edge of the flat waiting for the bait to move to them on the falling tide.
We will be there also with out light spinning or fly rods with artifical lures.
Hooking a big Barracuda that may go over 25 lbs on a 10lb test spin out fit and watching him bolt 45 MPH, turn 180 degrees and jump 6ft in the air and then do it again.
I can tell you that over the last 30 yrs I have had many SPORTS tell me " Oh I've caught Barracudas before, they were not much fun"
I always ask if they ever caught them on the flat?...err NO!
After the first good Cuda and a whole lot of WOW'S, LOOK at HIM JUMPS.
The opinion changes!........."let's get another CUDA!"
That's just part of the winter Key West Flats Fishing, some of the just plain fun.
On heavy tackle drug behind a Sportfisherman he's not much fun, winching him on 50lb test, the mate bitching about the varmits.
Well how would a Rainbow trout fight using the same menthods, funny huh?
On the flats in the winter, lots of big Barracudas come up in a foot or less of gin clear water to gobble bait fish.
They move in "Wolf Pack's" and rocket into the bait fish schools or lurk on the edge of the flat waiting for the bait to move to them on the falling tide.
We will be there also with out light spinning or fly rods with artifical lures.
Hooking a big Barracuda that may go over 25 lbs on a 10lb test spin out fit and watching him bolt 45 MPH, turn 180 degrees and jump 6ft in the air and then do it again.
I can tell you that over the last 30 yrs I have had many SPORTS tell me " Oh I've caught Barracudas before, they were not much fun"
I always ask if they ever caught them on the flat?...err NO!
After the first good Cuda and a whole lot of WOW'S, LOOK at HIM JUMPS.
The opinion changes!........."let's get another CUDA!"
That's just part of the winter Key West Flats Fishing, some of the just plain fun.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Cobia's on the Key West Flats
I took a little ride this morning, even though it was rather choppy.
I was wondering if the back country was sturred up from the cold front winds.
It turns out that the channels were still pretty clear and as I poled in along the bank, I saw moving down the river edge a dark shape that you would assume was Mr.Shark.
It was Mr. Cobia, a nice one about 40ish lbs, I tossed a rubber fish in his direction and he leaped on it "like a chicken on a June Bug."
Its a little early for the Cobia's on the flat but, then again we have had some early winter like weather.
A little cooler water and some north winds pushing the bait out of the Gulf and behind the bait the Bluefish,Cobia, Sea Trout and Pompano.
Ofcourse the down side is the near freezing temps .....of 78 degrees
Anyway the Cobia broke off at the boat after I fooled around long enough, worrying about no ice and where he was going to ride on my way home.
I'll get him latter and throw his ass on the Barbee.
I was wondering if the back country was sturred up from the cold front winds.
It turns out that the channels were still pretty clear and as I poled in along the bank, I saw moving down the river edge a dark shape that you would assume was Mr.Shark.
It was Mr. Cobia, a nice one about 40ish lbs, I tossed a rubber fish in his direction and he leaped on it "like a chicken on a June Bug."
Its a little early for the Cobia's on the flat but, then again we have had some early winter like weather.
A little cooler water and some north winds pushing the bait out of the Gulf and behind the bait the Bluefish,Cobia, Sea Trout and Pompano.
Ofcourse the down side is the near freezing temps .....of 78 degrees
Anyway the Cobia broke off at the boat after I fooled around long enough, worrying about no ice and where he was going to ride on my way home.
I'll get him latter and throw his ass on the Barbee.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Winter Fun of the Key West Flats
Can you believe it ? December already?
Last trip out we found winter back country fishing at its best.
Great comfortable 80 degrees, low humidity and non stop action from our winter fish friends.
I did go thru 3 dozen jigs but, we dont care.
Much Jack attack action, dozens of leaping Lady Fish and 15 perfect Pompano kept us busy for hours.
We had a run in with a school of Blue Fish that gobbled up some jigs until a switch over to wire leaders helped to land a few.
Several black Tip Sharks and one big toofy Barracuda added to the fun.
We headed for the Barn with few weapons left in the tackle arsenal, but a lot of laugh's
Thats the way it is in the back country this time of year, Permit on the flats and the seasonal fun guys chasing bait in the rivers and basins.
The Barracudas with show up anyday now for their winter flats buffet.
And I'm Watching the nightly news and tying jigs every night!
Last trip out we found winter back country fishing at its best.
Great comfortable 80 degrees, low humidity and non stop action from our winter fish friends.
I did go thru 3 dozen jigs but, we dont care.
Much Jack attack action, dozens of leaping Lady Fish and 15 perfect Pompano kept us busy for hours.
We had a run in with a school of Blue Fish that gobbled up some jigs until a switch over to wire leaders helped to land a few.
Several black Tip Sharks and one big toofy Barracuda added to the fun.
We headed for the Barn with few weapons left in the tackle arsenal, but a lot of laugh's
Thats the way it is in the back country this time of year, Permit on the flats and the seasonal fun guys chasing bait in the rivers and basins.
The Barracudas with show up anyday now for their winter flats buffet.
And I'm Watching the nightly news and tying jigs every night!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Permit and Tarpon Ocean Side Key West
We were surprized by the Tarpon we ran into yesterday but, we expected a few good Permit shots.
A little too much wind and some high clouds made it a tuff day.
We were on top of most of the fish before we could see them, they had conditions in their favor.
There they gooooooo! the ol' guide exlaimed..^*%@& fish.
Eventually we got lucky with a nice lazy Permit over the sand, jumping on the crab like a chicken on a June Bug.
After 20 mins and a hug and kiss, he was back in the sponge bottom, counting his blessings.
Later a nice 60+ lb Tarpon appeared and although the cast was in his window, he was apparently looking for a nice minnow.
So better light and we'd O wacked um!
A little too much wind and some high clouds made it a tuff day.
We were on top of most of the fish before we could see them, they had conditions in their favor.
There they gooooooo! the ol' guide exlaimed..^*%@& fish.
Eventually we got lucky with a nice lazy Permit over the sand, jumping on the crab like a chicken on a June Bug.
After 20 mins and a hug and kiss, he was back in the sponge bottom, counting his blessings.
Later a nice 60+ lb Tarpon appeared and although the cast was in his window, he was apparently looking for a nice minnow.
So better light and we'd O wacked um!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Key West Backcountry Showing Life
Looking in the basins that lie inside the Gulf of Mexico Flats, I've been finding a lot of bait fish.
Mullet and Pilchers being bombed repeatedly by big Grey Pelicans with some Sooty Terns picking up the scraps.
These are some of the Fall signs that will eventually bring in the Sea Trout, Pompano and even a few Bluefish.
But thats getting ahead of things by a month or so.
We will not see any of those guys for another month, we'll expect to see the Bonefish and Permit show up in greater number this month though.
I did a little sniffen around in a few of the eastern Gulf side basins and the inner Mangrove Islands that float inside the flats.
Just looking for the Baby Tarpon that are born up under the Mangroves and live there until they decide its time to move on with the bigger Tarpon.
They will travel in and out of the rivers and basins but spend much of their life a few miles out in the Gulf, coming in close for some munchies once in awhile.
We found a few here and there although we could not coax them out from under the shade of the mangrove roots.
I always wonder how many thousands of years these baby Tarpon have hatched and grown in these same little Mangrove nooks feeding on Finger Mullet, Pin Fish and crabs until graduation.
I wonder how many of the Babies that we jumped on little Mylar Flies in and around the Mangroves, 7-8 years latter fed a orange Tango fly, fought and landed him now weighing 120 lbs.
I like to think we'll see him again at 170 lbs.
Not sure the feeling is mutual!
Mullet and Pilchers being bombed repeatedly by big Grey Pelicans with some Sooty Terns picking up the scraps.
These are some of the Fall signs that will eventually bring in the Sea Trout, Pompano and even a few Bluefish.
But thats getting ahead of things by a month or so.
We will not see any of those guys for another month, we'll expect to see the Bonefish and Permit show up in greater number this month though.
