After the month long cold inshore water temps, the past few days with air temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s ...things have changed.
The Flats and Backcountry Basins have exploded with bait and Bluefish....along with Barracudas and Permit on the Key West Flats.
Winter will drive Bluefish to South Florida and the Keys where they stage just off shore, when they get in the mood they will come crashing in and add to the mayhem for light tackle and fly fisherman .
A small leader of wire will guarantee you dont lose your rig but it may all be over in a few minutes as the marauders blast by.
It's kid fun between attemps to capture the more elusive Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit.
www.chaserkeywest.com
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Out of the Fog in Key West
After one of the most consistantly cool- cold February's I can remember in Key West and the handful of fishable days it may be over.
Of course February is almost over and finally the temperature is close to 80 and the winds are down, never mind the Fog caused by miles of cooler water temps bumping into the very warm air coming from the south east.
Tarpon have been sticking their heads up to sample the humidity and hopefully they will play along with the Permit that are starting to sample the flats on the Gulf Flats north of Key West.
Barracudas are on the flats in pretty good numbers and showing some friskiness.
The rest of the Mid West and North Eastern States may still be in the deep freeze through March but South Florida and the Florida Keys may have seen the worst of the Polar Express this year.
www.chaserkeywest.com
Of course February is almost over and finally the temperature is close to 80 and the winds are down, never mind the Fog caused by miles of cooler water temps bumping into the very warm air coming from the south east.
Tarpon have been sticking their heads up to sample the humidity and hopefully they will play along with the Permit that are starting to sample the flats on the Gulf Flats north of Key West.
Barracudas are on the flats in pretty good numbers and showing some friskiness.
The rest of the Mid West and North Eastern States may still be in the deep freeze through March but South Florida and the Florida Keys may have seen the worst of the Polar Express this year.
www.chaserkeywest.com
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Breaking out the Tarpon Fly Rods
The Tsunami has shifted the earths rotation.....
Spring lasted a few less days than Winter, we all know this, if your east of the Mississippi River!
Bonefish and Tarpon are starting to respond in kind, wondering if the migrating Tarpon will be here early....usually not regardless of the weather....but who knows the Polar Bears are headed south, breeding with Grizzlies!
That's not a good thing but they should stay out of Cleveland....Erie didn't freeze so they would have to take a bus.
I always look forward to the Tarpon showing in the basin's and backcountry and of course the Atlantic Side Flats.
Night Tarpon fishing under ideal conditions is a blast, especially up on a shallow flat.
The Star and Moon light reveals an exciting break in the inky black surface, shrimp popping Tarpon are suckers " pun intended " for a Gurgler Fly.
This is how it works...old guide with superior night vision and the hearing of a fox,
Spits out the command to cast 40 ft@ 10 o'clock as he grips the 1 million candle power spotlight.
The anxious angler( that would be you ) makes a precise 44 ft cast and on the first short pop
of the Gurgler comes up tight with his left hand igniting The Tarpon Bomb on the other end of the fly line.
The trusty,crusty old guide hits the switch on the spot light as the Tarpon Missile launches,
Head shaking, Red Eyes glaring, sparks shooting from his ass....demanding your immediate attention.
He's got it!www.chaserkeywest.com
Spring lasted a few less days than Winter, we all know this, if your east of the Mississippi River!
Bonefish and Tarpon are starting to respond in kind, wondering if the migrating Tarpon will be here early....usually not regardless of the weather....but who knows the Polar Bears are headed south, breeding with Grizzlies!
That's not a good thing but they should stay out of Cleveland....Erie didn't freeze so they would have to take a bus.
I always look forward to the Tarpon showing in the basin's and backcountry and of course the Atlantic Side Flats.
Night Tarpon fishing under ideal conditions is a blast, especially up on a shallow flat.
The Star and Moon light reveals an exciting break in the inky black surface, shrimp popping Tarpon are suckers " pun intended " for a Gurgler Fly.
This is how it works...old guide with superior night vision and the hearing of a fox,
Spits out the command to cast 40 ft@ 10 o'clock as he grips the 1 million candle power spotlight.
