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Fishing the Upper Florida “Keys”
Our travels took us to Key Largo, Florida after a short stop off in Punta Gorda. The ride was a nice 3-1/2 hour ride south on Rt. 75 to Naples, through the Alligator Alley, past Miami and on to Key Largo.
If you have never been to the Keys – Key Largo is your first set of “keys” just south of Miami. Since our function was in Key Largo we focused fishing on areas close to our hotel.
Our equipment was typical saltwater gear – 7 foot medium rod, Diawa-Procyon 3000 reel with 15 pound braid. I like to use the classic “Carolina rig”. It keeps the bait moving and on the bottom. The Carolina rig is a bottom rig with a sliding 1-2 oz. egg sinker just above the swivel. A #2-4 circle hook, connected to the bottom of the swivel, allows me to catch but not deep hook my prey. And of course, live shrimp is the bait of choice.
We fished several “keys” just south of Bud and Mary’s marina (http://budnmarys.com) in Islamorada. The many walls and bridges along route made it for easy access to the aqua green water and the multitude of fish. Fast moving currents under the bridges and near the shore afforded us the advantage of catching various types of fish.
Best bets for fishing the “keys” by boat. But on this trip, we left our boat at home, so shore fishing was our only option. We were successful with some nice mangrove snappers and plenty of small pinfish and grouts.
Tips for fishing the upper keys: plenty of bait shops will guide to gear, bait and locations. I stopped at the Yellow Bait Shop first. Fishing locations should include any bridge or shoreline just south of Mile Marker 79.8. Our hotel was the Holiday Inn Key Largo – just perfect for a memorable experience.
Want a great angling experience, try the Florida Keys. You won’t be disappointed.
Until next time, Tightlines. Capt. Tony
Change It Up For Small Snook
First stop – fishing the Burnt Store Lakes in beautiful Punta Gorda, Florida
I found the Snook in the same place that I left them several months ago. There are many tidal creeks and lakes in Florida that feed directly into the Charlotte Harbor. Fortunately, we have several within walking distance to our Florida home.
Water levels are still a bit low from the non-rainy winter months. But water temps though have remained steady in the mid-seventies all year. Most southwest Florida fish species found in the lakes thrive well at these levels.
My plan was to use my “trusty” Rapula swimming hard bait – alternating between the various depths. I have always had great luck with light colors of green and blue with a hint of white. Seems every species of fish is attracted something with white in it.
I worked the lure many times without even a strike. I moved to both deep and shallow waters with the same results. After several fan casting patterns, I varied my retrieve with short fast jerks then pauses, let it sink and another fast retrieve. Bingo – that was the ticket.
Just as the bait was falling, the fish hit it.
I caught four nice Snook with the largest at seventeen inches. Not trophy size but fun all the while.
So the tip of the day, vary your action. When all else fails, change something – even if it’s just a small part of your presentation. I got into a pattern but once I changed, my success rate improved.
Until next time – Tight Lines, Capt. Tony
Don’t Break the Rules
Never leave fish to find fish. Not sure who first made this statement, but they were right one to a point.
But sometimes, personal commitments dictate your options. In my case, a family member is getting married this week so priorities sometimes take precedence. Now don’t feel sorry for me because the ceremony just happens to be in Key Largo Florida.
OK – now let’s talk about “leave fish” first. The first week on May on the Outer Banks is the transition month. Water temperatures increase as does the migratory species. The puppy drum, sea mullet and my favorite speckled sea trout have moved into our waters. Slot size limits are being caught on piers and bridges. All indications are that this could be a banner year.
Now let’s talk about “finding fish”. Well, I plan to explore the waters on both sides of the upper keys. The Yellow Bait Shop in Key Largo has an assortment of tackle and baits. I fished several sea walls and beaches in the past and plan to repeat the visit and finally, booked a reef trip out of Marathon.
Just to get limbered up, my first stop was Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands. I fished several of the Burnt Store lakes in the past with great success for small redfish, Snook and a huge tilapia. Conditions appear to be great to “get into the spirit” and forget about those huge trout and mullet runs on the Outer Banks.
So I am off to Florida and some great fishing. But, hey outer bankers, leave a few trout behind, cause I will be back.
Until next time – Tight lines, Capt. Tony
Homework for Better Angling
Wait a minute, “Captain Tony”, this is a fishing blog, not high school class. What are you doing talking about homework? Well, if you do a thorough job with your homework before heading out, this process will greatly improve your chances for angling success
My good friend, Capt. CA Richardson, once told me that you “catch more fish the night before”. The more you know about your prey and their preferences and weather and water conditions will be the differentiator between a successful fishing trip or just a nice boat ride.
