They may not be around in great numbers just yet, but it's coming up on sheepshead season for fishermen in and around Anna Maria Island.
Within the next few weeks, look for sheepshead to gather around rocks and bridge and dock pilings, feeding off barnacles and crustaceans. They can be tricky to catch, but here are some tips and advice on how to snag one.
As far as bait goes, bring specialty ones these fish cannot resist, which include crushed mussels and clams, fiddler crabs, pelagic red crabs, sand crabs, sand fleas and shrimp. They are used to eating things with shells on, so soft, pre-cut baits won't be to their liking. Shrimp is perhaps the most effective bait of all, though, if you have a good source.
For rigs, use either a sliding sinker held about 2 ft. up the line from the hook by a small split shot or barrel swivel. This is good in shallow water and off piers and jetties.
In deeper water, reverse dropper-loops are more effective. This is made up by tying the hook to the end of the line and hanging a weight from a dropper-loop a couple of feet up the line. Pin a shrimp, sand flea, crab, piece of mussel or other bait on to the hook and drop it down on to the reef. Sheepshead feed by biting crustaceans off the rocks so it is best to fish right on the bottom or not more than a few feet above it.
There you go. Now get out there and round up some sheepshead.
Friday 18 December 2009
Friday 27 November 2009
Shark tale, marlin tail
A bit of a change of tack fish fans for this week's instalment. While we're scratching around hauling up grouper and reds from the deep, over in the frankly terrifying waters of Australia, this sort of thing is going on.
The black marlin in the film is huge, HUGE!, so how big must the great white have been to bite it in half? This is why I am never, ever, ever, going swimming in Australia.
Enjoy!
The black marlin in the film is huge, HUGE!, so how big must the great white have been to bite it in half? This is why I am never, ever, ever, going swimming in Australia.
Enjoy!
Friday 20 November 2009
Windy weather snook seek shelter
Windy weather has affected fishing from the shores and on the water around Anna Maria recently. But the smart fisherman heads to the back waters, finds himself a pier or jetty and goes after snook.
You don't have to venture too far to find them. General advice holds that you can locate snook within the first 100 feet of the canals until the winter weather really kicks in.
As Nick Walter writes in the Anna Maria Islander, 'A typical afternoon water temperature in the bays last weekend was 75-76 degrees — perfect for snook. The days remaining in the open snook season are dwindling, while anglers on the west coast have until Dec. 1 to keep one snook per day, between 28 and 33 inches.'
It's worth bearing that in mind people, don't take more than you are allowed. We want those snook to be here for generations to come...
Tight lines all!
You don't have to venture too far to find them. General advice holds that you can locate snook within the first 100 feet of the canals until the winter weather really kicks in.
As Nick Walter writes in the Anna Maria Islander, 'A typical afternoon water temperature in the bays last weekend was 75-76 degrees — perfect for snook. The days remaining in the open snook season are dwindling, while anglers on the west coast have until Dec. 1 to keep one snook per day, between 28 and 33 inches.'
It's worth bearing that in mind people, don't take more than you are allowed. We want those snook to be here for generations to come...
Tight lines all!
Friday 9 October 2009
Bait causing a Ballyhoo
The fishing is a little slow at the moment, what with the high pressure front and those big old blue skies, but as a result, the bait fish are showing in numbers.
One of the best bait fish around is the ballyhoo, a killer for snook, kingfish and other hard-fighters, and they are currently to be found all around the island and in the bays.
Use a net or some small feathers to catch yourself enough for a day's session, but don't put too many in your bucket or bait-keeper, as they need a bit of space. A live bait is best!
Take a look at this video from FloridaKeysFishStories.com on how to rig one for best results.
One of the best bait fish around is the ballyhoo, a killer for snook, kingfish and other hard-fighters, and they are currently to be found all around the island and in the bays.
Use a net or some small feathers to catch yourself enough for a day's session, but don't put too many in your bucket or bait-keeper, as they need a bit of space. A live bait is best!
Take a look at this video from FloridaKeysFishStories.com on how to rig one for best results.
Monday 14 September 2009
Snook season is here!
Hello there again fishing buddies!
Sorry it's been a while since I last cast you a line, but my waters have been real choppy recently. Thankfully all is calm again now.
So, let's start again at a great time of year for Florida fishermen: snook season. It's just got under way here in Anna Maria and already fishermen are reporting good lineside catches.
The snook is a hard-fighting fish, but can be tricky to snag, so here are some very basic tips on methods and times.
Method:
Live shrimp – Once the snook has been located, fish live shrimp using a 10 to 20 pound outfit with 30" of 40lb shock leader tied to a 1/0 or 2/0 hook. Weight the line with only enough split shot or sinker to get it to the bottom.
Live bait fish – Mullet, menhaden, pinfish,etc. Again using the same outfit but using a larger hook to match the bait.
Lures – A wide variety of lures and jigs are used to catch snook. Some of the favorites include the Red Tailed Hawk jig and many of the Mirrolures.
Tides:
The best time to fish for Snook is from one hour before high tide through the first three hours of the falling tide.
Paul Roat, writing in the Anna Maria Islander, says, 'linesiders are being hooked off the beaches of Anna Maria Island, but most of the action is coming from the passes and in the bays'.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and cast a line for these powerful pisces, you're in for a good work-out if you snag one.
Tight lines!
Sorry it's been a while since I last cast you a line, but my waters have been real choppy recently. Thankfully all is calm again now.
So, let's start again at a great time of year for Florida fishermen: snook season. It's just got under way here in Anna Maria and already fishermen are reporting good lineside catches.
The snook is a hard-fighting fish, but can be tricky to snag, so here are some very basic tips on methods and times.
Method:
Live shrimp – Once the snook has been located, fish live shrimp using a 10 to 20 pound outfit with 30" of 40lb shock leader tied to a 1/0 or 2/0 hook. Weight the line with only enough split shot or sinker to get it to the bottom.
Live bait fish – Mullet, menhaden, pinfish,etc. Again using the same outfit but using a larger hook to match the bait.
Lures – A wide variety of lures and jigs are used to catch snook. Some of the favorites include the Red Tailed Hawk jig and many of the Mirrolures.
Tides:
The best time to fish for Snook is from one hour before high tide through the first three hours of the falling tide.
Paul Roat, writing in the Anna Maria Islander, says, 'linesiders are being hooked off the beaches of Anna Maria Island, but most of the action is coming from the passes and in the bays'.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and cast a line for these powerful pisces, you're in for a good work-out if you snag one.
Tight lines!
Thursday 20 August 2009
Cortez fishermen pitched beneath cloudy skies
Bad news for commercial fishermen in Cortez this week. New commercial grouper fishing regulations designed to save sea turtles have left some Cortez fishermen out of action.
According to the Anna Maria Sun newspaper, of the dozen grouper boats fishing out of Cortez, five will be able to use longlines under new rules passed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council last week.
The new rules are intended to reduce the number of longline boats, which regulators hope will minimize interactions with sea turtles. Longliners typically drop a line with 750 to 1,200 baited hooks on the sea floor for five to 10 miles, and begin retrieving it within an hour.
For boats to qualify for a longline endorsement, the new rules require minimum average annual catches of 40,000 pounds. They also prohibit using more than 750 hooks at a time, with 1,000 maximum on board, and prohibit shallow water grouper fishing from June to August, when turtles are plentiful in the eastern Gulf.
Several fishermen testified at the hearing that they had never encountered a single dead sea turtle on their longlines. Recreational fishermen and environmental groups, often at odds with the commercial industry, also questioned statistics at the hearing.
It seems the fishermen have no choice to but to keep fighting the ban - and hope that the skies on the horizon are brighter than they appear overhead at the moment.
Read the full story here
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
According to the Anna Maria Sun newspaper, of the dozen grouper boats fishing out of Cortez, five will be able to use longlines under new rules passed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council last week.
The new rules are intended to reduce the number of longline boats, which regulators hope will minimize interactions with sea turtles. Longliners typically drop a line with 750 to 1,200 baited hooks on the sea floor for five to 10 miles, and begin retrieving it within an hour.
For boats to qualify for a longline endorsement, the new rules require minimum average annual catches of 40,000 pounds. They also prohibit using more than 750 hooks at a time, with 1,000 maximum on board, and prohibit shallow water grouper fishing from June to August, when turtles are plentiful in the eastern Gulf.
Several fishermen testified at the hearing that they had never encountered a single dead sea turtle on their longlines. Recreational fishermen and environmental groups, often at odds with the commercial industry, also questioned statistics at the hearing.
It seems the fishermen have no choice to but to keep fighting the ban - and hope that the skies on the horizon are brighter than they appear overhead at the moment.
Read the full story here
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
Friday 7 August 2009
The secrets of snook
Hi there fishing fans!
The snook are on the move! Various reports have the snook are moving off the beaches and into Longboat Pass and to Bean Point in preparation for the start of the season next month. How do they know?!
Anyway, to make sure you are as prepared as possible to take on these hard-fighting creatures, here's some sage advice from Sun-Sentinel outdoors writer Steve Waters and Tom Greene of Custom Rod & Reel.
Watch and learn people, watch and learn...
The snook are on the move! Various reports have the snook are moving off the beaches and into Longboat Pass and to Bean Point in preparation for the start of the season next month. How do they know?!
Anyway, to make sure you are as prepared as possible to take on these hard-fighting creatures, here's some sage advice from Sun-Sentinel outdoors writer Steve Waters and Tom Greene of Custom Rod & Reel.
Watch and learn people, watch and learn...
Tuesday 28 July 2009
Remember to get a license
It's licence time fellow fishermen. Don’t forget to get a fishing license if you’re going to fish from shore after August 1. You can pick one up from most tackle shops or the tax collector’s office and it will only cost you $9. Is there a better value ticket in the whole state?
Fishing action in and around Anna Maria Island has picked up thanks to some recent hot weather, with most captains and pleasure anglers reporting good catches of trout, redfish and catch-and-release snook around the shores and grouper and snapper going well in the deeper water.
One visitor who can vouch for the quality of grouper fishing off Anna Maria Island is Amy Sharma, who may have set a new world record for black grouper.
Amy was fishing with husband Andy aboard Team Legmakr with Capt. Anthony Manali and his wife Joann when she reeled in a 93.5-pounder in the Gulf of Mexico..
