Posts tagged ‘Florida’
Southwest Florida in January
It’s been a busy two days in Southwest Florida. Weather has been just outstanding for January. A bit usually warm but I am not complaining. This time of year is “in season” for visitors and snow birds. On any weekend you can find some type of activity related to fishing.
This weekend we attended two saltwater fishing seminars – one at the Old Pine Island Marina and the other at Laisley Marine. At both we got the opportunity to meet several captains who discussed local fishing techniques. At Old Pine Island Marina, several local chefs cooked up 7 different species of fish and had a contest to determine which was tasted. I did miss the entire fish sample guesses but not the trays as they were passed around.
We haven’t wetted a line yet but we have good idea where the fish are. Not a banner year to shore line anglers but good all the same. The best fishing is in the grass flats and pot holes on the Charlotte Harbor both East and west shorelines. Boats are catching lots of small bottom fish including trout and plenty of snook. When you find the Redfish, they are trophy size.
We left the boat at home so it’s a bank fishing week. We are heading to Boca Grande Pass on Monday to find the huge pompano and whiting. Also, we heard there are plenty of snook in the neighborhood lakes so although success is not guaranteed, we have a good shot.
Until next time, Tightlines
Starting the New Year Off Wright
Three weeks into the new year and I have yet to even match “new Years’ Day with even another Dogfish (in layman’s terms – sand shark).
Work travel has taken me to many different and interesting places since 1 January. One of the most fascinating was the Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton Ohio.
Being a native Washingtonian and a resident of the Outer Banks, I do have a significant basis towards my region. But when I arrived in Dayton and especially, Wright Patterson, I was taken back with all the mentions of the Wright Brothers and the first flight.
Well they do have a point, Wilbur and Orville were born there and they did a majority of their construction and design there, so I guess there is enough of them to share. But I do this reluctantly.
I am now back on the east coast and planning for my annual Florida trip. We have alot planned over the next week, so check back for probably the best fishing news since my “first fish of the year”.
Until next time, Tightlines
Learn to Fish with a Pro
I have been fishing for well over 50 years. Yes, and I can say with confidence that I think I know most when it comes to fishing. Or so I thought. In a previous blog, I shared with you pictures of one of my fishing experiences. This trip turned out to be second to none. It turned out to be one of those trips of a lifetime.
The first mate and I hooked up with Capt. CA Richardson, the host on the popular Flats Class TV and a professional fishing guide. We fished out of O’Neill’s Marina, on the north end of the Skyway Bridge near St. Petersburg, Florida.
We used 7’ Falcon medium gulf spin rods, Daiwa coastal reels, Ohero 10# braid and top water artificial lures. We fished both incoming and rising tides. This gear allowed for the longest casts and accurate presentation. We tried several types of retrieves and presentations. We changed methods as conditions changed. It seemed Capt. CA knew how to track the fish and what worked and how to use it once we located our prey. The day was a unbelievable experience.
One tip I got from the trip was the longest cast catches more fish. Keep the lure or bait the furthest you can cast from the boat provides enough stealth that fish are not spooked. Baits and artificial appear more natural. Thus more hook ups.
If you want a fantastic trip for trophy redfish, trout or snook, hook up with Capt. CA.
His TV show web site is http://www.flatsclass.com/ . You can also contact Capt. CA on his web site at http://www.captaincarichardson.com/
You won’t be disappointed.
Until next time, Tightlines
Trophy Redfish on the Tampa Bay
Our annual Labor Day fishing trip to Florida was extremely successful. We chartered a trip out of O’Neill’s Marina in Tampa with Capt. CA Richardson on 7 September. He is a professional guide and host to a very popular fishing show – Flats Class TV.
Pictures say more than a thousand words – so here they are:
Fantastic trip. If you are traveling in the Tampa area and have a free day to fish, you gotta call Capt CA. You will not be disappointed.
Look for more details on this unbelieveable trip in future blog entries.
Until next time, Tightlines
Trying Something New
I wanted to veer away from my standard fishing technique here is Florida.
My neighborhood lakes just off the Charlotte Harbor hold dozens of landlocked snook, tarpon and variety of other species. I typically use a search method to find the fish. I cast in a fan style cast pattern – start casting to the left and moving right to eight o’clock then ten, then 12 and so on until you have made the half circle. If no hits, move down the bank several feet and cast again. This technique has always been somewhat successful. This techniques takes many of blind casts to finally hook up.
This time I wanted see if I could cast directly into the path of a moving snook and have him hit it. I used a 1/4 oz. Rapala swimming plug with “pro-cure” scent. I waited until I saw the v-path of moving water and casted about ten yards ahead. And it seemed that with every other cast, I was hooking up.
Not as much action fishing this way, but the hookups were consistent. I think the key was matching the other bait fish in the lake and putting the artificial right in front of the fish.
I am heading to Longboat Key today to try my luck.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Celebrating the 4th in Style
Happy Fourth of July!!. As we celebrate this holiday, we need to take a moment to remember those dedicated men and women throughout our history who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. For without that commitment to the cause of freedom, we would not be able to enjoy this day.