The anxious angler( that would be you ) makes a precise 44 ft cast and on the first short pop
of the Gurgler comes up tight with his left hand igniting The Tarpon Bomb on the other end of the fly line.
The trusty,crusty old guide hits the switch on the spot light as the Tarpon Missile launches,
Head shaking, Red Eyes glaring, sparks shooting from his ass....demanding your immediate attention.
He's got it!www.chaserkeywest.com
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
What Winter??
Gotta tell you, even with a few wind switches and a blowie day or two once in a while we have not had much cold this year.
Looks like Tarpon and Permit season will start earlier and certainly the Gulf of Mexico Tarpon will be around real soon.
The migrating Tarpon from way down south in the Caribean may not show until May but the local yokels ( 100 mile cousins) will show SOON!
Bonefish will also be on the menu with the loss of some Pompano and Sea Trout with warming waters.
SHUCKS
www.chaserkeywest.com
Looks like Tarpon and Permit season will start earlier and certainly the Gulf of Mexico Tarpon will be around real soon.
The migrating Tarpon from way down south in the Caribean may not show until May but the local yokels ( 100 mile cousins) will show SOON!
Bonefish will also be on the menu with the loss of some Pompano and Sea Trout with warming waters.
SHUCKS
www.chaserkeywest.com
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Cool Down Slows Flats Fishing But Not For Long
They are back, yesterday's Pompano Dinner was a treat after a few days of cold wind and abandoned Inshore Waters.
The water temps dropped 10 degrees in 24 hours, what would you do?
Right, swim for the warm Gulf of Mexico
However all is forgiven as the air and water temps are climbing and the baitfish are inshore, inviting the larger Game Fish in.
Yesterday afternoon we found Pompano, Sea Trout and a school of Mad Hungry Jack Creval's
most of the Big Jacks were over 12 lbs up to 15 and challenging the backbone of out light tackle Spin and Flyrods.
It was fun and we saw a few Barracudas and Sharks showing on the Flats also.
Tomorrow we're out to Wack the Hell out of them!
The water temps dropped 10 degrees in 24 hours, what would you do?
Right, swim for the warm Gulf of Mexico
However all is forgiven as the air and water temps are climbing and the baitfish are inshore, inviting the larger Game Fish in.
Yesterday afternoon we found Pompano, Sea Trout and a school of Mad Hungry Jack Creval's
most of the Big Jacks were over 12 lbs up to 15 and challenging the backbone of out light tackle Spin and Flyrods.
It was fun and we saw a few Barracudas and Sharks showing on the Flats also.
Tomorrow we're out to Wack the Hell out of them!
Monday, January 02, 2012
Unbelievable Weather Keeps Tarpon in the Air
All through December we have had wonderful weather, more Spring like than Winter.
While Flats fishing for Permit and Bonefish remains good and the Tarpon have been sneaking inshore, we have had limited Basin action with Pompano, Sea Trout and Barracudas.
Our first real Winter Front is showing up tomorrow bringing high winds and a temp drop all the way into the 60's
That should run off those pesky Flats Fish for a few days!
Don't you feel sorry for us?
While Flats fishing for Permit and Bonefish remains good and the Tarpon have been sneaking inshore, we have had limited Basin action with Pompano, Sea Trout and Barracudas.
Our first real Winter Front is showing up tomorrow bringing high winds and a temp drop all the way into the 60's
That should run off those pesky Flats Fish for a few days!
Don't you feel sorry for us?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Christmas Dinner With 5 Key West Fishing Guides and other Kids
Many years I would fish on Holidays and catch a Turkey Leg somewhere later in the day.
The last 10 years ago I've been the Papa Bear, stuffing a few wayward fishing guides and keeping them out of the Frozen Turkey Dinners or even worse Wendy's!
Prepping all evening on Christmas Eve then early Christmas Morning starting the process that gets the biggest Turkey I can find on the Grill, big Ham , three styles stuffing, fresh herbs,
mashed Potatoes,Wild Rice....5-6 pies, too much stuff.
