Fishing Reports

Greetings; If this is your first visit, WELCOME. This is not your typical Chamber of Commerce fishing report to keep the visitors happy. Although thats the goal, whats really here is basically a journal or fishing log of what really happens on charters, personal trips etc. This is not the sugar coated version, but includes all the good things and the trials that go with this business. What you can count on here is the TRUTH! I hope you enjoy reading as much as I did writing. ......Capt. Rick

11-20-01
One thing enjoyable about being a charter captain is being able to see my anglers on repeat trips. Some come once a year, others several times. Many have become friends. Its always fun to look forward to fishing with anglers I have had fun guiding on past adventures.

This past Sunday was my day to fish with Earl Millett and his son again this year. We loaded up and left the dock but only made it a couple of miles when the over heat alarm sounded. I slowed the boat, got the temp down and we headed back in. Walcot Marine did me a great service by getting to my boat and replacing the water pump, check valves, and thermostats on Monday. Tuesday Earl and son met me back at Lovers Key mid morning and we headed off. Our first stop was to net a few baits then off to look for bird activity that might show us mackerel. Sure enough, right where I had left them two days before the birds were whirling and diving. We managed two fish, but the schools where sluggish so I moved on. About three miles up the beach we found lots of birds but the fish again were sluggish. I decided that we had missed the morning bite so I ran to the nearest wreck six miles out. Here we managed to release some smaller grouper, and blue runners. We hooked on large fish, but were unable to land it. Again moving I ran to some live bottom hoping for a good snapper and grouper bite but it was not to be. We got lots of bites but not what I was looking for so again I relocated closer to shore. On the way there I spotted the mother load of birds and busting surface fish, so we broke out the light tackle and and spent a couple of hours of non-stop action catching spanish mackerel.

Earl and his son were great sports. On our ride in just as the sun was hitting the horizon, my heat alarm sounded AGAIN! Not wanting to take a chance I called Sea Tow. They arrived shortly and did a great job of getting us the last mile home.

1-17-02
Well sports fans its been and interesting few weeks. Its a long story that I will detail a bit later. For now just know that the Magic Hook is back on the waterwith a brand new right off the show room floor Mercury 225 HP Opti Max engine. For you non boaters this is a top of the line power plant that should serve us well in the years to come.

1-23-01
With the warming trend we are having and the good fishing my spirits have been lifted to new hights. I am happy with the performance of my new 225 fuel injected power. We should get to our fishing spots a bit quicker, quitter, and very reliably. If you intend to purchase and extended warrantee, I would NOT recommend a firm called FPC. Its a major firm, and most Merc dealers use them. Its ot worth the paper its written on. I do believe in my heart that if the original problem had been diagnosed and repaired properly at first none of this problem would have occurred. But thats life and we now are ready to go with a great engine. I apologize to Matt, Gary, Betsy, Rod, and several others for your patience during this time.

1-27-02
No matter how many years or fishing trips I have taken, there are still some that I get so excited about that I can not sleep the night before. On those nights, I fish the up comming trip every way possible in my head.You would think exhaustion would set in when the alarm went off in the morning,but NO way. I guess adrenilen sets in. These conditions were the case the moring I was to fish with Lee Anderson and his three fishing buddies. Why was I so up for this trip you say? Well, let me list them. The weather was expected to be near perfect. Clear, calm, warm (85), water temps had climbing for a week and had just passed the magic 70 degree mark. Thats the point where our pelagic fish (king mackerel, little tunny, spanish mackerel, cobia, cudas, tarpon, and permit can have a good chance at showing up. As if that were not enough to make anyones toes tingle, thewarming waters also can trigger a great reef bite for grouper & sanper. Toss in the fact that we were two days before the full moon and shazam...sleeples snights for me! Finding them can prove frustrating, but when you do, fireworks can happen.

