Lake O discharges poisoning us

July 6, 2018

The Lake O discharges are now exposing our families and pets to higher risks of cancer, plus liver and neurological disease. No longer is it just brown water at the beaches.From Karl Wickstrom, editor and writer: "Why would Florida pass up a chance restore these world-class inshore waters, the very heart of our 9.7 billion dollar fishing industry? The same reason as last time and all others before, politics."Our water system is working exactly the way the sugar industry wants it and as the biggest political influence in Florida, sugar gets what sugar wants. Once again our politicians ...

Fighting a goliath and trying lionfish

June 29, 2018

Feeling strong? Want to wrestle with a goliath?Go to a major area bridge and drop down a whole fish, even a stingray, next to a piling and hold on as a resident 500-pound goliath grouper inhales the freebie and then proceeds to try and pull you out of the boat. Not a place for light tackle of any sort, think 300-pound test, a jumbo rod and reel, a strong back and determination.The trend is to now fight them on a rope hand line, which I get talked into at least once a year by dog tired clients wanting me to "share in the fun" too! No more, I'm tapping out, too old. I can think of better ...

Fishing with lures in dirty water

June 22, 2018

With dark water conditions, lure fans might do well by upsizing their offerings and choose baits that rattle to help fish zone in on them.At times color can be everything and make the day, other times not so much. In stained water, I like gold or plain white often mixed in with a bit of chartreuse.Being a fan of DOA Shrimp lures, I like to tinker with them. Adding tiny ball bearing glass rattle cylinders to them (Bass Pro Shops) as well as scent improves an already classic and deadly lure and makes it more visible in dirty water. As the name says, DOA - Deadly On Anything.Slow your ...

June — a good month for snook

June 8, 2018

June is a red-hot month for the local angler. Our snowbirds have migrated home, tarpon and snook season is in full swing and boat ramps and hot-spots are less crowded.The weather typically soon settles into its normal afternoon rain period and all species are actively biting.The fresh rains and the need for salt will station snook at the passes and Gulf beaches all summer to spawn. Snook spawning takes place over a period of months, not all at once, with some snook not spawning at all.When on your snook hunt, think docks, especially near the passes along the Intercostal and both sides of ...

Be prepared: breakdowns will happen!

June 1, 2018

Hopefully we will soon settle into a steady summer afternoon storm pattern, in the meantime exercise caution and never overestimate your boat's ability or your skills as captain. Making a bad weather decision and not coming back is bad enough. Taking trusting passengers down with you is, of course, far worse. If you aren't sure, stay in port and live to fish another day.This may be a good time to check out all safety equipment and make sure that you comply with state law by having the required items on board and in good working order.One of the most important things to add to your list ...

North Cape is a hot spot for fishing fun

May 25, 2018

On days off from my fishing job or when on vacation, I'm usually fishing, tinkering with lures, doing neverending boat and equipment maintenance chores or exploring new fishing spots close to home in the North Cape area. At times, when I can throw a rod in the truck and fish for an hour or two no boats or crowded ramps, or hassle.In the past three rainy days, I've spent an hour or two fishing and sometimes just observing the many species of fresh and saltwater fish available to the walking angler throughout the Cape.Yesterday I sight-casted to a 3-foot- long American alligator gar with a ...