I did a little sniffen around in a few of the eastern Gulf side basins and the inner Mangrove Islands that float inside the flats.
Just looking for the Baby Tarpon that are born up under the Mangroves and live there until they decide its time to move on with the bigger Tarpon.
They will travel in and out of the rivers and basins but spend much of their life a few miles out in the Gulf, coming in close for some munchies once in awhile.
We found a few here and there although we could not coax them out from under the shade of the mangrove roots.
I always wonder how many thousands of years these baby Tarpon have hatched and grown in these same little Mangrove nooks feeding on Finger Mullet, Pin Fish and crabs until graduation.
I wonder how many of the Babies that we jumped on little Mylar Flies in and around the Mangroves, 7-8 years latter fed a orange Tango fly, fought and landed him now weighing 120 lbs.
I like to think we'll see him again at 170 lbs.
Not sure the feeling is mutual!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Permit on the Fly Key West
I went to the Gulf side flats this morning and just east of Snipe Keys, pushed the little skiff up as high as I could and waited.
Watching for Bonefish or Permit moving up on to the flat with the incoming tide,saw a couple Mullet sized Bonefish as I pushed west and continued to look for Sickel Tails.
I did see two small Permit that bolted before I could slide close enough for John to get a small Merkin fly launched.
After the usual Barracuda, Sting Ray and Bonet Shark "fooler's" we pushed toward the Gulf edge to run east a few more Keys.
John started to come off the casting deck and I warned him "if you put up that flyrod
15 Permit will swim by us!"
Just as I said it, I spotted two tail tips breaking the surface 25 yards at 1 oclock.
John sprang up and as I got closer we could see 20-25 "Floater" Permit hanging over some sponge bottom.
John launched the small blond floating Merkin and sure enough we saw a Permit turn on it, this is where the angler expects a bite and the guide doesn't...usually.
I heard John exclaim " He's on" ol guide thought.. Mangrove Snapper came out from under the sponge and ate John's fly.
Wonderfully, I was wrong and 30 mins later we snapped a photo of Johnny's 14-16 lb Permit.
We had drifted west and north of the sponge bottom and after putt'n in a big half circle were now 100 yards east of the Permit schools.
We put on another Blondy and both jumped onto you battle stations, few mins latter I found the fish and we closed once again.
Knowing we may have worn out our welcome but, we had to give it a try!
John cast the Merkin and wiggled it a little as it drifted through the School.
I saw the fly line jerked from his hand, he recovered guickly and grabbed the loose line, sinking the hook in another Permit face..
As I put the skiff on plane at the mouth of my home canal this morning, I was dreading a looong hot day!
It was good to be wrong... had a Hot Day.
Watching for Bonefish or Permit moving up on to the flat with the incoming tide,saw a couple Mullet sized Bonefish as I pushed west and continued to look for Sickel Tails.
I did see two small Permit that bolted before I could slide close enough for John to get a small Merkin fly launched.
After the usual Barracuda, Sting Ray and Bonet Shark "fooler's" we pushed toward the Gulf edge to run east a few more Keys.
John started to come off the casting deck and I warned him "if you put up that flyrod
15 Permit will swim by us!"
Just as I said it, I spotted two tail tips breaking the surface 25 yards at 1 oclock.
John sprang up and as I got closer we could see 20-25 "Floater" Permit hanging over some sponge bottom.
John launched the small blond floating Merkin and sure enough we saw a Permit turn on it, this is where the angler expects a bite and the guide doesn't...usually.
I heard John exclaim " He's on" ol guide thought.. Mangrove Snapper came out from under the sponge and ate John's fly.
Wonderfully, I was wrong and 30 mins later we snapped a photo of Johnny's 14-16 lb Permit.
We had drifted west and north of the sponge bottom and after putt'n in a big half circle were now 100 yards east of the Permit schools.
We put on another Blondy and both jumped onto you battle stations, few mins latter I found the fish and we closed once again.
Knowing we may have worn out our welcome but, we had to give it a try!
John cast the Merkin and wiggled it a little as it drifted through the School.
I saw the fly line jerked from his hand, he recovered guickly and grabbed the loose line, sinking the hook in another Permit face..
As I put the skiff on plane at the mouth of my home canal this morning, I was dreading a looong hot day!
It was good to be wrong... had a Hot Day.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Key West Fall Fishing
No one is more elated than I that October is here and with it the cooling of the inshore water.
Looks like this year we will have some early cold fronts and thats a good thing!
Dont get out your parka's just yet, this is the Lower Florida Keys we're talking about water temps in the mid 70s and low 80s after summers water running 10 degrees warmer.
Every fall the annual bait run starts down the East coast, shifting small bait fish south and moving the Sail Fish, King Fish and other off shore monsters into the keys and southern Gulf of Mexico.
What does this mean to Flats Fisherman?....Nothing and everything, we're not expecting and Sailfish on the flats but we have simular results from the fall cooling temps.
The crab and shrimp population along with other small bait fish move into the basins, chanels and flats.
Their finding cool water where a few weeks ago it was boiling and uncomfortable.
Along with this inshore bait movement comes ofcourse the guys were interested in, Bigger Bonefish come in from the Gulf of Mexico along with larger groups of Permit.
In a month or so we'll start looking for Sea Trout, Pompano and Cobia, all looking for some winter hunting in the now cooler inshore waters in the Florida Keys.
October is always a fun time for me, pursuing the Bigger Bonefish on the Gulf Flats and finding bunches of Permit wher a few weeks ago there were...some.
The Tarpon will show but dont look for bunches, we'll get some shots but not spend alot of time trying to make it happen.
Those that have fished with me in the past will remember I dont spend a lot of time with small Bonefish.
October gives me the chance to Bonefish more often....looking for the Big Boys!
Looks like this year we will have some early cold fronts and thats a good thing!
Dont get out your parka's just yet, this is the Lower Florida Keys we're talking about water temps in the mid 70s and low 80s after summers water running 10 degrees warmer.
Every fall the annual bait run starts down the East coast, shifting small bait fish south and moving the Sail Fish, King Fish and other off shore monsters into the keys and southern Gulf of Mexico.
What does this mean to Flats Fisherman?....Nothing and everything, we're not expecting and Sailfish on the flats but we have simular results from the fall cooling temps.
The crab and shrimp population along with other small bait fish move into the basins, chanels and flats.
Their finding cool water where a few weeks ago it was boiling and uncomfortable.
Along with this inshore bait movement comes ofcourse the guys were interested in, Bigger Bonefish come in from the Gulf of Mexico along with larger groups of Permit.
In a month or so we'll start looking for Sea Trout, Pompano and Cobia, all looking for some winter hunting in the now cooler inshore waters in the Florida Keys.
October is always a fun time for me, pursuing the Bigger Bonefish on the Gulf Flats and finding bunches of Permit wher a few weeks ago there were...some.
The Tarpon will show but dont look for bunches, we'll get some shots but not spend alot of time trying to make it happen.
Those that have fished with me in the past will remember I dont spend a lot of time with small Bonefish.
October gives me the chance to Bonefish more often....looking for the Big Boys!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Feeding Barracuda Tarpon?
Not exactly..... a few weeks ago fly fishing for Tarpon on the Key West Atlantic side flats.
We were having a fairly good morning with a couple of "Trout lift" mistakes and hoping all the patient...kinda patient, instruction from the fishing guide would finely result in a Tarpon hook up at least getting us to the next phase, losing the fish on the first jump! Ha
After a few more shots and refusals we got our chance in the least likely way, a last second back cast at a Tarpon that had just snuck up on us from behind.
Ten feet from the boat a 60lber grabbed the Cockroach Fly over a sand hole and jumped,
tail walked away, just as this happened, right infront of us a 5lb Barracuda raced out of the same sand hole and bit the flyline/butt section knot cutting our Tarpon loose!
As we watched the Tarpon celebrating his freedom by jumping down the flat,
the baby Barracuda that was stopped in his tracks with a puzzeled look on his face, all we could do was laugh!
