THE FISHING LINE | Archives

April 1st, 2005

This March will go into the captain's journals as one of the more stellar months for tarpon in a long time. While tarpon can be found throughout the keys year around, March is not your typical tarpon month. But consistent calm and warm weather for the last week of February through the first couple of weeks in March brough the "silver kings" back into the Florida Bay and could be found just about anywhere. A typical day might bring a 100 pound tarpon to the boat with several hookups throughout the day. Permit were also very active earlier in the month along the banks of the flats around Islamorada. They were not always easy to catch (and seldom are) because of the calm conditions. Usually, the windier days result in more Permit catches. The bonefish have been around but not in the larger numbers. I would expect that later this month we'll find them up on the flats mudding away and happily feeding. Again, find the current and a good flat and you're bound to come across a few tails or muds. The season is getting pretty busy around here so if you haven't booked your guide now, do it soon. Here are some photos from last month, which depict the great variety of fishing we enjoy here in the Florida Keys. Hope to see you here soon.

March 1st, 2005

Late winter and early spring in the Keys is a wonderful time to be on the water. As the south winds bring in warmer temperatures, the fish begin "staging," or preparing to once again prowl the flats and bays around the Keys. Warm days with calm winds brought some big tarpon into the area. Larger tarpon that stay in the gulf or around the bridges can be found lurking the flats when the sun is high, warming the water. And when the silver kings start to show up, there's little else anglers want to fish for. I heard very little about the bonefish bite lately, though the permit fishing has heated up. Big sharks, rays and barracuda are also being spotted daily.

Up in Whitewater Bay, fishing has been challenging. While the tarpon have been in most of the likely places, the redfish and snook have been hard to find and even harder to feed. Higher tides and off-colored water may trigger a lack of fish in the ponds. After some east wind and lower tides come through, the water should be cleaner and the fish should be happier. I've guided on some houseboat trips in the Everglades, where we stay for days on a well equipped mother-ship tucked up in the backcountry. From there we launch our skiffs, allowing us to reach some seldom-fished areas. It is a great time of year to be out there because the bugs are few and the fish are generally abundant. I'm looking forward to fishing the Marquesas, which are west of Key West, this spring for the tarpon migration and some unreal permit fishing.

With the spring approaching, it's wise to keep an eye on the sky. As unsettled weather encroaches from the south or a cold front rolls down from the north, weather can change rapidly on the water. Remember to always pack some weather gear even if there's no sign of rain. You'll be thankful when a rain cell dumps three inches of rain on you in a heartbeat. Be sure to take cover if there is any sign of lightning. Those are graphite rods you're holding and they will buzz something fierce. So until next time, be safe and above all, have fun.

February 1st, 2005

In January, my friend Capt. Mark Johnson and I set up a booth at the Denver Fly Fishing Show. Though we met lots of fishing enthusiasts and tied a lot of flies, we discovered just how little most people know about the style of fishing used in the shallow water of the Keys. Our videos, photos, flies, and saltwater rods from Biscayne Rod Company taught thousands of people about the diverse fishing found in the Keys. Even the pros from other booths came around to ask us how to fish a tarpon or how to make a presentation to a bonefish. Thanks to everyone who visited our booth, and thanks to the Ugly Bug Fly Shop in Casper, WY for putting up with a couple of salty dogs from Islamorada.

Upon our return to Islamorada, a strong cold front came through and kept a lot of guides, including myself, off the water for days. I use this time to get my tackle organized and ready for the abuse of the year ahead. I tie flies, and get my reels cleaned and boat repairs done. This way, I know my equipment will be in tip–top condition for every angler that steps up to the platform.

Once the front passed, I began preparing for one of my favorite tournaments: The Swamp Guides Ball, held annually on the last weekend in January. The one–day tournament gives points to anglers with the most redfish, snook and bonefish. This tournament brings out the very best anglers in the world. Every year, I guide my father and his good friend Tony Herner from Chicago. While scouting for the tournament, Tony caught a heavily spotted redfish, quite unlike any we've ever seen. The weather was calm and balmy, and we were optimistic.

The night before the starting gun, winds blew out of the east near 25 knots and changed up everyone's strategy. We struggled in areas where we had found great fishing all week. After striking out in the backcountry in the morning, we headed to some bonefish grounds in the afternoon when the water had warmed up. In just fifteen minutes, my dad hooked into a beautiful bonefish. Several long runs later, we had the grey ghost in the net, and tagged and released the 29" bone. When we returned to the dock, we learned that fishing had been tough for everyone. The results put the day into perspective: never have there been fewer fish caught in the recorded history of the tournament. Total catches were: 9 bonefish, 42 redfish and 21 snook – just 72 fish from the efforts of 166 anglers in 83 boats! Ever the optimist, I consider our day a nine–way tie for first in most bonefish releases, since 9 bonefish were caught by 9 different anglers.

But now the skies have cleared and the weather is beautiful. February should shape up to be another great month of fishing in paradise. See you on the water!