According to the AM Islander, both are frequent visitors to the Island. They certainly will be from now on... Check out the picture on the Islander's website here
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.annamaria.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
Fishing action in and around Anna Maria Island has picked up thanks to some recent hot weather, with most captains and pleasure anglers reporting good catches of trout, redfish and catch-and-release snook around the shores and grouper and snapper going well in the deeper water.
One visitor who can vouch for the quality of grouper fishing off Anna Maria Island is Amy Sharma, who may have set a new world record for black grouper.
Amy was fishing with husband Andy aboard Team Legmakr with Capt. Anthony Manali and his wife Joann when she reeled in a 93.5-pounder in the Gulf of Mexico..
According to the AM Islander, both are frequent visitors to the Island. They certainly will be from now on... Check out the picture on the Islander's website here
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.annamaria.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
Tuesday 21 July 2009
Having a whale of a time...
All fishermen have at one time exaggerated about the one that got away. Hands get steadily further apart as they recount the size and girth of that monster of the deep which lived to fight another day.
But Ted Dorenkamp and Steve Doyle could not stretch their arms wide enough to describe the leviathan that swam past them on a recent trip out of Anna Maria Island.
Anchored 18 miles west of Bean Point, and quietly minding their own business, the pair saw a commotion on the surface before shortly getting a close-up look of what was causing it.
"And all of a sudden it charged the boat. It came right up to us, and we realized it was a whale shark," Dorenkamp told the AM Islander.
"Then it went under the boat and lifted up the bow," Dorenkamp said. “We had to hang on. Then it went to the stern and bumped it a few times. It must have been around us for 30 or 45 minutes. It was very, very, very, very cool.”
Lucky for them the whale shark only eats plankton and other food it filters into its enormous mouth.
Check out the full story at the Islander website here
When you get to Florida, be sure to call in on Anna Maria Island, a little gem of a place off the Gulf Coast. Check out www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on this paradise island.
But Ted Dorenkamp and Steve Doyle could not stretch their arms wide enough to describe the leviathan that swam past them on a recent trip out of Anna Maria Island.
Anchored 18 miles west of Bean Point, and quietly minding their own business, the pair saw a commotion on the surface before shortly getting a close-up look of what was causing it.
"And all of a sudden it charged the boat. It came right up to us, and we realized it was a whale shark," Dorenkamp told the AM Islander.
"Then it went under the boat and lifted up the bow," Dorenkamp said. “We had to hang on. Then it went to the stern and bumped it a few times. It must have been around us for 30 or 45 minutes. It was very, very, very, very cool.”
Lucky for them the whale shark only eats plankton and other food it filters into its enormous mouth.
Check out the full story at the Islander website here
When you get to Florida, be sure to call in on Anna Maria Island, a little gem of a place off the Gulf Coast. Check out www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on this paradise island.
Tuesday 14 July 2009
This gag is no joke
Hi fishing fans,
There are lots of reports at the moment of grouper being caught in pretty good numbers off shore, so we thought we'd take a look at this funny-looking fish which can give you some excellent arm-aching action.
There is some pretty comprehensive advice at basspro.com which you might want to follow. But for a simple guide to catching a grouper, be it gag, red, black, yellow fin or Warsaw, there are a few basic rules you should follow.
There are basically three approaches used when fishing for grouper – straight bottom fishing, freelining live bait, and slow trolling. Fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico often have the most success trolling for grouper.
In the gulf grouper anglers use diving plugs that go as deep as 30ft or more over artificial reefs. Anglers slow troll these large artificials over and around these structures and generally speaking if there is a grouper nearby it will bite - they're good like that.
For more info, check out this video of some lucky guy catching a 400lb goliath grouper - the music is a bit annoying, but look at the size of that thing!
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.amisland.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
There are lots of reports at the moment of grouper being caught in pretty good numbers off shore, so we thought we'd take a look at this funny-looking fish which can give you some excellent arm-aching action.
There is some pretty comprehensive advice at basspro.com which you might want to follow. But for a simple guide to catching a grouper, be it gag, red, black, yellow fin or Warsaw, there are a few basic rules you should follow.
There are basically three approaches used when fishing for grouper – straight bottom fishing, freelining live bait, and slow trolling. Fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico often have the most success trolling for grouper.
In the gulf grouper anglers use diving plugs that go as deep as 30ft or more over artificial reefs. Anglers slow troll these large artificials over and around these structures and generally speaking if there is a grouper nearby it will bite - they're good like that.
For more info, check out this video of some lucky guy catching a 400lb goliath grouper - the music is a bit annoying, but look at the size of that thing!
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.amisland.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
Tuesday 7 July 2009
Free for all from the piers
The best things in life are free - and thankfully that includes fishing on Anna Maria Island.
While new fishing license rules will be applied statewide from August 1 they should not impact anglers on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.
Currently non-residents need a license to fish from the shore but the new regulations will require resident saltwater anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore to buy a $7.50 shoreline license unless they have a regular resident saltwater fishing license.
However, the loophole in this law states that they do not need one if the pier they are fishing on has a license. And an umbrella license at the Historic Bridge Street Pier means fishing will be free for all. Remember, though, you do need a license to fish from a boat, unless the skipper has one.
So complicated! Thankfully the reason we all go fishing is to simplify life and by and large that's what we get.
Unless you hook into one of the giant tarpon currently circling the island - that can be anything but relaxing...
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
While new fishing license rules will be applied statewide from August 1 they should not impact anglers on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.
Currently non-residents need a license to fish from the shore but the new regulations will require resident saltwater anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore to buy a $7.50 shoreline license unless they have a regular resident saltwater fishing license.
However, the loophole in this law states that they do not need one if the pier they are fishing on has a license. And an umbrella license at the Historic Bridge Street Pier means fishing will be free for all. Remember, though, you do need a license to fish from a boat, unless the skipper has one.
So complicated! Thankfully the reason we all go fishing is to simplify life and by and large that's what we get.
Unless you hook into one of the giant tarpon currently circling the island - that can be anything but relaxing...
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
Monday 29 June 2009
Be smart to catch a dolphin
The have been plenty of reports locally of fishermen and women reeling in dolphin, also known as Mahi Mahi or Dorado. They are a strange looking fish, so you'll have no trouble knowing if you've caught one.
To stand the best chance of pulling one in, follow these four great tips from the Associated Content website. Read the full version here
Tip one When trolling for dolphin have a mixed spread of lures. Smaller lures, less than five inches close to the boat and one or two lures over ten inches long further back. Be flexible, if you know fish are in the area, but not biting change your trolling speed. Faster is normally better in a slow bite, slower more effective in a good bite. Swap the larger lures close and the smaller lures back. Change things if they aren't working, but don't fix something that is not broke.
Tip two Live bait is often the ticket on a calm day. If you find yourself surrounded by good size school dolphin that just won't eat, welcome to my world. Here is a big tip to get them to bite, live shrimp or small live pilchards. If you are lucky enough to have a bait well full of live pilchards, live chum with them. That is release a few dozen around the boat when you find fish. The pilchards will run right back to the boat if you are in clean deep water and bring the fish to you. Live shrimp work as well, give the fish a few freebies and then put a hook in one of the shrimp. Once you have one hooked, leave that one in the water and try chunk baits. Once you have one on the others will normally start feeding.
Tip three Feed the bait to attract the fish. Take a block or two of chum and a large mesh chum bag or box. If you drift and chum a large weed patch or line you can attract the bait from the line to your boat. Take that opportunity to catch a few of the weed line livies and use them for bait. This trick has saved my butt more than once! It is a last resort technique most of the time, but I am using it more often around huge weed patches on calm days.
Tip four Dolphin love dolphin! Rig one of the school dolphins on a stout outfit and do some big game fishing. Some of the biggest dolphins caught are trade ups from smaller dolphin along with a big blue marlin on occasion wanting to butt in on the fun. That's the reason for the stout rod.
And here's a pic of one.
Good luck and tight lines!
When you get to Florida, be sure to call in on Anna Maria Island, a little gem of a place off the Gulf Coast. Check out www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on this paradise island.
Friday 26 June 2009
Fishing hot, hot, hot
Hi there fish fans,
Not much news to bring you this week, other than that the fishing is still absolutely amazing. As Paul Roat writes in the Anna Maria Islander this week: 'Sounding like a broken CD, this week’s refrain is the same on the fishing front: terrific. Tarpon continue to be everywhere, from the beach to Tampa Bay. Fish up to 120 pounds are being caught.
'Mackerel are starting to hit lures in the passes. Trout and redfish are thick in the bays. Catch-and-release snook are still along the beach.
'Offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, grouper, amberjack and snapper also are easy prey for fishers. And sharks are swarming in backwaters as well as open Gulf waters.'
Well, we get bored of saying this, if you're not on Anna Maria Island fishing, what on Earth are you doing?
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.annamaria.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
Not much news to bring you this week, other than that the fishing is still absolutely amazing. As Paul Roat writes in the Anna Maria Islander this week: 'Sounding like a broken CD, this week’s refrain is the same on the fishing front: terrific. Tarpon continue to be everywhere, from the beach to Tampa Bay. Fish up to 120 pounds are being caught.
'Mackerel are starting to hit lures in the passes. Trout and redfish are thick in the bays. Catch-and-release snook are still along the beach.
'Offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, grouper, amberjack and snapper also are easy prey for fishers. And sharks are swarming in backwaters as well as open Gulf waters.'
Well, we get bored of saying this, if you're not on Anna Maria Island fishing, what on Earth are you doing?
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.annamaria.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
Monday 22 June 2009
Stop reading, get fishing
Morning fishing buddies!
Well, this might be a first, but today's advice to you if you happen to be anywhere near Anna Maria Island at the moment is to stop reading this blog! I don't mean forever, of course, just right now.
Stop reading and get out fishing. That's because the news coming in to us from the water is that the fishing at the moment is as red hot as the weather. And then some.
All the captains around Anna Maria are reporting limit catches of just about everything they throw a line out for. Snook, trout, tarpon, mackerel, sharks. You name it, it's being hauled over a gunwale right now.
So, and this is a once-only offer, we don't mind if you stop reading Fishy Tales for just a minute, get yourself some bait and get your hooks out there into the shiny blue waters surrounding our seaside home. Anna Maria Island is often called an angler's paradise.
