Serving the Keys Fishing Community Since 1998 Vol. XII Issue 12

Transcription

1 Volume XII, Issue 12 February 10th, 2010 Serving the Keys Fishing Community Since 1998 Vol. XII Issue 12 Back in September, Rachel Penn Kratzke caught her first sailfish on 20 lb. spin, with the help of Capt. Damion Catfish Neyrey, in 120 feet of water off of Sand Key light in Key West. Contact Us: (305) 852-FISH (3474) 02/10/10

2 Pg. 2 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Wound Up on Top in the Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series... Once again, the Islamorada Fishing Clubs January Sailfish tournament has determined the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. Under calm seas, the field of 24 boats joined the hunt in 72 degree weather, with winds averaging 10 knots. We had great attendance this year. There were 153 sailfish released, with 228 called-in hookups in this one-day event. This is a world-class event with loyal and determined anglers. These folks are competitive and want the honor and recognition involved with this tournament, not to mention the check for $25,000, said Tournament Director Dianne Harbaugh. The awards, hand painted original wood pieces and paintings, were created by Pasta Pantaleo. The winners of this year s Islamorada Fishing Club s January Sailfish Tournament, sponsored by Caribee Boat Sales and Yamaha Outboards, went to Fenton Langston from Key Largo, and Jimmy Hendrix of Islamorada, with 18 releases on the Relentless. Captain Paul Ross and Mate Ben Ekblom were also awarded custom original wood pieces created by Pasta Pantaleo, that were sponsored by Regan Insurance. Captain George McElveen with Mates Kiki Ferrer and Eric Ehlers on the Reel McCoy were in third place with a single Sailfish on when committee boat scorekeeper Jay Anna Cohan called lines out. The Reel McCoy fought their fish for another 45 minutes until finally getting the leader for a release. Anglers Sean Smith from Pompano and Larry Amyotte from Silver Springs would release a total of 16 sails in the one day competition taking home second place honors, sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Cutler Bay. Both captain and mate trophies were sponsored by Ivory International. Third place, sponsored by ESPN Outdoors Saltwater Series and TIB Bank, went to the Wound Up. Captain John Dudas and his mates Rob Ramirez and Alex Castellanos released a total of 15 Sails for anglers Bill Danko from Cincinnati, OH and Scott Cummings from San Antonio, TX. The Wound Up Team would take top honors in the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship with a total of 47 Sailfish releases. released 13 sails in the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, 5 in the Cheeca Lodge and Spa Presidential and won the Islamorada Fishing Clubs Sailfish tournament with 18 releases. Third Place would go to the Reel McCoy. Anglers Larry Amyotte of Silver Springs, Sean Smith from Pompano, Robert Collins from Naples and Kiki Ferrer from Tavernier would release a total of 30 Sailfish during the Series. The Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series is a fund-raiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. The Series would like to thank the major sponsors, Caribee Boat Sales, Yamaha Outboards and Contender Boats for their continued support. The hosts of the series all lived up to the expectations of the anglers. They included Whale Harbor Restaurants and Marina, Cheeca Lodge and Spa, plus the Islamorada Fishing Club. The series will be kicking off again later this year with the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, beginning December 2nd. 1st Place (L-R) Debbie David, Jimmy David, Ben Ekblom, Fenton Langston, Jimmy Hendrix, Paul Ross and Tournament Director Dianne Harbaugh. Captain John Dudas led anglers Bill Danko of Cincinnati, OH, Scott Cummings of San Antonio, TX, plus Rob Ramirez, Alex Castellanos and Warren Sands (all from Miami) to a victory in the Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series. The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament was the first leg of the series. The team aboard the Wound Up released 25 sailfish during the three days of fishing, winning the event. The Weez in the Keys would release 16 fish for second place in the tournament. The next leg was the Cheeca Lodge and Spa Presidential Sailfish Tournament where team Wound Up released 7 Sails. It would be the final leg of the trilogy that would find the Wound Up ahead of the 17 other teams in the Gold Cup Series. The Wound Up would take third place in the Islamorada Fishing Clubs Sailfish Tournament with 15 releases, behind the Relentless with 18 and the Reel McCoy with 16. The hard work of Captain John Dudas with his skilled team of mates and anglers would put the Wound Up ahead with a total of 47 fish at the Series end. Angler Bill Danko would release 25 of the sailfish caught by Wound Up to be awarded the series Grand Champion Angler. Bill will receive the highly sought-after gold championship ring. Last year s winners, anglers Fenton Langston from Key Largo, Jimmy Hendrix of Islamorada, plus Jimmy and Debbie David from Hollywood, would release a total of 36 Sailfish during the series. Captain Paul Ross unprecedented win of all three events last year and record setting 48 fish still stands as the series all-time number of releases. The Relentless team 2nd Place (L-R) Kiki Ferrer, Larry Amyotte, Eric Ehlers, Sean Smith, Dianne Harbaugh and George McElveen. 3rd Place (L-R) Dianne Harbaugh, John Dudas, Alex Castellanos, Bill Danko, Rob Ramirez and Scott Cummings. Pg February 10th, 2010