Christmas this year, sunny 80 degrees, really beautiful start to the 2012 guiding season for
the gang and a chance to work of the dinner.
The last 10 years ago I've been the Papa Bear, stuffing a few wayward fishing guides and keeping them out of the Frozen Turkey Dinners or even worse Wendy's!
Prepping all evening on Christmas Eve then early Christmas Morning starting the process that gets the biggest Turkey I can find on the Grill, big Ham , three styles stuffing, fresh herbs,
mashed Potatoes,Wild Rice....5-6 pies, too much stuff.
Christmas this year, sunny 80 degrees, really beautiful start to the 2012 guiding season for
the gang and a chance to work of the dinner.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Blue Christmas in Key West
This year has been unbelievable weather wise with more chances for Tarpon and Permit then normal.
Most Christmas Weeks we are content with Barracudas, Jacks and maybe some Sea Trout and Pompano but the weather is summer like with water in the upper 70s.
After Rasselberry pie and Oyster Stuffing ready to work off some calories wacken a few Permitl
Good time for some saltwater fly casting and tossing swim baits with a Spinning Rod.
Most Christmas Weeks we are content with Barracudas, Jacks and maybe some Sea Trout and Pompano but the weather is summer like with water in the upper 70s.
After Rasselberry pie and Oyster Stuffing ready to work off some calories wacken a few Permitl
Good time for some saltwater fly casting and tossing swim baits with a Spinning Rod.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Jim Clouds Monster Tarpon of May 2011
25 mph winds couldn't keep us out of the Tarpon this last week but, the wind did ruin most of Tarpon appetite for feathers.
Jim and I found lots of strings moving on the north side but clearly many looks and sniffs but no takers, even after changing from the Plum Pudding Fly to the Pepperoni Fly, Long Horn Cheese Fly......nothing
Finely it was the Key Lime Toad that caught the eye of a huge male of about 60 pounds.
Why do we consider this 60 lb Tarpon to be HUGE?
This May is the 30th Tarpon season Jim " Red Cloud " Cloud and I have fished for the Big Shad on the gin clear Key West Flats and Jim's 80th birthday.
Monster
Jim and I found lots of strings moving on the north side but clearly many looks and sniffs but no takers, even after changing from the Plum Pudding Fly to the Pepperoni Fly, Long Horn Cheese Fly......nothing
Finely it was the Key Lime Toad that caught the eye of a huge male of about 60 pounds.
Why do we consider this 60 lb Tarpon to be HUGE?
This May is the 30th Tarpon season Jim " Red Cloud " Cloud and I have fished for the Big Shad on the gin clear Key West Flats and Jim's 80th birthday.
Monster
Friday, April 29, 2011
Killer Tarpon on Spin and Fly
Continues to be great fun, lot's of Tarpon action even though we had a few tuff days that required some time/tide adjustment.
Fishing with the brothers Roby and Lou Andy the last two days resulted in good fun over the mottled bottom and sand flats.
Sight casting to schools in gin clear 3 foot deep water is a blast and to hook 6 Tarpon
major rush.
I believe we boated about 4 out of 6, thats very good Tarpon fishing, even if luck was the biggest part of the plan.....we plan our luck.
Roby, Lou their father Albert Andy have been fishing with me for 20 years....we are still laughing a lot about the lost fish of years past.
Fishing with the brothers Roby and Lou Andy the last two days resulted in good fun over the mottled bottom and sand flats.
Sight casting to schools in gin clear 3 foot deep water is a blast and to hook 6 Tarpon
major rush.
I believe we boated about 4 out of 6, thats very good Tarpon fishing, even if luck was the biggest part of the plan.....we plan our luck.
Roby, Lou their father Albert Andy have been fishing with me for 20 years....we are still laughing a lot about the lost fish of years past.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sr. Billy Pate aka Dr. Tarpon
There was a " Tremor in the Force " this past month in our little saltwater fly-fishing family.