Of course I was up well before my 5:am alarm and gone. We were to meet at 7:00, I was launched, rigged, and ready by 6:10. Working by cockpit lighting I was going over my waypoint list deciding our plan for the day. The phone ringing brought me scrambling as it rarely rings that early with good news. Thankfully Lee was just calling to say they had taxi trouble and running a half hour late. Needless to say I was raring to go as we loaded thier gear in the boat. No sooner had we left the dock I spotted a Eagle feeding on the mud flat at low tide.I took that and the sightings of several dolphins in Big Caros passas a good omen for the day. Our first two attempts at catching livebait proved unproductive, so I continued offshore. Not long later the distinctive sigs of bait activity convinced me to slow and try for bait. A couple of casts later and a well full nice big baits. I pointed the bow west and ran to our first fishing stop ofthe morning, a old relic of a shrimper wreck scattered all over the bottom. These offshore structures are normally fish magnents. Chumming and dropping everything in the boat would not bring on the bite except for a few spot tail grunts. Next stop three miles further west found us drifting over a large live bottom area.Trouble was with such a nice day, no wind, we were not drifting fast enough to cover the ground necessary for a productive bite. Punching the numbers up for one of my best ledges 5 miles north we were off with confidance high.This new area is rarely fished, and I hoped it would be stacked up with fish. I was right! We were just drifting back on anchor when a 5 foot cuda came in to check us out. Picthing him a live bait did not bring a bite, I was supprised. First fish up on a light spinning rod was a gag grouper. Next was a nice porgy. It was then I decided to change tactics and go with the flow.I put away the heavy rods and switched to all light rigs. When I did the action started with everyone holding bent up rods. First one then another rod doubled over showing me these were no porgies! Two nice flag yellowtail sanpper hit the fish box. Not long later a big mang, over 5 pounds came up, then another. This snapper bite continued for two hours. It incuded two fantastic 7 pound mutton snapper. Things had been quite for fifteen minutes or so when the guys pointed out a long fish off our transom. I pitched out another live bait in that general direction and hit the fish right on the head! I was shocked when it did not bolt away, but ate the bait! I turned, handed the rod , just as the fish realized his dinner had a hook in it. Fifteen minutes later after a couple of deep dives and bull dog runs a very nice cobia surfaced. Olie, made two more trips around the boat doing a great job. After ten more minutes I lip gaffed the big fish,then lifted him over the side and after a photo session, set him free. Our big guest bottomed my 30# scale easy so I guessed his true weight at close to 40#. During thefight, he had pulled the boat off our mark about a hundred yards anchor and all! After relocating back on our spot we caught a nice amberjack, then several more porgies. Picking everything up, and heading back east toward home I was happy. The ride was beautiful. Loggerhead sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, kept us busy pointing and watching for the whole ride home. I had a great time with these guys and appreciated thier patience in the morning while I searched for a good concentration of fish. Later that night after my drive to Miami, I re-lived the whole charter again telling it to Liz. Believe me when I tell you I had no trouble falling asleep this night! Four more months and Liz moves home from school for good, I cant wait to have my personal physican home.

2-7-02
With another Chamber of Commerce weather forecast I figured my day with Travis, his wife and brother would be a good one. It was just daylight when we departed Lovers key and headed up the channel. Travis had hoped to catch a tarpon or "something big". Of course a tarpon had not been caught in this area since last September, and the spring migration is at least a month away. After a stop to fill the live well with one cast of my net we were off for the 30 mile run offshore. Arriving at a ledge I first marked then anchored. I deployed two chum bags and started out with light tackle. As expected the nice snappers, yellowtail, mangrove, and mutton started to bend the rods. We also caught several undersize groupers, mostly gags but a few reds were mixed in. About noon we were approaching our limit of snapper I suggested that we MIGHT be able to coax a cuda into biting but there was no guarantee. Its really early for them to bite yet, but the weather had been warm. First I ran another 10 miles offshore to a wreck, but no cudas were on the surface. Instead of pushing it I ran to another shrimper that was sunk years ago. Here I chummed dead and injured thread herring, and did everything under the sun to create a "feeding frenzy" at the boat. Not long later I spotted a nice 5' cuda cruise past the boat! I worked that fish with one lure after another, live bait after live bait with no strike. I was about to give up since we were already late getting in and were still 20 miles offshore. Thats when I discovered if I let the cobia jig I was casting just fall the cuda took great interest, Well let it fall I did until he NAILED it! Leaping, slashing, and basically ripping drag followed until I was able to lib the cuda with my Boga Grip. After pictures a quick look at the scale put him right at 30#. That was our first cuda this year, Congrats!

3-7-02
Lately its all been inshore fishing due to the wind. But we have had a blast caching trout, whiting, a few cobia, and plenty of sheepshead. I met Steve OBrian at the dock about 7:30 am with a pretty gloomy weather report. A warm front was approaching from the south with heavy thunderstorms leading the way. Another captain called me warning of what the radar was showing about 60 miles away. Well we decided to give a half day a shot and see what we could turn up. Steve had been down from Main, and just a boat ride looked pretty good to him even if it was overcast and a bit lumpy. We hit silver on our first toss of the cast net, about a gazillion shiners for our live well. Our first stop was at and old rubble pile. The sheepshead bite was pretty good for and hour or so with some nice fish to 6 pounds came over the side. I had put out some gag baits but no takers here. We pile and wrecked hopped picking up grouper, grunts, and some others but mostly sheepshead. Right about 12:00 we picked up incoming weather on our on board radar about 8 miles out. We picked up and ran back to the dock. I finished cleaning and bagging the fish in the rain, so I guess I cut it a bit to close. :D