3 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Pg. 3 I m finding it very hard to write a story just before the Super Bowl! The game is only 3 hours away and although I am going to predict the Colts will win, I might have to eat those words next week. But if I had money on the game I would put it on Peyton Manning for experience. With that said, let s talk about the fishing we had during the week out of Fiesta Key Resort. We had some tough winds blowing in on us but we managed to get out there and come up with some good catches. Out back, around the East Cape canal to Middle Cape, the action was very good with Black Drum, Redfish and Trout making up the majority of the catch using Shrimp, Pinfish and Pilchards. Although the Bay has suffered a lot of damage from the cold front that hit us last month, this area has been an exception. The deeper water around here allowed many fish to survive the drop in water temps. That was not the case for game fish up in the Flamingo and eastern areas of Everglades National Park. The manatees took a heavy toll in Whitewater Bay, and I am so fond of these gentle creatures that I wish it was not so. Time will heal this tremendous loss of fish and other creatures so that one of these days, what happened will be only a memory to some. If you re wanting some of the best of fishing available, spend time from the Cape to the Gulf. That is where the action is. Some Cobia are being caught in the usual places out back and we should see a steady increase in the Trout and Snapper fishing, too. There is nothing like a trip into the backcountry, and what better time then now to book a trip to see for yourself why were in love with it. Fishing this far back requires a full day to get the best of angling opportunities that are found along the mainland. We usually have an arsenal of rods and reels to fit the many situations you will experience here from light 10 lb. outfits for Trout, Reds, Black Drum etc. to lb. rigs for Tarpon, Cobia and Sharks. You might be pitching a shrimp under the mangroves first thing in the morning, throwing plugs and jigs in the many channels an hour or so later. Next thing you might be 10 miles out in the Gulf, sight casting to schools of Permit or Cobia before noon. Don t forget to watch the many crab trap buoys for Tripletail waiting there patiently for your arrival. And on the run back to the dock, stop and pole a Bonefish flat with eager anticipation. Yep, just another outing in the Florida Keys that offers an angler so many wonderful reasons to be fishing right here in Paradise. They say all fisherman are liars, except you and me, and I m not too sure about you. I might stretch the truth a little from time to time, but our area is so good you seldom have to do that. So get out there, take your better half with you, the kids, the dog and see if I m lying or if it s as good as I say. I know the answer. Fish On, Brother... February 10th, 2010 (305) 852-FISH (3474) editor@weeklyfisherman.com Pg. 3

4 Pg. 4 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Gulf Grouper Sport Season Closes February 1 st... The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises anglers that regulations prohibit the recreational harvest of all shallow-water groupers (gag, black, red, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind) from Feb. 1 through March 31 in all Gulf of Mexico waters off Florida, except in all waters of Monroe County. Closing the recreational harvest of all Gulf shallow-water grouper species for two months each year during the spawning season reduces overfishing of Gulf gag grouper. It does this by limiting the unintended catch and possible mortality of gag grouper to help it rebuild its populations and achieve larger annual harvests in the future for this important species. In This Issue... Features Fishing Reports , 5-8, 11, 15 Boat Exchange Tide Tables Captain & Guide Directory Tournament Listings Advertisers Barefoot Baits Capt. Ron Wagner Challenger Charters DJ s Reel Repair Fish Tales Charter Boat Flying Dutchman Productions Hooked Up Charters Hunter Charters Island Grill BC Keys Magic Charters Keys Plastics Shop Killer White Charters Over Under Adventures - Bahamas Over Under Adventures - Islamorada Prop Doctor Quickfish Affordable Charters Sandpiper Marine BC Shiloh Tire & Lube BC Published by Keeva Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. No photographs, descriptions, art, or other items submitted to, or produced by, The Weekly Fisherman, may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission. Contact Jessica at (305) 852-FISH (3474), or by at: editor@weeklyfisherman.com for ad sales rates and other information. Weekly Fisherman s Captain & Guide Directory reaches 1000 s of locals & tourists each week via our distribution sites from Florida City to Key West, plus, of course, Your info is available worldwide, as folks plan their Keys vacation! Call (305) 852-FISH (3474) to start your listing today! Each Listing: $5.75 / week ($299 annually) Send your pix to editor@weeklyfisherman.com Pg February 10th, 2010

5 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Pg. 5 Looks like the groundhogs were right about six more weeks of winter! The cold front cycles we have been experiencing lately have been welcomed by the fish offshore of Islamorada. A strong Sailfish bite on the north end of town produced plenty of Sailfish for several boats last weekend. These fish are holding on large quantities of sardines and cigar minnows off areas such as Conch and Davis reefs. There are also good numbers of ballyhoo along the top edge of the reef in these areas that are providing an additional source of food for the Sailfish. With yet another cold front due to cycle through midweek I would expect the fishing for the Sails to continue to be excellent this coming week. This past weekend the First Annual Billfish Bowl featured twenty boats competing for top honors. They experienced some great fishing over the two days and the Reel McCoy led by Captain George McElvin came out in front to take the win. Congratulations to all the winners and the organizers who raised more than $100,000 for charity! There are plenty of other species of fish in town right now besides the Sails. Wahoos, King Mackerel, and Blackfin Tunas have all been caught by the local fleet lately. The King Mackerel fishing has been off the charts lately. The fish have been taken on a variety of live baits but have also been biting well on jig and flies. What these fish lack at the dinner table they make up for in fight making them some of the best light tackle action we have available off Islamorada right now. These fish have averaged ten pound or so the last week but there are several huge Kings to fifty pounds mixed in with the schoolies. This fishery should continue to flourish the next few weeks. The Wahoo and Blackfin action has been best around area wrecks and along the deeper ledges of the reef in 120 to 150 feet of water. Baits such as goggle eyes and speedos flown from kites have been very effective for the Wahoos and sardines and cigar minnows have taken their share of Blackfin, too. Along the top of the reef line the Yellowtail and Mutton Snapper fishing has been good. Nice size Yellowtails are gathered at several spots along the reef in 45 to 90 feet of water. This fishery is in its beginning stages this time of year and will only better as we approach the month of March. There are also a lot of groupers along the edge of the reef and patch reef further inshore. It has been several years since we have seen these kind of numbers off Islamorada and many of us think that the drastic cold snap that we had in January pushed many of these fish out of the Gulf to the Ocean side of the Keys. There is currently a moratorium in place to protect these great fish and let them spawn so make sure you release the ones you catch and show extra care to return them to the water in good shape. Hopefully in a few years we will see more sustainable numbers of these fish in our area and NMFS will reopen our wintertime fisheries for these good-eating fish. The Cobia fishing has still been very good lately and has produced fish to seventy pounds during the last week. These fish are migrating through the Keys this time of year and if you have ever suffered from Cobia phobia now is the time to get out there are start searching for these hard fighting fish. This is a great time of year here in our amazing fishery. If I can help you with questions or to make arrangements for a day on the water, please let me know. Have a great week and I ll see you on the water! FWC Acts On More Protection For Sharks... The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Thursday approved a series of rules to enhance its long-standing policy to protect stressed shark populations in Florida waters. These rules also are generally consistent with recent management measures that have been implemented for sharks in coastal waters from Florida to Maine. Sharks have been strictly regulated in Florida since 1992 with a onefish-per-person/two-fish-per-vessel daily bag limit for all recreational and commercial harvesters, a prohibition on nearly two dozen overfished or rare shark species, and a ban on the cruel and wasteful practice of harvesting only shark fins (called finning). Florida has been a leader in shark management efforts, said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto, and we are now bolstering our shark management rules to help ensure the sustainability of our marine ecosystem that relies in part on maintaining healthy shark populations. The new FWC rules prohibit harvest of sandbar, silky and Caribbean sharpnose sharks from state waters. Sandbar sharks are are experiencing overfishing, which means that fishing pressure is too high to be sustainable. Silky sharks are highly vulnerable to overexploitation, and Caribbean sharpnose sharks do not occur in waters off Florida, so adding this species will have no effect on harvesters in state waters. The rules also establish a 54-inch fork length minimum size limit for all sharks, except Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, bonnethead, finetooth and blacktip sharks and smooth dogfish. This will help protect the juveniles of 14 species of sharks in Florida waters. The species where no size limit is required are considered to be at healthy population levels or don t warrant a minimum-size limit. In addition, the rules prohibit the removal of shark heads and tails at sea, allow only hook-and-line gear to harvest sharks, and make other administrative and technical rule changes. These rules took effect in mid-january. In a related action, the FWC has proposed a draft rule that would prohibit all recreational and commercial harvest of lemon sharks from Florida waters. Lemon sharks are slow-growing, produce relatively few offspring and are highly susceptible to fishing pressure, especially when they aggregate in shallow waters close to the shore. The Commission s proposed action is intended to limit the potential of overharvesting lemon sharks in state waters. A final public hearing on the proposed lemon shark rule will be held during the February FWC meeting in Apalachicola. February 10th, 2010 (305) 852-FISH (3474) editor@weeklyfisherman.com Pg. 5