It was a good day, good laugh.
We were having a fairly good morning with a couple of "Trout lift" mistakes and hoping all the patient...kinda patient, instruction from the fishing guide would finely result in a Tarpon hook up at least getting us to the next phase, losing the fish on the first jump! Ha
After a few more shots and refusals we got our chance in the least likely way, a last second back cast at a Tarpon that had just snuck up on us from behind.
Ten feet from the boat a 60lber grabbed the Cockroach Fly over a sand hole and jumped,
tail walked away, just as this happened, right infront of us a 5lb Barracuda raced out of the same sand hole and bit the flyline/butt section knot cutting our Tarpon loose!
As we watched the Tarpon celebrating his freedom by jumping down the flat,
the baby Barracuda that was stopped in his tracks with a puzzeled look on his face, all we could do was laugh!
It was a good day, good laugh.
Albino Permit "This Time I Have a Witness"
I wrote some time ago about finding a Albino Permit in a school of "Floater Permit" and although we about caught every other fish in that school, we could not feed Mr Albino.
I just wanted to touch him and take his photo.
Well, It happened again, a few weeks ago we were having one of those great mornings and after three Tarpon in the air and one up to the boat to touch the Tarpon's head, we stumbled on to a very big school of a Floaters.
We managed to get close and hook two Permit right away, drifted off fought and landed both.
I came back and slid up on them again and my Sport was having trouble seeing them in the glare.
I noticed a white something at the back of the school and asked if he saw it?
At that moment I realised it was a Albino Permit, I got excited and we attemped to toss craps in his direction, this time I was going to touch the Abino!
Again and again we threw and hooked every brother and sister but the Albino never beat the others to the crab.
I lost count, I think it was 11-12 Permit landed, biggest one a Slambo of about 28lbs
But no Albino...again.
A guide pal of mine Lindsay Harper was a few hundred yards away fighting a Tarpon, I called him and said " break off that damn Tarpon and come see the Albino Permit!"
Later Lindsay did just that,saw the Albino and caught a Permit too, not my Albino!
I told him, the last time I came to the dock telling our friend Todd Bowen about the Albino Permit, Todd just laughed and accused me of "smoking something"
So next time your looking for an Albino Permit Guide call me.....
I just wanted to touch him and take his photo.
Well, It happened again, a few weeks ago we were having one of those great mornings and after three Tarpon in the air and one up to the boat to touch the Tarpon's head, we stumbled on to a very big school of a Floaters.
We managed to get close and hook two Permit right away, drifted off fought and landed both.
I came back and slid up on them again and my Sport was having trouble seeing them in the glare.
I noticed a white something at the back of the school and asked if he saw it?
At that moment I realised it was a Albino Permit, I got excited and we attemped to toss craps in his direction, this time I was going to touch the Abino!
Again and again we threw and hooked every brother and sister but the Albino never beat the others to the crab.
I lost count, I think it was 11-12 Permit landed, biggest one a Slambo of about 28lbs
But no Albino...again.
A guide pal of mine Lindsay Harper was a few hundred yards away fighting a Tarpon, I called him and said " break off that damn Tarpon and come see the Albino Permit!"
Later Lindsay did just that,saw the Albino and caught a Permit too, not my Albino!
I told him, the last time I came to the dock telling our friend Todd Bowen about the Albino Permit, Todd just laughed and accused me of "smoking something"
So next time your looking for an Albino Permit Guide call me.....
How To Hire a Key West Fishing Guide part Three
Apparently I upset someone when I suggested that it was not a good idea to book a $500 fishing trip with an "outfitter" that owned three of four skiffs and hired hourly workers to drive you around to the six or eight SPOTS that the boss showed them.
I'll tell you first that more than a few of my new customers that fished with me in the last few months have commented that they had read my earlier posts on this subject and asked a few questions while looking for a Key West fishing guide.
The answers they recieved when they knew what questions to ask, led them to me or another professional and they avoided the bait and switch.
You have to understand that I was the kid with fishing rods and shot guns in the trunk of the 62 Chevy.
Many of the fine fishing guides of the Lower Florida Keys dont have three or four fancy web site's and a bank of operators ready to take your credit card number.
Anyway this is what happened, I got a call a few weeks ago from someone looking for the job " Fishing Guide Wanted No Experience Necessary Start Today" seems some one put this ad in the local paper with my phone number....ha
I thought it was funny but, better than that I realised that the fellow that took the time to go to the newspaper office and give a false name, pay cash for the ad has a very short Dick!...and I know who it is.
Funny stuff.....As I said before in my Key West Fishing Blog. ( check Archives! }
If I am booked you will get a few names and phone numbers of REAL Key West fishing guides at no cost to him or you.
Hell, even if I'm not booked but, you dont want to fish with an crusty old guide, I'll give you some phone numbers.
I'll tell you first that more than a few of my new customers that fished with me in the last few months have commented that they had read my earlier posts on this subject and asked a few questions while looking for a Key West fishing guide.
The answers they recieved when they knew what questions to ask, led them to me or another professional and they avoided the bait and switch.
You have to understand that I was the kid with fishing rods and shot guns in the trunk of the 62 Chevy.
Many of the fine fishing guides of the Lower Florida Keys dont have three or four fancy web site's and a bank of operators ready to take your credit card number.
Anyway this is what happened, I got a call a few weeks ago from someone looking for the job " Fishing Guide Wanted No Experience Necessary Start Today" seems some one put this ad in the local paper with my phone number....ha
I thought it was funny but, better than that I realised that the fellow that took the time to go to the newspaper office and give a false name, pay cash for the ad has a very short Dick!...and I know who it is.
Funny stuff.....As I said before in my Key West Fishing Blog. ( check Archives! }
If I am booked you will get a few names and phone numbers of REAL Key West fishing guides at no cost to him or you.
Hell, even if I'm not booked but, you dont want to fish with an crusty old guide, I'll give you some phone numbers.
July Key West Flats Fishing
The Tarpon and Permit fishing has been really good for me in July.
Yesterday we found a Guppy Hatch and dozens of hungry Tarpon taking advantage of the falling tide to chow down.
Guppy Hatch's are really just a timing issue,stronger tides pulling glass minnows off the flats to a drop off, edge of a channel or basin.
The Tarpon and sometimes Permit will slide in during the hatch far as they can dragging their belly's in the grass to grab a tasty treat.
You'll see alot of surface action and a small Minnow Flys will produce great
exploding strikes.
Gergler Flys creating a surface wake will bring Tarpon Faces out of the water to suck in the tempting treats also.
Yesterday we jumped eight Tarpon, many were in the 80 lb range with one around 50 lbs. and one Big Tusker of over 150 lbs.
These are the mornings we ol' Tarpon Fags live for.
Yesterday we found a Guppy Hatch and dozens of hungry Tarpon taking advantage of the falling tide to chow down.
Guppy Hatch's are really just a timing issue,stronger tides pulling glass minnows off the flats to a drop off, edge of a channel or basin.
The Tarpon and sometimes Permit will slide in during the hatch far as they can dragging their belly's in the grass to grab a tasty treat.
You'll see alot of surface action and a small Minnow Flys will produce great
exploding strikes.
Gergler Flys creating a surface wake will bring Tarpon Faces out of the water to suck in the tempting treats also.
Yesterday we jumped eight Tarpon, many were in the 80 lb range with one around 50 lbs. and one Big Tusker of over 150 lbs.
These are the mornings we ol' Tarpon Fags live for.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Summer Flats Fishing Key West Style
After the May, June Tarpon Fest it's time to get back to some Permit and Bonefishing.
The Permit have returned from the spring spawn in the deeper reef and rock piles.
They are showing up in greater number in the skinny water and the Bonefish are also around with greater regularity.
We're shifting over to a early morning peek for rolling Tarpon and when the sun gets up a bit, sniffing around on the flats for Permit and Bonefish.
Working early and getting off the water by mid afternoon keeps it fun without burning your eyeballs out searching for fish that have escaped the late afternoon hot water.