And right now it's living up to that name.
Tight lines!
Well, this might be a first, but today's advice to you if you happen to be anywhere near Anna Maria Island at the moment is to stop reading this blog! I don't mean forever, of course, just right now.
Stop reading and get out fishing. That's because the news coming in to us from the water is that the fishing at the moment is as red hot as the weather. And then some.
All the captains around Anna Maria are reporting limit catches of just about everything they throw a line out for. Snook, trout, tarpon, mackerel, sharks. You name it, it's being hauled over a gunwale right now.
So, and this is a once-only offer, we don't mind if you stop reading Fishy Tales for just a minute, get yourself some bait and get your hooks out there into the shiny blue waters surrounding our seaside home. Anna Maria Island is often called an angler's paradise.
And right now it's living up to that name.
Tight lines!
Friday 12 June 2009
Silver kings still rule
It’s still tarpon time off Anna Maria Island - and some of the boat captains are reporting some excellent action.
Tarpon are being spotted and caught off the beaches, in the passes and near Egmont Key, and even on the seagrass beds in the bays.
Paul Roat in the AM Islander says offshore fishing for amberjack, snapper and grouper is great in the Gulf of Mexico. The grouper bite is moving farther from shore as the water warms, but the hits keep on coming. There also are some cobia mixed in around the tarpon pods, and reports of dolphins being caught offshore.
Captain Zach Zacharias, meanwhile, in the AMI Sun has some excellent advice for those heading out on the water right now. Make sure when heading out this time of the year to carry plenty of water, hats, glasses. sunscreen and loose light weight clothing.
A working VHF radio that is turned on is a real plus for you and your passenger’s safety when an unexpected squall blows up and endangers your way back to port. Remember that cell phones generally do not work once you are three to four miles offshore. Graphite is one of the best conductors of electricity, so if there is lightning about, lay your fishing rods down horizontally in the boat and get the heck off the water.
Tarpon are being spotted and caught off the beaches, in the passes and near Egmont Key, and even on the seagrass beds in the bays.
Paul Roat in the AM Islander says offshore fishing for amberjack, snapper and grouper is great in the Gulf of Mexico. The grouper bite is moving farther from shore as the water warms, but the hits keep on coming. There also are some cobia mixed in around the tarpon pods, and reports of dolphins being caught offshore.
Captain Zach Zacharias, meanwhile, in the AMI Sun has some excellent advice for those heading out on the water right now. Make sure when heading out this time of the year to carry plenty of water, hats, glasses. sunscreen and loose light weight clothing.
A working VHF radio that is turned on is a real plus for you and your passenger’s safety when an unexpected squall blows up and endangers your way back to port. Remember that cell phones generally do not work once you are three to four miles offshore. Graphite is one of the best conductors of electricity, so if there is lightning about, lay your fishing rods down horizontally in the boat and get the heck off the water.
Tuesday 2 June 2009
Tarpon time!
Okay, so it might be time to head to the gym to work on your guns because it would seem that tarpon time is here!
If you don't know what we're talking about, you have never hooked into one of these hard-fighting monsters of the deep.
According to Anna Maria Islander fishing correspondent, Paul Roat, 'the tarpon are off the beaches, roaming the shallows near Egmont Key and swarming off Whitney Beach on north Longboat Key. Best catch to date is Tommy Price with his 125-pound silver king, but there must be some bigger ones out there.'
There sure are, and you should be out there catching them.
Check out this awesome video of a massive tarpon doing what tarpon do best.
If you don't know what we're talking about, you have never hooked into one of these hard-fighting monsters of the deep.
According to Anna Maria Islander fishing correspondent, Paul Roat, 'the tarpon are off the beaches, roaming the shallows near Egmont Key and swarming off Whitney Beach on north Longboat Key. Best catch to date is Tommy Price with his 125-pound silver king, but there must be some bigger ones out there.'
There sure are, and you should be out there catching them.
Check out this awesome video of a massive tarpon doing what tarpon do best.
Tuesday 26 May 2009
Record day for tarpon pros
Take a look at what the professionals are capable of. This huge tarpon was hauled into the boat of legendary Boca Grande Captain, Jeff Totten, and his Team Century/Yamaha mates who were fishing in week two of the Miller High Life Professional Tarpon Tournament Series.
Totten and Team Century/Yamaha stole the show just after the first hour of competition, when their fish reached the Miller's Ale weigh boat and tipped the scale at 174 pounds, the largest fish weighed during the 2009 season.
"We got it boys," Totten said to his team after hearing the weight. "The weather this week has been so bad, I knew anything over 170 pounds was going to be hard to beat."
The Miller High Life PTTS set a record as 72 fish were landed and released during the three hours, which equates to one every three minutes. It is the largest number on record for any single-day tarpon tournament.
The numbers were impressive but the size were not far behind. Thirteen tarpon were brought to the weigh boat, tipping the scales at 2,139 pounds. The average fish weight was just above 140 pounds.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there on the water, and be prepared for some arm-ache if you hook into one of these monsters.
Totten and Team Century/Yamaha stole the show just after the first hour of competition, when their fish reached the Miller's Ale weigh boat and tipped the scale at 174 pounds, the largest fish weighed during the 2009 season.
"We got it boys," Totten said to his team after hearing the weight. "The weather this week has been so bad, I knew anything over 170 pounds was going to be hard to beat."
The Miller High Life PTTS set a record as 72 fish were landed and released during the three hours, which equates to one every three minutes. It is the largest number on record for any single-day tarpon tournament.
The numbers were impressive but the size were not far behind. Thirteen tarpon were brought to the weigh boat, tipping the scales at 2,139 pounds. The average fish weight was just above 140 pounds.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there on the water, and be prepared for some arm-ache if you hook into one of these monsters.
Friday 22 May 2009
Fishing without getting wet
Okay so time for a little fun. We all know that there's no substitute for the real thing when it comes to fishing. But you can't fish all day every day, and you certainly can't do it at work - unless you happen to be a sea captain.
Of the few alternatives available, one of the best free online games is found at miniclip.com and is called Big Catch. The concept is fairly simple: choose a lure, select a lake and go fishing! It uses a Flash engine and loads fairly quickly - and it's great fun, without being too easy to be challenging.
Don't spend too long on it, especially if you are at work, but when you can't get out on the water it's the next best thing.
You can play the game at: http://www.miniclip.com/games/big-catch/en/
Of the few alternatives available, one of the best free online games is found at miniclip.com and is called Big Catch. The concept is fairly simple: choose a lure, select a lake and go fishing! It uses a Flash engine and loads fairly quickly - and it's great fun, without being too easy to be challenging.
Don't spend too long on it, especially if you are at work, but when you can't get out on the water it's the next best thing.
You can play the game at: http://www.miniclip.com/games/big-catch/en/
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Tarpon time can wait
Hi fishing fans!
It's still kingfish and tarpon time out here in Anna Maria, if the many captains' reports coming in are anything to go by.
The Tampa Tribune says: 'Traditionally in mid-May, most kingfish have moved on and tarpon get top billing. This year appears a bit different. Though tarpon have begun showing up, kingfish have chosen to extend our spring run despite 80 degree water. The Egmont shipping channel has been among the most productive areas, and action has been widespread. Huge schools of juvenile mackerel had drawn the kings in, and most were in the 20-pound range. We and others caught our largest fish on our biggest baits. Ladyfish, bluerunners and mackerel all worked well.'
That sounds promising, so what are you waiting for? Get out on the water.
For advice and information on bagging a prize kingfish check out some of my earlier posts about the best methods and baits to use.
And tight lines!
It's still kingfish and tarpon time out here in Anna Maria, if the many captains' reports coming in are anything to go by.
The Tampa Tribune says: 'Traditionally in mid-May, most kingfish have moved on and tarpon get top billing. This year appears a bit different. Though tarpon have begun showing up, kingfish have chosen to extend our spring run despite 80 degree water. The Egmont shipping channel has been among the most productive areas, and action has been widespread. Huge schools of juvenile mackerel had drawn the kings in, and most were in the 20-pound range. We and others caught our largest fish on our biggest baits. Ladyfish, bluerunners and mackerel all worked well.'
That sounds promising, so what are you waiting for? Get out on the water.
For advice and information on bagging a prize kingfish check out some of my earlier posts about the best methods and baits to use.
And tight lines!
Sunday 10 May 2009
Big fish need a grand plan
There have been a few reports of tarpon hook-ups around the waters off Anna Maria in recent weeks. Exciting for some, terrifying for others.
It's unlikely you'll just chance upon one of these powerful giants in the course of normal fishing, but if you want some advice on how best to deal with them here are some top tips from the good folks over at www.tarpontrips.com
1. Setting the hook.
You don't need to set the hook hard with tarpon. Because of the tarpon's hard mouth the best approach with most types of live bait hooks is to drop back about 10 feet of line and let the line tighten up or just leave the rod in the rod holder until the tarpon is stripping line off your reel. Another trick is to put the rod tip in the water and reel fast! All of these tarpon hook setting techniques allow the hook to hit one of the three soft spots in a tarpons mouth, the corners on either side or the button in the middle.
2. Set the drag right.
Many anglers set the drag to tight for tarpon fishing. 20% to 25% of the line weight is a good rule. Remember knots weaken your line up to 25%. If you are tarpon fishing with 20 pound test line set the drag at 4 to 5 pounds. A good way to be sure of the drag setting is to use a hand held scale to double check your setting. If the tarpon keep breaking your line use heavier line! Maintain your drag and keep your drag washers clean, to keep a drag running smoothly try lubricating the washers with a little STP. Bridge fishing has its own rules and requires the most drag and maximum pressure.
3. Let the tarpon run.
Tarpon are strong and usually give you a very hard initial run. When tarpon fishing often lines are broken starting the drag. If you are fishing in open water let the tarpon run until it looses some steam then apply pressure. If you are fishing around obstacles that might cut your line use heavier line and tackle, put more pressure on the tarpon and chase the tarpon with your boat.
4. Good knots.
Learn how to tie the best knots for tarpon fishing. To tie a hook or swivel on to monofiliment line up to about 50 LBS a palomer knot is hard to beat and lots of anglers like a loop knot. For heavier mono try an clinch knot or uni-knot. For joining heavy leader to the main line a surgeons knot is my favorite but a well tied blood knot or a uni-knot work. Be sure you pull your knots up tight!
