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.
Friday, June 30, 2006
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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