3-9-02
We had a family outing today. Leaving the dock at the crack of 9:00 is not exactly my idea of a great start but Liz came home from school for the weekend and Steve our son in law just came home from Korea so I gave them a rest. We loaded up Wendy, Jamie, Steve, Jenny, Dylan, Liz, and I and spent a great day on the Gulf. We Had a blast first doing some bottom fishing for Dylan on grunts and small grouper. Later we ran into a pretty large school of permit. Hooking 6 and landing 5 from 15 to 20 pounds, we called that a GOOD TIME. Here is a picture of our first double header of this season.

Wendy Heil and Jennifer Thompson

3-12-02
David Lipman and I got an early start from lovers key. The run out was cool but smooth running. We did some bottom fishing to warm us up landing several snappers and red grouper. When I felt the sun was high enough for us to see permit tailing we switched up and starting looking for them. It was not long before Dave was fast into a very large fish and a screaming drag. Half and hour later I tailed a 29 pound trophy for pictures and a clean release. After that we caught and released several 20# blacktip sharks on light tackle before heading in for a great warm afternoon ride.

3-20-02
Susan and Peter Wood are great people that are always fun to fish with. Being seasoned anglers, they have the patience to "let me do my thing" and not worry about action while searching for a quality fish to eat. After our greetings at the dock, we headed out in search of permit to pull on our string. Upon arriving in the area, we started a search pattern. Not long later Peter was into what I though must be a record permit as it was near taking all the line. I fired up the boat and off we went in chase. This was one of the strongest permit we have ever fought aboard the Magic Hook for sure. After 40 minutes, I tailed the 22# fish for pictures and smiles before release. By then the sun was up nice but our baits were being inhaled by sharks. We released several of these before moving off to do a bit of wreck fishing before heading in. Nice day, great ride, awesome fish fight.

3-29-02
I had been trying to connect with Larry Winston for three years. Either his schedule, or mine just would not click. Then came along 9-11 and another canceled trip. Well we finally put it together and I am sure glad I did. Larry, his son, and two grandsons were great fun to have aboard. I truly enjoyed my time with them and appreciated their angling skill. As usual, the calm weather forecast was wrong, and the offshore was whitecaps and choppy. We were hoping to get into some first of the year poons but it was so sloppy I could not find them. We slipped over to a wreck to see what we could find. Here we managed a wide variety of fish including grouper, snapper, flounder, blue runners, sheepshead, spanish mackerel, and permit. It started calming down so we ran further out. Here we found plenty of nice sized cudas waiting for a fight. We fought and released several, on spinning tackle. Larry tried to connect with a fly but I had forgotten my best cuda fly's and we did not hook up, but had a blast trying. During the afternoon I was feeling more and more under the weather and dizzy. Right before heading in we spotted a school of permit. I really wanted to go after them but with the way I was feeling I felt I should get in. These guys were great, and I felt like they were family. I really hope they had as good a time as I did fishing with them.

When I got my rig home, Liz was home for the weekend from school. She got pretty serious and sent me straight to bed when she discovered my temp. was 103. The next morning it was 105. Thank goodness she was here to take care of me and get me well. She moves back home the last of May, not that I am counting the days or anything! I am sorry to Paul Glass for the cancellation due to my being ill.

4-19-02
It was a morning leaving Lovers Key. The sun was just on the horizon, it was 70 degrees, and we were going Tarpon fishing. Life was good. The Mulla Family was with me. Mike his brother and father. Live bait was difficult, I chased them around for a solid hour with no luck. I had a box full of frozen bottom baits so off we headed with gold hook rigs ready. Under a flock of birds we hooked and landed a spanish mackerel and a nice double hook up with king mackerel got our drags warmed up. Next came a big little tunny about 15#. We searched and searched for tarpon with the Fort Myers Beach Tarpon Hunters Club. Finally Donzi Steve called to say he had found some fish so we headed off in his direction. Upon arrival we found them rolling over a half mile area. We fished them hard, and landed several sharks for our effort. We moved and moved but still could not get a tarpon to eat for us. At 2:45 just as I was thinking of hauling in the lines, a great fish of 145# size blasted our stern bait. After and hour of great give and take we released the poon to fight another day.