5. Proper leaders.
A tarpons body and gill plates are abrasive and can damage line in hurry. A light leader set up for tarpon fishing would be 3 feet of 60 LB fluorocarbon leader tied to 10 feet of 40 LB leader attached to 15 or 20 LB doubled main line. For bridge tarpon fishing try 6 to 10 feet of 100 to 125 LB leader tied to a heavy barrel swivel or directly to a doubled 20 or 30 LB main line. If you use lead weights be sure to attach them with light copper rigging wire so they will drop off before the fight, they can be like bullets when a tarpon throws the hook.
6. Fight a tarpon right.
If you are tarpon fishing in open water and you hook up with a tarpon be ready for a strong run and some jumps. This is not the time to apply a lot of pressure. After the initial frantic run start to apply pressure. The rod is for fighting the tarpon, the reel is for storing the line. Try to avoid fighting the tarpon with the rod high over your head. Keep steady pressure on the tarpon by holding your rod tip down and pump up, reel down, pump up and reel down. Use the rod to pull the tarpon to you without reeling, use the reel to pick up the line you have pulled to you by dropping the rod toward the tarpon and reeling fast. When the tarpon jumps let off pressure or "bow to the king", this keeps the line from being cut on the tarpons gill plates and body. If you feel a strong run point the rod tip at the fish and let it run on the drag resuming pressure as the run slows. When you feel the pressure let off pick up the slack by reeling fast until you can put the pressure back on. It's always best to fight a tarpon as close as you can without getting to much line out. This will reduce the chances of getting cut off and makes it much easier to control a tarpon. The most common mistake anglers make is not being alert and prepared for the power these fish have. Trust your drag and put plenty of pressure on these big fish.
7. Bridge tricks for fighting a tarpon.
Tarpon love current and bridge passes. Tarpon fishing at bridges is a situation requiring the best skill and experience. Many tarpon have been cut off on the concrete pilings. This is where an experienced tarpon fishing guide can really help. Boat control and the ability to chase a tarpon are key elements. When tarpon fishing we usually anchor up current of the bridge pilings and let our baits drift back to the tarpon. We use a quick release line and a float to hold the anchor line, when you hook up with a tarpon quickly release your anchor and chase the tarpon. If you're lucky the tarpon will swim away from the bridge and into open water where you can enjoy the fight. If the tarpon stays in the the pilings good luck! We usually give chase, apply a lot of pressure and try to shorten up the line as much as possible. If it's not a big tarpon you can pull it out of the pilings. You must work quickly as a team with the angler aggressively getting the tarpon under control and the boat operator watching the line and positioning the boat to keep the line clear of the bridge pilings. You can either pull the tarpon out or get cut off so put the pressure on. Once you clear the bridge try to position your boat between the bridge and the tarpon. Tarpon will usually swim away from the direction of pressure. Tarpon are big strong fish and you must trust your tackle and drag to overpower them.
8. Keep the tarpon's head up.
When you get the tarpon close to the boat keep the tarpon's head up so it won't start another run. Learn what pressure is to a 100 LB tarpon and keep the pressure on!
Read the whole of the article here
It's unlikely you'll just chance upon one of these powerful giants in the course of normal fishing, but if you want some advice on how best to deal with them here are some top tips from the good folks over at www.tarpontrips.com
1. Setting the hook.
You don't need to set the hook hard with tarpon. Because of the tarpon's hard mouth the best approach with most types of live bait hooks is to drop back about 10 feet of line and let the line tighten up or just leave the rod in the rod holder until the tarpon is stripping line off your reel. Another trick is to put the rod tip in the water and reel fast! All of these tarpon hook setting techniques allow the hook to hit one of the three soft spots in a tarpons mouth, the corners on either side or the button in the middle.
2. Set the drag right.
Many anglers set the drag to tight for tarpon fishing. 20% to 25% of the line weight is a good rule. Remember knots weaken your line up to 25%. If you are tarpon fishing with 20 pound test line set the drag at 4 to 5 pounds. A good way to be sure of the drag setting is to use a hand held scale to double check your setting. If the tarpon keep breaking your line use heavier line! Maintain your drag and keep your drag washers clean, to keep a drag running smoothly try lubricating the washers with a little STP. Bridge fishing has its own rules and requires the most drag and maximum pressure.
3. Let the tarpon run.
Tarpon are strong and usually give you a very hard initial run. When tarpon fishing often lines are broken starting the drag. If you are fishing in open water let the tarpon run until it looses some steam then apply pressure. If you are fishing around obstacles that might cut your line use heavier line and tackle, put more pressure on the tarpon and chase the tarpon with your boat.
4. Good knots.
Learn how to tie the best knots for tarpon fishing. To tie a hook or swivel on to monofiliment line up to about 50 LBS a palomer knot is hard to beat and lots of anglers like a loop knot. For heavier mono try an clinch knot or uni-knot. For joining heavy leader to the main line a surgeons knot is my favorite but a well tied blood knot or a uni-knot work. Be sure you pull your knots up tight!
5. Proper leaders.
A tarpons body and gill plates are abrasive and can damage line in hurry. A light leader set up for tarpon fishing would be 3 feet of 60 LB fluorocarbon leader tied to 10 feet of 40 LB leader attached to 15 or 20 LB doubled main line. For bridge tarpon fishing try 6 to 10 feet of 100 to 125 LB leader tied to a heavy barrel swivel or directly to a doubled 20 or 30 LB main line. If you use lead weights be sure to attach them with light copper rigging wire so they will drop off before the fight, they can be like bullets when a tarpon throws the hook.
6. Fight a tarpon right.
If you are tarpon fishing in open water and you hook up with a tarpon be ready for a strong run and some jumps. This is not the time to apply a lot of pressure. After the initial frantic run start to apply pressure. The rod is for fighting the tarpon, the reel is for storing the line. Try to avoid fighting the tarpon with the rod high over your head. Keep steady pressure on the tarpon by holding your rod tip down and pump up, reel down, pump up and reel down. Use the rod to pull the tarpon to you without reeling, use the reel to pick up the line you have pulled to you by dropping the rod toward the tarpon and reeling fast. When the tarpon jumps let off pressure or "bow to the king", this keeps the line from being cut on the tarpons gill plates and body. If you feel a strong run point the rod tip at the fish and let it run on the drag resuming pressure as the run slows. When you feel the pressure let off pick up the slack by reeling fast until you can put the pressure back on. It's always best to fight a tarpon as close as you can without getting to much line out. This will reduce the chances of getting cut off and makes it much easier to control a tarpon. The most common mistake anglers make is not being alert and prepared for the power these fish have. Trust your drag and put plenty of pressure on these big fish.
7. Bridge tricks for fighting a tarpon.
Tarpon love current and bridge passes. Tarpon fishing at bridges is a situation requiring the best skill and experience. Many tarpon have been cut off on the concrete pilings. This is where an experienced tarpon fishing guide can really help. Boat control and the ability to chase a tarpon are key elements. When tarpon fishing we usually anchor up current of the bridge pilings and let our baits drift back to the tarpon. We use a quick release line and a float to hold the anchor line, when you hook up with a tarpon quickly release your anchor and chase the tarpon. If you're lucky the tarpon will swim away from the bridge and into open water where you can enjoy the fight. If the tarpon stays in the the pilings good luck! We usually give chase, apply a lot of pressure and try to shorten up the line as much as possible. If it's not a big tarpon you can pull it out of the pilings. You must work quickly as a team with the angler aggressively getting the tarpon under control and the boat operator watching the line and positioning the boat to keep the line clear of the bridge pilings. You can either pull the tarpon out or get cut off so put the pressure on. Once you clear the bridge try to position your boat between the bridge and the tarpon. Tarpon will usually swim away from the direction of pressure. Tarpon are big strong fish and you must trust your tackle and drag to overpower them.
8. Keep the tarpon's head up.
When you get the tarpon close to the boat keep the tarpon's head up so it won't start another run. Learn what pressure is to a 100 LB tarpon and keep the pressure on!
Read the whole of the article here
Thursday 30 April 2009
Long way down the line
Here's an interesting tale, which also acts as a salutory lesson in why you should always take home your discarded line.
Associated Press: A manatee whose flipper was discovered entangled in fishing line more than two years ago but has finally been rescued.
Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission made several unsuccessful attempts to rescue the adult female manatee over the years, but she consistently evaded them.
They finally caught her Wednesday in Key Largo's Tarpon Basin.
Biologists had been concerned the line could cut off the manatee's circulation, lead to it's flipper's amputation, and possibly death.
The manatee is now at the Miami Seaquarium where the fishing line will be removed. It will be released when cleared by veterinarians.
Associated Press: A manatee whose flipper was discovered entangled in fishing line more than two years ago but has finally been rescued.
Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission made several unsuccessful attempts to rescue the adult female manatee over the years, but she consistently evaded them.
They finally caught her Wednesday in Key Largo's Tarpon Basin.
Biologists had been concerned the line could cut off the manatee's circulation, lead to it's flipper's amputation, and possibly death.
The manatee is now at the Miami Seaquarium where the fishing line will be removed. It will be released when cleared by veterinarians.
Tuesday 28 April 2009
King coming in
Well, finally, and let's hope it was worth the wait, the kingfish are starting to show. All you have to do is get through the waves and you're in with a good shout of hooking into one of these hard-fighting fellows.
As Paul Roat says in the Islander newspaper, 'king mackerel are out there in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s just the task of beating through the wind and waves for fishers to get to the fish that’s the challenge. King-size catches of kingfish are starting to come in after a late start this spring. Amberjack also are a good bet off the artificial reefs in the offshore areas, as are lots of big gag grouper.'
And once you've landed your prize catch, here's a tasty recipe we found for raw kingfish with sour, salty and fragrant dressing. Click on this link here
Enjoy.
And, oh, tight lines!
As Paul Roat says in the Islander newspaper, 'king mackerel are out there in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s just the task of beating through the wind and waves for fishers to get to the fish that’s the challenge. King-size catches of kingfish are starting to come in after a late start this spring. Amberjack also are a good bet off the artificial reefs in the offshore areas, as are lots of big gag grouper.'