Evening Tarpon will still be very productive all through the summer, with the right tides.
A few days ago, I had one of those days, hooking 11 or 12 Permit and landing 10 with the biggest over 28lbs.
Funny how some days you wish you could land one Permit and the odd day when you don't want another!
The Permit have returned from the spring spawn in the deeper reef and rock piles.
They are showing up in greater number in the skinny water and the Bonefish are also around with greater regularity.
We're shifting over to a early morning peek for rolling Tarpon and when the sun gets up a bit, sniffing around on the flats for Permit and Bonefish.
Working early and getting off the water by mid afternoon keeps it fun without burning your eyeballs out searching for fish that have escaped the late afternoon hot water.
Evening Tarpon will still be very productive all through the summer, with the right tides.
A few days ago, I had one of those days, hooking 11 or 12 Permit and landing 10 with the biggest over 28lbs.
Funny how some days you wish you could land one Permit and the odd day when you don't want another!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Key West Tarpon Blurr
WOW Wha Happened!
May blu by and June lasted about a week, Tarpon for breakfast, lunch, dinner.
We had a pretty good Tarpon migration run and ofcourse it's a great time for me because I get a chance to see my Ol' Flyfishing buddies.
My friend Jim Cloud showed up as usual the first week in May and we had a great time.
We had dinner the first night Jim got here and over a great steak and a few Wadka's
He reminded me that it was our 25th year fishing together.
I asked him I he brought me a Gravy Boat or Tea Pot for our silver Anniversary!
He's a great guy and this year is also his 75th birthday......unbelievable.
Jim Cloud aka "Red Cloud" as he is known in North Korea { Jim was an Artilary Officer during the Korean War}
Jim is family.
Another pal thats been with me for quite a few years is Atom Marton.
Atom and his father were here for a week and we managed to hook pop up with a few Tuskers, good fun.
June fishing has really been better fishing and although the Spawner's are about gone the big Gulf of Mexico are here and the are here to EAT.
Today we jumped 12 Tarpon and landed a few over 100 on light tackle, thats a fantastic Tarpon day.
Bill Marine and his son/nephew were with me {yes it was crowded on the baby boat}
Bill ownes Red Fish Boats in Vero Beach and builds a fine flats boat called a Bull Red.
Bull Red's are as you would guess built for the Red Fish crowd but we think Permit and Tarpon and Bonefish will be on that list in the lower Keys before long....we'll see.
May blu by and June lasted about a week, Tarpon for breakfast, lunch, dinner.
We had a pretty good Tarpon migration run and ofcourse it's a great time for me because I get a chance to see my Ol' Flyfishing buddies.
My friend Jim Cloud showed up as usual the first week in May and we had a great time.
We had dinner the first night Jim got here and over a great steak and a few Wadka's
He reminded me that it was our 25th year fishing together.
I asked him I he brought me a Gravy Boat or Tea Pot for our silver Anniversary!
He's a great guy and this year is also his 75th birthday......unbelievable.
Jim Cloud aka "Red Cloud" as he is known in North Korea { Jim was an Artilary Officer during the Korean War}
Jim is family.
Another pal thats been with me for quite a few years is Atom Marton.
Atom and his father were here for a week and we managed to hook pop up with a few Tuskers, good fun.
June fishing has really been better fishing and although the Spawner's are about gone the big Gulf of Mexico are here and the are here to EAT.
Today we jumped 12 Tarpon and landed a few over 100 on light tackle, thats a fantastic Tarpon day.
Bill Marine and his son/nephew were with me {yes it was crowded on the baby boat}
Bill ownes Red Fish Boats in Vero Beach and builds a fine flats boat called a Bull Red.
Bull Red's are as you would guess built for the Red Fish crowd but we think Permit and Tarpon and Bonefish will be on that list in the lower Keys before long....we'll see.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
May/Tarpon Fest Key West
Only because of a freak northwest front blowing 25+ do I have the time to jot down a update.
This past week has been really good with some Massive Tusker Tarpon, hiding is the shallows.
We have done well with both flyrod and spinning tackle,some of my guy's caught their first real big Tarpon on fly and learned just how much power the biggest Herring can muster.
You just have to fight a 130+ lb. Tarpon to begin to understand!
My Ol' Pal Jim Cloud was here a few days ago, we are celebrating our 25th year of fishing together " our Silver anniversary " we joked!
Jim and I have had a lot of fun over the years, used to fish with me 3 weeks a year.
I took him on this first Alligator hunt, Frog gig, Wood Duck shoot in the Florida swamps and many many Tarpon and Permit trips in the Key West flats.
Jim Cloud is family.
May is also his 75th birthday, we ate Steak had a few wadka's and laughed a bunch.
I told him I was only willing to guide him another 20 years, then I quit!
This past week has been really good with some Massive Tusker Tarpon, hiding is the shallows.
We have done well with both flyrod and spinning tackle,some of my guy's caught their first real big Tarpon on fly and learned just how much power the biggest Herring can muster.
You just have to fight a 130+ lb. Tarpon to begin to understand!
My Ol' Pal Jim Cloud was here a few days ago, we are celebrating our 25th year of fishing together " our Silver anniversary " we joked!
Jim and I have had a lot of fun over the years, used to fish with me 3 weeks a year.
I took him on this first Alligator hunt, Frog gig, Wood Duck shoot in the Florida swamps and many many Tarpon and Permit trips in the Key West flats.
Jim Cloud is family.
May is also his 75th birthday, we ate Steak had a few wadka's and laughed a bunch.
I told him I was only willing to guide him another 20 years, then I quit!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
What Makes a Great Tarpon Fly
Twenty five years ago we were throwing Lefty Kreh's Deciever in sizes up to a wopping five inches tied on a 7/0 hook.
That was alot like tossing a small house cat!
Don't get me wrong Lefty's Deciever Fly is a great pattern and has fooled many fish, fresh and salt.
But we all found that Mr Tarpon likes little bitty flys also and more often a 2 inch fly tied on a 1/0-2/0 hook will get his attention.
Pattern's vary as do colors, Mylar, Chicken feathers, Peacock, Bunny fur, cow tail, Marribo, plastic, rubber the list goes on and on.
Some of the best Tarpon fly's are the simplest, a good friend and one of the best saltwater guides
that still fishes uses a small bit of sand colored bucktail tied in a 1/0 hook about 2 inches long, thats it and that fly is about all he uses for Tarpon.
I use about six differant Tarpon Fly's tied on 1/0-3/0 hooks and they vary from 1 1/2 inch ti about 3 inch in lenght.
I like Mylar a lot, but on the flat in clear shallow water if the sun is up high, Mylar usually will run the fish.
Bunny is nice and has earned its place on the Tarpon menu in the last few years.
But nothing is as important as proper fly placement
Many, many times I have had an angler turn and say to me " why did'nt he take that?"
" must be this fly!"
Well it could be but, more often the fly wasn't in the grab zone.
Tarpon a big lazy slow eater, rarely turning out of their way to gobble your secret Bunny Fly.
Remember when the Vet trimmed Bowser's ear's and he had to wear that cardboard funnel around his head so he wouldn't scratch at his new pointies?
Bowser couldn't see much when he had the cone on, had to be right in front, right or left a little,
up and down a little!
If when you make your presentation again to Mr Tarpon you pretend he's wearing a Cone like Bowser's.........Now you get it!
That was alot like tossing a small house cat!
Don't get me wrong Lefty's Deciever Fly is a great pattern and has fooled many fish, fresh and salt.
But we all found that Mr Tarpon likes little bitty flys also and more often a 2 inch fly tied on a 1/0-2/0 hook will get his attention.
Pattern's vary as do colors, Mylar, Chicken feathers, Peacock, Bunny fur, cow tail, Marribo, plastic, rubber the list goes on and on.
Some of the best Tarpon fly's are the simplest, a good friend and one of the best saltwater guides
that still fishes uses a small bit of sand colored bucktail tied in a 1/0 hook about 2 inches long, thats it and that fly is about all he uses for Tarpon.
