Shallow Water Fishing

by

Summer Fun 8/1/2016

I received a call from Chad, a father, who wanted to take his two daughters fishing. Chad told me that it would be nice to catch dinner, but most important was for the girls to have fun.20160801_070435

It did not take long for Camryn to get us started with this nice redfish. The rest of the redfish seemed to have lock jaw so we moved on to another spot.

20160801_074052

Camryn, struck first here also. It seemed as though it might be a long day for Kyleigh. It was not long before Kyleigh started getting the bites also.20160801_074732

The flounder bite was good for the next twenty minutes or so. Between the two, the girls brought in 8 flounder!

From here we moved on to fishing deeper water. The bite slowed down but we did manage a fun bonnethead shark. We also were able to follow 3 manatee for a short while so the girls could see them up close.

 

 

by

Not Just a Pastime 7/21/16

It has been over two years since Robert and I have fished together. Our first trip was stellar and I watched him catch upper slot redfish, black drum, and jack crevalle. It was more than obvious at the time that this young man loved to fish! That being said, the recent fishing had been a little slow and I was wondering how we would fair on this trip.

20160721_064000

Robert was ready and put this fish in the boat less than 5 minutes into the trip!

From the start it appeared we were going to have another great day. After bending the rod with jack crevalle, we moved on to see about catching dinner for the family.

20160721_073235

Robert’s first sea trout.

While we were scouting for redfish, Robert was casting a GrandSlam Baits 3″ paddletail on a 1/4 ounce jighead and hooked up this nice sea trout. I was surprised to find out that this was his first one, ever. As we were landing this fish, the redfish started feeding around us.

This is more than a pastime for Robert, it is an obsession. With his level of competency coupled with the fact that he has his own boat, fish beware – Robert is coming!

by

Ladies Trip 7/12/2016

I have had the pleasure of fishing with Judi and her granddaughter Camryn since my first year as a guide. It is great seeing the bond that they share. The trips have changed over the years from enjoying the outdoors and some fishing to quite the competition!

On this trip the redfish they both love to catch turned out to be elusive. Dinner was still in order thanks to several flounder and mangrove snapper though. 20160712_093404

I am not sure of the final count, but Cam sure was doing her part with the flounder. I always look forward to these trips. Every time out with these two ladies is an adventure remembered.

by

Family Time 6/30/2016

I, once again, had the pleasure of fishing with a friend and regular client, Mike. His daughter, Anna, was in from Seattle and she joined us also.20160630_072122

At our first spot they both caught several “puppy” drum. This same spot yielded sea trout, jack crevalle, and mangrove snapper.  I think Anna caught the most! From here we moved on to targeting another drum.20160630_084921

Anna had to chase this one around the boat a few times before it finally made the net.

On our previous trip Mike boated a bonnet head shark.  While we were planning this trip his main focus was to show Anna the back country and hopefully catch multiple species. As a special request, he asked that we try to catch a shark for his daughter also.20160630_105941

Mission accomplished!

by

Guys Weekend 6/18/2016

It was a real treat to have Ryan and his son, Nick, on the boat again today.  As we were leaving the basin Ryan explained how this was a bachelor weekend for them as the girls in the family (his wife and two daughters) had gone on a trip to visit family. 20160618_065611

This was Nick’s first fish about 5 minutes into the trip. He was quick to tell his father that he was in the lead for the day.  After asking Nick if he was going to take it easy on Dad, since it was Father’s Day weekend, I was informed that was not going to be the case. The competition was on!20160618_081428

This guy came to win. He was quick to update the stats too. Even during the slow times he would remind us of the tally.20160618_083943

At the end of the trip, according to our score keeper, Nick pulled out the victory 9 to 4. Ryan was still all smiles. I could tell that this would not be the last time that he would be happy “losing” a competition to his son!

Thank you to all of the Father’s out there! I hope you have a great time with family this weekend.

by

Beating the Drum 6/3/2016

I had the pleasure of taking Larry and his son, Chris, fishing today. It was one of those trips where everything just seemed to go right. Everywhere that I dropped the Power-pole today we caught fish!20160603_072513

We started our day catching several black drum, until some dolphin moved in to the area. We made a small move and continued to catch more of the same.20160603_074352

From here we decided to play a different drum. It was time to go shallow and chase these guys around.20160603_105255

Chris was surprised at the power redfish generate! He got on a roll and caught the first 4 reds. I made one more move to attempt to find Larry his redfish. It worked.20160603_092857

This was his largest of the day at just under 8 lbs!

by

Fish were chewing 6/1/2016

I had the pleasure of sharing the water with Frank this morning. As we begin this trip (and every trip we have had together), Frank says, “How lucky are we? It just doesn’t get any better.”. And I always agree… spending time on the water with Frank, and his family and friends, is always a great time. 20160601_084717

A beautiful day on the water with a good friend and cooperative fish! Frank went 4 out of six on some nice redfish. He also boated 4 nice black drum and a big inshore jack crevalle.  Frank called the trip early after about 2 hours. As a former charter captain up north, he understands fishing pressure and conservation. He decided to keep two redfish and two black drum, letting the rest swim free.20160601_095314

by

Sharks! 5/29/2016

IMG_0019In all my years guiding, I have yet to find a kid which does not have a blast catching sharks (and most adults too). Fortunately, this is the right time of the year to target redfish early and as the day heats up switch over to catching  bonnethead sharks in shallow water.IMG_0011

Daniel was all smiles after landing the first one of the trip. He was especially excited since it was a small one and he was excited to hold it for his picture.IMG_0012

Noah was amazed at the fight from his shark! Prior to this trip, he had only pond fished for blue gill. Since this guy was about 3.5 feet long he took my advice and let me control it for the picture.

These boys really enjoyed battling these guys, however, they were just as excited to watch them swim away safely. I think they are already trying to convince their parents to come back for more. According to Steve, Daniel’s father, this trip was the most talked about event of their long weekend of fun.

by

Family “firsts”

I have had the pleasure of fishing with Jim on several occasions. Whether we are discussing fishing or baseball, this guy has a lifetime of stories! Today, however, saw a couple of “firsts” for his family. This is Jim’s first snook ever –

20160518_103624

In all of their years fishing together, today also had Jim’s son catch his first redfish also!

20160518_083113

I sure do enjoy helping families create some lifelong memories.

by

Making Memories

My clients today have been lifelong best friends. It was quite apparent by all of the good natured ribbing! By the end of the trip, Mike had caught his largest redfish to date.

IMG_20160423_103419

Of course David had to do something to one up his buddy. His first effort fell a little short, still a nice fish however.IMG_20160423_103503

The next fish made him high hook for the day. What a beast!IMG_20160423_103552