And once you've landed your prize catch, here's a tasty recipe we found for raw kingfish with sour, salty and fragrant dressing. Click on this link here
Enjoy.
And, oh, tight lines!
Friday 24 April 2009
Snapper chaps
Fishing is one of those pastimes where there are as many people willing to give advice about how to catch, what bait, rig, rod, reel to use as there are people. Simplifying these words of wisdom can be a painstaking process, but fear not, we have done the hard work for you.
Here is some advice, taken from many experts in the field (or should that be sea?) about how to catch the elusive mangrove snapper.
First, from pierfishingguide.com.
So, you want to catch the notorious mangrove snapper? A couple things that you must have before you attempt to target these great tasting fish. First off you want to go on your good day and have lots of patience. Mangrove snapper are great for picking bait right of the hook. Some days they will be there but just wont bite. I will explain my techniques and tips that WILL help you catch more snapper. First things first, you maybe asking yourself the following:
Where to Look?
Well if fishing inshore, smaller juvenile mangrove snapper use the mangroves for cover, hence this is where they got there name. For larger inshore snapper you want to try and find good natural water flow that provides the fish with an abundant food source. One place to start looking would be local bridges. Bridges normally hold bait and structure such as artificial reefs.
What to Use for bait?
There a few baits that work extremely well, now my personal favorite, is the herring. Now you will get many to argue and say shrimp is the best bait for snapper but let me explain why I believe the Spanish sardines are better. First off I have personally split tested it a thousand times, ok maybe not that many but quite a few times. The shrimp is great bait but with the sardines they have oil that fish can't avoid. Just break the tail off of the sardine or tear one in half and soak it next to the piling, rumble or whatever and watch how long it lasts. Secondly, the sardines are normally abundant (In the summer) around piers in the south so it's free.
What Rig To Use?
Snapper can sometimes be very finicky when it comes to eating, one moment they are feeding like crazy and then next the bite may shut completely down. A general rule of thumb when snapper fishing, "lighter is better". Lighter weight, lighter leader, smaller hooks etc... What I use is a 1/4 to 1/2 ounce lead depending on the tidal flow, two feet of 20lb fluorocarbon leader tied to a 30lb Spro swivel and a 2/0 Owner hook. Using this rig will help double your hook-up ratio.
How to hook them?
Snapper bite hard, that is how they got the other part of there name. What you need to do when you are getting a bite is slowly lift your rod tip, this will make the snapper bite more aggressively because the fish thinks the bait is getting away. If that fails, try and pull the rod tip away slowly and then let a little line out where the bait goes past the fish and back into the school, this will cause a small frenzy. Once you do hook them pull them away from the structure quick because they are determined to get back to there safe place once hooked.
Next, a look at hooks with the boys over at forshorefishing.theledger.com.
Let's discuss hooks first. I used to use J-hooks in the #1 thru #4 size depending on the size of the bait. I was convinced the J-hook was superior for the quick hook set which is needed for mangos.
I had tried circle hooks in the past with inconsistent results. The circle hooks I had tried before were always either Owner Mutu or Gamikatsu Nautilus style circle hooks. I caught some here and caught some there, but not really any much greater numbers of fish than the J-hooks. If anything, my ratio of hookups with these style circle hooks was even less which interesting as many anglers say their ratio increases with the use of these hooks.
However, recently in the last year or so, I have switched to using the Gamikatsu Octopus style circles in either #1 or #2 size for most of the sheepshead I encounter.
Gamakatsu makes the offset and also an in-line version. I've had much the same success with both styles. However, the in-line are the kind now required for reef species in Florida's Gulf waters. So many anglers may want to use these as they are technically required if your fishing for mangrove snapper as well.
If I find some fish on the large side, visible in clear water, I'll up my hook size to #1/0 or even #2/0 if the fish are big enough and I have large shrimp or crabs.
This hook is a circle hook, but it's more like a J-hook. It's in between the bent Mutu or Nautilus style and a true J-hook.
I get a much higher hookup ratio when I use these hooks than even J-Hooks. This is a hook you can set like a J-hook, but it also has the circle effect. It's like having the best of both styles in one hook.
That's enough for now, we'll take another look at some mangrove snapper advice soon.
Tight lines!
Here is some advice, taken from many experts in the field (or should that be sea?) about how to catch the elusive mangrove snapper.
First, from pierfishingguide.com.
So, you want to catch the notorious mangrove snapper? A couple things that you must have before you attempt to target these great tasting fish. First off you want to go on your good day and have lots of patience. Mangrove snapper are great for picking bait right of the hook. Some days they will be there but just wont bite. I will explain my techniques and tips that WILL help you catch more snapper. First things first, you maybe asking yourself the following:
Where to Look?
Well if fishing inshore, smaller juvenile mangrove snapper use the mangroves for cover, hence this is where they got there name. For larger inshore snapper you want to try and find good natural water flow that provides the fish with an abundant food source. One place to start looking would be local bridges. Bridges normally hold bait and structure such as artificial reefs.
What to Use for bait?
There a few baits that work extremely well, now my personal favorite, is the herring. Now you will get many to argue and say shrimp is the best bait for snapper but let me explain why I believe the Spanish sardines are better. First off I have personally split tested it a thousand times, ok maybe not that many but quite a few times. The shrimp is great bait but with the sardines they have oil that fish can't avoid. Just break the tail off of the sardine or tear one in half and soak it next to the piling, rumble or whatever and watch how long it lasts. Secondly, the sardines are normally abundant (In the summer) around piers in the south so it's free.
What Rig To Use?
Snapper can sometimes be very finicky when it comes to eating, one moment they are feeding like crazy and then next the bite may shut completely down. A general rule of thumb when snapper fishing, "lighter is better". Lighter weight, lighter leader, smaller hooks etc... What I use is a 1/4 to 1/2 ounce lead depending on the tidal flow, two feet of 20lb fluorocarbon leader tied to a 30lb Spro swivel and a 2/0 Owner hook. Using this rig will help double your hook-up ratio.
How to hook them?
Snapper bite hard, that is how they got the other part of there name. What you need to do when you are getting a bite is slowly lift your rod tip, this will make the snapper bite more aggressively because the fish thinks the bait is getting away. If that fails, try and pull the rod tip away slowly and then let a little line out where the bait goes past the fish and back into the school, this will cause a small frenzy. Once you do hook them pull them away from the structure quick because they are determined to get back to there safe place once hooked.
Next, a look at hooks with the boys over at forshorefishing.theledger.com.
Let's discuss hooks first. I used to use J-hooks in the #1 thru #4 size depending on the size of the bait. I was convinced the J-hook was superior for the quick hook set which is needed for mangos.
I had tried circle hooks in the past with inconsistent results. The circle hooks I had tried before were always either Owner Mutu or Gamikatsu Nautilus style circle hooks. I caught some here and caught some there, but not really any much greater numbers of fish than the J-hooks. If anything, my ratio of hookups with these style circle hooks was even less which interesting as many anglers say their ratio increases with the use of these hooks.
However, recently in the last year or so, I have switched to using the Gamikatsu Octopus style circles in either #1 or #2 size for most of the sheepshead I encounter.
Gamakatsu makes the offset and also an in-line version. I've had much the same success with both styles. However, the in-line are the kind now required for reef species in Florida's Gulf waters. So many anglers may want to use these as they are technically required if your fishing for mangrove snapper as well.
If I find some fish on the large side, visible in clear water, I'll up my hook size to #1/0 or even #2/0 if the fish are big enough and I have large shrimp or crabs.
This hook is a circle hook, but it's more like a J-hook. It's in between the bent Mutu or Nautilus style and a true J-hook.
I get a much higher hookup ratio when I use these hooks than even J-Hooks. This is a hook you can set like a J-hook, but it also has the circle effect. It's like having the best of both styles in one hook.
That's enough for now, we'll take another look at some mangrove snapper advice soon.
Tight lines!
Tuesday 21 April 2009
Wind, wind, go away...
This week's fishing report in the Anna Maria Islander newspaper, written by Paul Roat, brings better news on the kingfish front, but it would be so much better if this pesky wind would go away...
It’s all about that pesky wind when it comes to fishing. As one captain put it this week, “Would somebody please turn off the wind machine?”
High winds translate to high seas and the result out in the Gulf of Mexico is a boat that’s rocking and rolling. For folks willing to risk a case of the "urks", there are kingfish to be caught, as well as lots of amberjack and grouper from the artificial reef systems.
Backwater fishing features lots of snook, trout and some redfish. There also are flounder and mackerel coming out of the piers in the passes, as well as late-season sheepshead.
Mark your calendar for May 9 for the 23rd Annual Kids Free Fishing Tournament at the Green Bridge Pier in Palmetto. This is a catch-and-release tournament open to all kids between ages 7 and 14, with sponsorship from Manatee-Sarasota Fish & Game Association, Palmetto and Bradenton Kiwanis clubs, as well as the City of Palmetto Parks and Recreation Department.
Registration starts at 7 a.m. and all kids must be accompanied by an adult. Youthful fishers should have their own rod and reel, but equipment is available if needed. Bait, hooks and sinkers are provided and prizes will be awarded for the first three places in each age group. Palmetto Kiwanis volunteers will be serving free hot dogs for lunch. To volunteer or support the tourney, call 941-794-2806.
Read the whole of Paul's report here
Tight lines!
It’s all about that pesky wind when it comes to fishing. As one captain put it this week, “Would somebody please turn off the wind machine?”
High winds translate to high seas and the result out in the Gulf of Mexico is a boat that’s rocking and rolling. For folks willing to risk a case of the "urks", there are kingfish to be caught, as well as lots of amberjack and grouper from the artificial reef systems.
Backwater fishing features lots of snook, trout and some redfish. There also are flounder and mackerel coming out of the piers in the passes, as well as late-season sheepshead.
Mark your calendar for May 9 for the 23rd Annual Kids Free Fishing Tournament at the Green Bridge Pier in Palmetto. This is a catch-and-release tournament open to all kids between ages 7 and 14, with sponsorship from Manatee-Sarasota Fish & Game Association, Palmetto and Bradenton Kiwanis clubs, as well as the City of Palmetto Parks and Recreation Department.
