Posts tagged ‘tackle box’
Next Stop – Fishing in Islamorda
We traveled to Key Largo on Friday with a goal of continuing our Florida fishing adventures.
Our first stop was our overnight lodging at the Holiday Inn in Key Largo. This hotel is a full service with restaurant, pool and newly renovated rooms. It turned out to be very nice and a great value. During your next stay in the keys, you need to check this one out.
The next stop was the Yellow Bait shop and we picked up shrimp and fishing advice. They directed us to the Tea Table channel just opposite Bud and Mary’s Marina – about the 78 mile marker.
Once we arrived at the channel bridge, we rigged our rods with a Carolina rig – 1 oz. barrel weight and a single #4 circle hook. The current was strong so we needed something to help restrict the movement after of positioning cast.
We alternated between the main channel and bridge piles. We rigged the entire shrimp on the hooks thinking that we would hit something big. Only problem, the small mangrove snappers would steal the entire shrimp without touching the hook. Solution was to cut the shrimp into three pieces. Bingo – each cast brought a nice mangrove snapper to shore. This catching continued for well over an hour.
A short time later the first mate hooked up to what she thought was a snag. It turned out to be a huge jack cravelle. With a little help from me, we brought the 24” fish to shore. As always, my philosophy is that a fish is too valuable to catch only once. So we carefully revived the big girl and allowed her to swim safely away under the watchful eyes of a family of brown pelicans.
After we ran out of bait, we headed across the street to Bud and Mary’s Marina. There we shared our story and pictures and they were amazed and happy that we were able to land this huge fish directly from the shore.
Our next stop was the Salt water Sportsman / Bass Pro Shop. This is a fishing supply store like no other. Also, we eat dinner at the Islamorda Fish Company restaurant next door. We then headed back to the hotel to get ready for another busy day.
Until next time, Tightlines
Florida “Gator Trout” in January
On Wednesday we traveled to St Petersburg just south of Tampa to fish with Capt. CA Richardson for big trout. We would have settled for the other big fish we have caught before but it was the monster “gator trout” that we were after. The weather was absolutely beautiful with highs in the low 80s with a slight southwest breeze.
We left O’Neill’s marina at 0730 heading out to the grass flats. There we incorporated both top water and Texas style weed-less jigs. We also tried a new lure called “aqua-dream” spoon. Capt. CA designed this new lure to specifically target big fish. It was definitely a keeper.
We landed several nice trout and one redfish. As the morning moved into noon, the tide changed directions and the flats became crowded with other boats so we decided to move on.
The next area was a secluded area surrounded by mangroves. This protected area is in a “no motor” zone and only accessible by a really shallow flats boat and by poling in.
We had the cove to ourselves and proceeded t
o achieve our goals, to catch the elusive “gator trout”. We succeed catching many trout – most fish were in the 20”-24” range with the largest at 28”.
We are definitely on his schedule to fish for these monsters next year. If you want to enjoy this tremendous fishery, you need to contact Capt. CA. He can be reached at his Flats Class web site.
We are heading to Key Largo and the famous Bass Pro in Islamorada in the morning and we are hoping our good fortune continues.
Until next time, Tightlines
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
Changes to Speckled Sea Trout Fishery
Changes are coming to the Speckled (spotted) Sea Trout Fishery on the Outer Banks effective Monday, November 14, 2011.
According to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, recreational fisherman may now only harvest four (4) speckled (spotted) sea-trout per person per day by hook and line. This is a change down from six (6) during the last proclamation.
The minimum length is still fourteen (14) inches total length. But the most recent proclamation eliminates the restriction where there is a limit to the total length. In the past we can only keep two (2) fish over twenty-four (24) inches. Now the restriction on the maximum size has been lifted.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind my angler friends that we still have a very delicate Speckled sea-trout fishery, so conservation is still the key to a complete re-bound.
Until next time, Tight lines
Seasons of Change on the Outer Banks
As October comes to a close in the next several days, we should anticipate that the next phase of fishing here on the Outer Banks is close. The past two months, we have enjoyed surf temps in the upper 60’s and 70’s and extremely mild conditions. Some days were absolutely beautiful – it’s “wish you were here” weather. Fishing has been exceptional. It seemed that every species were more abundant than years past. I have caught more fish this fall then most years.
And it seemed that I caught fish on any lure or bait that I chose to use. I even caught a winter flounder on a trout jig.
The month of November brings big changes in both air and water temps. Waders and hooded sweat shirts are the standard attire. And those brave enough to venture into the surf in shorts or swim suits realize quickly of the mistake they made.
This month the surf begins to churn up from those frequent “nor easters” or fronts that we typically experience this time of year. The past week, the weather has begun to turn cold and raw. But as most seasons here, just wait for several days and it will change for the better.