6 Pg. 6 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since melted butter by brushing it on, and then put one light coat of garlic powder followed by a good coat of Adobo seasoning. Place the fish fillet seasoning down on the hot skillet for 5 minutes and then flip over cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the fish easily flakes with a fork. It is important not to overcook the fish! Another favorite way to cook hogfish is to take the fillets, wrap them in tin foil leaving room to put in a half cup of high quality white wine, multiple types of peppers, minced garlic and five or six lemon wedges along with whatever other spices you might like. Don t go too crazy because the fish has a wonderful flavor itself. Hogfish it s what s for dinner tonight! Until next time, ask yourself this one question... R-U Fishing Yet? The patch reef is where it s at! Lots of luck to be had catching Hogfish, Snappers, Jacks, Grouper, Porgy, Sharks and Mackerel. The patch reef is easy fishing with a lot of variety just bring plenty of shrimp and chum for success. These types of fish are great eating fish but I have to admit Hogfish is my favorite. My client s Ryan and Jenn who stayed at Kona Kia were happy to go back to the resort with this delicious fish for dinner where they cooked outside on the grill. Hogfish is a very light, flaky fish with a pleasant mild flavor. My favorite way to prepare this fish is grilled however, you can cook Hogfish anyway you like and it still comes out great. I usually use my cast iron skillet, throwing the skillet on the grill for 5-8 minutes, letting it warm to about degrees. I coat one side of the hogfish with The opening days are upon us! This year s pre-spawn permit fishing, for the lower Keys and Key West flats and backcountry is right around the corner. You could even go ahead and say that it has already arrived. The past day s weather and waning moon cycle has revealed a good number of permit making themselves noticeable on the warmer parts of the tides right now. The more than ideal conditions (periods of warmth and southern winds), pushed hundreds of permit into their favorite areas, happy to be back from their warm water hiding spots this winter. This tells me there is plenty more permit ready to come into the shallows once our now warming water trend continues to advance and stabilize. With the current waning moon cycle until the Feb 15th new moon, the only thing that could worsen our now improving conditions would be another non-typical cold front. Let s all hope that s not the case this year, as a more typical cold front would only displace the permit fishery for a day or two from here on out. Expect these fish to be swarming the flats and backcountry of Key West and the lower Florida Keys by mid February. Get em while the gettin s good. For those unfamiliar, this pre-spawning permit flats fishery, will strengthen from now, all the way through March in the lower Keys. Last year it lasted into the first half of April inshore, and it is hard to say when they will head off this year. As stated, this is a pre-spawning event. When all of the breeding permit decide to leave the flats to actually spawn, they do just that. Every single mature permit in the lower Keys will leave the shallows at once, heading off to nearby deeper water Gulf and near shore Atlantic wrecks, reefs, and rock piles to spawn. June marks their solid return to shallow water, which then lasts until the next winter. So rather a fishing report of past day s findings, this has been more of a fishing forecast of good things to come. I still have a few open slots this spring; If interested in catching these pre-spawning permit this year please drop me a line for more details. Thanks for reading. Rememberreturn the resource, catch and release every permit! Pg February 10th, 2010

7 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Pg. 7 Quick Note on Photography... Please submit your photos in RGB format, with the largest pixel dimension (width X height) set to at least 1600, or the highest quality setting. Photos from camera phones generally are not big enough, or steady enough (too blurry). Please do not adjust (Photoshop) files. We strive to publish the best photo of your beautiful catch... Send your to: editor@weeklyfisherman.com Thanks! look like night and day from one side to the other, almost looking as if somebody drew a line with a pencil down the reef line. Such was the case to the south of Money Key this past Wednesday when I took a buddy out to one of my spots. It seems as though some bigger Amberjacks are starting to show up on the deeper reefs and wrecks. We saw a good amount of Hogfish and a ton of very nice Black Grouper. With the exception of the Grouper, Chase Grimes put some nice fish to rest on the deck after we did a dive in 90 foot. He boated a few nice Hogfish in the 3-4 pound range along with a nice Amberjack for the smoker. We had visibility in the foot range that made for ideal diving conditions along with the lack of current. Watch for the wind to come back out of the east and the south to help with that clean water as we move into the second week in February. If you have had the pleasure of getting out this past week, you might have found that the water was super clear or that the visibility was terrible. With the inshore water being very dirty, you have to find the clear push of water coming onto the reef from the deep water. My suggestion would be to run the reef line from east to west or vice versa. Sometimes when you need a good color change to get the clear water, your best bet is to run directly south from the bigger bridges like Long Key bridge or the 7 Mile Bridge. On the incoming tide the current pulls that clean gulfstream water over the top of the reef and you can capitalize on the influx of clean ocean water over the reef in small areas such as these. Sometimes, these color changes will make the water February 10th, 2010 (305) 852-FISH (3474) editor@weeklyfisherman.com Pg. 7

