 
SUCCESS WITH SPIN, PLUG,
BAIT AND FLY TO DETERMINE ISLAMORADA ALL-TACKLE CHAMPION OCT. 7-12
ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys
-- To many anglers, it's
the ultimate test: catching a bonefish on spin, plug, bait and fly tackle
within a week's worth of tournament fishing. That test is called the
Bonefish World Championship-Islamorada All-Tackle Bonefish Tournament -- or
simply the "All-Tackle" in bonefishing circles -- and it pits anglers
against the wary and elusive bonefish for five consecutive days.
The tournament is to kick off at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, with a rules
briefing and cocktail party at Uncle's Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 80.9
oceanside in Islamorada. Dinner is to follow.
Contestants then fish Monday, Oct. 8, through Fri., Oct 12, from 7:15 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m. A continental breakfast is to be served each fishing morning
from 6-7:30 a.m. at the Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, MM 82 bayside in
Islamorada.
Weigh-in each day is set for 3:30-5 p.m. at the Lorelei, accompanied by hors
d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
A mandatory mid-tournament meeting for anglers, guides and tournament
officials is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the Lorelei.
The awards ceremony is slated for 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, at the Lorelei
beach tent.
Champions are to be named in the general (bait), plug casting, spin casting
and fly divisions. The All-Tackle award goes to the angler who scores the
most points after catching at least one bonefish with each of the four types
of tackle.
The grand champion title goes to the angler scoring the most points in the
tournament. Last year's grand champion, author/columnist Carl Hiaasen of
Vero Beach, Fla., took the title fishing with a fly rod -- just the second
time in the tournament's 41-year history that a grand champion title was won
on fly.
The grand champion's name is inscribed on the Carl Navarre perpetual trophy.
The winner also receives an invitation to the IGFA Inshore World
Championship set for summer 2008.
Entry fee is $900 per angler.
For more information and registration, call (305) 664-2444 or e-mail
CSASUN@aol.com.
To find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of
Commerce at (305) 664-4503 or (800) 322-5397, or visit the Florida Keys &
Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
EVERY BONEFISH COUNTS AT
MARATHON INTERNATIONAL BONEFISH TOURNAMENT SEPT. 20-23
MARATHON, Florida Keys
--
While most bonefish anglers agree that size matters, bonefish of any length
earn points at the 48th annual Marathon International Bonefish Tournament,
set for Sept. 20-23 at Sombrero Country Club, mile marker 50 oceanside in
Marathon.
Registration opens at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at Sombrero Country Club,
where all land-based events are hosted. A kick-off cocktail party follows at
5:30 p.m.
Fishing runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, Friday through Sunday, Sept.
21-23. A cocktail party at 5:30 p.m. follows the first two days of fishing.
The Sunday awards ceremony is to start with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is
to begin at 7:30 p.m., with awards presentations to follow.
The all-release, no-kill tournament, which has been going strong in Marathon
for nearly a half century, awards points for every bonefish caught and
released. Anglers can compete with spin tackle using bait and artificial
lures, or fly tackle (artificial flies only).
Points are earned for each fish based on the line test on the spinning reel
or tippet attached to the fly: 100 points for 6-pound line or tippet, 75
points for 8-pound line or tippet, and 50 points for 10-pound line or
tippet.
More than 20 trophies and awards are up for grabs including those for
individual and team champions, individual and team wet-pants champions (for
anglers wading from shore), largest bonefish and largest permit, fly
division champion and runner-up, and four junior division awards for anglers
age 16 and under.
The popular grand slam trophies in the spin and fly divisions are to be
awarded to the angler releasing the largest bonefish, permit and tarpon
"slam."
Entry fee is $195 per angler. Participants can fish as individuals and
members of a team, with up to three anglers per team.
For more information and registration forms, call (305) 481-4571 or (305)
481-1100.
To find out about area accommodations, call the Greater Marathon Chamber of
Commerce at (305) 743-5417 or (800) 262-7284, e-mail visitus @
floridakeysmarathon.com, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site
at www.fla-keys.com.
THUNDERSTRUCK
The day started at 7am. Black
clouds were circling and the lightning flashes sparkled as if someone had
been flicking a giant Zippo lighter dry of fluid. The sounds of clouds
bumping each other rumbled through the air. It was all too apparent the
stage was being set for the 36’ fishing boat called “Morning Thunder.”
Heading out we could
see the swells rising but Thunder cut though with ease as Captain of the
boat, Phil Carter, maneuvered his boat effortlessly all the while watching
the skies and keeping us away from the many storms scattered about.
Being primarily a
spearfisherman and lobster diver, inexperienced in offshore fishing, I
watched as and Capt. Bruce Coles readied the gear , set the outriggers, and
baited the lines with jigs and ballyhoo for what was about to turn into a
great day of fishing at the Hump. This is a man that doesn’t stop. If
everything was done, Capt. Bruce was checking and re-checking everything,
while at the same time, keeping a close eye for weed lines and watching bird
behaviors.
10-12 miles out the
first nice weed patches were spotted. The lines on the outriggers were
dropped, the flat lines were put out and Phil trolled the weedlines at 10-12
mph.
Not 10 minutes had
passed and the line popped off the port side outrigger and the game had
begun.
“Fish On!!” yelled
Capt. Bruce and I grabbed the rod and began to reel in. As I said before,
I’m new at offshore fishing, the instruction from the crew not only helped
ease my burning forearms but landed me a bull in the 30 lb. range as well.
With Phil at the helm
and Capt. Bruce in the tower the hunt continued. Still trolling the
weedlines, birds were spotted about a mile starboard. There were a couple
different spots where the birds were obviously onto something and it was up
the man in the tower to decide on the direction to take. With the largest
number of birds going nuts to one side Capt. Bruce, based on their behavior,
thought it best to follow the pack with the fewer amount. Once again, his
instincts were dead on. The port side reel started screaming and Morning
Thunder turned into the catch. After a good 10 minute fight, another bull,
again in the 30 lb. range, was pulled onboard.