4-24-02
My son in law, James Heil, and his three buddies, Nick, Jim, and Tom, from the South side of Chicago wanted to fish. They picked a perfect day. Flat calm seas, clear water, and warm temps. We got threadfin's right away in our net and headed off. Our first stop was amazing. Sharks were everywhere, like a shark encounter that is rarely seen. Big hammerheads were cruising surface. One big bull shark of 12' or so was also seen. Many other blacktip and lemons were mixed in with spinner sharks as well. We lost several, but managed to fight and release one blacktip of 100#, and a nice lemon of 50#. Not spotting any tarpon I headed out further to find some cudas for action. Boy did we find them in that calm water, and permit too! We caught and released six or so cudas sight casting up to 20#. The permit would not eat, and we decided to try for a tarpon before the day was over. Running back in, I check a few spots. THERE ... someone yelled. sure enough, big silver flashes of unmistakable poonies, and big ones! I deployed a live bait spread. Sharks galore on our first drift releasing a nice lemon and a blacktip. Next came a huge explosion of a strike, lots of yelling and confusion as is typical of a tarpon hookup. A VERY large tarpon did a gill rattling leap 20 yards from our boat. With a solid hook up the fight was on with Jim getting his first shot at a tarpon. Let me say here and now that Jim was a true Stud Haus! This guy stood toe to toe, never giving and inch, not sitting down, never resting, just working the daylights out of that fish for the next two and a half hours while I was increasing the drag about every twenty minutes! Next was Tom's turn. Neither did he give one single inch to that tough old battle tested fish, It tried every trick in the book. Long runs, deep dives, racing under the boat, leaping, you name it trying to loose that hook. At three hours I grabbed the leader and nearly was dragged out of the freaking boat. At three and a half hours the fish came to the boat half green but we got a good leader hold for a clean release before I pulled the leader free. We were all tired but felt we had stood the test from one of the best gladiators of the sea. GREAT JOB fellas! I enjoyed our day together. You truly deserve to be called the "South Side Tarpon Hunters". Cant wait till we do it again!

P.S. Thanks for picking me up off the pavement after falling off the boat back at the ramp.

4-27-02
Remember that old saying about counting your chickens? Sometimes it does not matter how well you plan or how hard you work at fishing. Mother nature rules supreme in this sport. I had a chuckle when my three anglers introduced themselves and all had the same name! Tom Cullen had brought his son and grandson along to enjoy some of the great tarpon fishing we have enjoyed lately. The weather forecast was for 10 mph. from the East, seas were to be 2' or less. We hit silver big time on the second throw of the net and loaded the well with big threads, plus 10 gallons of chummers in the cooler. I was hoping it was a morning fluke that had our flag standing straight out and white caps running 3-4 as we working our way West. But it was not meant to be. By the time I was 7 miles out it was 3-5 and young Tommy was feeling a bit tough. We turned the boat and headed for calm water. Our first stop brought us a nice gag grouper but nothing else. I headed up inside of Pine Island Sound. Here We marked lots of stuff on the bottom machine and anchored. We caught a few small sharks, jumped a tarpon in the 125# range, and released a saber tooth shark of 100# (nurse shark). I had a very nice time with Tom and his family. I wish I could have gotten them on a calm day but they were great sports and truly know how to enjoy themselves on the water. These guys were the most patient anglers I have had in a long time. I can only hope they had as much fun with me as I did them. I cant wait to get them out in the Gulf!

5-6-02
This report has nothing to do with fishing, but to those of you who know me know it affects my fishing. LOL In lieu of a fishing report I thought I might let everyone know what I did these past few days instead of following my passion out on the open waters of the Gulf. Anyone who knows me knows I feel family comes first, especially close family.

I take great pride and joy to announce the graduation of my lovely wife Elizabeth from Physician Assistant school yesterday. I had gone over to Miami on Thursday. Her mom Sally flew in from Michigan with her life long friend "Aunt Jackie", Valerie, her sister, her dad Norm, drove down from Destin with his fiancee Cathy, Our daughter & son in law Wendy & James drove over from Naples to attend the ceremony. Liz's wonderful best friend Kathy Bobitis also graduated from the same class at the same time. Kathy & Liz worked long and hard to achieve this goal, making many sacrifices along the way. Tears were shed, sleep was lost, times of joy, much determination, and a true team effort to get this tough task done. Kathy's mother & father, Paulina & George, her sister & brother in law Amy & Randy (Amy is 9 months pregnant and dealing with contractions) also attended. This graduation which was beautiful went without a hitch and was held at the University of Miami's Knight Center in downtown Miami. Afterward, we all gathered back at our apartment in Aventura for snacks and a few adult beverages. (Just in case my doctor is reading this, it was diet Dr. Pepper for me) Courtney, Liz & Kathy's friend from the apartment came down to help celebrate. This gathering was the perfect ending to a perfect graduation day. I can honestly say a good time was had by all, and Kathy's toast brought tears to more than just my eyes.