8 Pg. 8 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Cool water on the flats has continued to keep the bite most steady in and around the reef. I ve been looking for clear water with a depth of around 20 feet where I drop my chum bag over, and start to look for the ballyhoo to show up behind the transom. I like to catch a few live ones to use as cut bait, free lined with a small jig or just a split shot to fish beyond my view. It doesn t take long before the Yellowtail Snappers start biting and Grouper and Mutton Snapper join in soon after. The Cero Mackerel won t miss out on the action either. In fact, if you start to catch the Macks on conventional tackle and see a few more following the hooked fish, it s a great time to pull out the fly rod. Try a weighted fly like a clouser minnow or a streamer imitation on an intermediate sink-tip line. Cast out as far as you can and let the line sink for about ten seconds and retrieve the fly erratically. If you get clipped off, try a small trace of wire and let the fly rod action begin. The backcountry has remained steady when using live bait or artificial bait exploring the deeper pockets near Flamingo. Live shrimp and a quarter-ounce jig twitched on the bottom brings the best bite. This past week, the last part of the falling tide into the beginning of the rise brought the most action. A few Snook have been caught this way, but far more bites are coming from Trout, Redfish and Black Drum to name a few. The flats around Islamorada have been enjoying good flow thanks to strong tides and warmer ocean side waters. Sharks, sting rays and Box Fish are exploring the shallows once again. This is good news when you re looking for the grey ghost of the flats, more commonly known as the Bonefish. As the wind switches around from the north and the water temperature drops, you ll find tightly packed schools of these elusive game fish cruising the deep edges of the flats. You re going to need good visibility to see these fish. Look for muds created by Bonefish feeding on the bottom, and cast well in front of the lead fish. Use a live shrimp with very little, if any, weight and let the fish come to the bait and pick it up. Once you feel the line start to pull away, just wind the line and let the fish hook itself when it tries to get away. I like to use natural looking flies like crab or shrimp imitations with tan or brown coloration. Similar to the strategy with bait, cast the fly in front of the lead fish but a little closer the fly won t make as big of a splash on impact with the water. Short strips with the fly should work until you see the fish following the fly. Then set with the fly line, not the rod. In the week ahead, the Redfish should continue to feed and move up on the flats in schools, much like what the Bonefish are doing right now. Hopefully, the Snook fishing will continue to beef up with some warmer water and better tides. Tarpon and Permit won t be far behind. Pg February 10th, 2010

9 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Pg. 9 Barbara Boyd (with mate Eric Scoble) fishing on the Restless Too out of Whale Harbor. She has had a long-time dream of catching a sailfish and her dream came true on her Birthday! (L-R) Shawn Smith (Tampa), Travis Lytton,( Princeton, NJ), and Capt. Dan had another great day fishing aboard the Second Nature out of Garrison Bight Marina. In all they caught 15 Muttons, 2 Yellow Jacks, 20 Flag Yellowtails and a few AJs that were released. The Muttons and AJs were found in 190ft of water and the Yellowtails were caught on the reef. Bobbi Burson hangin with a Hogfish fishing with her husband. These self proclaimed Yankees had a busy day! Dave Cooner and Wil Roeder (Huron, OH) brought their 23 Pursuit down and caught this 4+ ft. Wahoo. February 10th, 2010 (305) 852-FISH (3474) editor@weeklyfisherman.com Pg. 9

10 Pg. 10 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Becky Steen with a flag yellowtail snapper she caught while fishing on the Restless Too from Whale Harbor Marina. She and her husband Ken live in Palmer, Alaska and were in Islamorada on their honeymoon. Lynda Breault from Lawrenceville, GA caught this sailfish being boated while fishing on the Restless Too. She also caught 4 more sailfish on her two days of sailing. It all came courtesy of a Christmas present from her husband, Steve who only caught one but that was exactly the way he wanted it! Lynda said OMG!!!! The best time of my life!! s Brett and Katie with some of their catch while fishing with Capt. Dave Schugar on a Sweet E Nuf Charter. s Capt. Ron Wagner releases a Tarpon caught off the East Cape by his angler. Pg February 10th, 2010