So on this beautiful day from the Outer Banks, I would like to toast those who served to our country both past and present with my traditional July 4th menu from Capt Tony’s.
I salute you!!
TIghtlines
Finally – Fishing in Alaska
Fishing in Alaska was in the cards. We 
stopped by the local sporting goods store for gear and advice. Sportsman’ Warehouse is like a Dick’s / Sports Authority and Bass Pro all rolled in to one. This store was enormous. Your could find gear for all types of fishing and hunting and probably a little of something else. Wow, what a place.
My first question: What can I catch in one outing? The salesperson told me that “Graylings” were running in the Chena River. I was sold – What do I need. ( A Grayling is a fresh water fish in the Salmon family but very small)
I picked up a small 5-1/2 Diawa spinning reel and had it loaded with 6# mono-filament line. No leaders are recommended here. Several small Mepps spinners and believe it or not, they also use small flies suspended under ball floats. Obviously, and out-of-state license was needed.
The best place to catch Graylings was in the Chena River. It was a 45 minute drive northeast of Fairbanks. With no time to spare, we were off.
We arrived at the recommended spots and found them to be absolutely beautiful. Clean, fresh and very cold water.
I tied on a Mepps gold spinner and after several casts, we hooked up with some nice fish. But the enjoyment was short-lived.
The misquitoes were unbelieveable. They would swarm you and soon as you got out of the car. The only saving grace was the occasional breeze.
We fished for several hours that evening. The sun set was scheduled at 1230 am and rise and again at 0335. Actually it would be dusk for three hours then sun rise. My flight was scheduled for 0630, so our time was very limited that evening.
Memories of that beautiful area will be with me forever. If you ever get a chance to fish Alaska, just do it. Just don’t forget your bug spray.
And if you were wandering what an Alaska fishing area looked like, well you are in luck.
Here is my secret spot.
Until next time,
Tightlines.
My First View of Alaska
I flew into Fairbanks, Alaska on Monday, 13 June.
The mountains were surprisingly absent of snow. But I guess in June, most of the snow was further north. The closer I got into Fairbanks, the more level the topography became. Just an amazing sight.
The weather was mild in the mid 60’s with evenings in the low 50’s. Over cast with sun and clouds. Seemed like a beautiful climate. With more than 21 hours of sun and 3 hours of night (really dusk), I was sure to see plenty.
I checked in to my hotel and planned the next several work days hoping I was able to find several hours to wet a line. With plenty on the schedule, my hopes were dim.
One unique landmark that I had to see was the Alaska Pipeline. The pipeline ran through Fairbanks and being so close to my hotel, I had to see it up close. The pipeline runs from the Prudhoe Bay south all the way through the state to the Bay of Alaska
.
Completed in 1977, it runs over 800 miles through the state. When completely filled, it can carry 9 million barrels of oil.
The pipeline runs through three major mountain ranges – Brooks, Alaska and Chugach. It crosses three major rivers and 800 smaller waterways. And to protect the wildlife and not interrupt their environment, there are 554 specially built animal crossings.
If you look at the picture close, you can see several upright units on the brace stand. These are lightning rods designed to absorb the charge.
This is one landmark that should not be missed.
Until next time, Tightlines.
New Destination this Week
Fishing been slow all week here in the Outer Banks. Croaker, spot and plenty of sea mullet could be found both on the piers and small sound bridges. Water temperatures have stayed around the upper 50’s. So you have to work hard to get their attention.
Temps are predicted to rise this coming week. Fish are here but we need to just try many different tricks to catch them.
Work has required me to be away from home and the beautiful Outer Banks this past week. And coming week is no different, but my travels will be taking me to a real fascinating place.
I will be flying into Fairbanks, Alaska on business. The trip will take me through Minneapolis to Anchorage then into Fairbanks. The final destination is Delta Junction, AK.
Schedules are pretty tight but since there happens to be over 20 hours of sunlight, I might find time to seek the water after hours. I have found that there are many places to wet a line in this region. Although I am not familiar with Alaska fishing or any of their techniques, what a great time to learn. Like they say, “No time like present to learn a new lesson”.
Stay tuned for updates on my trip.
Until next time, Tightlines
Special Message from the US Coast Guard 2011
This past Saturday marked the start of National Safe Boating Week 2011. It is no coincidence that this week, focused on educating boaters about the latest safe boating practices, takes place in the days leading up to Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the recreational boating season. Whether you plan to spend the summer sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding or just relaxing by the water, it is important to educate yourself on proper safe boating practices as you enjoy the majesty of our nation’s lakes, rivers and coasts.
Many of you will be taking your boats out for the first time in months and should keep an eye out for the men and women of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Nationwide, the Auxiliary offers free vessel safety checks at various locations convenient to boaters including docks, marinas and launch ramps. The vessel safety check is a courtesy examination to see if your boat is properly equipped for an emergency. One of the best aspects of the safety check, besides the fact that it is free, is that it does not constitute law enforcement activity and citations are not issued regardless of the result of the exam. If you don’t know when the examinations will take place in your area, you can always schedule one here.
Until next time, Tightlines
NCsaltaire 