A few very personal notes and observations of the day:

1. To my dear wife Lizzy:

Honey, I could not even speak at toast time, in fear of bringing more tears to both of our eyes, so here is what I have to say to you. You looked great in that cap and gown! All that braid and honors stuff! WOW! :)

The saddest day of my life was when we moved you to school in Miami, but I wanted you to have a chance at reach for your dreams. When I had to turn and to drive home alone, the weight of living alone for two years seemed very heavy. Yesterday seeing that beaming grin that could not be wiped off your face as you stood there, getting that degree, was worth every cent, tear, and day, it took to help you achieve your dream. I am the proudest man on this planet, and feel very blessed to have a women like you by my side. Great Job Honey, I love you.

2. To Kathy: I am proud of you too! Thanks for everything you have done for Liz. Yes, I know exactly what you are thinking, "she did the same for me", but I am thanking you anyway. I am so glad you two have gotten so close. I know it goes both ways, leaning, pulling, yelling, cajoling, but mostly supporting each other to overcome this great challenge. You are and amazing friend, truly one of a kind with awesome parents. I know you feel the same when I say that we are all family now. I look forward to many years of friendship. NOW get that resume done! :)

In closing I wanted to mention Liz moves home to Naples in three weeks at the end of her Geriatrics rotation. She has two months of Pediatrics here, then she will have totally completed this program, and will receive a temporary license to practice. She will study with Cathy until September when they take the State Certification boards for Surgical, and Family Practice. Liz is also completing her Masters degree in Medical Science with Nova University, Via the internet, which will be completed in November. She hopes to start her new career by November also.

My many thanks to family and friends that have help us. Watching dogs, covering for me at work, helping in many other ways. If not for you, this would not have been possible. To my charters that have put up with my bragging, and constant talk of my wife's accomplishments in school, that you too.

5-22-02
WOW! That's all I can think to say after today's charter. I met Dan Odonnell at the dock right at 7:00. We headed out for a half day adventure. We nailed bait with two throws, then were into a big school of poonies right away. With fish rolling all around we could only manage a single shark bite so I headed to a favorite wreck to get some action for his son. There we caught several nice jacks that put up a great fight on light tackle. Next I hit a small pile I rarely fish but the wind was picking up so I chose to stay shallow. We were casting lures at cudas when a screamming run hit a rod I had put out on the bottom with a cut bait (ladyfish). To make a long story short, he fought this fish for 45 minutes in a real tug of war. It came to the surface once and I believe it was the biggest black grouper I have seen in a long time. That big mouth could swallow a bucket! When it spotted the boat it ripped back down and across the wreck cutting the line. I wanted that picture bad but it was not to be. I was thrilled I got to see it though.

5-27-02
We got a bit of and early start with Dan and Steve Miller. Leaving Lovers Key about 6:45, warm and a stiff east wind blowing. I cut the inside track out of Big Carlos and headed out to catch bait. Two throws later we had more than we needed. I love when that happens! When we arrived in the "middle ground we spotted a tarpon fly. Working in closer I put out the baits. In minutes Dan hooked a hundred pound lemon shark that got him warmed. Tarpon came up all around us daisy chaining and finning. I cast one of our threads into the middle of them and received and instant hookup on a 80 pound wild jumper. Steve was up and did a great version of the "tarpon shuffle" around the boat six times and 30 minutes later, before I could grab the leader for a release. Right in the middle of taking pictures a rod I had left out in the bow took a deep bend, then line started that steady stream. My first thought was correct. Bull shark, and a big one. We worked and worked, followed for 90 minutes. This shark was over 10'. Twice he got pissed and came right at the boat trying to bite the lower unit of my new Merc.! On his second visit he managed to get under the boat on the opposite side of Dan with the rod. The line scraped on the boat bottom and parted. Later I found the reel had been damaged during the fight. We had a great time, got to see some interesting sights too, including teeth marks I had to repair in the gelcoat. :)

6-3-02
I had delayed the start of our charter with Vito & Gil to allow me time to get several small dollar sized blue crabs until 7:30 am. This was to be the first calm day in a month and I was itching to knock on Mr. Permit's door and see if he was up for a fight. Of course Vito and Gill had never seen one, let alone catch one, but they were ready to let me amuse myself on their charter. We left Lovers key, and found nice flat seas heading out. We stopped and filled the live well with live bait. After a couple of tosses of the net. We stopped again at a small wreck half way out to catch additional bait. At seventeen miles, I put out one of the bigger baits to see if anyone was home. Just a short time later a nice cuda about twenty pounds blasted our bait. Vito did a good job and soon our cuda was posing for pictures. We caught for more in the same area then headed out nine more miles. Upon arrival at my spot there were several cudas showing but no star of the show could be found, Mr. Permit. Being patient for once, I worked the area over, catching snappers, grunts, etc. I was just thinking of leaving when one of our crabs was inhaled by a nice sized permit. Gill was stunned at the power of these fish. I love hearing drag scream off a light tackle reel! Another permit hit the line ten minutes into the fight and it broke. I was bummed, they were still happy as a lark! Shortly later, we managed to hook up a nice set of matching 12# permit. We landed both, I was happy! Then Vito's wife hooked a monster permit and the fight was on. Then Gill's wife hooked a respectable 35# cobia to double up again. We landed and released her 22# permit a short time later. With possible thunderstorm clouds building, We ran home on calm seas and smiles all round, including the Captain with a passion for permit.