Registration starts at 7 a.m. and all kids must be accompanied by an adult. Youthful fishers should have their own rod and reel, but equipment is available if needed. Bait, hooks and sinkers are provided and prizes will be awarded for the first three places in each age group. Palmetto Kiwanis volunteers will be serving free hot dogs for lunch. To volunteer or support the tourney, call 941-794-2806.
Read the whole of Paul's report here
Tight lines!
Friday 17 April 2009
Sheep mentality
Tired of waiting for those pesky kingfish to show up? Bored of not catching anything because the sea is too rough? Well, why not come closer to home and try for some sheepshead? The three piers on Anna Maria Island are all reporting good catches of these odd fish at the moment, so here's some advice on how to catch one from the good folk at eHow.com. For the full article click here
Step 1
Rig your rod & reel having 15-20 lb. monofilament or braided line. Tie on a swivel sinker or slip on an egg sinker. The weight will depend on the speed of the tidal current that you're in. Generally use a 3/4 oz. sinker. Add a 10-18 inch piece of fluorocarbon leader and tie on a sharp hook. Thick, long shanked, bait hooks work best, in a 1/0 or 2/0 size. Sea circle hooks are also pretty good.
Step 2
Locate dock or bridge pilings that are covered with barnacles or oysters. Areas that look like someone scraped the barnacles off are usually the best. You'll see barnacles or oysters on the pilings and then you'll spot a somewhat bare spot. That is where the barnacles or oysters are being eaten off by the sheepshead or someone is actually scraping them off to chum for sheepshead.
Step 3
Tie off or anchor in such a position that you can drop your line straight down next to the target piling. Be careful not to damage your vessel or the piling. Be aware of wind and current directions.
Step 4
Add your bait of choice: Fiddler crab, oyster, clam, or a piece of shrimp. Drop your line down to the bottom and reel in a little, just enough to get your bait off the bottom. Since Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, you need to pay close attention to your line. You can steadily hold your rod horizontally and watch your rod tip for any movement or you can gently raise your rod tip every few seconds to see if you have resistance on the other end. Sometimes it will feel like you're hung on something, guess what?, it's probably a sheepshead.
If you're raising your rod tip, let's say, every 5 seconds and you get nothing and you check your bait and it's gone. Re-bait and do the same technique with adjusting your time to 4 or even 3 seconds.
Step 5
Once you have a fish hooked, reel in as quickly as possible. The sheepshead will instinctively make a run for the safety of the pilings or some other structure, the barnacle/ oyster covered structure will cut your line and leave you frustrated. Muscle the fish into open type areas to make it easier to get the fish into the vessel. Using a landing net is a good idea since the sheepshead are hard to hook really good. Use pliers to extract the hook, the sheepshead have powerful jaws and sharp teeth.
All good advice there. And if you're wondering how you'll know if you land a sheepshead, here's a picture (of a really big one!).
Tight lines!
Tuesday 14 April 2009
No kings? Get out on the fly
You could get old waiting for the kingfish to finally show up, although the weather and rough seas are not helping those fisherman going out in search of these hard-fighting beasts.
Popular opinion says that while you're waiting you may as well go out in the backwaters around Anna Maria Island in search of the trout and snook which are biting at the moment.
For a bit of different sport, why not try the ancient, subtle art of fly fishing. It's extra rewarding when you hook one.
If you're new to this part of the sport then why not check out the excellent guide by Don Phillips on fishing-florida.com website. Here is just the intro, and if it whets your appetite, you can read the whole thing here
The purpose of this series of articles is to introduce the reader to the sport of saltwater fly fishing, as currently practiced here in Southwest Florida. The content is aimed primarily at novice fishermen, at experienced saltwater fishermen who have not yet succumbed to the joys of fly fishing, and at freshwater fly fishermen who would like to transfer their acquired skills to our resident saltwater fish. I'll attempt to take some of the mystique out of fly fishing by describing the waters we fish, the tackle with which we fish and the basic techniques that we use to fool our formidable prey. Accordingly, this is sort of a beginner's school, hopefully giving you enough information to go out and buy the basic required equipment and to begin to develop your fly fishing skills. I've been fly fishing for over 45 years, and yet I'm still learning new things all the time. Much of this continuing learning comes from the stream of books and magazines that are being published. If you want to improve your success on the water, subscribe to a few of these magazines and read some of these books; There's literally "gold in them thar hills". Speaking of learning, I must give particular credit for this writing to my close friend and mentor, Doug Swisher. I've learned more from Doug over the years than I could ever absorb from the literature.
Popular opinion says that while you're waiting you may as well go out in the backwaters around Anna Maria Island in search of the trout and snook which are biting at the moment.
For a bit of different sport, why not try the ancient, subtle art of fly fishing. It's extra rewarding when you hook one.
If you're new to this part of the sport then why not check out the excellent guide by Don Phillips on fishing-florida.com website. Here is just the intro, and if it whets your appetite, you can read the whole thing here
The purpose of this series of articles is to introduce the reader to the sport of saltwater fly fishing, as currently practiced here in Southwest Florida. The content is aimed primarily at novice fishermen, at experienced saltwater fishermen who have not yet succumbed to the joys of fly fishing, and at freshwater fly fishermen who would like to transfer their acquired skills to our resident saltwater fish. I'll attempt to take some of the mystique out of fly fishing by describing the waters we fish, the tackle with which we fish and the basic techniques that we use to fool our formidable prey. Accordingly, this is sort of a beginner's school, hopefully giving you enough information to go out and buy the basic required equipment and to begin to develop your fly fishing skills. I've been fly fishing for over 45 years, and yet I'm still learning new things all the time. Much of this continuing learning comes from the stream of books and magazines that are being published. If you want to improve your success on the water, subscribe to a few of these magazines and read some of these books; There's literally "gold in them thar hills". Speaking of learning, I must give particular credit for this writing to my close friend and mentor, Doug Swisher. I've learned more from Doug over the years than I could ever absorb from the literature.
Friday 10 April 2009
You need a ticket to ride (and fish)
Hello there fish fans!
I know we've covered this before but it never hurts to mention the subject of licenses again.
As a general rule of thumb, if you have to pay for your fishing you don’t have to buy a fishing license. Otherwise, remember, if you are going to go fishing in the waters off Anna Maria Island you have to purchase a license and obey the local fishing regulations. For more information on the laws and regulations visit www.MyFlorida.com/fwc or call 1(888) Fish-Florida.
To buy a fishing license to fish Anna Maria Island waters, go to any of the tax collector offices (Bradenton, Palmetto or Holmes Beach). You can also buy a license at any Wal-Mart or Kmart store in Manatee County. Also remember to check the legal limits for taking fish, and the bag limits and closed seasons for each separate species.
So get legal and get fishing.
Oh, and tight lines!
I know we've covered this before but it never hurts to mention the subject of licenses again.
As a general rule of thumb, if you have to pay for your fishing you don’t have to buy a fishing license. Otherwise, remember, if you are going to go fishing in the waters off Anna Maria Island you have to purchase a license and obey the local fishing regulations. For more information on the laws and regulations visit www.MyFlorida.com/fwc or call 1(888) Fish-Florida.
To buy a fishing license to fish Anna Maria Island waters, go to any of the tax collector offices (Bradenton, Palmetto or Holmes Beach). You can also buy a license at any Wal-Mart or Kmart store in Manatee County. Also remember to check the legal limits for taking fish, and the bag limits and closed seasons for each separate species.
So get legal and get fishing.
Oh, and tight lines!
Tuesday 7 April 2009
Spring has sprung for kings
Paul Roat, writing in the Anna Maria Islander, offers some timely advice on the spring run of king fish and gag grouper now setting up home close to Anna Maria.
He says: 'King mackerel should be moving through the offshore waters even as you read this. A few scouts have been hooked up in the Gulf of Mexico, harbingers of the full spring run to come. The trick is to get through the rough waters to catch the kings, or the amberjack and gag grouper near the artificial reefs.
'Remember there are new rule and size limits on gag grouper this year. Check The Islander website for a detailed list, or ask the experts at any tackle shop.'
Here's some advice on catching gags from about.com
Gags can grow to more than 70 pounds, but are more common to 25 pounds. Most catches are fish in the five to ten pound range, just over the legal size limits.
Where are They Found
Mature gags can be found on offshore reefs and wrecks. They like any kind of structure, including ledges and holes, and will take up residence in any object that will hide them. They are found from Brazil through the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico northward to New England. Juvenile fish can be found on inshore grass flats and shoals. Huge migrations of gags gather in the winter months in the Gulf of Mexico to spawn.
Tackle
Gags are caught using one of two methods. Deep trolling large lures or jigs with a strip bait is popular in the Gulf of Mexico. The other method, and the one that is most often used, is just plain old bottom fishing. Heavy tackle in the thirty to fifty pound class with conventional reels and boat rods is the standard. A heavy leader, sometimes made with leader wire instead on monofilament, with an 8/0 or 9/0 hook is the order of the day.
Bait
Gags can be caught on fresh cut bait, such as mullet or pinfish. They will also eat squid, octopus, and crabs. Live bait is by far the best bet. A live pinfish, a small gray or lane snapper, or a live cigar minnow will draw almost as fast as the bait gets to the bottom. Trolling lures include Mann’s +30 giant lures, sometimes used with either wire line or with a trolling weight to gain more depth. Wire line trolling with a feather jig and strip bait is popular in Florida and the Caribbean.
Powerful Fish
These are powerful fish when hooked, and heavy gear is required to prevent the fish from taking your line with him into a hole or under a ledge. Many anglers crank the drag on their reel down all the way to prevent the fish from reaching a hole.
He says: 'King mackerel should be moving through the offshore waters even as you read this. A few scouts have been hooked up in the Gulf of Mexico, harbingers of the full spring run to come. The trick is to get through the rough waters to catch the kings, or the amberjack and gag grouper near the artificial reefs.
'Remember there are new rule and size limits on gag grouper this year. Check The Islander website for a detailed list, or ask the experts at any tackle shop.'
Here's some advice on catching gags from about.com
Gags can grow to more than 70 pounds, but are more common to 25 pounds. Most catches are fish in the five to ten pound range, just over the legal size limits.
Where are They Found
Mature gags can be found on offshore reefs and wrecks. They like any kind of structure, including ledges and holes, and will take up residence in any object that will hide them. They are found from Brazil through the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico northward to New England. Juvenile fish can be found on inshore grass flats and shoals. Huge migrations of gags gather in the winter months in the Gulf of Mexico to spawn.