11 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Pg. 11 Hello fisherman! It s been another week in the Sailfish tournament books. We had an inaugural event this past Friday and Saturday, The Jimmy Johnson Billfish Bowl. This tournament is a charity event that raises money for the Gridiron Greats as well as the United Way of Broward County. Your top three boats were Reel McCoy with 27 releases, Viva la Vida with 24 releases and Sweet Release with 21 releases. Congratulations to the winners and to all that participated. With Valentine s Day around the corner that means only one thing, the Ladies Sailfish tournament. Be sure to contact Tammie Guirgiolo to enter this fun tournament. It seems that the King Fish bite was better this week than it has been in the past couple of weeks. I spoke with Capt. Alex on the Kalex and they caught King s from 15-56lbs this past week. Usually we like to fish for them using live bait, like cigar minnows or pilchards, on #3 wire. However, when the bait is hard to come by, like it has been this week, live or even dead deboned ballyhoo will work. I have found fishing them feet below the surface can be pretty productive. There was also a good bite of Wahoo this past week Capt. Easy was fishing with live speedos and found three nice Wahoo s up to 45lb s. With these strong west and northwest winds we are finding more and more Cobias being pushed out to the ocean side from the gulf; keep a watchful eye out as you are driving over the sand you never know when you might run across a nice pack. Bottom and reef fishing has been good this week especially with the dirty water. Lots of Yellowtails, Mangrove and Mutton Snappers were caught and don t forget those Cero Mackerels. To me that is the best tasting Mackerel. Keep in mind if you try to fish the edge of the reef and the conditions aren t right, like say the current is into the wind and your lines are going under the boat, move into shallower water feet on one of your favorite patches. The fishing in there is real good this time of the year and the current shouldn t be too much of an issue. Here s to keeping the rod bent... Black and Gag Grouper to 30 lbs. On the shallow reef, aggressive large Barracuda to 40 lbs. Cero Mackerel to 7 lbs. and large Amberjacks are ripping up ballyhoo schools. The bay is quickly recovering from the cold. Fishing on the bay is for the most part pretty good. With the right captain from the resort, anglers are having very productive days on the water. Capt. Joel Tomlinson from the ESPN s Saltwater Experience crew reports that Spanish Mackerel is red hot. The Mackerel are all over the bay with as many as 20 Mackerel a day to 7 lbs. King Mackerel are also cooperating. Using live Blue Runners as bait on a balloon rig is producing fish to 25 lbs. There are also quality Bluefish in decent numbers mixed in to 6 lbs. Mangrove Snappers on light tackle are keeping resort guests quite busy with fish to 7 lbs. Deeper water under the mangroves are holding decent numbers of Black and Goliath Grouper between 12 to 20 lbs. on live pilchard. Bonefish hunting is decent. Pods of Bones are working the flats. Live shrimp is doing the trick with fish to 7 lbs. The cool weather is hopefully behind us. The winds are averaging 5 Capt. Josh Ardis reports the Sailfishing is red hot. Live goggle-eyes to15 knots and the water temps are almost back to normal for this time and ballyhoo are accounting for most of the fish. Most of the Sailfish of year. The offshore and outer reef bite is outstanding. Blackfin Tuna are being taken using kites or running and gunning to splashing Sails fishing is fantastic, and a slow troll is producing quality Tuna to 30 lbs., or working frigate birds, as many as 12 Sailfish a day. He also found a few Wahoo to 50lbs. and a couple of Blue Marlin just under the 200 excellent numbers of nice size King Mackerel that are ripping up live lbs. mark. ballyhoo, cut bait and even tins to 40 lbs. A few Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) Most of the pelagic species are gorging themselves on the abundance are being taken on live baits to 20 lbs. of large schools of ballyhoo on and off the reef. Sailfish with an The Reef has been holding its own with Yellowtail Snappers between occasional King Mackerel mixed in are bending rods in 80 to 100 feet 2 to 3 lbs. on the shallow reef and 3 to 5 lbs. on the outer reef. Mutton of water. Joining them is the occasional Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) to 20 lbs., Snappers averaging 4 to 8 fish a trip to 20 lbs. Black Grouper to 40 lbs. Cobia to 30 lbs. and Bonitos. and Red Grouper between 15 to 20 lbs. Just off the reef on the wrecks the feast continues. Dropping live Tight lines to all... ballyhoo to the bottom is producing quality Mutton Snappers to 18 lbs. February 10th, 2010 (305) 852-FISH (3474) editor@weeklyfisherman.com Pg. 11

12 Pg. 12 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Leon Shell Memorial Billfish Tournament Raises Money for Hospice of the Florida Keys... Every March enthusiastic anglers gather in the Middle Keys to share a passion for fishing, and more importantly, to raise money for an organization that may one day play a vital role in all of our lives: the Hospice and Visiting Nurses of the Florida Keys. Since its inception in 1998, the Leon Shell Memorial Billfish Tournament has raised over $125,000 for Hospice, including $25,000 in 2009 alone. Additionally, each year the Leon Shell raises money for a Youth Division that awards academic scholarships to young anglers looking to pursue higher education. The non-profit Leon Shell Tournament, and the wonderful donations made annually to Hospice, are made possible only with the support of the local citizens and businesses of the Florida Keys. We are currently accepting sponsors for this year s event, as well as items that can be auctioned at the awards banquet. These taxdeductible sponsorships are not only a great way to support a worthy cause, but also help to promote your business, or project, through radio and television ads, tournament press releases, tee shirts, posters, and more. The Leon Shell Memorial Billfish Tournament, to be held March 5-7, is quickly becoming Marathon s premier sailfish tournament, with 20 boats competing in 2009 for a $25,000 top cash prize. With your help and support, we look to continue the success of the event and exceed last year s donation to Hospice and Visiting Nurses of the Florida Keys. Please lend a hand in helping those that aid us in need... To become a sponsor, or register to compete in the tournament, please call the Key Colony Beach Marina at (305) For questions and additional information visit com, or Drew Dinan at ddd@lonestaroh.com. Thank you for your support! 12 / 02 Jaguar 35 Catamaran Center Console - Smoothest running cat on the ocean, doesn t pound, or rock & roll. Low fuel consumption! Twin Evinrude E-tech 250hp outboards (under warr). Call to discuss price & get equipment list. Incl cstm-built 6-whl 3-axle trailer. More room than most 40 monohulls cruises 45mph, tops out 65mph. Frank Piku (305) Grady-White Trailer Still Available: 2005 Road King Tri-axle Aluminum Trailer (in Key Largo) for boat. Great Shape. $3495. Call (239) Ocean Super Sport Boat Detroit s JT 450 HP diesels w/1825 orig. hrs; 8 KW Gen Set-Galley maid 200 gpd R/O Plant; all new GPS electronics; radar-fathometer; (Furuno)-2 VHF radios; one single side-band radio; KVH- 6 Sat track TV system-2 color TV s w/built-in DVD players; 1 Salon/1 Main Stateroom; central Vac system; 2 Staterooms/2 Bathrooms; Galley down/salon up; Fresh water flush system; 2 cent. A/C s; Washer/Dryer - lot of extras! All refurb. interiors - must see all the teak & wood work! 12 ft. fiberglass Boston Whaler on bow w/15 hp Johnson-Electric hoist crane. Well maintained; Ready to Fish and Travel! Was $199,500. Price reduced to $159,500. Call: Jack Sweeting: Home: (305) ; Cell: (305) / 16 Pg February 10th, 2010