Capt. Bruce headed to
the tower again, armed with a pitch bait his eyes were peeled for the flash
of blue just under the surface.
A few moments later,
“3 o’clock, 3 o’clock!!” came down from above with a thunderous boom. Phil
threw Thunder into that direction and moment later the pitch was tossed.
Landing directly in front of her, the cow took the bait and again, ‘FISH
ON!’ was heard as if it were being amplified through a bullhorn. The rod
was handed down to Phil and it was his turn to fight. This one had a lot of
spunk and ran Phil around the boat as if the boat were a circular
treadmill. Taking it easy and horsing the fish at the proper time, Phil
brought the fish in as if it were as simple and brewing his morning coffee.
In almost as fast as he could get the fish in the cooler, another rod sprung
to life and another cow had taken the ballyhoo trolling about 150’ off the
stern and Phil was onto another. He took this one in a little less time and
the large cooler was beginning to fill.
In the words of the
all too familiar theme song, ‘the weather started getting rough, the tiny
ship was tossed’ but this was of no conciquence to this determined crew.
Knowing the fish were there was all the fuel these guys needed to keep on
going.
Getting into mid day
the fishing slowed down. It was now time for these two to keep their eyes
peeled, looking for any sign that would bring in the next slammer. Watching
the bird patterns it seemed as tuna may be the fish to hunt. Unfortuantley
the tuna weren’t playing the game this afternoon so it was back to the hunt
that had been working so well.
More catches were
made, including a 4’ barracuda which was released. It started to get a
little late in the afternoon and the swells were increasing. Phil thought
this might be a good time to start heading in but kept an eye open for
anything that may seem promising. With already 8 nice dolphin in the
cooler, it appeared to be a nice day aboard Morning Thunder and it was time
to reap the rewards.
“Just because we’re
heading in, doesn’t mean we’re going to quit” stated Capt. Bruce as he
perched himself on the tower, pitch rod in hand. With the lines on the
outrigger brought in, but still dangling, Phil handled his boat with skill
as he made his way through the increasing seas.
“Birds, 11 o’clock”
was bellowed out from the tower. To be honest, I was looking out and didn’t
see a thing. Finally, when I did spot what he was talking about I had a
hard time figuring out how he could have seen the specks on the horizon
frolocking about. Relentless in their pursuit, Phil steered into the
direction of the call.
It was a dolphin
paradise. Scattered weeds, both small and large patches, lay atop the
surface and looked like a patchy Key’s lawn in the middle of summer.
The lines on the
outriggers were dropped and once again the hunt was on. Capt. Bruce wasn’t
taking any chances and loaded the tower with three rods armed with pitch
bait in hand while he scoured the ocean surface.
“Big Dolphin, Big
Dolphin, Big Dolphin! 1 o’clock, 1 o’clock! Go! Go! Go!” Capt. Bruce
demanded and the boat made its way almost instantiously as though these two
captains had a telepathic connection.
A large cow was
spotted and again the pitch bait was launched. No sooner than it hit the
water the cow, swallowed it whole. After setting the hook, he handed the
pole down to when he spotted yet another cow. He handed down his second
pole to me, came off the tower and threw out the remaining bait towards the
other cow. Hooked!! Bruce brought in his cow and they kept the other cow
out hoping to lure in the bull and bring him in as well. A rod in one of
the rod holders started screaming, yet another cow had taken the bait. At
this time, we have one cow onboard and two hooked up. I hauled mine in and
Phil kept his out still hoping to attract the attention of the bull yet to
be found.
It was time to go
after the bull. Being a former bass fisherman from the Midwest, I did with
my bait what you would normally do when your friend has a fish on one side
of the boat, pitch to the other side. Told you I was a novice, but just as
they wanted me to reel in a pitch behind the cow, beginners luck kicked in
and with seconds the bull took my bait and the fight was on.
After realizing I had
the bull on the line the other cow was brought onboard and a very determined
bull on the other end of my line had no intention of giving up. It was
pulling my line out almost as fast as I could reel it in. A little
tightening of the drag, and the next 15 minutes was nothing more than a
deadly game of tug-o-war. With him wanting to go down and me pulling him
up, he finally cracked the surface coming completely out of the water and
still giving it his all. I was beginning to swear this was a marlin with a
dolphin costume by the way he was jumping. With my forearms on fire and my
hands not having much feeling left in them, I finally got the huge bull to
the side of the boat where Capt. Bruce was able to gaff him and get him in
the cooler.
What a day! After
all was said and done, the total haul was 6 cows and 6 bulls, 10 of which
were slammers.
Completely exhausted
and covered with as much salt as I was sweat, I was almost happy when the
Captains said the cooler is filled to the top…let’s go home.
I have to say, I have
never seen two captains that work so well together and who are so determined
to catch fish. I stated this before and I will say it again, these guys do
not give up. If you think the fishing is done just because you’re on the
way back, you might want to think again. Don’t get too comfortable while
fishing aboard the Morning Thunder because just when you think the day is
done, you just might hear a reel screaming. After fishing with Capt. Bruce I
fully understand how his fishing team ‘Bone Collectors’ have accumulated
over a dozen trophies in the past 3 ½ years.
Anyone interested in
having Capt. Bruce Coles guide your boat to the fish (and I highly recommend
it) simply give him a call and set up a time. You won’t be disappointed.
For booking call 305-731-0271.
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Welcome to the Florida Keys ONLY
weekly fishing newspaper online!
Updated: Setember 06, 2007
Keep scrolling down...more
articles below!
