Archive for August, 2010
Getting Back Into It – First Class
Well its been several weeks since I was able to wet a line. The pompano were scattered along the surf but because of the fluctuation in water temps, so was the availability of these tasty little fish.
Sea mullet and puppy drum are also plentiful and being caught during morning and evenings.
To ease my frustration at not getting out on the surf, I decided to enter into the fall season by working the Florida waters.
Our destination is Key West. Not sure what we will find due the two storms brewing in the Atlantic but I plan to try.
Of course, a trip to the keys always has to begin with a stop off a the Wide World Sportsman / Bass Pro in Islamorada.
We woke on Tuesday morning with a small craft advisory.
Heading to tackle shop for bait and advice.
Stay tuned!!
Pesky Summer Visitors
Summer always brings a challenge for surf fishing. It might be the black flies or storms or maybe beachgoers. But in early August it tends to be those pesky sea nettles. Most of the time, they are harmless. But wade or swim near them and bingo – a painful stings.
This past week, the water began to warm into the 70’s and with it, would come the fiesty Florida Pompano. Or so I thought.
With the upwelling causing the water temperatures to fluctuate and rain changing the sanity of the sound waters, the surf was prime for the summer invasion of jellyfish.
I spent two days this past week chasing this elusive and tasty Pompamo. I tried everything. But between the nettle bodies catching on the line and surf being churned up with Tropical Storm Collin, I came up empty.
I will have to wait for another day when the odds are in my favor. Stay tuned.
Off Shore Dreaming
Ever wish you could go off shore on one of those huge fishing yachts? The dream that takes 30 -40 miles off the coast to the best fishing grounds you could ever see. Some anglers are just destined to stay near the shore. But in the annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament held this month, your luck could change.
Each year dozens of yachts head out of Pirate’s Cove in hunt of the right combination to win this popular event. These yachts are operated by a licensed captain and carry up to 6 anglers and a mate. But during this annual event, one additional person is added to this group – an “observer”. Yes, that’s right, anyone can be an observer.
All you have to do is call the Pirate’s Cove Tournament manager and put your name on the list. Each morning, a lottery is held to which yacht each observer will be assigned. With well over two dozen boats participating in the tournament and three days of fishing, your chances are great for 10 plus hour trip off-shore.
Only caveat is that you can’t fish. Your only duty is to verify that a particular fish was caught. You are basically backing up what the captain sees. That’s it. Easy job and worth each minute you spend cruising.
So if you want to fulfill that dream of seeing that aqua blue water of the Gulf Stream, make that call and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. For information to sign up see the Pirate Cove Tournament web site at http://wwwpcbgt.com.
NCsaltaire 