13 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Pg. 13 Tide Tables Brought To You Courtesy Of... KEY LARGO (Ocean Reef N, W) BIG PINE (Pine Channel N, W) High Low High Low High Date Day Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Feb 10 Wed 06:06 / 2.01 ft 12:13 / 0.35 ft 18:09 / 1.94 ft xxx Feb 11 Thu 00:31 / ft 06:49 / 2.09 ft 12:57 / 0.20 ft 18:55 / 2.02 ft Feb 12 Fri 01:14 / ft 07:27 / 2.17 ft 13:38 / 0.05 ft 19:35 / 2.11 ft Feb 13 Sat 01:53 / ft 08:03 / 2.23 ft 14:15 / ft 20:14 / 2.18 ft High Low High Low High Date Day Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Feb 10 Wed 03:46 / ft 08:55 / 0.38 ft 14:33 / 0.12 ft 20:04 / 0.80 ft Feb 11 Thu 04:24 / ft 09:24 / 0.43 ft 15:25 / 0.09 ft 20:46 / 0.83 ft Feb 12 Fri 04:56 / ft 09:50 / 0.48 ft 16:09 / 0.06 ft 21:23 / 0.84 ft Feb 13 Sat 05:24 / ft 10:13 / 0.54 ft 16:50 / 0.04 ft 21:58 / 0.84 ft Feb 14 Sun 02:29 / ft 08:37 / 2.27 ft 14:49 / ft 20:51 / 2.22 ft Feb 15 Mon 03:03 / ft 09:10 / 2.27 ft 15:22 / ft 21:28 / 2.24 ft Feb 16 Tue 03:37 / ft 09:44 / 2.24 ft 15:54 / ft 22:05 / 2.22 ft Feb 17 Wed 04:10 / ft 10:17 / 2.18 ft 16:27 / ft 22:43 / 2.18 ft Feb 14 Sun 05:50 / ft 10:37 / 0.60 ft 17:29 / 0.01 ft 22:33 / 0.82 ft Feb 15 Mon 06:14 / ft 11:02 / 0.65 ft 18:08 / ft 23:09 / 0.77 ft Feb 16 Tue 06:38 / ft 11:28 / 0.69 ft 18:46 / ft 23:46 / 0.71 ft Feb 17 Wed 07:02 / 0.00 ft 11:55 / 0.71 ft 19:27 / ft ISLAMORADA (Whale Harbor N, W) CUDJOE KEY (Pirates Cove N, W) High Low High Low High Date Day Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Feb 10 Wed 00:18 / ft 06:21 / 1.28 ft 12:47 / 0.08 ft 18:24 / 1.23 ft Feb 11 Thu 01:05 / ft 07:04 / 1.33 ft 13:31 / 0.05 ft 19:10 / 1.29 ft Feb 12 Fri 01:48 / ft 07:42 / 1.38 ft 14:12 / 0.01 ft 19:50 / 1.34 ft Feb 13 Sat 02:27 / ft 08:18 / 1.42 ft 14:49 / ft 20:29 / 1.39 ft High Low High Low High Date Day Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Feb 10 Wed 02:35 / ft 07:56 / 0.63 ft 13:22 / 0.20 ft 19:05 / 1.34 ft Feb 11 Thu 03:13 / ft 08:25 / 0.71 ft 14:14 / 0.15 ft 19:47 / 1.38 ft Feb 12 Fri 03:45 / ft 08:51 / 0.80 ft 14:58 / 0.11 ft 20:24 / 1.41 ft Feb 13 Sat 04:13 / ft 09:14 / 0.90 ft 15:39 / 0.06 ft 20:59 / 1.40 ft Feb 14 Sun 03:03 / ft 08:52 / 1.45 ft 15:23 / ft 21:06 / 1.41 ft Feb 15 Mon 03:37 / ft 09:25 / 1.45 ft 15:56 / ft 21:43 / 1.42 ft Feb 16 Tue 04:11 / ft 09:59 / 1.43 ft 16:28 / ft 22:20 / 1.42 ft Feb 17 Wed 04:44 / ft 10:32 / 1.39 ft 17:01 / ft 22:58 / 1.39 ft Feb 14 Sun 04:39 / ft 09:38 / 1.00 ft 16:18 / 0.02 ft 21:34 / 1.37 ft Feb 15 Mon 05:03 / ft 10:03 / 1.08 ft 16:57 / ft 22:10 / 1.30 ft Feb 16 Tue 05:27 / ft 10:29 / 1.15 ft 17:35 / ft 22:47 / 1.19 ft Feb 17 Wed 05:51 / 0.01 ft 10:56 / 1.19 ft 18:16 / ft 23:27 / 1.06 ft MARATHON (Boot Key Harbor N, W) KEY WEST (Hawk Channel N, W) High Low High Low High Date Day Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Feb 10 Wed 00:59 / ft 08:00 / 0.83 ft 12:07 / 0.36 ft 18:41 / 1.70 ft Feb 11 Thu 01:40 / ft 08:21 / 0.90 ft 12:56 / 0.26 ft 19:23 / 1.74 ft Feb 12 Fri 02:15 / ft 08:36 / 0.99 ft 13:40 / 0.16 ft 20:00 / 1.76 ft Feb 13 Sat 02:47 / ft 08:53 / 1.11 ft 14:21 / 0.07 ft 20:35 / 1.75 ft High Low High Low High Date Day Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Feb 10 Wed 01:22 / ft 07:43 / 0.82 ft 12:13 / 0.31 ft 18:49 / 1.68 ft Feb 11 Thu 02:00 / ft 08:11 / 0.91 ft 13:04 / 0.22 ft 19:32 / 1.71 ft Feb 12 Fri 02:33 / ft 08:36 / 1.00 ft 13:49 / 0.13 ft 20:10 / 1.72 ft Feb 13 Sat 03:01 / ft 09:00 / 1.10 ft 14:30 / 0.05 ft 20:45 / 1.70 ft Feb 14 Sun 03:16 / ft 09:14 / 1.23 ft 14:59 / ft 21:11 / 1.70 ft Feb 15 Mon 03:42 / ft 09:39 / 1.35 ft 15:36 / ft 21:46 / 1.62 ft Feb 16 Tue 04:05 / ft 10:05 / 1.45 ft 16:13 / ft 22:24 / 1.50 ft Feb 17 Wed 04:26 / 0.01 ft 10:34 / 1.54 ft 16:52 / ft 23:04 / 1.35 ft Feb 14 Sun 03:27 / ft 09:23 / 1.21 ft 15:09 / ft 21:20 / 1.65 ft Feb 15 Mon 03:52 / ft 09:49 / 1.31 ft 15:47 / ft 21:56 / 1.56 ft Feb 16 Tue 04:15 / ft 10:14 / 1.39 ft 16:25 / ft 22:33 / 1.44 ft Feb 17 Wed 04:39 / ft 10:41 / 1.46 ft 17:05 / ft 23:12 / 1.29 ft Moon Phases New: 02/13/10 First Quarter: 02/21/10 Full: 02/28/10 Last Quarter: 03/07/10 Tide predictions may not be accurate. The Weekly Fisherman accepts no liabilities associated with any referenced use of the above-listed tidal information. Remember that weather conditions affect tidal ranges and current speeds, sometimes very strongly. February 10th, 2010 (305) 852-FISH (3474) editor@weeklyfisherman.com Pg. 13