Among
Our Featured Articles:
"Average Joe"
by Daniel Kern
"Irritable Chef"
by Lee Lawhorn
"Easy Diver
Chronicles" by Scott Fryer
BOOT
KEY BIVOUAC - Veteran's appreciation Day
Keys Kayak Fishing - Ted
Carrol / Mike Hudson
Spin, Bait, Plug, and Fly
Thunderstruck - Review of Capt. Bruce Coles
Ladies Let's Go Fishing Seminar Starts Soon
Every Bonefish Counts
Cathy Williams Memorial Bonefish Tournament
Catch of the Week
View more Florida Keys Catch of the Week photos...click
Photo
Upcoming Florida Keys Fishing Tournament Calendar
Sept. 7-9: Mercury S.L.A.M. (Southernmost Light-Tackle Anglers
Masters) Celebrity Tournament. Key West. The first of the annual
fall Redbone Trilogy events that raise money to fight cystic
fibrosis. Top anglers and celebrities target tarpon, permit and
bonefish with light tackle. Contact Gary Ellis at (305)
664-2002, e-mail redboneinc@aol.com, visit www.redbone.org, or
write to P.O. Box 273, Islamorada FL 33036.
SEPT. 14-16: Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing! Islamorada. Female
anglers try their luck at fishing after learning how at a
Saturday seminar. Contact Betty Bauman at (954) 475-9068, e-mail
billfishbetty@hotmail.com, visit www.ladiesletsgofishing.com or
write to P.O. Box 550429, Fort Lauderdale FL 33355.
Sept. 18-21: Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish
Tournament. Islamorada. Fly anglers will pursue Islamorada
bonefish, some of the largest and smartest in the world, at this
all-release tournament. Contact Thane Morgan at (806) 681-05559
or e-mail tmorgan@amaortho.com.
Sept. 20-23: Marathon International Bonefish Tournament.
Marathon. Some of the best bonefish anglers anywhere will stalk
the gray ghost of the flats in an area rich with them. This is
an all-release spin or fly event. Contact Lindsay Rabito at
(305) 743-7368, e-mail jmhewlett@aol.com or write P.O. Box
500914, Marathon FL 33050.
Sept. 28-30: Mercury Baybone Celebrity Tournament. Key Largo.
The second of three tournaments comprising the annual Redbone
Trilogy, the Baybone targets permit and bonefish to raise money
for cystic fibrosis research. Contact Gary Ellis at (305)
664-2002, e-mail redboneinc@aol.com, visit www.redbone.org, or
write to P.O. Box 273, Islamorada FL 33036.
Oct. 7-12: Mercury Outboards’ Bonefishing World
Championship/Islamorada All-Tackle Bonefish Tournament.
Islamorada. Some of the best bonefish anglers compete to catch
and release the gray ghost of the flats. Proceeds are to be
donated to local charities. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305)
664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063,
Islamorada FL 33036.
Oct. 12-14: Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge. Key
Largo. Anglers fish for snook and redfish to benefit the
statewide scholarship program. Contact Sue Finney at (305)
451-2467, e-mail keyshomesrus@bellsouth.net or write to P.O. Box
252, Key Largo FL 33037.
Oct. 19-21: NEW Florida Keys 36 Hour Swordfish/Deep Drop Fishing
Tournament. Sponsored by Big Time Bait & Tackle and Cudjoe
Sales. Categories: Swordfish, Tilefish, Grouper, Most Unusual,
1st weighed, among others. Cash awards & additional prizes.
Contact: Capt. Byron Goss, Big Time Bait & Tackle, Marathon
FL Keys 305.289.0199 bigtimetackle@comcast.net
Oct. 19-20: Casting for Cats Women’s Backcountry Tournament.
Islamorada. Ladies cast bait, artificials and flies to compete
for nearly 20 trophies. The tournament benefits Caring for Cats,
a non-profit that rescues, spays/neuters and cares for feral
cats in the Upper Keys. A Gathering of Animals event introduces
live wild animals to the kids while the women fish. Contact
Sharon Mahoney at (305) 664-2012.
.
The Irritable Chef
Lee Lawhorn
The price of
freedom is incalculable. Need a reminder? Check out CNN or any
other news outlet and see how many of our young died for "it"
today. I hate war and I grieve for those brave men and women who
sacrifice their lives for US. Why are we in Iraq? An
unjustified war being waged for the wrong reasons. Afghanistan?
South Korea? Are we the world's police force? Give me a
break!!! Get these kids out of harm's way...
Well...Charlie Miller and Chris Boyle (along with a slew of
others) has decided to honor these brave youngsters with a
"Veterans Appreciation Day". Yep...on October 7 at the Marathon
community park we have a happening. Beginning at noon, Marathon
salutes the men and women who defend us from the "axis of evil".
This irritable chef will be there to enjoy a day of music, food
and fun. More details next week, but rest assured...it's gonna
be a gas!!!
Man...We got the American Legion, Disabled American Vets,
the Monroe County Veterans Council and a proverbial who's who of
local businesses involved! Kudos to Charlie and Chris for
busting their fannies to make this happen. You guys rock!!!
Need info? Call these cats and they'll give you the scoop.
Charlie...dial up 743-0000. Chris...318-9725. Be there or be
square...
I heard donations are cheerfully accepted Make checks
payable to Boot Key Bivouac or drop off a wad of cash at the
First State Bank in Marathon. I love our men and women in
uniform and here's an opportunity to say thanks. Check it
out...
By the way...pinheads in rental boats. Here's a finger for
you and your blatant lack of nautical courtesy. What's the
deal? How many times do I have to tell you...SLOW DOWN! Here's
an irony wrapped in a satirical parody. Go on vacation and
DON'T relax. Ease up on the throttle and look around.