Tackle
Gags are caught using one of two methods. Deep trolling large lures or jigs with a strip bait is popular in the Gulf of Mexico. The other method, and the one that is most often used, is just plain old bottom fishing. Heavy tackle in the thirty to fifty pound class with conventional reels and boat rods is the standard. A heavy leader, sometimes made with leader wire instead on monofilament, with an 8/0 or 9/0 hook is the order of the day.
Bait
Gags can be caught on fresh cut bait, such as mullet or pinfish. They will also eat squid, octopus, and crabs. Live bait is by far the best bet. A live pinfish, a small gray or lane snapper, or a live cigar minnow will draw almost as fast as the bait gets to the bottom. Trolling lures include Mann’s +30 giant lures, sometimes used with either wire line or with a trolling weight to gain more depth. Wire line trolling with a feather jig and strip bait is popular in Florida and the Caribbean.
Powerful Fish
These are powerful fish when hooked, and heavy gear is required to prevent the fish from taking your line with him into a hole or under a ledge. Many anglers crank the drag on their reel down all the way to prevent the fish from reaching a hole.
Friday 3 April 2009
The captain knows best
We always enjoy the Anna Maria Sun newspaper column of Captain Zach Zacharias. If you haven't caught it yet (excuse the pun) just pick up a copy of the paper from outside most of the bigger retail outlets on the island. It's free and it comes out once a week, so you'll always be able to enjoy his words of wisdom if you're vacationing on Anna Maria.
To give you an idea of what you'll be getting, here is this week's offering from the captain himself. To see more from the AmiSun fishing section without picking up a paper copy, check out their website here
Earlier in the week, before the wind started to howl, my clients enjoyed some more good action with spawning sheepshead, mangrove snapper, grouper, mackerel and hogfish on the reefs offshore of Anna Maria and Longboat Key. When the winds shifted more to the south at week’s end, trips out there were out of the question. As I write this, the winds continue high and hopefully things will settle for the upcoming week.
Inshore was a challenge due to the wind and cool night time air temperatures that knocked the water temperatures back substantially. Bait was much harder to procure and the bloom was off the bite for a few days. The southern fetch of wind over the weekend coupled with warm, sunny days should serve to get things back up to speed pretty quickly this week. When the fish did cooperate, redfish up to 25 inches, trout to 23 inches, pompano and a few slot sized snook came aboard the Dee Jay II from North Sarasota Bay. Surprisingly, shrimp accounted for more fish than either white bait or pinfish. There were a couple of days mid-week that were the toughest I have encountered in some time.
Remaining optimistic, April should shape up to be the hot ticket month with everything coming up fishes.
To give you an idea of what you'll be getting, here is this week's offering from the captain himself. To see more from the AmiSun fishing section without picking up a paper copy, check out their website here
Earlier in the week, before the wind started to howl, my clients enjoyed some more good action with spawning sheepshead, mangrove snapper, grouper, mackerel and hogfish on the reefs offshore of Anna Maria and Longboat Key. When the winds shifted more to the south at week’s end, trips out there were out of the question. As I write this, the winds continue high and hopefully things will settle for the upcoming week.
Inshore was a challenge due to the wind and cool night time air temperatures that knocked the water temperatures back substantially. Bait was much harder to procure and the bloom was off the bite for a few days. The southern fetch of wind over the weekend coupled with warm, sunny days should serve to get things back up to speed pretty quickly this week. When the fish did cooperate, redfish up to 25 inches, trout to 23 inches, pompano and a few slot sized snook came aboard the Dee Jay II from North Sarasota Bay. Surprisingly, shrimp accounted for more fish than either white bait or pinfish. There were a couple of days mid-week that were the toughest I have encountered in some time.
Remaining optimistic, April should shape up to be the hot ticket month with everything coming up fishes.
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Get ready for royal visit
Anna Maria Island's fishermen are getting excited for the annual visit of the king - and we're not talking Elvis.
The fishing correspondent of the Islander newspaper, Paul Roat, says: 'There’s a king-size countdown for the spring king run offshore Anna Maria Island. A few king mackerel have been caught in recent weeks, but the migration through our part of the Gulf of Mexico hasn’t really hit as yet. Most estimates have the countdown winding down to days, when and if the wind lies down offshore.
'Also offshore are lots of gag grouper and, with the season reopening April 1 — no fooling! — the tasty fish can again be caught. Remember to use circle hooks, have a de-hooking device and carry a venting tool for off-size fish to ease their return to the deep, and remember new regs, available here, call for a minimum catch to be 22 inches and only two fish per person per day within the five-fish-per-day aggregate grouper take.'
If you want to know how to bait up a king mackerel rig with a circle hook, check out this video from inthebite.com
The fishing correspondent of the Islander newspaper, Paul Roat, says: 'There’s a king-size countdown for the spring king run offshore Anna Maria Island. A few king mackerel have been caught in recent weeks, but the migration through our part of the Gulf of Mexico hasn’t really hit as yet. Most estimates have the countdown winding down to days, when and if the wind lies down offshore.
'Also offshore are lots of gag grouper and, with the season reopening April 1 — no fooling! — the tasty fish can again be caught. Remember to use circle hooks, have a de-hooking device and carry a venting tool for off-size fish to ease their return to the deep, and remember new regs, available here, call for a minimum catch to be 22 inches and only two fish per person per day within the five-fish-per-day aggregate grouper take.'
If you want to know how to bait up a king mackerel rig with a circle hook, check out this video from inthebite.com
Tuesday 17 March 2009
The Spanish are invading again!
Good news from Europe, the Spanish mackerels are here in numbers! According to the Islander's fishing expert, Paul Roat, they are showing off the beaches and bays around Anna Maria Island.
"Reports are at a catch-per-cast basis for the macks, already running up to 26 inches," he says. "Kingfish are soon to follow as long as the weather holds."
It might still be a little cold for snook in the back waters but the action should heat up as soon as the water does.
If you're getting withdrawal symptoms, here is a wonderful painting of a snook called "Mean Streak - Snook" by Mark Susinno. See it bigger at Free Spirit Art
"Reports are at a catch-per-cast basis for the macks, already running up to 26 inches," he says. "Kingfish are soon to follow as long as the weather holds."
It might still be a little cold for snook in the back waters but the action should heat up as soon as the water does.
If you're getting withdrawal symptoms, here is a wonderful painting of a snook called "Mean Streak - Snook" by Mark Susinno. See it bigger at Free Spirit Art
Happy fishing and tight lines!
Sunday 15 March 2009
Local knowledge
The Islander newspaper's fishing correspondent has added some interesting information on the types of fish you can find in the waters around Anna Maria Island. Paul Roat also looks at the catch and size limits, so you'll know you are not breaking the law, even if people are staring at you.
Check out Paul's column here and let's have a look at some of the fish he looks at below.
Kingfish
Kingfish, or king mackerel (Scomberomorous cavalla) are silver in color with black or bluish-green backs. They are long, slender fish with a tapered head. Kings are usually found offshore in large schools, and grow to 20 pounds, although the Florida record was 90 pounds. There is a 24-inch minimum fork length with a two-fish daily bag limit.
Permit
Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) are a South Florida fish that is starting to extend its range into local waters. This bull-headed fish has a gray back with silver sides and is similar in shape to pompano, although much larger at 25 pounds. They are found in offshore and inshore waters. There is a 11- to 20-inch slot limit on permit, with a six-fish daily bag limit. You may also possess one fish of more than 20 inches, although the vessel can’t possess more than two big permit on any trip.
Pompano
The Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is similar in shape and coloration to permit, although pompano have a golden hue to their bellies. They are found both inshore and offshore, and usually grow to three to six pounds. There is a 11- to 20-inch slot limit on pompano, with a six-fish daily bag limit. You may also possess one fish of more than 20 inches daily, although like permit, no more than two big pompano can be on a boat at any time.
Redfish
One of the more popular local fish, redfish or red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) are copper-colored with a distinctive black spot at the base of the tail. Juveniles are found inshore, and migrate offshore to spawn, usually from August to October. The Florida record for redfish is 51 pounds. Permitted size for possession of redfish is within the 18- to 27-inch slot limit, with one-fish-daily possession allowed per fisher.
Check out Paul's column here and let's have a look at some of the fish he looks at below.
Kingfish
Kingfish, or king mackerel (Scomberomorous cavalla) are silver in color with black or bluish-green backs. They are long, slender fish with a tapered head. Kings are usually found offshore in large schools, and grow to 20 pounds, although the Florida record was 90 pounds. There is a 24-inch minimum fork length with a two-fish daily bag limit.
Permit
Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) are a South Florida fish that is starting to extend its range into local waters. This bull-headed fish has a gray back with silver sides and is similar in shape to pompano, although much larger at 25 pounds. They are found in offshore and inshore waters. There is a 11- to 20-inch slot limit on permit, with a six-fish daily bag limit. You may also possess one fish of more than 20 inches, although the vessel can’t possess more than two big permit on any trip.
Pompano
The Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is similar in shape and coloration to permit, although pompano have a golden hue to their bellies. They are found both inshore and offshore, and usually grow to three to six pounds. There is a 11- to 20-inch slot limit on pompano, with a six-fish daily bag limit. You may also possess one fish of more than 20 inches daily, although like permit, no more than two big pompano can be on a boat at any time.
Redfish
One of the more popular local fish, redfish or red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) are copper-colored with a distinctive black spot at the base of the tail. Juveniles are found inshore, and migrate offshore to spawn, usually from August to October. The Florida record for redfish is 51 pounds. Permitted size for possession of redfish is within the 18- to 27-inch slot limit, with one-fish-daily possession allowed per fisher.
Thursday 12 March 2009
Snooky not soapy
Snook has long been regarded as one of the top eating fish in South Florida but if you want to eat one legally you'll have to catch one yourself.
Having done just that, most anglers treat the snook as they would any other fish and toss it straight on the barbecue. Wrong!
There is a reason snook is also known as soap fish and that reason is the taste of the fish's skin.Unlike its status here in Florida, many in the Caribbean, where it is also a regular resident, consider it inedible. But we know it's not and by removing the skin and carving yourself out a couple of thick fillets you could be chowing down on one of the best eating fishes that swims.Here's a recipe which featured on naples.com and comes courtesy of Sarah Yanovich, of the Fish House Restaurant, Bonita.