What are some of the things that I check before heading out? First, I check if the target species is in season? What do the local fishing reports show? Is there news from the local piers, beaches, marinas or the various tackle shops? Where have the fish been seen and recently caught. What were the best baits being used. I now have a good idea that my target is at least in our area and is active.
Second, I look at weather conditions. I focus on the sun and cloud cover, air and water temperatures, tides, wave action and water clarity, winds (speed and direction), weather fronts (are they cold or warm, current locations – moving or stationary), barometer reading over the past several days and into my angling day, and finally what are the moon phases and the solunar status for the period.
The final piece to angling is having a little luck. But I always say, “You will change or make your own luck with good preparation”, or in the case of the purpose of this blog – “Do Your Homework for Better Angling”.
If you follow some of these simple tips, your success rate should improve. And hopefully over time, these will help you become a better angler.
Until next time,Tightlines. Capt. Tony
You Ready – I’m Ready?
The fishing piers are open!!
On Friday, all of the northern Outer Banks fishing piers opened for business. Some of them had extensive damage from last winter’s storms but all have weathered them fine and are now ready to accept hardy anglers. This week would also be a great time to check out the renovated pier facilities after the long winter. I did and it was worth my time.
The weather has been beautiful over the past several days with variable winds with a little bit of cool air temperatures. It appears we will be having these fluctuating temperatures all week: warming during the day and cooling off nights. As normal – be prepared for an occasional wind and stormy periods.
Expect most of the Outer Banks piers to have modified hours for the first several weeks of April due to the unstable fronts, cold water and limited number of anglers. Once the season gets underway in mid-April or later, the piers will open longer hours with several being open 24 hours. Prices have changed since last year, too. As a general rule this early, it’s best to call ahead for current fees and schedules.
All of the Outer Banks piers have tackle shops and experienced help where you can gain valuable information on what’s biting, bait types that work best and any regulations that apply.
So what are you waiting on? Check out our piers. Whether you are a local or visitor, the Outer Banks piers are the best place to learn new techniques or meet new friends while enjoying one of nature’s best past times. Look for more information on each pier in future blogs posts.
See you on the pier – Until next time, Tightlines. Capt. Tony
Ready to Resume Normal Angling
The winter season has been brutal. Not in weather but in schedules. Since the New Year, there were boat shows, saltwater classes, and trips for me to both Florida and Germany.
The weather has been milder than expected. And hopefully the trout fishery survived. Last year, the OBX speckled trout fishery was the best it has been in 20 years. And I am looking forward to another banner year. There will be more news on this fishery soon in future blogs.
The Virginia Beach boat show was worth my time but it seems there are more home improvement booths than boat dealers. I stopped by the Robalo booth – leaning on downsizing. But no change yet – stay tuned.
The VB area also hosted Saltwater Sportsman National Series. As usual, George Poveromo and his team are just outstanding. If you missed the show in January, there are always next year. Look for notices in this blog or the Saltwater Sportsman Magazine.
We also attended a fishing class in Punta Gorda with my good friend Capt. CA Richardson. His name is synonymous with “Gator Trout” and monster “Red fish”. Want a memorible fishing trip while visiting Tampa – call CA.
The real job took me to Germany for 8 days and lots of jet lag. Fun time but glad I am in home waters.
So now let’s discuss the most important topic: Angling. By now you should have cleared out the tackle box, changed the lines on your reels and checked all other gear and started preparations for the first trip. Boat maintenance should be well under way. I have seen many boats out and some good news has been reported on small fish from both the sound and southern beaches.
So your homework now is to get caught up with unfinished tackle maintenance and “honey-dos”, cause fishing season is close.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Capt. Tony
Our Own “Great White Shark”
Fishing has been slow since the beginning of the year. Water temperatures are in the upper 40’s and storms have been wreaking havoc on any attempt to get out and fish. The alternating weather conditions have confused both angler and prey.
Some charters have been fishing, but since the inlet has significantly shoaled, it is only passible at certain times and those are treacherous at best. Sound fishing on the west wall of the Pamlico seems to be the ticket.
One interesting bit of news here on the Outer Banks is that we have had a sixteen foot great white shark visit our waters over the past week. Apparently, the large female has traveled great distances and has only recently settled in our waters. There is no word on why she is here or how long she will stay. Last report was that she was moving away but who knows.