Dude...you're in paradise...
Pet owners. Stifle the barking!!! Very few restaurants
permit our four legged friends to hang out so keep 'em quiet. A
yapping canine is not only annoying, but also inconsiderate.
Muzzle your pets and you may be allowed to party with your
pooch for a while longer...
Anybody else sick of the "dog days of summer"? Man...This
just sucks. Can't stand the crowds, but I miss the
excitement....
Heard a rumor that our sewer easements are proceeding on
schedule. Crikey...that's a first. A government project that is
working. Wake me up when it's over....
Hey, a quick thank you to our friends at Key Colony Inn for
catering the gig on October 7. The food's gonna be fabulous!!!
Eat, drink and be merry...
I need a recipe. Let's see...okay...here's one that will
amaze your friends. How about grilled dolphin in a green
goddess dressing? Naturally, this recipe is designed for four
(4) 8oz. servings. All you need is 1/3 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4
cup of sour cream, 2 tbsp of finely chopped fresh chives, 1 tbsp
of minced scallions, 1 tbsp of tarragon vinegar, 3 anchovy
fillets, minced and 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.
Real simple. Mix ingredients in bowl and vigorously whisk.
Refrigerate for two to four hours. Grill dolphin to taste.
Place in pan and add sauce. Simmer for five minutes or until
hot. Man...This dish rules...
I promise...more info on the big gala next week. Do me a
favor. Support this endeavor and give a big hug to Charlie and
Chris when you see them. They are doing an unbelievable job and
they deserve a huge "thanks". They have my respect and my
admiration. They deserve yours...
Well...have a terrific week and enjoy this simple, yet
tasteful treat. Remember, the simpler the ingredients the better
the dish. Be kind to one another and keep the faith. As for
me...I'll be cooking at Dockside!!!! |
EASY DIVER
CHRONICLES
BY SCOTT FRYER
SPEARFISHING /
DIVING / FISHING ENTHUSIAST
EASYDIVER2007@HOTMAIL.COM
On this week’s episode of E.D...we go to some local reports on
spearfishing and conditions to more in-depth ideas and preventative
measures involving our diving gear and how to keep it lasting longer
and working better...We will go to the inner sanctum of both these
worlds and hopefully represent some great ideas and info to the best
of my ability with you all...hopefully some common sense words of
wisdom (right or wrong...I am human) that we all can use and
understand... sometimes that is hard to do.
I have
recently stumbled onto a television program that has retained my
utmost attention (just after televised poker tournaments and Fox
news)...yes I think on both sides of the street... (Ya’ll should try
it)... and that program is “Tapout"...channel 37 locally...one of
the ESPN channels...this may be hard to explain, but here we
go...why I am going here? I will do my best to make sense. Somehow I
have made a connection with these 3 goofballs that do this program
(many critics call them freaks) but if you watch the program and
have the ability (which most people don't ) to filter out, or like
some of... the sophomoric hyjinx, bad social behavior, and some foul
language, combined with some outlandish but somehow weirdly
appealing body garb (but not gay)...Skrape I wonder about from time
to time...then maybe this will make some sense...
I have on unorthodox way about me...that to most is a
little different and hard to understand...but I speak from the heart
and in the most honest way I can...what I have to say from my
experiences is probably not how " they " would write things up in a
traditional text book in the area of my expertise. I like to tell it
like it should be without all the politically correct bulls###t.
What I may say might not correlate with traditional
textbooks...simply the truth as I see it...These 3 knuckleheads at
Tapout, now the largest clothing designer for the mega sport of
mixed martial arts, (and a T.V. series) have hit the nail on the
head...doing things their way, contrary to the status quo, and just
being themselves...pass or fail...they have passed in my view. They
stand up for, are loyal to, and back up the common man and the
underdog (in their case up and coming MMA fighters)...not the fake,
so called pro wrestlers and their choreographed pre determined
bouts...but the real thing.
I think I have gotten myself a little too deep here and
may have lost some of you...but read on, since I write this article
I would like you to understand where I come from. As I stated in my
very first article...I am a common man with meager means and do what
I can (as the Tapout crew did when they started) with what I have to
enjoy the water world...most articles deal with water world
superstars, mega bucks, and talents that rival God...I write for the
rest of us...the common man and his honesty... To "Punkass", "Sky
Skrape" and their leader, "Mask"...my hat is off to you all for
being yourselves, honest, charismatic, and above all being
successful without being arrogant and self important....just telling
it like it is with a little flare....and sticken' up for the little
guy...you really need to see the show and have the ability to read
between the lines for any of this to make any sense...give it a
chance and watch the Tapout crew...they are smarter than their first
impression may portray beside their wild and crazy behavior...if
your favorite magazine is "G.Q." and your favorite T.V. show is
"Friends" and you drink coffee or tea with your pinky outstretched
or you never throw you clothes on the floor...then just don't
bother...skip that channel.
I better get off that story line real quick...and get to
something more important...like spearfishing!...For a few weeks know
it seems that all I have heard is..."where did everything go"...but
here in the last week or so the divers have been slamming 'em!...Butch
Waters whom is a local diving pro (collector and commercial
fisherman) on one of his many spot's (shallow) smacked 2 large
black's and 2 big mutton, along with bagging 25 lobster...yes there
are some left after the onslaught of mini season and the first month
of regular season...you just need to know were to go like Butch
does...I can't tell you because he would kill me...just keep
looking!...My landlord Ron, just 2 day's ago caught a 20 inch hawg
on fresh ballyhoo in 8 feet of water!...seems like "shallow" is the
word at the moment.....and with all this calm weather, you best get
out there! Speaking of looking...look at this picture of Captain
Pete Schumann...one the managers of Tilden's Scuba Center Marathon
and his sweet grouper (pushing 30 lbs.) taken awhile back while
spearfishing off Marathon in 80 feet of water...unfortunately I was
not there for the kill...but that fish did produce a memorable
evening...after slapping the huge slabs of fresh meat on the
grill...as a few friends and neighbors collected, brandishing a
variety foods, fine cigars, and spirits...the evening progressed
into a fine gathering. By the time that beautiful meat was gone and
happily digesting in our fat bellies...the Cuban cigars were ignited
and a luscious dessert of "Nassau Royal" was passed around (a
wonderful liquor...a favorite of our friends in the islands to the
East) and gobbled up shot by shot...the food was great, the smoke
was good, and the company was fine...and the bigger the lies got
directly corresponded to the growingly smaller amounts of "Nassau
Royal" in that bottle...go figure...all that from spearfishing...it
is more than just killing...