I use about six differant Tarpon Fly's tied on 1/0-3/0 hooks and they vary from 1 1/2 inch ti about 3 inch in lenght.
I like Mylar a lot, but on the flat in clear shallow water if the sun is up high, Mylar usually will run the fish.
Bunny is nice and has earned its place on the Tarpon menu in the last few years.
But nothing is as important as proper fly placement
Many, many times I have had an angler turn and say to me " why did'nt he take that?"
" must be this fly!"
Well it could be but, more often the fly wasn't in the grab zone.
Tarpon a big lazy slow eater, rarely turning out of their way to gobble your secret Bunny Fly.
Remember when the Vet trimmed Bowser's ear's and he had to wear that cardboard funnel around his head so he wouldn't scratch at his new pointies?
Bowser couldn't see much when he had the cone on, had to be right in front, right or left a little,
up and down a little!
If when you make your presentation again to Mr Tarpon you pretend he's wearing a Cone like Bowser's.........Now you get it!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Key West Tarpon Spring Forward
No doubt about it, today smells like spring time Tarpon.
The winds head ESE and the barometer heads N as theTarPoons head to the shallows nearer the lower Florida Keys.
We found some Bonefish and Permit on the flats, even a good Cobia sliding up in front of us
but, the real target was Tarpon.
We found a few local yocals early on that we not in the mood soooo we went looking for some Gulf side Tarpon that might be looking for a snack.
One of the backcountry rivers had a couple of fresh schools that must of moved in overnight.
A good cast with a Mylar Minnow put a 60 lber in the air for 3-4 jumps and fell off when Ray didn't quite get the rod tip down quick enough.
That was fine with us as we planned on taking advantage of the enthusium of the early AM bite and try to put another Tarpon in the air.
Ray trout lifted the next fish and he head shook right off.
We landed a nice little Bonefish latter in the day and scared a few Permit half to death with a big green Toad Fly that only a mother toad could love.
Great day lots of animals swimming around and sure looked like the last day of winter.
The winds head ESE and the barometer heads N as theTarPoons head to the shallows nearer the lower Florida Keys.
We found some Bonefish and Permit on the flats, even a good Cobia sliding up in front of us
but, the real target was Tarpon.
We found a few local yocals early on that we not in the mood soooo we went looking for some Gulf side Tarpon that might be looking for a snack.
One of the backcountry rivers had a couple of fresh schools that must of moved in overnight.
A good cast with a Mylar Minnow put a 60 lber in the air for 3-4 jumps and fell off when Ray didn't quite get the rod tip down quick enough.
That was fine with us as we planned on taking advantage of the enthusium of the early AM bite and try to put another Tarpon in the air.
Ray trout lifted the next fish and he head shook right off.
We landed a nice little Bonefish latter in the day and scared a few Permit half to death with a big green Toad Fly that only a mother toad could love.
Great day lots of animals swimming around and sure looked like the last day of winter.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Key West Fishing Guides? Hold the Anchovies.
Shopping for a Good Salt Water Light Tackle/ Fly Fishing Guide?
These are the guestions you need to ask!
Who will I be fishing with? Bait and Switch?
Did you book with a "professional guide service" and found that the man they assigned you to, has been guiding ever since he arrived in Key West.... last fall!
The year before he was......in school........ renting jet skis......waxing cars.
He will back at the old job next year, he's only paid $10.00 a hour.
Hopefully he'll go back to school.
Who's getting the rest of the cash?
Your not renting a bicycle, your day will cost 400-500 dollars.
It will take 5 years to learn the lower Florida keys Flats fishing , 150-200 days a year.
It is tempting when you are a guide to " sell the overflow"
Having said all that, there are some booking agents and tackle shops that use
professional, knowledgeable guides.
Real professional guides will refer you to other professional guides,
at no extra cost to him or you!
We count on each other for referrals. .......I'm sure you get it.
It makes me nut's after guiding all my adult life, to see the "Carny's" drifting in the Key West Harbor among the cruise ships and jet ski tours and selling this as a guality flats fishing excursion.
These are the guestions you need to ask!
Who will I be fishing with? Bait and Switch?
Did you book with a "professional guide service" and found that the man they assigned you to, has been guiding ever since he arrived in Key West.... last fall!
The year before he was......in school........ renting jet skis......waxing cars.
He will back at the old job next year, he's only paid $10.00 a hour.
Hopefully he'll go back to school.
Who's getting the rest of the cash?
Your not renting a bicycle, your day will cost 400-500 dollars.
Thats a lot of cash to spent your day with a pizza delivery boy.
It will take 5 years to learn the lower Florida keys Flats fishing , 150-200 days a year.
It is tempting when you are a guide to " sell the overflow"
Having said all that, there are some booking agents and tackle shops that use
professional, knowledgeable guides.
Most ( shops and outfitters, Internet booking agents) are using the least talented guides.
Hotels are worse!Spend a little time looking for the real guide, its the guy that answers his own phone!
Or has to call you back because he's......FISHING
Real professional guides will refer you to other professional guides,
at no extra cost to him or you!
We count on each other for referrals. .......I'm sure you get it.
It makes me nut's after guiding all my adult life, to see the "Carny's" drifting in the Key West Harbor among the cruise ships and jet ski tours and selling this as a guality flats fishing excursion.
Call me, I'll give you a list of ...... fishing guides.
Key West Tarpon Fishing A GO-GO
"Calling all Tarpon"......Let's get it on!
Now we are ready for the big tusker's, the waters warming up and the winds are sucken in the sticky air from down south that, brings the big boys out of the Gulf.
My fly fishing guy's are waxing their 12 wt's and putting on new lines, the spinning rod anglers are ready to spring with braided line and super sharp circle hooks.
The late winter fishing for Cobias, Pompano and Baracuda is begining to slow up a bit as Permit fishing and Tarpon fist fights become the daily objective.
Winter is probably over in Key West, maybe ? a few small cool fronts left.
I always look forward to my Tarpon army, the same guys show up every year, helmets on, swords drawn, Advil and Gator Aid at hand.........show them a big Tarpon doin the "Jelly Roll"
and watch their eye's pop out of their heads.
Some of these Tarpon nuts have been with me for over 20 years and measure time in Tarpon seasons, the same way we all use holidays, birthdays and marrage anniversaries.
"Remember the year I caught the 160 lber on fly?" Ya wasn't the same year you were in the plane crash? " Yes I guess your right, I had a cast on my hand ...... I forgot about that!"
Tarpon Fags.........thats what we are.........most wives don't understand.
( don't mean to offend anyone.......honey!)
Now we are ready for the big tusker's, the waters warming up and the winds are sucken in the sticky air from down south that, brings the big boys out of the Gulf.
My fly fishing guy's are waxing their 12 wt's and putting on new lines, the spinning rod anglers are ready to spring with braided line and super sharp circle hooks.
The late winter fishing for Cobias, Pompano and Baracuda is begining to slow up a bit as Permit fishing and Tarpon fist fights become the daily objective.
Winter is probably over in Key West, maybe ? a few small cool fronts left.
I always look forward to my Tarpon army, the same guys show up every year, helmets on, swords drawn, Advil and Gator Aid at hand.........show them a big Tarpon doin the "Jelly Roll"
and watch their eye's pop out of their heads.
Some of these Tarpon nuts have been with me for over 20 years and measure time in Tarpon seasons, the same way we all use holidays, birthdays and marrage anniversaries.
"Remember the year I caught the 160 lber on fly?" Ya wasn't the same year you were in the plane crash? " Yes I guess your right, I had a cast on my hand ...... I forgot about that!"
Tarpon Fags.........thats what we are.........most wives don't understand.
( don't mean to offend anyone.......honey!)
Monday, January 23, 2006
Key West Cobia's and Cudas
Every year Peg and Gerry Fye send me the same e-mail....Green Tube Lures....