One tip for fishing in November – get your heavy gear ready. Big bluefish and rockfish are just around the corner. More tips on preparing your gear in future blogs.
Until next time – Tightlines
The Perfect Spot If You Know What to Look For
There are many ways to locate a perfect surf fishing spot. The old saying is, “you should fish where the fish are”. But without being facetious, that is not always easy. You can always call a local tackle shop or pier. They can only give you what other people have called in or what “has or is” happening at their location.
My plans don’t always allow me to fish at any optimum time or place. So I go when I can. My favorite spot is the surf. There are so many opportunities there. But you must know where there is a possibility of fish. Blind casting is fun but not very productive.
My first observation when surf fishing is to study the wave action and the beach configuration. I look for a steep drop off at the water line and the rip current. A good indication of a steep spot off is a gravel /shell pile.
Typically fish will be found in the sloughs. A slough is a channel of deeper water between the beach and the sand bar. The sloughs during incoming tides create a “river” of water traveling parallel with the beach. At the weak point in the bar, the water rushes out to sea. This is the rip current.
You should try to fish in this “river” just north or south of this rip. 
In this picture, you can see the beginning of a rip current being formed.
So next time you plan a trip on the surf, look for that tail tale sign. Now that’s where the fish are. Take it from me, this is where I have been most successful.
Until next time,
Tightlines
Off Shore Fishing – Ocean City, Md
Heading to Ocean City to fish out of Sunset Marina on Friday. This trip is my annual with my work buddies. Sunset Marina is a full service facility. I might be bias but this is a first class marina.
Weather calls for high chance of rain and thunderstorms. Seas are expected to be 3 to 5 feet with 15-20 knot winds. Should be excellent conditions to raise those white marlin. Only fly in the ointment is that chance of rain. Hopefully we will not melt, so off we go.
Before the “blow”, many whites were caught and released. Charters are also bringing in plenty of “meat fish”. Hope they school up a little before Friday.
Check back for updates on my trip.
Tightlines
They Are All Winners In My Book
Well the Ladies on the Marlin Gull did not place or show in the Alice Kelly Tournament but a great time was had by all. Twelve hours on the water never dimmed their spirit to charge on, just hoping the next hook up was that “big white”.
While several white marlin were caught by the ladies as well as two nice bonita, they were not enough.
But my first mate was on the rod for one of those bonita. Excitement was an understatement when she first spied me waiting for her on the dock.
It appears we now have another off-shore fanatic in the family. Can’t wait until next year. All I have been hearing is “when is the next tournament”? Can’t come soon enough for them.
But until then, they are all winners in my book.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Fishing At It’s Best
The weather has been just summer super; warm days and very pleasant evenings. (I’m trying to ignore the “hot” spells.) We spent a little longer on yard work than we had planned and my goal for surf fishing was becoming distant.
The First Mate surprised me and helped pack the gear quickly after the tools were stowed and with a short trip to TW’s for fresh shrimp, we made it to the beach just before dusk.
We took two rods – 5-1/2 and a 6-1/2 loaded with light mono and rigged with my new pompano dropper rig. One ounce pyramid was all we needed. Waves were less than two feet. Water temps were into the mid 80’s. Just prefect conditions for those warm water species.
My first cast found the slough and my first sea mullet. Over the next two hours, I caught dozens of mullet, trout, croaker, spot, and flounder and yes a blue fish – all on fresh shrimp. No size but plenty of action.
No question, this was the best evening surf fishing in memory. So if you find the need to just slip away from the hustle bustle, grab a light tackle rod, fresh shrimp and steal away to the beach.
You won’t be disappointed; at least not this week. Oh, yes, there are plenty of flounder in the surf. You just have to have patience.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Tournament Time – 2011
August is the time of the season where the big time fishing tournaments are held.
This weekend the Pirates Cove Fishing Center holds the 22nd Annual and most popular “Ladies Only” Alice Kelly Memorial Billfish Tournament. This event supports the Outer Banks Cancer Support group. Registeration is 13 August with fishing the following day. Don’t forget – Boat decorating happens on Saturday – not to be missed for fun and laughs.
Following this event, on Tuesday begins the 28th Annual and “World Class” Billfish Fishing Tournament. This tournament runs from 15-19 August. This is for all the marbles. Big time boats come for all over just to be apart of the fabulous event. You gotta say – “I was there for this one!! Shirts are available in the ships store.
If you have the time, this is a “can’t miss” event on the Outer Banks. Parties are held each evening with popular bands and food supplied by our local restaurants. Come see the boats return from the sea. Best times are late afternoon around 1600-1700 hrs.
Best news on this post is that my “First Mate” is fishing on Sunday – Good Luck Ladies!!
Until next time – Tightlines
NCsaltaire 