Sharks are providing lots of fishing fun

September 6, 2019

Someone mentioned there's another hurricane coming across the ocean, but for the moment I don't care. I'm going fishing looking for snook and redfish to play with. I'm happy about Dorian leaving and need a few more days to de-stress and enjoy it before having to worry again about little things like losing the roof, boats blowing away or a tree coming through the wall. Welcome to Florida life.We got out just before the weather event and clients from hot and dry Las Vegas wore out their arms and backs catching skiff pulling sharks of various sizes in shallow water on light tackle. I'm ...

With Dorian approaching, play it safe and be prepared

August 30, 2019

Oh, no! We were doing so well. I saw it this morning while shopping. It's something in the eyes of the shoppers and it's down right scary as hurricane stress sets in. Hopefully the east coast will break it down enough to minimize damage here or better, turn northward and spare Florida a direct hit.Since no one really knows anymore than you do, play the safe game and prepare. Boat insurance up to date? Secure at the dock? Tied tight to your trailer?During Hurricane Charlie I had two boats on trailers next to the house. I flattened the tires and drove anchors into the ground anchoring each ...

It’s almost time to start checking out area ‘snook highways’

August 23, 2019

Not all snook spawn every year or even head to their summer fling at the beach. The group that does stay beach-bound doesn't spawn all at the same time but does so over the course of the entire summer.One thing for sure is, they will all leave for their timeless journey back to their winter haunts as the summer season starts to close. Actually many early spawners have already left the beaches for the return trip upriver and into the Cape's canal systems. If you fish an area long enough, you'll discover patterns or highways snook follow on their way to and from the beach areas. Some are ...

Barbed hooks could soon become a thing of the past

August 9, 2019

There's no question that using circle hooks saved the lives of countless recreational fish that got CPR (caught, photoed and released) treatment. They are perfect for the beginner not accustomed to setting hooks as well as the expert angler and, in many cases, required by law.There's a day coming where barbless hooks will become the law of the land as well, which will save countless more fish from injury and delayed mortality.Treble hooks may also be banned in the near future and now some manufactures like Rapala are going to single hook designs like its Coastal Series lures.Aboard my ...

Sun, heat and storms can all cause big problems

August 2, 2019

After recovering from a bad shoulder caused by an angry tarpon a few months ago, I was back on the platform for a trial run, pushing the skiff looking for shallow hiding tarpon. These dark water days makes that job that much harder. The heat doesn't help either.When poling in summer, you get a double dose of sun, not only from above but reflected upwards from the water's surface as well. That, plus long pants, shirts, gloves, socks, hat and face covering, and, needless to say, it's hot out there.Carry wet ice chilled towels in your cooler to put around your neck. Two per person changing ...

Try to avoid ‘NBF’ when looking for a new boat

July 26, 2019

Summer may be the best time of all when thinking about that new or lovingly used or first boat. Life is short, go ahead treat yourself.After rising from the blacktop after fainting due to sticker shock, maybe that new boat might not be in your budget? If the price doesn't matter, good for you. For everyone else, don't be discouraged as it's now time to look for a great deal on a well maintained used boat, but be prepared as the used boat market is also strong for obvious reasons.The first rule of boat buying is first recognizing that you may already have the dreaded "New Boat Fever." NBF ...