They are nuts for Barracudas on the Key West winter flats. The last two days we have been wacken away at the Cudas with lots of misses, catches and laughs as these shallow water Toofy's provide lots of fun.
The jumps are really something, with no where to go in one foot of water the Cudas go airborne,
changing direction at 40 mph and if they dont over run the line and bite off the 10lb line will keep you very busy.......in stiches.
We also landed two Cobias today, on was following a sting ray across the flat and Gerry tossed a tube lure to him, off to the races and 10 mins. later we turned him loose.
Peg hooked one of a group of three and he shook off at the boat a few mins. later.
Peg's biggest Barracuda won the contest, she usually does!
After a evening of putting my homemade tubes together, I'm ready for bed and our Barracuda
battle in the morning.
They are nuts for Barracudas on the Key West winter flats. The last two days we have been wacken away at the Cudas with lots of misses, catches and laughs as these shallow water Toofy's provide lots of fun.
The jumps are really something, with no where to go in one foot of water the Cudas go airborne,
changing direction at 40 mph and if they dont over run the line and bite off the 10lb line will keep you very busy.......in stiches.
We also landed two Cobias today, on was following a sting ray across the flat and Gerry tossed a tube lure to him, off to the races and 10 mins. later we turned him loose.
Peg hooked one of a group of three and he shook off at the boat a few mins. later.
Peg's biggest Barracuda won the contest, she usually does!
After a evening of putting my homemade tubes together, I'm ready for bed and our Barracuda
battle in the morning.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Cold Fronts= Hot Fishing in Key West
WOW!
That was one cold blow, Friday afternoon the first signs of the approaching cold front was some west wind and a few showers.
By late Friday night it started to howl and Saturday am it was cold and blowing very hard, glad I was in Homestead at the race track encouraging Marcella in her attemps to pass the MRC course for motorcycle.
The good news is she passed, or is that the bad news?! Anyway, we had to be at the track at 630
am for ride instruction and it was low 40's and blowing 30ish.
Everyone was caught with out proper cold weather gear and we were all danc'en to keep warm.
So what does this have to do with fish? Cold fronts are the engine that drives the bait fish down the coast in into the tidal basin's, river's and flats.
We dont want to catch bait but we do want the Cobia, Bluefish, Pompano, Barracudas, Jacks and the light tackle fun that follows.
Monday's warming up considerably and so will the water temps, Tuesday will find me speeding to the backcountry to pounce on the bugger's.
That was one cold blow, Friday afternoon the first signs of the approaching cold front was some west wind and a few showers.
By late Friday night it started to howl and Saturday am it was cold and blowing very hard, glad I was in Homestead at the race track encouraging Marcella in her attemps to pass the MRC course for motorcycle.
The good news is she passed, or is that the bad news?! Anyway, we had to be at the track at 630
am for ride instruction and it was low 40's and blowing 30ish.
Everyone was caught with out proper cold weather gear and we were all danc'en to keep warm.
So what does this have to do with fish? Cold fronts are the engine that drives the bait fish down the coast in into the tidal basin's, river's and flats.
We dont want to catch bait but we do want the Cobia, Bluefish, Pompano, Barracudas, Jacks and the light tackle fun that follows.
Monday's warming up considerably and so will the water temps, Tuesday will find me speeding to the backcountry to pounce on the bugger's.
Friday, January 13, 2006
More Tarpon, Cuda's and Cobia
Summer like week pull's out the Tarpoon's
We are having another week of really great weather, cool nights, ...not too.
Temps in the day time close to 80 degrees and not a lot of wind but, the full moon keeps most of the Permit off the flats, we found them in the rivers and deeper flats edges.
A few Cobia are on the flat however and some 20lbers are sniffen around the back side of sting rays.
The Tarpon have slid in several places and early morning jumping Tarpon is always a thing of beauty.
My ol' pals the Fye's are due in this week and if the Barracudas are not snapping, I'll be getting hell from Peg.
Gerry and Peg have been fishing with me for 15-16 years and always the big push is for Barracudas, Barracudas, Barracudas.
Two years ago we were in a warm snap in mid Febuary and the Cudas were not very frisky, we
"had to resort to Tarpon fishing.
Ofcourse Peg hook's one of Monsters, I have hooked and lost and boated a fair amount of over 175 lb Tarpon.
Pegs Tarpon was bigger and he ate the plug 20 feet from the boat then, shaking his head, nostrals flarred and farting hand grenades, he fired the plug back at Peg, he was gone!
At the top of her lungs "Mother XXXXER, thank god he's gone!"
I about fell off the platform and Gerry was in stiches.........That's Peg!
Next morning Gerry shows but no Peg, she didn't want any more Monsters.
We are having another week of really great weather, cool nights, ...not too.
Temps in the day time close to 80 degrees and not a lot of wind but, the full moon keeps most of the Permit off the flats, we found them in the rivers and deeper flats edges.
A few Cobia are on the flat however and some 20lbers are sniffen around the back side of sting rays.
The Tarpon have slid in several places and early morning jumping Tarpon is always a thing of beauty.
My ol' pals the Fye's are due in this week and if the Barracudas are not snapping, I'll be getting hell from Peg.
Gerry and Peg have been fishing with me for 15-16 years and always the big push is for Barracudas, Barracudas, Barracudas.
Two years ago we were in a warm snap in mid Febuary and the Cudas were not very frisky, we
"had to resort to Tarpon fishing.
Ofcourse Peg hook's one of Monsters, I have hooked and lost and boated a fair amount of over 175 lb Tarpon.
Pegs Tarpon was bigger and he ate the plug 20 feet from the boat then, shaking his head, nostrals flarred and farting hand grenades, he fired the plug back at Peg, he was gone!
At the top of her lungs "Mother XXXXER, thank god he's gone!"
I about fell off the platform and Gerry was in stiches.........That's Peg!
Next morning Gerry shows but no Peg, she didn't want any more Monsters.
More Tarpon, Cuda's and Cobia
Summer like week pull's out the Tarpoon's
We are having another week of really great weather, cool nights, ...not too.
Temps in the day time close to 80 degrees and not a lot of wind but, the full moon keeps most of the Permit off the flats, we found them in the rivers and deeper flats edges.
A few Cobia are on the flat however and some 20lbers are sniffen around the back side of sting rays.
The Tarpon have slid in several places and early morning jumping Tarpon is always a thing of beauty.
My ol' pals the Fye's are due in this week and if the Barracudas are not snapping, I'll be getting hell from Peg.
Gerry and Peg have been fishing with me for 15-16 years and always the big push is for Barracudas, Barracudas, Barracudas.
Two years ago we were in a warm snap in mid Febuary and the Cudas were not very frisky, we
"had to resort to Tarpon fishing.
Ofcourse Peg hook's one of Monsters, I have hooked and lost and boated a fair amount of over 175 lb Tarpon.
Pegs Tarpon was bigger and he ate the plug 20 feet from the boat then, shaking his head, nostrals flarred and farting hand grenades, he fired the plug back at Peg, he was gone!
At the top of her lungs "Mother XXXXER, thank god he's gone!"
I about fell off the platform and Gerry was in stiches.........That's Peg!
Next morning Gerry shows but no Peg, she didn't want any more Monsters.
We are having another week of really great weather, cool nights, ...not too.
Temps in the day time close to 80 degrees and not a lot of wind but, the full moon keeps most of the Permit off the flats, we found them in the rivers and deeper flats edges.
A few Cobia are on the flat however and some 20lbers are sniffen around the back side of sting rays.
The Tarpon have slid in several places and early morning jumping Tarpon is always a thing of beauty.
My ol' pals the Fye's are due in this week and if the Barracudas are not snapping, I'll be getting hell from Peg.
Gerry and Peg have been fishing with me for 15-16 years and always the big push is for Barracudas, Barracudas, Barracudas.
Two years ago we were in a warm snap in mid Febuary and the Cudas were not very frisky, we
"had to resort to Tarpon fishing.
Ofcourse Peg hook's one of Monsters, I have hooked and lost and boated a fair amount of over 175 lb Tarpon.
