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......
Sunday, January 27, 2008
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.
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