As I mentioned in my opening statement about dive gear
maintenance...well, I have only so much room here in this paper for
this article... and besides I need to get some facts straight before
I go mouthing off on a particular subject...as only I can do so
well...and that subject next week will be...SCUBA TANKS...what I
have to say on that subject as far as care and maintenance of tanks
allot you of may already know...but what you do not know...well how
should I say this...I will enlighten you on a few things in my own
energetic way that may surprise some people...As the Tapout crew
would do...honest and in your face truth...the real truth about
tanks that the textbooks and some scuba shop's don't tell you...this
should be a hoot next week.....until then...
KEYS KAYAK FISHING
By Ted Carroll
and Mike Hudson
This week
we’ve got a great letter and pictures from some of our kayak fishing
friends. Kevin Dunleavy was out fishing with his friend Jen Wolter,
and they had some big success. Catching a fish of this size in a
kayak is really really exciting. More power two you both, and thanks
for the report.
From:
Kevin Dunleavy
The
attached pics were taken while my friend Jen and I were fishing
the flats of Knockemdown Key. I was in my canoe and Jen was in her
kayak (Tarpon 120), using zara spooks and catching plenty of cudas
and sharks. She spotted a school of jacks blitzing through and
managed to get one to hit her topwater lure, and it went on a big
run pulling her all over the flats before she finally brought it in.
Location: Knockemdown Key, near Kemp Channel
Time: 2
PM
Tide:
Falling, about 2 hours past high
Weather:
Sunny and hot
She
fishes all over the place in her kayak, including several miles
offshore. Me and my canoe usually stay a little closer to home...
Tight
lines,
Kevin and
Jen
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
An experience from Mike Hudson
On
Thursday morning at nine I was returning to La Siesta Marina Where I
keep my floating home on the water, "The Home Girl". I was returning
from an unsuccessful jerk bait session with Mr. Spotted Trout.There
were Dark gray clouds coming from Cape Sable and Everglades National
Park,
I decided
to call it a day.
I'm in a
new Revolution 13.7’ kayak by Hobie kayaks and I'm peddling as fast
as I can go. The boat and Mirage drive are working perfectly and my
legs and hips are starting to burn. I take my heading toward an old
abandoned dock that sits at the entrance to my marina. I'm not
paying attention to anything in particular, just marveling at how
fast I'm going, maybe 5 or 6 knots. Well, out of the corner of my
eye I see a black object under water, about four or five feet long,
hauling butt right at the kayak.
Heart
attack city I tell ya.
The black
thing zooms by me on my left, surfaces just behind my kayak, and I
get a glimpse of a large black fin. I turn hard left and keep up my
speed, only to see the black object turn hard left and start to
follow me. What ever it is, I'm pumped up and I'm going to give it a
run for the money. I'm peddling as fast as I can. The black object
is gaining and making a run at the back of the kayak. I think to my
self, "Bubba, you're only in two or three feet of water and if it's
a bull shark, what are you going to do?" My heart pounds in my chest
and the adrenaline is pumping through my veins. Then suddenly the
object slows and veers to the left and partially surfaces. Wow!!
It's my old friend the dolphin, the same ones I work with four days
a week at Theater of the Sea in Islamorada. I slow down and the
dolphin comes up on my right three feet from the boat. No matter how
amorous the dolphin is feeling, he finally discovers that this 13
foot spotted dolphin is actually a kayak. The dolphin veers to the
right, rolls over 360 degrees, then surfaces with a leap into the
air, takes a breath, then takes off at full speed, and it’s gone.
What a
great day, I think to myself. I smile and thank the heavens because
I'm so blessed. Wild dolphin encounters when your in a kayak just
inches off the water are heart pounding experiences, and make you
realize why you're different and why kayak fishing makes you so.
Well this weeks bite is somewhat off with the bloom still hanging
around the Islamorada back country, but I did find some small Tarpon
rolling on Wednesday morning out at the northeast point of Shell
key. I tried live shrimp, jerk bait browns and crabjellys then a
small live crab on a number 02. Bam, Fish-on. a nice run and two or
three jumps and I have myself a small 28" silverking. Nice fish, I
release him while still in the water. So four hours of kayaking and
eight miles later that one fish made my day.
Good
Fishin Ya'll! Keep sending your fishing reports to mikejayhudson@
yahoo.com
LADIES LEARN TO TACKLE FISHING
SKILLS AT “LADIES, LET’S GO FISHING!”® 8th ANNUAL KEYS SEMINAR ,
SEPT. 14-16, 2007, HOLIDAY ISLE, ISLAMORADA, FL
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL, 6/07 — More than
100 women will come from South Florida and other areas to learn
fishing at the 8th Annual “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”®
seminar, Sept. 14-16 at Holiday Isle Beach Resorts and Marina,
Islamorada, FL. This award-winning fishing seminar series for women,
hosted by Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
and presented by Mercury Outboards, kicks off with a welcome
reception at Holiday Isle on Friday, Sept. 14 from 6 - 8pm. The
seminar is at Holiday Isle on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 7:30am -
4:30pm. An optional, full day of fishing out of Whale Harbor is on
Sunday, Sept. 16 from 7:00am - 3:30pm. The event concludes with a
fillet demonstration.