Pegs Tarpon was bigger and he ate the plug 20 feet from the boat then, shaking his head, nostrals flarred and farting hand grenades, he fired the plug back at Peg, he was gone!
At the top of her lungs "Mother XXXXER, thank god he's gone!"
I about fell off the platform and Gerry was in stiches.........That's Peg!
Next morning Gerry shows but no Peg, she didn't want any more Monsters.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Oop's Three More Tarpon
Today started slow, could not find the Tarpon in the same place that we did the two days previous.
We sniffed around and tossed a few jigs hoping to see a Tarpon roll but, other than a few Lizard fish and Lane Snappers, that was it.
Now you see them, now you dont!
I ran a mile and started to look in the next spot..........nada.
Good thing I gave it some more time , up comes Silver Boy, a short time later we were hooked up to a frisky 50lber.
First time luck for Tom and he landed the fish inspite of a few foopaws, a fifty pound Tarpon on 12lb test is a handfull, two handfulls.
A while later Mike Jumped a 80 lb fish but didnt bow and he was gone.
Thirty mins. later Mike hooked a good 65 lber and off we went, this time we made it through the jumps and I grabbed the leader after a lot of Wahoo's and Getum's
Some good photos at the boat and Mr. Tarpon went away pissed but, healthy and we went to the Barn.
Great morning and fun guy's
We sniffed around and tossed a few jigs hoping to see a Tarpon roll but, other than a few Lizard fish and Lane Snappers, that was it.
Now you see them, now you dont!
I ran a mile and started to look in the next spot..........nada.
Good thing I gave it some more time , up comes Silver Boy, a short time later we were hooked up to a frisky 50lber.
First time luck for Tom and he landed the fish inspite of a few foopaws, a fifty pound Tarpon on 12lb test is a handfull, two handfulls.
A while later Mike Jumped a 80 lb fish but didnt bow and he was gone.
Thirty mins. later Mike hooked a good 65 lber and off we went, this time we made it through the jumps and I grabbed the leader after a lot of Wahoo's and Getum's
Some good photos at the boat and Mr. Tarpon went away pissed but, healthy and we went to the Barn.
Great morning and fun guy's
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Key West Winter Tarpon Fishing
Yesterday after several days of good sunshine and warming water temps, we found Tarpon in several flats rivers.
Not just little guys but, some big mama's also, not a lot of grabs but we did manage to jump a couple.
The jacks were happy too and we wore out a handfull of Mylar jigs fighting them and a few snappers and the biggest Lookdown I ever saw.
Lookdown's are really a odd looking fish, related to the Pompano and Permit with a simular
body shape but a bazarre face and a snorkle mouth that reminds me of a Sturgeon.
They swim looking down, bottom feeders usually and not really on the list of fish you must catch before you can have your own television show.
Not any Lookdown tournaments that I know of, but they are fun and fun to lookdown...at.
Not just little guys but, some big mama's also, not a lot of grabs but we did manage to jump a couple.
The jacks were happy too and we wore out a handfull of Mylar jigs fighting them and a few snappers and the biggest Lookdown I ever saw.
Lookdown's are really a odd looking fish, related to the Pompano and Permit with a simular
body shape but a bazarre face and a snorkle mouth that reminds me of a Sturgeon.
They swim looking down, bottom feeders usually and not really on the list of fish you must catch before you can have your own television show.
Not any Lookdown tournaments that I know of, but they are fun and fun to lookdown...at.
Friday, December 30, 2005
New Year Fishing In Key West
2006 all ready?
Wasn't it just 96 yesterday!?
Time fly's when your having fun, flats fishing in the lower Florida Keys adds years to your life.
Sportfishing anywhere will do it, we are looking forward to January's Cobia on the flats and big Jacks and Pompano in the basins.
The Barracudas are showing up in the skinny water and provide a lot of Tooffy action for spinning and fly rodders.
Todays treat for me was a cute little 12yr old girl that told me about the 5lb 5 ounce rainbow Trout she caught when she was 5 years old.
So now she can brag about the 12lb Barracuda she got in the 12th month of her 12th year.
She thought that was real cool!
We were looking for Cobia on the flats but, todays tide sequence just didnt jive with our's
so, it will have to be tomorrow.
I gained some time fishing with that kid and her dad today.
Wasn't it just 96 yesterday!?
Time fly's when your having fun, flats fishing in the lower Florida Keys adds years to your life.
Sportfishing anywhere will do it, we are looking forward to January's Cobia on the flats and big Jacks and Pompano in the basins.
The Barracudas are showing up in the skinny water and provide a lot of Tooffy action for spinning and fly rodders.
Todays treat for me was a cute little 12yr old girl that told me about the 5lb 5 ounce rainbow Trout she caught when she was 5 years old.
So now she can brag about the 12lb Barracuda she got in the 12th month of her 12th year.
She thought that was real cool!
We were looking for Cobia on the flats but, todays tide sequence just didnt jive with our's
so, it will have to be tomorrow.
I gained some time fishing with that kid and her dad today.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Pompano and Bambi Butt for Christmas Dinner
Today was a great day in the Key West Gulf side basins, started a little chilly and the fishing early this morning was slow.
I ran to the gulf side and although we didnt rip them up at first, as the falling tide, and the warmer water begain moving twards the Gulf of mexico, the bait fish started swiming over the flat and into the basins.
First Lady Fish and a few Jacks school's provided a little action then, we got lucky and a few big Sea Trout grabbed the jigs and ran off.
A short time later we started hooking really nice Pompano and what could be better than
a few pompano filets grilled in butter with Key Lime Mustard sause and Bruschetta made into a relish.
A table spoon on top of the Pompano filet, unbelievable!
One of my pals/fishing customers brought a Venison hind quarter, thanks Brad.
Pompano and Bambi, sounds like Christmas to me.
I ran to the gulf side and although we didnt rip them up at first, as the falling tide, and the warmer water begain moving twards the Gulf of mexico, the bait fish started swiming over the flat and into the basins.
First Lady Fish and a few Jacks school's provided a little action then, we got lucky and a few big Sea Trout grabbed the jigs and ran off.
A short time later we started hooking really nice Pompano and what could be better than
a few pompano filets grilled in butter with Key Lime Mustard sause and Bruschetta made into a relish.
A table spoon on top of the Pompano filet, unbelievable!
One of my pals/fishing customers brought a Venison hind quarter, thanks Brad.
Pompano and Bambi, sounds like Christmas to me.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Jacks Crashing bait on the Key West Flats
As we approached the flats west of Key West yesterday morning we could see a lot of birds diving and bait fish spraying.
When we got in a little closer we found big fish crashing into the bait fish schools
and sometimes charging right on to the flat.
We positioned the skiff up current of the schools and as they drew closer we were able to see that they were big Jack Creval's running 10-20lbs just tearing up the Broad Shads.
When they came charging by us, a quick launch with a Mylar Jig received instant abuse and so did the anglers, arse ol's and elbows, lots of screaming and a general Chinese Fire drill around the skiff.
Really nutty kid stuff but, lots of fun.
We lost track of how many we caught and after a hour or so, things calmed down and we went hunting.
We were rewarded with a half dozen very pretty Sea trout and a couple silver babies, AKA Pompano.
More big jacks and a shark fight kept us busy.
We forgot about the Permit fishing we had planned to do but, by 4 oclock we were ready for a few Advil and some Columbian Supremeo.
When we got in a little closer we found big fish crashing into the bait fish schools
and sometimes charging right on to the flat.
We positioned the skiff up current of the schools and as they drew closer we were able to see that they were big Jack Creval's running 10-20lbs just tearing up the Broad Shads.
When they came charging by us, a quick launch with a Mylar Jig received instant abuse and so did the anglers, arse ol's and elbows, lots of screaming and a general Chinese Fire drill around the skiff.
Really nutty kid stuff but, lots of fun.
We lost track of how many we caught and after a hour or so, things calmed down and we went hunting.