Billy Pate the always enthusiastic dean of "Big Poon" and "star caster/ instructor" in the two best videos ever produced about fly Rodding for Tarpon.
3M's Mastery Series of videos are true Classics.
I had the opportunity in the late 70s early 80s to meet and exchange with Billy Pate in the company of guide pal Nat Raglin and the brothers Montgomery, Bob and Gene.
I enjoyed helping with some Tarpon scouting for the efforts in production of the first movie that was shot mainly in the Flats west of Key West.
Billy has been described as a Southern Gentleman by myself and probably anyone who knew him.
Straw Panama Hat and big grim under it, all standing just a few feet off the " Pate Tower"
On his custom 4electric motors strapped to it's ass, Sidewinder Flats Skiff.
Not a big man but bigger than life and a giant in Saltwater Fly-fishing...God Speed Billy
Billy Pate the always enthusiastic dean of "Big Poon" and "star caster/ instructor" in the two best videos ever produced about fly Rodding for Tarpon.
3M's Mastery Series of videos are true Classics.
I had the opportunity in the late 70s early 80s to meet and exchange with Billy Pate in the company of guide pal Nat Raglin and the brothers Montgomery, Bob and Gene.
I enjoyed helping with some Tarpon scouting for the efforts in production of the first movie that was shot mainly in the Flats west of Key West.
Billy has been described as a Southern Gentleman by myself and probably anyone who knew him.
Straw Panama Hat and big grim under it, all standing just a few feet off the " Pate Tower"
On his custom 4electric motors strapped to it's ass, Sidewinder Flats Skiff.
Not a big man but bigger than life and a giant in Saltwater Fly-fishing...God Speed Billy
Ok it's true...I've Been Jumpin Tarpon all Month
Have not had much time to update this blog, lots of fishing, lots of fun.
After the coldest December in recorded history, January was not bad, February was warmish but
March and April have been unbelievable.....not everyday did the Tarpon cooperate but that was the tide movement, barometer or just Voodoo because most of the last two months the weather has been very good.
I have had some super nite Tarpon fishing with exploding Tarpon sucken up Gurgler flies.
Plastic swim baits work well on spinning tackle on these moon/star lit nites.
Permit were very good up to the full moon in April but there still are some around that did not venture out for the spring Love In on the offshore reefs and wrecks.
I'm looking forward to a banner May-June ...day and nite for Tarpon....still love dem bastards.
After the coldest December in recorded history, January was not bad, February was warmish but
March and April have been unbelievable.....not everyday did the Tarpon cooperate but that was the tide movement, barometer or just Voodoo because most of the last two months the weather has been very good.
I have had some super nite Tarpon fishing with exploding Tarpon sucken up Gurgler flies.
Plastic swim baits work well on spinning tackle on these moon/star lit nites.
Permit were very good up to the full moon in April but there still are some around that did not venture out for the spring Love In on the offshore reefs and wrecks.
I'm looking forward to a banner May-June ...day and nite for Tarpon....still love dem bastards.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Winter Tarpon Key West Style
Although Florida and certainly the Florida Keys have had the coldest winter on record!
No surprise that the rest of the East Coast is not sympathetic......that's been really ugly for everyone north of the Florida/Georga line.
But the worst may be over for us.....all the years I've lived in the Florida Keys ( now 40years) it seems winters that start out horrible usually blow them selves out early and we end up with a early spring.........we hope!
This past week has put Permit and Tarpon on top of us, in the close channels, basins and flats.
Lots...laid up Tarpon in the shallows are some of the tuffest to feed....so easy to have them get wind of you ,sight, sound or sniff but.....OH what a rush if you hook up, you watched him eat the Fly-plug or live permit crab.
We had a little front blow in last night less then they forecast and not enough to run the fish out of the flats....weather man says another will be here in a few days.....maybe and ok
But I'm stringing up the Fly Rods
No surprise that the rest of the East Coast is not sympathetic......that's been really ugly for everyone north of the Florida/Georga line.