Magic Hook was chosen to be part of a three boat charter, that was put on by Southwest Building Supply. They brought fifteen employees out for a good time and friendly tournament. We loaded four guys and a 100 quart cooler, and headed out 45 minutes late due to one of the charters boats late arrival. Our first stop was to net bait. It was tough because we were late, but we managed to fill the live well after a dozen throws of the net. Again I stopped to get runners but this time we hooked a Jewfish on a bait rig! During that melee, we caught two runners and of course busted off the big fish. Being a Saturday and flat calm boats were everywhere. At my first stop the cudas were shocked from the boat pressure, and they were tough. I worked at it though and we caught a really nice one that blasted high into the air that weighed just over 30# before release. Several cutoffs later we managed another cuda release about 20#. We then ran out further to try for permit only to find a dive boat on my spot with spear guns leaping into the water. Dejected pointed the boat west and started running and looking. As I neared a heavy ledge area bait started showing everywhere including tons of flying fish. Here we caught some huge threads and I put them out while drifting. Our first hook up was a huge cuda over 40# but came unbuttoned. Then it happened again, then again! Finally we hooked a decent fish of 20# that we released, then a couple of small ones. Suddenly one of our live baits was hit and the 12# Ande line was screaming off at an alarming rate. This fish circled, ran, and ran but the angler, stayed patient after loosing many fish, he was doing a great job on this one. 40 minutes later we landed a trophy 40+ pound king mackerel! Later we hooked and lost a nice blackfin tuna also before running home. Our anglers aboard the Magic Hook took first place and second place for the Company Tournament, and Tony the event organizer said this king was the largest fish ever caught on one of his company's charters. That makes a Captains day for sure.

6-8-02
I was looking forward to my charters with Nick Owens. He had booked three days with me. I knew that would give us a chance to sample several different kinds of fishing our area has to offer. Our first morning was as good a start to and offshore trip as you could hope for. We filled the bait well with nice big live bait pretty quick and headed out. We found a bit of bird activity over bait so out went the first lure. Before he could close the bail, line was streaming off the spool. The second it closed drag was screaming! I love that sound! Five minutes later it came unbuttoned. I hate that! Our first fish was a nice 15# cuda that put on a spectular jumping show. Next toss we tried live baits. Both rods went at the same time, in opposite directions. The first broke off after ten minutes, but we landed a pretty 25# kingfish on the other. After another couple of cudas, and something huge that he fought for nearly and hour broke off, we switched to permit fishing. As I remember it we hooked five, and landed three from 10 to 17 pounds.

The next morning we caught our live bait quickly, then went looking for tarpon. Find them we did. They were feeding in big schools of balling bait. At times they were milling all around the boat. We got several to bite, small ones about 50, and a huge one that would have been over 175#. ALL came off the hook! That drives me crazy! We caught cobia, sharks, and general had a great action filled day, but no poonie releases. We had a great day, but wow what a ride home. At one mile from the dock we hit a rain squal. I was happy I had radar and my GPS map to help me work our way home. We got in safe if not dry.

6-26-02
I love to have kids on the boat, so when Brenda Slack called me to book a day I was thrilled to hear she and her husband had three kids eager to crank on some fish. We left Lovers key at 7:00, and headed over to net bait. After only a couple of tosses we had the well full. It was pretty calm, and the weather looked good so I headed west into the Gulf. My plan was to let mom and dad catch some "picture fish", cobia or cudas, first then hit a nice ledge and let the kids go to town on medium groupers and snappers on one of my "fast as you can" spots. The cuda / cobia bite that had been hot the day before was very slow on our first stop. We busted off one and released one good one about 20#. I headed 6 miles west stopping to catch a few more threads along the way. When I anchored it took about twenty seconds for the first bait to get bit. I love that! Up came a red grouper about 15", the first of fifty or so we would catch over the next two hours. Grunts, snapper, both mangs and lanes, gags, and reds, porgies, trigger fish, you name it we caught it. As fast as we could drop a bait, we had a fish to unhook. It was a blast watching the kids have fun. Still wanting mom and dad to get that "picture" fish, I headed off toward home but stopped at a spot that produces nice cudas. When I arrived one of my buddies off the Smokin Reel was there. He waived us in close and said the cobia bite was HOT! We quickly anchored up and put baits out. After a couple of small fish something HUGE nailed a live bait on a 30# standup outfit. Dad fought this fish well. We all thought it was a Macdaddy cobia the way it made run after run. We were pretty surprised how that big cobia turned into a Goliath Grouper of about 150# pounds and five feet long when it came up to see us! After posing for pictures we released him. Just as I was picking up the anchor to go, Brenda hooked a pretty cuda about 15# or so to finnish our day together. Our ride home was beautiful, with lots of smiles.