We were rewarded with a half dozen very pretty Sea trout and a couple silver babies, AKA Pompano.
More big jacks and a shark fight kept us busy.
We forgot about the Permit fishing we had planned to do but, by 4 oclock we were ready for a few Advil and some Columbian Supremeo.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Tarpon Apply As Permit Swim By
Go figure......Yesterday we find tailing Permit, big ones, right off the bat.
We just got here, not ready, we dig out the spinning rods and put on a couple of wiggly crab offerings, a few casts later, they moved off with no interest.
Ok we will pole the flat, they must be ass deep up here!
The first five were the last Permit we would find all day but, as I approached flat number 4 or 5.....wow another big tail.
I jumped onto the platform and started poling, another, no wait, looked like a Tarpon, yep son of a.....there's another!
There were 8-10 smallish Tarpon (25lber's) up on the flat sucken in minnows, oh well, hell with the Permit.
We managed to jump two before soiling the flat and driving them off into the channel.
Today we were headed to the Permit flat but stopped to take a peek in another spot and see if a few Tarpon would show.
I jumped one on the first cast.....December!
The rest of the day was tearing up tackle on Sea Trout and big jacks.
Permit are still in big trouble.........tomorrow.
We just got here, not ready, we dig out the spinning rods and put on a couple of wiggly crab offerings, a few casts later, they moved off with no interest.
Ok we will pole the flat, they must be ass deep up here!
The first five were the last Permit we would find all day but, as I approached flat number 4 or 5.....wow another big tail.
I jumped onto the platform and started poling, another, no wait, looked like a Tarpon, yep son of a.....there's another!
There were 8-10 smallish Tarpon (25lber's) up on the flat sucken in minnows, oh well, hell with the Permit.
We managed to jump two before soiling the flat and driving them off into the channel.
Today we were headed to the Permit flat but stopped to take a peek in another spot and see if a few Tarpon would show.
I jumped one on the first cast.....December!
The rest of the day was tearing up tackle on Sea Trout and big jacks.
Permit are still in big trouble.........tomorrow.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Key West Cold Fronts Bring Hot Fishing
Remember, we're talking about 68 degrees over night here, thats cold for us Coco-nuts.
It's also cold for our animals and it brings in the bait fish to the warmer flats and basins.
Marcella and I are busy, fingers sleeved in super glue, the result of wrapping jigs for the Pompano fishing in the Key West Backcountry.
Mylar Flys are next as last years supply has dwindled considerably.
Pompano on a 8wt fly rod is a ball, Pompano are mini-me Permit after all and the fight as well pound for pound.
Last year we caught a number of big Pompano that looked and fought......Permitish.
A few Cobias have show up already and if it was'nt for a ....rubber hook , we would be chewing on him right now!
I dont keep many fish but once in a while I make an exception.
It's also cold for our animals and it brings in the bait fish to the warmer flats and basins.
Marcella and I are busy, fingers sleeved in super glue, the result of wrapping jigs for the Pompano fishing in the Key West Backcountry.
Mylar Flys are next as last years supply has dwindled considerably.
Pompano on a 8wt fly rod is a ball, Pompano are mini-me Permit after all and the fight as well pound for pound.
Last year we caught a number of big Pompano that looked and fought......Permitish.
A few Cobias have show up already and if it was'nt for a ....rubber hook , we would be chewing on him right now!
I dont keep many fish but once in a while I make an exception.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Key West Fishing for Barracudas
Big ol' Toofey's showing up for the holidays, thats what the cool front bring us for Christmas along with some Cobia and hopefully Pompano.
The bait fish migrations pushed by the winter weather, pull the bigger fish along with them
into the flats and basins.......we like that!
Today we found some Barracudas lying on the flat in very shallow water, tail tip showing
waiting for a stray Needle Gar to make a mistake.
We talked a few big ones into a tube lure lunch and in that 10 inch water they were a comical
treat once they discovered their error.
Jumping and changing direction at 40 mph, with a look of disbelief in their faces.
Much malined as a sport fish and in the deeper water on heavy tackle they're not a lot of fun
but on the Key West fishing flats they are a hoot.
Ofcourse on a 10lb spin rod or light fly rod, everything is a hoot.
The bait fish migrations pushed by the winter weather, pull the bigger fish along with them
into the flats and basins.......we like that!
Today we found some Barracudas lying on the flat in very shallow water, tail tip showing
waiting for a stray Needle Gar to make a mistake.
We talked a few big ones into a tube lure lunch and in that 10 inch water they were a comical
treat once they discovered their error.
Jumping and changing direction at 40 mph, with a look of disbelief in their faces.
Much malined as a sport fish and in the deeper water on heavy tackle they're not a lot of fun
but on the Key West fishing flats they are a hoot.
Ofcourse on a 10lb spin rod or light fly rod, everything is a hoot.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Pompano and Mincemeat Pie
Thanksgiving's Turkey on the grill was a big success and after Wilma flooding
us out, friends and neighbors were ready for some RnR.
I was the Chef !
One of the ol' Yanky feel good foods is Mincemeat pie at holiday time, not everyone likes it
especially kids and thats ok with me.
I have to admit that I personally disposed of two Mincemeat pies over the Thanksgiving
weekend......dont know what came over me.
Todays cool front will be followed by another stronger front tomorrow night, dropping the water temps into the Pompano and Cobia inshore comfort zone.
We will be ready with Fly's and jigs for these winter visitors and the good action they promise.
Last year was unbelieveable Pompano fishing and sight casting for Cobia on the flats, following Sting Rays was a great time for both spin and fly fisherman.
Big Cobia on fly last year was close to 60 lbs and we caught many over 20 lbs.
But what I'm really looking forward to is some grilled Pompano with Key lime mustard
and Salsa relish.........with Mincemeat Pie.
us out, friends and neighbors were ready for some RnR.
I was the Chef !
One of the ol' Yanky feel good foods is Mincemeat pie at holiday time, not everyone likes it
especially kids and thats ok with me.
I have to admit that I personally disposed of two Mincemeat pies over the Thanksgiving
weekend......dont know what came over me.
Todays cool front will be followed by another stronger front tomorrow night, dropping the water temps into the Pompano and Cobia inshore comfort zone.
We will be ready with Fly's and jigs for these winter visitors and the good action they promise.
Last year was unbelieveable Pompano fishing and sight casting for Cobia on the flats, following Sting Rays was a great time for both spin and fly fisherman.
Big Cobia on fly last year was close to 60 lbs and we caught many over 20 lbs.
But what I'm really looking forward to is some grilled Pompano with Key lime mustard
and Salsa relish.........with Mincemeat Pie.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Key West Cobia's for Xmas?
Already there are a few of out winter warrior's showing up on the Gulf of Mexico flats.
The water has cooled and the migrating bait and Cobia, Pompano and Barracudas are starting to get frisky.
Big Jack's , Lady fish and Sea Trout are showing also.
Permit on the Key West and Lower Keys flats are in good number as we get closer to Xmas
we'll have some good action for those rascal's.
The tide sequences the next few weeks will be super and we're looking forward to more water
on the flat as this last week or so there has been "sucky" tide's to work with.
Alot of my regulars will be in town soon so we can catch up on news and ofcourse they will all want to hear about Hurricane Wilma and her bad behavior.
The weather has been us wonderful with, mid to upper 70's and night in the 60's
and that's a good thing
The water has cooled and the migrating bait and Cobia, Pompano and Barracudas are starting to get frisky.
Big Jack's , Lady fish and Sea Trout are showing also.
Permit on the Key West and Lower Keys flats are in good number as we get closer to Xmas
we'll have some good action for those rascal's.
The tide sequences the next few weeks will be super and we're looking forward to more water
on the flat as this last week or so there has been "sucky" tide's to work with.
Alot of my regulars will be in town soon so we can catch up on news and ofcourse they will all want to hear about Hurricane Wilma and her bad behavior.
The weather has been us wonderful with, mid to upper 70's and night in the 60's
and that's a good thing
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