The classroom portion
starts at 7:30am on Saturday where fishing techniques are taught at
beginner and intermediate/advanced levels. Topics are Offshore,
Bottom, Inshore and Fly Fishing. After lunch, the women will
participate in several “hands-on” fishing stations, such as
conservation techniques, spin casting, net casting, knot tying,
gaffing grapefruits, boat handling, trailer backing and reeling
against pressure, until 4:30pm. The full day Fishing Adventure, is
followed by a fillet class on Sunday.
Featured on Inside
Edition, NBC’s Nightly News and more, the series is
partially supported by the FWC through the Sport Fish Restoration
Program and by partners such as Mercury Outboards, Bass Pro Shops,
Ranger, BoatU.S. Marine Insurance, Gulfstream Int’l Airlines,
Shimano, Sebago and Lowrance. Other partners include Magic Tilt
Trailers, Eagle Claw Hooks, Maxima fishing line and more.
The 2007 seminar schedule also
includes St. Petersburg, FL, Oct. 12-14. “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”
also offers memberships in local chapters in Florida.
Registration, which must
be made one week in advance at the latest, is $150, including
instruction, use of equipment, meals, T-shirt, goody bag, door
prizes and more. The full-day fishing adventure from charter boats,
with fishing tackle and bait provided, will range from $40 to $275
in addition. Contact: LLGF, P.O. Box 550429, Fort Lauderdale, FL
33355, phone: 954-475-9068; fax: 954-474-7299; toll free
information: 1-888-321-LLGF (5543); email: billfishbetty@hotmail.com;
website: www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
CALENDAR INFORMATION:
"Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”® saltwater
fishing seminar for women, Sept. 14-16, 2007 Islamorada, FL. $150
registration includes Welcome party, beginner/advanced-level
classes, lunch, hands-on skill stations, T-shirt, goody bag and
more. Fri./Sat. events held at Holiday Isle. Sunday fishing
adventure out of Whale Harbor ranges from $40 - $275. Contact
“Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”, phone: 954-475-9068; fax: 954-474-7299;
toll free information: 1-888-321-LLGF (5543); email: billfishbetty@hotmail.com,
website: www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
Veteran’s
Appreciation Day Shaping Up to be a Major Event in Marathon
Charlie Miller and Chris Boyle are heading the
committee for a Veteran’s Appreciation Day Event (aka: BOOT KEY
BIVOUAC) to be held at the Marathon Events Park on October 7, 2007.
“What we are looking at is a full day of
eating, drinking, music and fun. The best part is; it is a benefit
to help our veterans.”
12 bands will be hitting the stage and
performing for your enjoyment all day. These are bands from all up
and down the Keys and include; Joe Mama, Brian Roberts, Johnny
Maddox, Florida Straits Band, Marc Wesley, Michael "J", Terry
Cassidy, Damn the Weather, The Marathon High School Band "Band",
Mile Marker 24 Band, Gerd Rube and of course Mr. Bartus, Dave
Howell, and Glenn Faast.
A silent auction will be conducted with
various products and services donated by a number of Keys
merchants. Not all the products have been announced but what we
hear you’ll definitely want to take a look.
Admission to the event will only be $8 with
kids under 12 free. T-shirts are available for the low cost of only
$10.
The VIP tent is being catered by Key Colony
Inn with a Surf and Turf dinner being the main course. Not
only does the VIP admission get you food for the day, it also an all
inclusive meal which means it also includes the “booze.” VIP
tickets can be purchased for $200 or 6 for $1000.
Further info, advance VIP, and t-shirt sales
can be had by calling Charlie Miller 305-743-0000 or Christopher
Boyle 305-318-9725 Cash donations are always tax deductible of
course and a bank account is in place at First State Bank in
Marathon.
We
look forward to seeing everyone there.
$30,000
IN PRIZE MONEY TO GO TO TOP BONEFISHING TEAMS AT ISLAMORADA FISHING
CLUB TOURNAMENT
ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys
-- Hunting, hooking and hanging on to a pair of bonefish can make a
pair of anglers a lot richer for the experience. A total of $30,000
in prize money, based on a full field of 30 boats, is to be split
among the top three finishers at the 2007 Islamorada Fishing Club
Bonefish Tournament set for Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 29-30.
A kick-off party and rules meeting is set to start at 6 p.m. Oct. 29
with an all-you-can-eat Islamorada Fishing Club spread and no-charge
cocktails.
A single day of fishing, Oct. 30, is to be followed by an awards
dinner and presentation of checks.
The tournament follows a team format, with two-angler teams required
to weigh in their two heaviest bonefish regardless of who caught the
fish. The bonefish must be brought alive to the weigh station at the
club and released alive.
Guides can fish as one of the team members.
The tournament is a qualifying event for the 2008 IGFA Inshore
Championship.
Entry fee is $2,150 per team.
For more information, call (305) 852-9337 or (305) 664-4735.
To find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber
of Commerce at (305) 664-4503 or (800) 322-5397, or visit the
Florida Keys & Key West Web site at
www.fla-keys.com.
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Custom Fishing and Air Charters
AVERAGE JOE
by Daniel Kern
Owner of Daniel's Reel & Rod
Repair -
8347 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, FL 33050
305-304-4118
September 06, 2007
The fishing
adventures of the “Average Joe”. Since I am just passing on
these fishing reports, stories, or tales; there is no way I can
validate them. I will say this though, “There is no way I would
ever question the integrity of a fisherman or fishing lady. As
far as I’m concerned, what ever they say . . . is gospel.”