Matt Retuckey and Louise have fished with me many times. We have become friends over the years, and Matt usually brings a huge "luck factor" with him. Weather its big tarpon, grouper, mackerel, or sharks whey Matt comes, I know we will be "in the fish". On a very pretty morning we left Lovers Key for a half day adventure. I had concerns as most of my best fishing as of late had been further offshore than our half day would allow us to run. Typically our inshore areas are hot during summer, but recent heavy wind and rain had cooled the water a couple of degrees which and be a turn off for inshore activity. I should have known what was inshore after I could not get a bite on our sabiki rigs! We netted bait pretty quick and went looking for a pod of tarpon or two. After spotting a fish roll, I put out a varity of baits. Not a nibble! After two hours of trying sent me into plan B. Running to a nearby wreck, I anchored and got several baits out, both , live and dead cut bait that should attract anything within a mile. Cudas were all over, as well as a few permit were showing. The cudas did a good job of the live baits, as Matt was able to miss the strike of several cuda that swiped at his lure. Louise diligently fished the bottom with a snapper rod and live shrimp, but could not hook a single fish. I had put out big cut baits on the bottom as well as one big live bait. One of the cut baits got hit and was followed by a huge 50#+ smoker kingfish, skyrocket 20' into the air while throwing the hook from his lip! The permit would not eat anything even with a perfect cast, so I picked up the anchor and put tried a different spot nearby. Cast after cast was either ignored or or quickly spit out, or the bait was cast off the hook. I picked up and ranto another site. Sure enough just as we closed in I could see permit ! Again we put our baits in perfect position, but no strike. I had one pulled off, one crushed and spit, and a dozen just looked at. Matt had the same results as previously. All this time we had live baits out throught the water column, but they managed to escape untouched. We fished and extra hour but it became clear that I could fish all day and night on this day with zilch for our efforts. Frustrated, I ran for the dock, said farewell to my friends and sulked my way home knowing we had done it right, been in the right place, put in our time, and still struck out. MAN I hate when that happens!

6-29-02
Jennifer Fithian called to book a couple of day fishing as a birthday present for her husband and his buddy Sefus. Now thats what I call a great wife! She was so excited, I wondered how long she could keep this trip away from her husband Ted. I would as she did a pretty good job of it, as Ted did not send me a very excited E-Mail until a couple of days before our fishing date. I had so much fun fishing with these two guys. Between the two of them, I could not stop laughing, they should be entertainers! One thing is for sure, when anglers are relaxed, and just go with the flow of what is going on in the Gulf that day, luck happens. Sefus told me while we were netting bait the first morning that filling a cooler was not important, but that they just wanted to get into action if possible. (What I hear this from and angler, I know I am free to "do my thing") The day was very pretty with winds less than 10, so I ran for one of mywrecks out about and hours ride. I make it a point to not fish these spots for at leas two weeks between visits so that the fish are as undisturbed as possible. When we arrived there was good bait activity, but the sun was low and lots of glare on the water and I could not see any fish working. I decided to anchor up and see who was home. Ted sent a live bait to the bottom first. In short order he was hooked up.. Up came a nice cobia. I think he was shocked when I left him and ran for another bait and rod instead of landing his fish. Sefus had spotted another cobia and I wanted to get the double hookup. We landed Teds fish, posed it for pics and set it free. A bit later Sefus had a big run on a live bait, and Ted hooked up again. Ted had hooked another nice cobia. We got the pics and released it. Sefus worked a Little Tunny (false albacore) of about 15# to the boat for release. We caught a few of these tunny's, then Sefus hooked a monster king or blackfin tuna. I was bummed when the hook pulled. The guys decided to eat lunch, so I put out a couple of bottom rods, and got my lunch out also. Both Ted and Sefus hooked BIG groupers or Goliath groupers at the same time. I ate lunch and watched as they would gain a foot of line then loose two. I just could not help but laugh at the dilemma! Teds fish broke off first. As he started to eat, I noticed a couple of 15# cudas in the chum slick. We had been casting to permit all morning with no results so I pitched out a fresh live bait between the cudas with Ted standing right with me. It was and awesome sight when the two cudas split in a lighting flash and a 30+ pounder blasted the bait. Before I could hand off the rod or get the line tight, this huge open mouth of teeth came 10 feet out of the water straight at us, landing inches from the transom. I turned to hand the rod to Ted but he was GONE! Running for the other end of the boat yelling "YOU take it" to me. The fish leaped again as Sefus and I laughed until we had tears. Ted took the rod and did a great job of fighting this great fish. Later Ted put a bait right where it should be in front of the permit and hooked up to a beautiful 23# Gulf permit. The fight took a half hour, but patience paid as I was able to tail the fish, and get pictures. As bait ran short we picked up and moved toward shore. We trolled under some birds without a hit so we continued to a wreck much closer in. Here we stuck one good fish but could not stay buttoned, so we headed in and just beat the afternoon showers.