Blackened snook
Ingredients
2 snook fillets
Blackening spice (Yanovich prefers the Paul Prudhomme version. It’s available at most local grocery stores)
Oil, either vegetable or olive
Preparation
Sprinkle blackening spice on fillet and press it lightly into the fillet.
Heat a cast iron skillet on high and wait until the skillet is very hot.
Poor a half-cup of oil in the skillet and add the fillets.
Cook for about three minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillet, or until the seasoning develops into a crust.
Finish in the oven, at 350 or 400 degrees, if the seasoning is close to burning but the fish isn’t fully cooked.
Having done just that, most anglers treat the snook as they would any other fish and toss it straight on the barbecue. Wrong!
There is a reason snook is also known as soap fish and that reason is the taste of the fish's skin.Unlike its status here in Florida, many in the Caribbean, where it is also a regular resident, consider it inedible. But we know it's not and by removing the skin and carving yourself out a couple of thick fillets you could be chowing down on one of the best eating fishes that swims.Here's a recipe which featured on naples.com and comes courtesy of Sarah Yanovich, of the Fish House Restaurant, Bonita.
Blackened snook
Ingredients
2 snook fillets
Blackening spice (Yanovich prefers the Paul Prudhomme version. It’s available at most local grocery stores)
Oil, either vegetable or olive
Preparation
Sprinkle blackening spice on fillet and press it lightly into the fillet.
Heat a cast iron skillet on high and wait until the skillet is very hot.
Poor a half-cup of oil in the skillet and add the fillets.
Cook for about three minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillet, or until the seasoning develops into a crust.
Finish in the oven, at 350 or 400 degrees, if the seasoning is close to burning but the fish isn’t fully cooked.
Tuesday 10 March 2009
Snook, and how to catch them
Welcome my fishy friends!
Now then, it's snook season again and if you're not out on the water trying to catch some of these hard-fighting, rod-bending fish then what are you doing?
We could talk you through how best to snare these fin-tastic fish, but the good old boys of the Sun-Sentinel fishing pages have done the job for us.
So sit back and enjoy this lesson from Sun-Sentinel outdoors writer Steve Waters and Tom Greene of Custom Rod & Reel who will tell you all you need to know about how to catch snook.
So, now you know. What are you waiting for!!!
Now then, it's snook season again and if you're not out on the water trying to catch some of these hard-fighting, rod-bending fish then what are you doing?
We could talk you through how best to snare these fin-tastic fish, but the good old boys of the Sun-Sentinel fishing pages have done the job for us.
So sit back and enjoy this lesson from Sun-Sentinel outdoors writer Steve Waters and Tom Greene of Custom Rod & Reel who will tell you all you need to know about how to catch snook.
So, now you know. What are you waiting for!!!
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Tides they are a changin'
If you're going to head out fishing you need to know your tides. This is as true whether you are fishing from a pier, the beach, a bridge or a boat.
Here's what Ron Brooks says about using the tide to your advantage on the reference website About.com: The influence of tidal changes on a fish's feeding and migrating habits cannot be understated. They move with the tide and feed at locations that provide them either access to food or the ambush ability at that food.
The saltwater coast line of the Southern and Southeastern United States is veined with rivers and creeks coming through saltwater estuaries, oyster beds, and marshes to reach the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. These estuaries and marshes are the very beginning of the marine food chain for all species of fish. Learning the basics of this food chain can lead to some fine fishing experiences.
On a high tide, water will flood the marshes, covering acres and acres with as much as two feet or more of water. Crabs and small baitfish will follow that rising tide to feed on in the shallows. Larger fish, such as redfish, flounder, drum and trout will also follow that rising tide in to feed on these baitfish.
High tide in the coastal marsh finds large schools of small redfish on a shallow flat, roaming in search of forage. Individual large reds can be seen tailing as they root for crabs and other crustaceans in the mud.
As the tide begins to fall, the water coming off these flats begins to funnel into small channels, leading into larger channels and eventually into the creeks and rivers. Fish sense the dropping water and will move out with the tide to deeper water. These tidal outflows to deeper water are where fishing can be great.
As the water drops, oyster bars become visible, and the juvenile crabs can be seen scurrying about the shells. Take note of the life that abounds on the oyster bars. They almost tend to be a self contained ecosystem, with each resident depending on the other for survival. Take note, because the larger fish in the area will definitely take note.
So, knowing what the tide is doing is vital to improving your chances. But don't worry about where to find out what they are on Anna Maria Island, we've done the hard work for you (well, part of it).
Just click on this link for up-to-date information on our beautiful island - and fishing paradise.
Tight lines!
Here's what Ron Brooks says about using the tide to your advantage on the reference website About.com: The influence of tidal changes on a fish's feeding and migrating habits cannot be understated. They move with the tide and feed at locations that provide them either access to food or the ambush ability at that food.
The saltwater coast line of the Southern and Southeastern United States is veined with rivers and creeks coming through saltwater estuaries, oyster beds, and marshes to reach the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. These estuaries and marshes are the very beginning of the marine food chain for all species of fish. Learning the basics of this food chain can lead to some fine fishing experiences.
On a high tide, water will flood the marshes, covering acres and acres with as much as two feet or more of water. Crabs and small baitfish will follow that rising tide to feed on in the shallows. Larger fish, such as redfish, flounder, drum and trout will also follow that rising tide in to feed on these baitfish.
High tide in the coastal marsh finds large schools of small redfish on a shallow flat, roaming in search of forage. Individual large reds can be seen tailing as they root for crabs and other crustaceans in the mud.
As the tide begins to fall, the water coming off these flats begins to funnel into small channels, leading into larger channels and eventually into the creeks and rivers. Fish sense the dropping water and will move out with the tide to deeper water. These tidal outflows to deeper water are where fishing can be great.
As the water drops, oyster bars become visible, and the juvenile crabs can be seen scurrying about the shells. Take note of the life that abounds on the oyster bars. They almost tend to be a self contained ecosystem, with each resident depending on the other for survival. Take note, because the larger fish in the area will definitely take note.
So, knowing what the tide is doing is vital to improving your chances. But don't worry about where to find out what they are on Anna Maria Island, we've done the hard work for you (well, part of it).
Just click on this link for up-to-date information on our beautiful island - and fishing paradise.
Tight lines!
Friday 27 February 2009
Get fresh this weekend
We concentrate a lot on the sea side of fishing, so let's just take a quick look at the freshwater pastime. Jim Lee's weekly report in the Tampa Tribune is as good a place to start as any.
Here's this week's offering. You can read the whole report here
This past week was good, but the water was still cold. By the early part of the weekend, bass action should improve for a short period. Live shiners are the best for attracting bass. Speckled perch catches continue to be very good and are increasing in some areas. Look for the bedding areas in the grass soon.
KISSIMMEE CHAIN: Grape Hammock Fish Camp (863) 692-1500: The water is still cold, and it will be next month before it warms up to any degree. A lot of smaller bass are being caught, indicating a good spawn to come. Speckled perch are the easy catch and will be for a while yet.
LORIDA-ISTOKPOGA: Trails End Fishing Resort and Guide Service (863)-655-0134: Some larger bass are still being taken on occasion. Bass in the 4- to 6-pound range mostly, but with a little warmer weather, the big bass will appear. Specks are the main attraction. Troll with jigs and minnows. They will be bedding in the grass and lily pads soon.
OKEECHOBEE, THE WEST WALL: The lake is mostly too low to fish, but they are allowing the seine nets to take bluegill and shellcracker in the middle of the lake. The commercial operations are doing well, but the guides and recreational anglers are struggling. Some bass and bluegill can be caught in the Rim Canal.
LAKE PANASOFFKEE: Pana Vista Lodge (352) 793-2061: Specks and juvenile bass are the catch so far. You can still catch your speckled perch dinner. It won’t be long until the bluegill take over. Plan ahead, as this is a great bluegill and shellcracker lake.
Here's this week's offering. You can read the whole report here
This past week was good, but the water was still cold. By the early part of the weekend, bass action should improve for a short period. Live shiners are the best for attracting bass. Speckled perch catches continue to be very good and are increasing in some areas. Look for the bedding areas in the grass soon.
KISSIMMEE CHAIN: Grape Hammock Fish Camp (863) 692-1500: The water is still cold, and it will be next month before it warms up to any degree. A lot of smaller bass are being caught, indicating a good spawn to come. Speckled perch are the easy catch and will be for a while yet.
LORIDA-ISTOKPOGA: Trails End Fishing Resort and Guide Service (863)-655-0134: Some larger bass are still being taken on occasion. Bass in the 4- to 6-pound range mostly, but with a little warmer weather, the big bass will appear. Specks are the main attraction. Troll with jigs and minnows. They will be bedding in the grass and lily pads soon.
OKEECHOBEE, THE WEST WALL: The lake is mostly too low to fish, but they are allowing the seine nets to take bluegill and shellcracker in the middle of the lake. The commercial operations are doing well, but the guides and recreational anglers are struggling. Some bass and bluegill can be caught in the Rim Canal.
LAKE PANASOFFKEE: Pana Vista Lodge (352) 793-2061: Specks and juvenile bass are the catch so far. You can still catch your speckled perch dinner. It won’t be long until the bluegill take over. Plan ahead, as this is a great bluegill and shellcracker lake.
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Sneak up on a snook
The Islander newspaper reports that pompano are starting to make their winter appearance, with good catches coming out of Longboat Pass. Paul Roat says: 'the fish fight like fiends, making for a great catch, and they also make for some of the tastiest table fare around. Jigs are working well to bring in the big ones, which are stretching to 20 inches in size. Trout and redfish also are being caught in the backwaters of Anna Maria Sound, Tampa Bay and Terra Ceia Bay. Shrimp are a good bait choice.'Have you seen the size of some of the snook resting in the canals and back waters near the island? If they are as big as they look the snook season’s start March 1 should be lots of fun...
Happy hooking!
Come to Anna Maria Island and stay in some of the best accommodation available on the island. Check out Anna Maria Vacations for the most luxurious places around
Happy hooking!
Come to Anna Maria Island and stay in some of the best accommodation available on the island. Check out Anna Maria Vacations for the most luxurious places around
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