If you’re new in the area, now you are going to find out what
the locals mean by slowwwwwwwwww. It’s so quiet iguanas
sleep in the middle of the Overseas Highway.
Don’t you wish,
maybe we could thin them out some. HUH!
This is what we locals call “our time” . . . . .
“our time” to eat out without the crowds . . . “our
time” to get things done around the house . . . .
”our time” to get off the rock for a much needed break .
. . . and, most important . . . . “our time”
to go fishing!
Yes, I know the fishing has been slow.
The current has either been too much, or none at
all. Your chum is either running so fast nothing could catch up
with it, or dropping straight to the bottom to feed the few fish
in the immediate area. The dolphin have sort of disappeared or
had lock-jaw. Let’s face it . . . . it’s September, not May
or June; the water is as hot as Hades. By now most mahi mahi in
their right minds have headed to the North Pole.
Hopefully with the last full moon waning things will change. I
was talking to a friend on the dock at the east end of Marathon
about the influence the last too monster storms had on our
fishing. Passing around 300 miles to the south, we didn’t feel
their direct effect. Yet it’s safe to assume that maybe we do
reap some benefit or detriment from them.
Just speculating . . . . most folks believe that fish leave
the area before a storm hits. With that in mind could it be
possible that the last push of dolphin were fish displaced by
Dean; only to get half-way back to where they came from and feel
Felix coming their way; and turn around and come back to the
Keys for us to catch. If so maybe that accounts for the few good
catches I heard of over the week. You know fisherman . . .
. we have lots of elbows, and just as many theories.
On Saturday one local boat ran into
the best weed line they had seen all summer, and loaded up on
15-30 lb. schoolies. Returning to the same area on Sunday
produced the same results. OH YEAH! This is like late April or
May. Hope the anglers are aware that this is not a common
occurrence this late in the summer, and realize just how lucky
they were. I doubt it, with the mayhem and excitement that
results from bailing large schoolie dolphin’ they’re probably
still on cloud nine. An experience like that will last a life
time; for most folks it is the fishing experience of a
life time.
There are still plenty of tarpon around. Albeit most of
them are not the monsters we experience in the winter and
spring, but if you just scale down your line and equipment to
the size of the fish they are just as much fun . . . .
maybe more. Baby tarpon have plenty of energy and not as much
weight to get air born; and put on a show that’s nothing short
of spectacular.
I
know of a Marathon resident who went out the other morning
before work, or maybe just before going to the shop . . . no
name mentioned to protect the guilty. In a short time he jumped
4 of those little guys all around 30 pounds. That’s Keys living
at its best. I asked him where he caught them and he said, “in
the mouth”. Gee thanks pal!
Really it’s not that hard to find small silver kings in the
summer, true they don’t hang around most bridges . . . .
rather look for them in the many canals and cuts. A diving plug
or live shrimp will usually do the trick. I do have personal
experience that there is one bridge that is known for summer
tarpon. Try Vaca Cut, just anchor off to the side, out of the
strongest current; casting shallow diving lures in the current
. . . . is one way of bending a rod.
CATCH
OF THE WEEK ---
This story/report comes courtesy of Captain Hooks Marina and
Dive Center.
According to my
friend Trampas, one of their customers from St. Augustine went
off shore looking for dolphin, wahoo, and tuna; like most
everybody else.
Much to their surprise . . . . with lines just out . .
. . . the first knock-down dealt up a Blue Marlin,
estimated to be over 8 feet long. I’m sorry the facts are a
little sketchy, to say the least. I don’t have a photo (I was
told there is one), the anglers name or name of the boat, the
tackle used or the length of the fight.
What I was told, is this . . . . it must have been some
awesome, lengthy battle; since it took over one and a half hours
to revive the most spectacular of the bill fishes in the sea.
Thanks to the fortitude and caring heart of the angler, this
magnificent creature swam away to frolic in the ocean, have
babies, and do whatever blue marlin do. Who knows maybe the next
lure it jumps on will be yours.
Again, I and all concerned anglers around the globe; give a
whole-hearted “thank you”, to the considerate fisherperson for
their patience and perseverance, for staying and laboring long
enough to give Mr. Blue another chance. WAY TO GO BRO!!!
MAINTENANCE
TIP ---
Did you ever stop to consider why different components on rods
and reels fail?
Let’s take rods
first – starting at the butt end:
·
Butt caps/gimbals – Fall off
– not enough glue or not having the rod inserted all the way
into the bottom of cap or gimbal. Plastic can break and dry-rot.
Metal can wear down or break.
Solution – Re-glue the cap or gimbal. If the rod
is not inserted all the way in, cut the lower grip and remove
enough material so the cap or gimbal will be inserted all the
way to the bottom, therefore giving it strength to hold up to
rods being jerked around in rod holders and beat on the deck.
If they rot or break – replace them. Besides
looking good and finishing off the lower end of the rod they
serve a far more important purpose. They protect the end of the
blank from cracking and splitting and ruining the blank. If the
end of the blank is cracked or split, first epoxy a tight
fitting piece of an old rod into the split before installing or
re-gluing a cap or gimbal on the rod.
·
Aft and fore grips – Become
loose, split and come off – Again most likely not enough glue,
or the hole in the grip was too large, did not grip the blank
tightly and broke loose.
Solution – This is not an easy repair. Rods are
built from the top (small end) down; this makes it almost
impossible to replace the fore-grip. If it is loose you can
insert a long skinny object like a screw driver into the grip
and with syringe filled with Gorilla Glue or similar product,
squirt glue into the opening around the screw driver to
hold the fore-grip. Work around the grip, insert and glue at
least 4 places. You will have to keep an eye on this repair as
the glue tends to bubble out of at least 4 hours and has to be
wiped off periodically. If you let the glue dry it is a big
mess. UHG!