But the worst may be over for us.....all the years I've lived in the Florida Keys ( now 40years) it seems winters that start out horrible usually blow them selves out early and we end up with a early spring.........we hope!
This past week has put Permit and Tarpon on top of us, in the close channels, basins and flats.
Lots...laid up Tarpon in the shallows are some of the tuffest to feed....so easy to have them get wind of you ,sight, sound or sniff but.....OH what a rush if you hook up, you watched him eat the Fly-plug or live permit crab.
We had a little front blow in last night less then they forecast and not enough to run the fish out of the flats....weather man says another will be here in a few days.....maybe and ok
But I'm stringing up the Fly Rods
Monday, January 31, 2011
Barracudas " Chillin" on the Key West Flats.
Beautiful weather but, water a bit cool.
Yesterdays trip out was super for catching up with old friend Gil Vernon , along with his brother in law Steve, we were Jigging in the basins for Sea Trout, Pompano, Jacks. Anybody that would stress the Weenie Rods......cold water restricted us to lots of smallish jacks.
After several stops in the Gulf Side Basins we decided the high sun and Shallow Water of the Flats we calling.
We were rewarded with dozens of shots at big Barracudas, dozens of them lying in a foot of water soaking up the warm sun but, not even thinking about food.
Same result with the few Lemon Sharks we saw.
One more calm warm day and the water temps up another 4-5 degrees and the fish and anglers will be much more agreeable.
That's fishen !
Yesterdays trip out was super for catching up with old friend Gil Vernon , along with his brother in law Steve, we were Jigging in the basins for Sea Trout, Pompano, Jacks. Anybody that would stress the Weenie Rods......cold water restricted us to lots of smallish jacks.
After several stops in the Gulf Side Basins we decided the high sun and Shallow Water of the Flats we calling.
We were rewarded with dozens of shots at big Barracudas, dozens of them lying in a foot of water soaking up the warm sun but, not even thinking about food.
Same result with the few Lemon Sharks we saw.
One more calm warm day and the water temps up another 4-5 degrees and the fish and anglers will be much more agreeable.
That's fishen !
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Off and Jigging for 2011 New Year Fishing
As tuff as December's weather started in Key West, it's lovely now with plans for lovely the rest of the month!
Today we were rewarded with Bluefish, Sea Trout, Pompano and more big Skip Jacks then you ever wanted.
Jigging in the Backcountry with Weenie Rods and 10 lb test tackle gave us lots of laughs and a few big Cero Mackeral that smoked the drags.
We had half a dozen keeper Trout, that we didn't... but we took a photo and put them back in to fatten up for you....
Football games cut us short of getting up on the flat for Barracudas and Sharks.
Monday is Barracuda day...
Today we were rewarded with Bluefish, Sea Trout, Pompano and more big Skip Jacks then you ever wanted.
Jigging in the Backcountry with Weenie Rods and 10 lb test tackle gave us lots of laughs and a few big Cero Mackeral that smoked the drags.
We had half a dozen keeper Trout, that we didn't... but we took a photo and put them back in to fatten up for you....
Football games cut us short of getting up on the flat for Barracudas and Sharks.
Monday is Barracuda day...
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Cool Wind Invites Migrating SeaTrout and Pompano
All dressed up and only a motorcycle ride to enjoy.
Putting the skiff in the water is out of the question today as the cold front pushes 30 mph out of the north.
Should push the Pompano and Trout into the Backcountry.
Gives me some time to build Barracuda Worm rigs and tune up the fly and spinning tackle.
Stopping for some grilled turkey, sharing with my little Jack Russell Stinky
She must have a little Apple Pie with her's.
The Barracudas have moved into the shallow water to take advantage of the warmth and baitfish.
We found some big Jacks on Rays also and they will jump on a Cuda Worm like a Chicken on a June Bug.....
Putting the skiff in the water is out of the question today as the cold front pushes 30 mph out of the north.
Should push the Pompano and Trout into the Backcountry.
Gives me some time to build Barracuda Worm rigs and tune up the fly and spinning tackle.