14 Pg. 14 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since This Directory is a comprehensive list of the best shallow water flats guides & offshore charter skippers from Key Largo to Key West. Flats species of fish include: Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Redfish, Snook & Trout. Offshore species of fish include: Dolphin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Kingfish, Tuna, Snapper & Grouper. Gulf species of fish include: Kingfish, Grouper, Snapper, Cobia & Tarpon. Upper Keys Captain / Charter Listings in this Directory are available for only $299 / year (print and web). Key Largo to Islamorada Contact Info Capt. Greg Eklund OFF / REEF / WR / FL (305) Cloud Nine Charters Fin Razer Sportfishing OFF / BC / REEF (305) Key Largo Fishing Adventures captgreg@keyssportfishing.com Capt. Ron Allen Fish Tales Charters (305) Capt. Jack Falcucci OFF / REEF (305) Custom Ocean Sportfish Capt. Ron Wagner TP/LT/FLY/BC/FL/GF/REEF (305) fishwithcaptron@hotmail.com Capt. Aaron Brower OFF/REEF/WR (305) Capt. Steve Friedman FL / BC / FLY (305) Capt. Richard Burson BC/LT/FL/GF/TP/FLY (305) rufishingyet@yahoo.com Capt. Scott Keller OFF / BC / WR / GF (305) Bad Habit Charters captscott@badhabitfishingcharters.com Capt. Z OFF / REEF / WR (305) Hooked Up Charters hookedupgladius@aol.com Capt. Joe Petrucco OFF / GULF / REEF / TP (305) Killer Instinct 6 joepetrucco@yahoo.com Capt. Frank Drudi OFF/REEF/WR (866) Chelsea Charters floridakeyscharterfishing@yahoo.com Capt. Chris Barth OFF/REEF (305) The Hunter Charters Middle Keys Captain / Charter Long Key to Marathon Contact Info Capt. Nick Borraccino OFF / REEF / WR (508) Capt. David Schugar OFF / REEF (305) Sweet e Nuf Charters Lower Keys Captain / Charter Big Pine Key to Key West Contact Info Capt. Chris Lembo OFF / REEF (305) incognitocharters@comcast.net Capt. Andrew Tipler BC / FL / OFF / REEF (305) Last Cast Charters Capt. Luke Kelly FL / FLY / LT / BC / TP (305) keyflat@mac.com Federal Fishery Advisory Panel Seats Open to Applicants... The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting applications for seats currently available on its advisory panels. Working at the grass roots level, advisory panel members provide information and guidance in the development and implementation of federal fishery management plans. The Council has 15 separate advisory panels composed of individuals who are engaged in the harvest of, or are knowledgeable and interested in the conservation and management of the fishery or group of fishes to be managed. Members include recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and processors, conservationists, scientists and concerned citizens. Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council and serve for a three-year period, based on the frequency of meetings. As those appointments expire, members currently serving on the AP can reapply for their positions. These seats also become open to new applicants. AP members generally meet no more than once or twice each year and are compensated for travel and per diem expenses for all meetings. Applications are being solicited for positions on the following panels: Coral Advisory Panel Golden Crab Advisory Panel: Habitat Advisory Panel Mackerel Advisory Panel Law Enforcement Advisory Panel Shrimp Advisory Panel Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel If you are interested in serving as a member on the Council s advisory panels, please submit an application to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, North Charleston, SC Download Application (pdf) or contact the Council office at 843/ or toll free 866/SAFMC-10 for a copy. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact area Council representatives to discuss their interest in serving. Advisory panel members will be selected during the next meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, scheduled for March 1-5, 2010 in Jekyll Island, GA. Applications must be received by February 12, Pg February 10th, 2010