If the fore-grip has to be replaced, the only
answer is to cut off the old grip and warp the rod with
parachute cord, or some other line or rope.
If the aft-grip is loose I would not try to
re-glue using the before mentioned method. Remove the grip
entirely and glue on a new one. To do this you must
first remove the butt cap/gimbal.
·
Reel seat –Becomes loose and
spins – Again not enough glue. Was probably installed with voids
in the epoxy. I just recently removed a reel seat and found it
was only glued one half inch on each end with nothing but air
for about 4 inches in the middle. There’s no way this should
hold and not fail.
Solution – Drill a 1/4 inch hole in the
middle of the reel seat and epoxy a steel bolt, drill bit, brass
rod, etc. in the hole. Cut the rod as close to the diameter of
the rod as possible to avoid having to grind off the rod, heat
up the epoxy, and lose the bond. Epoxy does not like heat – it
will melt. Also be sure to align the reel seat properly, it’s
real hard to fish if the reel is upside down or sideways. DUH!
·
Guides – Become loose and
pull out of the thread, rust off, ceramic ring breaks or falls
out – If the guides are not warped tight enough, or the thread
(most often) is not warped covering all of the foot of the
guide, then the guide foot is left without the support afforded
by the thread at the most critical point. This is something to
look for when buying a rod. Especially on big game rods where
the stress is a lot higher than on light spinning and bait cast
rods.
Solution – If the guides have not been wrapped with the foot of
the guide completely covered than you can remove the guide and
rewrap it or simply wrap more thread on the uncovered foot to
reinforce it. Always use a least a double wrap on heavy rods.
If the guides are rusted badly, the ceramic rings
are cracked or gone completely, then there is no other recourse
than to replace them with new ones.
·
Tips –Become loose or
broken.
Solution – This one is easy. Simply re-glue
the tip. DUH!
If it is rusted, busted, or gone by the way side
– replace it. This can be done with hot tip-top glue, or epoxy
for heavy duty rods.
I realize that some or all of these repairs may
be difficult for most “Average Joes”; that’s where your
handy-dandy rod repair guy comes in (a.k.a. Daniel’s Reel and
Rod Repair). Thanks a bunch!
I’m
always looking for fishing reports, stories, or tales. E-mail
them to me at:
danielsreelandrod@comcast.net, phone (305) 304-4118, or come
by my shop:
Daniel’s
Reel and Rod Repair, 8347 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Fl. 33050
God Bless
and keep smilin’, even when the fish don’t bite.
Daniel Kern
IFC 16th Annual Cathy
Williams Memorial Bonefish Tournament
The
Islamorada fishing Club is getting ready to hold the 16th
Annual Cathy Williams Bonefish Tournament. The tournament
kickoff party is September 14th with fishing on
Saturday the 15th. Please join us for a fun day of
bonefish competition. Experience not needed to be a part of
this tournament! Invite a friend and book your guide early.
The entry fee is $95.00 per angler, members and non members are
invited to fish!
From Kickoff to Awards the
Islamorada Fishing Club serves up the finest of everything for
the tournament fisherman. Don’t miss out on all the excitement
of this one day tournament and join us for a special awards
dinner with our special guest Dick Williams! For more
information call tournament director Tammie Gurgiolo 852-9337 or
the Islamorada Fishing Club 664-4735.
NEW Florida Keys 36 Hour
Swordfish/Deep Drop Fishing Tournament
Sponsored
by Big Time Bait & Tackle and Cudjoe Sales
Dates:
October 19th-21st 2007
October
19th - mandatory Captain's Meeting, 7 pm at Sparky's Landing at
Key Colony Beach Marina
October
20th - first day of fishing - lines in at 7 am
October 21st - final day of
fishing - Awards Banquet/Swordfish Dinner, 7 pm at Castaway's in
Marathon
Weigh-in
at Big Time B&T. Scales open from 5 pm October 20th to 6 pm
October 21st (call for late-night weigh-ins).
Prizes:
Swordfish
- Largest Fish (60" min to weigh fish)
1st - $6,000 cash + Daiwa MP3000
Electric Assist Reel ($3,000 value)
2nd - $3,000
3rd - $1,000
Deepwater
Grouper
- Largest Fish (Snowy, Misty, Warsaw, Yellowedge)
1st - $2,500
2nd - Daiwa Tanacom Bull 1000
Combo ($1,000 value)
3rd - $500 Gift Certificate from
Big Time B&T
Tilefish
- Largest Fish (Gray or Golden)
1st - $2,500
2nd - Daiwa Tanacom Bull 1000
Combo ($1,000 value)
3rd - $500 Gift Certificate from
Cudjoe Sales
Awards
also for First Swordfish Weighed, Most Unusual Catch and Largest
Swordfish on Artificial Bait
Note:
prizes and times may be subject to change. All prizes based on
a minimum of 30 boats entered.
SAWFISH NEWS: Sawfish T-Shirts Now
Available
There is very little sawfish merchandise for sale, but I am
happy to report that t-shirts are now available. Two beautiful
designs were created by Green Zone Tees to showcase the plight
of the Smalltooth Sawfish. One design promotes “Save the
Sawfish” and the other “Protect Wild Sawfish”. Both shirts are
available in white or grey and in sizes from small to x-large.
And at only $10-12 they are a great way to promote the
conservation of this unique, endangered species.
These t-shirts can be ordered from
GreenZoneTees.com by clicking on the Sawfish Project link.
To view other sawfish merchandise or learn
more about the sawfish, visit Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sawfish
Research Project website at www.mote.org/sawfish
If you catch or see a sawfish, please
report it.
email: sawfish@mote.org or phone: 800-691-6683
www.mote.org/sawfish
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