Stopping for some grilled turkey, sharing with my little Jack Russell Stinky
She must have a little Apple Pie with her's.
The Barracudas have moved into the shallow water to take advantage of the warmth and baitfish.
We found some big Jacks on Rays also and they will jump on a Cuda Worm like a Chicken on a June Bug.....
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Pompano Christmas Dinner in Key West
COOL and lovely weather, 72 degrees of lovely with sun.
Staying up until 230 AM to see the Full Moon Eclipse go Rusty Red and knowing the next full lunar Eclipse I may miss.....
A few years ago I convinced me ol' Mum she should get up at 3AM to see a meteor shower with me.
Next morning she thanked me for insisting that she climbed out of bed for this big event.
Of course I was surprised because I had missed it, she laughed and said, " I couldnt wake you up you just snorted at me!"
Wish she was here for last nights eclipse.....she was.
What does that have to do with mothers favorite fish?
Special just that.
Staying up until 230 AM to see the Full Moon Eclipse go Rusty Red and knowing the next full lunar Eclipse I may miss.....
A few years ago I convinced me ol' Mum she should get up at 3AM to see a meteor shower with me.
Next morning she thanked me for insisting that she climbed out of bed for this big event.
Of course I was surprised because I had missed it, she laughed and said, " I couldnt wake you up you just snorted at me!"
Wish she was here for last nights eclipse.....she was.
What does that have to do with mothers favorite fish?
Special just that.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Back to Coconut land
New batteries, boats, motorcycles, truck.....
Gone long enough to just replace all of them and know it's the best medicine.
Blizzard conditions in the north reminded me why I've lived in Key West 40 yrs, all my adult life.
British Columbia is wonderful...Until the week before my birthday.....Halloween!
N.E. Ohio's fall motorcycle tours and Steelhead fishing in the Lake Erie Trib's SUPER.
Get out before Thanksgiving......they will hand you a shovel and ice scraper.
I'm ready for Key West flats and backcountry fishing for Pompano, Barracudas and Sea Trout.
Big Jacks and Black Tip Sharks ripping up the tackle.
Cuban lunch with my Ol Pal Todd Bowen and another pre Xmas plan to go scouting together for Trout.
30 years we have had this pre-trout lunch.....
Gone long enough to just replace all of them and know it's the best medicine.
Blizzard conditions in the north reminded me why I've lived in Key West 40 yrs, all my adult life.
British Columbia is wonderful...Until the week before my birthday.....Halloween!
N.E. Ohio's fall motorcycle tours and Steelhead fishing in the Lake Erie Trib's SUPER.
Get out before Thanksgiving......they will hand you a shovel and ice scraper.
I'm ready for Key West flats and backcountry fishing for Pompano, Barracudas and Sea Trout.
Big Jacks and Black Tip Sharks ripping up the tackle.
Cuban lunch with my Ol Pal Todd Bowen and another pre Xmas plan to go scouting together for Trout.
30 years we have had this pre-trout lunch.....
Monday, March 29, 2010
Back in The Key West Tarpon Sopa
Winter to Summer overnight, not exactly but the Tarpon population showed up quickly when the air temps. got into the 70's.
In the air they go, these Super Silver Sunset Surprize's...God and all of us love um.
Permit are in the Chow Line too, celebrating the thaw....it has been a long winter for all of us Tropical Fish.
Big Fly Rod's come out of the rack, lock and load.... prepare for immediate action !
Swim Baits for the Spinning Anglers and Chicken Feathers for Fly Fishing Fin-atic's
Have a long warm rest Mr. Barracuda, I'll see you in the Fall.
In the air they go, these Super Silver Sunset Surprize's...God and all of us love um.
Permit are in the Chow Line too, celebrating the thaw....it has been a long winter for all of us Tropical Fish.
Big Fly Rod's come out of the rack, lock and load.... prepare for immediate action !
Swim Baits for the Spinning Anglers and Chicken Feathers for Fly Fishing Fin-atic's
Have a long warm rest Mr. Barracuda, I'll see you in the Fall.
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