Last September, Ocearch, a non-profit research group along with National Geographic has teamed up to study habits of great white sharks. They began their tracking of her when they attached a sensor to this huge shark in the waters off Cape Cod Massachusetts
Since then, the great white shark, now referred to by her given name “Mary Lee”, has traveled the entire east coast. Hopefully, she finds her way “outa here” by spring.
For more information on “Mary Lee” and her travels, I have included a link to our local paper. http://www.witn.com/countycloseups/outerbanks/headlines/Great-White-Shark-In-Pamlico-Sound—187779071.html
As long as “Mary Lee” is in our waters, my feet will be firmly planted on the shore.
Until next time, Tightlines
Capt. Tony
Been Schooled Lately?
Each year I make a date to attend several salt water fishing seminars. My work schedule and fishing budget limits me to only those that I feel can help hone my angling skills. As an avid angler for many years, I like many others believe, “I know it all”. Well this is just wishful thinking.
This year I began my “lesson plan” at the Virginia Beach Saltwater Sportsman’s National Seminar Series. It was six hours of jamb packed presentations that left even the seasoned anglers scratching their heads and saying, “I did not know that and I plan to use this on my next trip!”
The program included local in-shore and off-shore angling professionals as well as members of the SWS magazine staff tackle vendors, and many gear suppliers. The information was current and relevant to the local region. In addition, the package of literature, gifts and gear presented to each attendee are worth the price of admission.
If you want a great seminar to kick off your angling season, the SWS National Seminar Series is the place to be. Oh, and say hello to George, Harry, Mitch and of course Lou for me.
To access next one in Wilmington NC or any of the other 4 programs and their schedule, you should go to (800) 448-7360 or http://www.nationalseminarseries.com/
Until next time, Tightlines,
Capt. Tony
Don’t Forget to Wear that Jacket
If you lived in my house during my early years, you probably would have heard my mom yell many times, “its cold outside, if you don’t get that coat on you will die of pneumonia”. I wore that jacket then and learned lesson that has stayed with me ever since.
Well that same message is as applicable and important today as it was when my mother reminded me so many years ago.
In summer, we can easily forget to wear our life jacket while out on the water. And at that time, if you happen to find yourself in the water, you can simply climb out and dry off. But winter weather brings freezing water temperatures, it becomes another story. Survival depends on smart choices whether you are fishing or boating in summer or winter.
So regardless of how seasoned you are or how short your mission is, the use of your life jackets should be mandatory anytime you are on the water.
Recently, a local commercial fisherman was lost when he went out on the water one morning to check his gear without wearing his life jacket. Apparently he had it with him but failed to use it. Was this the cause of his demise or something else? Either way, if he had donned his life jacket, his chance of survival would have increased.
So regardless if you have someone reminds you or we just use basic common sense while on the water, a life jacket is always a good choice.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Capt. Tony
OBX – Still a Great Destination
Fishing has occasionally been real slow at best in December on the Outer Banks. Hurricane Sandy did minimal physical damage to homes and businesses here but we took a real beating with fishing and boating industries.
It seems our fishery was on track to be one of the most productive in years. I would catch just about every species on each trip out whether surf, bridge, pier or vessel. I used both artificial and cut bait to the same results – success!!
Then Sandy arrived. Water temperatures turned cold, winds picked up, and worst situation of all – the Oregon Inlet began to shoal over. The last report was that at high water we had a maximum of four feet in a channel that used to boast twice or three times that much. Charter and commercial boats have been limited while waiting for the dredge to open then inlet. Also, we lost several miles of roadway on Hatteras Island at Milo Beach S Curve. And the famous Avalon Pier suffered severe damage.
So what does an angler do in such situations? Well go fishing anyway. There are still dogfish to catch in the surf and I heard of several real nice stripers in the sound. Jennette’s Pier is open daily and the various bridges which are typically sparse of competition this time of year, are still a great place to spend several hours.
Our weather has been typical Outer Banks, so plan accordingly – bright skies, breeze and a little cool. But to me this is the second best time of the year. There are plenty of places to stay and eat. So what are you waiting on? Come on.
And for those fair weather anglers – don’t worry, when the winter temps and winds are behind us and the warm spring breezes have returned, fishing will pick up where we left off before “Sandy”.
Remember to use my various links taking you directly to Outer Banks happenings.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Capt. Tony
NCsaltaire 