15 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Pg. 15 As the North enters an ice age, we in the south can sit back and enjoy the slightly cooler weather while enjoying the phenomenal Keys fishing. We had a windy week with a couple of days where the wind died down, but unfortunately I was off for the nice days. I fished the wrecks all week and was able to produce a nice cooler of fish each of those days. The wrecks have been hit or miss, but when you do find one that is producing, stick with it. That was the case this week, as I hit six to seven different wrecks to finally find one that was producing. Most of what we caught was large to medium Amberjacks from pounds. On a spinner with 50 pound braid the fight is unforgettable for my clients. Weather you call them bulldogs of the deep or reef donkeys, Amberjacks are a formidable opponent on light gear. Using only 40-pound leader, the drag on my rods are set fairly light to allow the fish to run, and that s why I love to fish this way. Anyone can drop down heavy tackle on a conventional reel, but what most people love about catching big fish is to watch the line scream off the reel. I do lose fish because my tackle is lighter than most, but that s fishing, you can t catch them all, and if we did, fishing would be too predictable and maybe become a little boring. In between the Jack attacks we took our fair share of some nice size Muttons in the pound range. There were a few mystery fish we couldn t stop, which I thought might have been big Grouper, because they went straight for the wreck and stopped running once they got there. The reef has been hot, where most people are catching some pretty large Mangroves, Yellowtail, and Muttons. I talked to my buddy Johnny who is an avid free diver and said the groupers are all over the place. John proceeded to tell me an astounding story about his latest dive. After shooting a couple of Muttons, he shot another only to have it pull free from his spear when out of nowhere four Grouper, of all sizes came in to maul the wounded Mutton. They watched in awe to the aggressive behavior these Grouper were exhibiting. He told me it reminded him of a pride of lions attacking a gazelle on the African plains. Too bad he didn t have his video camera to document these obviously hungry Grouper. Johnny had said that his whole group saw a hundred Grouper though out the day which would mean that maybe the spawn is on. I am upset we can t enjoy this fishery, mainly I can understand why they want to close the season, but completely shutting down the season is a little much. It would have been handled better if we had a restriction on how many we can keep during the spawn, but the total shut down is outrageous. Sailfishing was pretty normal this week with many fish caught and released. The ballyhoo had disappeared due to the dirty water. Finding them on the ocean side was a real challenge, but when this happens venture out to the bay and chum along some of the banks, three miles out and or in front of the Seven Mile Bridge. Be careful back there, there are many banks and you don t want to end up on one of them or destroying the grass growing on them either. The bite was sporadic throughout the day but the bite is determined by the time and the amount of bait in the area. So look for bait, and find a nice drop off and get yourself a Sail today. Offshore there have been some reports of Dolphin and Wahoo, so go back to the basics and pull some high speeders. Finding Dolphin this time of year can be challenging, but you won t have to go far; look for weed lines and rips inside of ten miles. I am sure the deep dropping was good, but I didn t talk to anyone who went out in these conditions to test their boat and their sea legs. I can t wait till I can get back out there. Dinner is much better with Queen Snapper on the table verses Mutton Snapper, but Mutton will do when there is no Queen Snapper to be had. Get out when you can, but make sure you are to date on all the new fishing regulations, and make sure your boat is equipped with all the required safety equipment too. The Coast Guard will appreciate that. Til next week, happy hunting... FWC Promotes Boating Safety, Conservation at Super Bowl Events... Be smart and safe outdoors. That s the message the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was promoting at the 2010 South Florida Super Bowl celebrations. FWC law enforcement officers were on hand for two of the events: the Kids Fishing Classic Jan. 30 and the Super Celebrity Fishing Classic Feb. 3. Officers educated participants on boating safety basics, such as wearing a life jacket, maintaining proper lookout and developing a float plan. I encouraged all participants, experienced or inexperienced boaters, to stop and chat with our officers. Everyone can use a refresher on boating safety. It s a matter of personal responsibility, said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto, who is also chairman of the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee. The Super Celebrity Fishing Classic celebrated the lives of three athletes, tragically killed last year when their boat capsized in the Gulf of Mexico. The lone survivor of the accident was on hand at the event. Proceeds from the event went to the victims families charities of choice. The Kids Fishing Classic promised to be a day of fun for more than 150 inner-city kids. Some of them had never been on a boat, let alone fished off of one. Kids learned how they can help conserve nature by catching and then releasing fish, Barreto said. For more information on boating safety, please visit: MyFWC.com/Boating February 10th, 2010 (305) 852-FISH (3474) editor@weeklyfisherman.com Pg. 15

16 Pg. 16 Serving the Keys Fishing Community since Feb : Islamorada Women s Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. This light-tackle challenge has female anglers facing off against the famous tail-dancers for trophies and prizes. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at (305) , fishnbully@msn.com or write to 124 Tavern Drive, Tavernier FL Feb : Poor Girls Sailfish Tournament. Key Largo and Islamorada. This popular Keys tournament typically draws more than 200 anglers. Contact Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood at (305) or sharellen@netzero.net. Feb : Backcountry Fly Championship. Islamorada. This new fly-fishing competition will target snook and redfish in that region of the Keys famous for them. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) , csasun@aol.com or write P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada, FL March 5-6: Backbone Lures Fish Til You Lose It. Islamorada. Anglers compete to catch the finned denizens of the flats and backcountry, fishing with one lure or one fly until they lose it. Contact Paul Tejera by ing captbackbone@gmail.com or visit backbonelures.com. March 5-7: Captain Leon Shell Memorial Billfish Tournament. Key Colony Beach. Anglers pursue sailfish in honor of the late lure maker who made the Middle Florida Keys his home. The tournament benefits Hospice of the Florida Keys. Contact Terry Fisher at (305) , kcbmarina@bellsouth.net, visit leonshelltournament.com or write to P.O. Box , Key Colony Beach FL March 11-14: Florida Keys Survivor. Islamorada. In this backcountry elimination draw tournament, the winner is the sole survivor. Contact Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood at (305) or (305) , or sharellen@netzero.net. March 12-14: Key West Fishing Tournament Kick-Off. Targeting multiple species, this annual challenge starts a season-long tournament that awards certificates for outstanding catches and prizes in a host of categories. Contact Doris Harris at (305) , director@ keywestfishingtournament.com, visit keywestfishingtournament.com or write to P.O. Box 2154, Key West, FL March 13 - Nov. 30: Key West Fishing Tournament, Inc. Key West & Lower Keys. This popular 8.5-month-long competition targets more than 40 species of fish. Contact Doris Harris at (305) or (800) , director@keywestfishingtournament.com, visit keywestfishingtournament.com or write to P.O. Box 2154, Key West, FL March 18-21: 45th Annual Ft. Lauderdale Billfish Tournament. Ft. Lauderdale. Contact: Nicole Metzger (954) or Nicole@ billfishtournament.com, or visit April 30 - May 1: 3rd Annual Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo. Tavernier Creek Marina. Contact: Marcia Panse (305) Pg February 10th, 2010