The next morning I had decided Ted should get his shot at a tarpon. Normally I only take people tarpon fishing that ask me to go due to the patience required. But these guys were so laid back, I felt I would take the shot, as I knew a big poon would be the fish of a lifetime for Ted. Bait was tougher but we managed to get the well full. We found several rolling tarpon and set up on the pod of fish. We released a few blacktip sharks but no hookups on poonies. I changed tactics and baits. I felt this should concentrate the tarpon better and let us get a hookup. We were hooking and releasing blacktip sharks with regularity when one rod streaked off in a straight line offshore straight at the Mackattack boat. Cranking up rods, and yanking anchor I was concerned we would loose all the ling off our 30# tarpon rig. Sefus locked up the drag and pulled and pulled. We fought that fish a long time, then spotted him, a HUGE bull shark about 10' long and big around as a garbage can. Just when I thought he was giving it up, the big shark zipped out a hundred yards more line! We used the boat, and every trick Sefus knew and finally the big boy let us get the leader for a clean release of a 400# eating machine. Thanks to the crew of the Mackattack for helping us get our line from under his boat and anchor line or we would not have been able to get our fish. We spent the afternoon chasing permit and cudas. We worked and finally got a double hookup on permit to finnish our day. We got pictures and good releases on both. Sefus enjoyed the sound of the drag and much as me!. Thanks to Jennifer for booking with me, it was a real hoot. I hope Ted enjoyed his birthday present as much as I did.

7-14-02
I will admit to being tired on the morning I met Joe Martzig. Its been a good spring season, lots of fish, and plenty of new memories. I really wanted to show Joe a good time. He had wanted to fish with us last year, but we could not find and opening during his visit. The morning was clear for a change, and bait was everywhere. Joe, his uncle, niece Courtney, and girlfriend (now fiancee) Carrie were excited to catch fish. We hit the bait and found out they would NOT hit a bait rigs at all. I threw the net time after time only to have them get out from under it. I snagged a brand new net and ripped it to shred's also. With only a few shiners in the well I was glad I had brought a big cooler full of frozen baits to work with. I had decided to try some shark fishing as the bite had been good lately with tarpon and cobia mixed in for fun. After looking around for and area that looked "fishey", I started to break out the rods. Before I could get the first bait in the water a nice blacktip was seen just astern, and two big tarpon rolled not far away. Quickly our first shark of the day, a 15# blacktip on 8# light tackle got us going nicely. Soon we had another then another. At that point you could look in any direction around the boat and see sharks swimming. It was really awesome! We got to the point of picking out the fish we wanted to catch. Teasing them into a frenzy, it was a blast! I did not count them, but in three hours or so we caught all we wanted. Joe even got a couple of his rod. During the shark melee, I was able to net several hundred good baits. This was fun for all until Joe hooked something just a touch bigger on a 30# outfit. Right around 10:00, Joe was introduced to the power and stamina of Mr. Bull shark. We used the boat, Joe did his best, and we all cheered for the first hour. During the second hour there was rumbling about a mutiny! But Joe persevered, and toiled on. After two and a half hour battle, the fish of Joe's dreams rolled over and let us take his picture at boatside. Estimated at 10' and a weight about 400#. This fish did a nasty head shake that pulled everything loose from my hand to my shoulder to keep him boatside, but we won the day! After that, Joe had a dream of catching a Barracuda, so off we went in another direction. I gave Joe my favorite cuda lure and a 12# outfit to toss it with. Courtney asked if she could do the same with artificial. I tied her up another lure to and 8# outfit. Well let me say here Joe went home without his cuda. His niece did not. She hooked, fought, and landed a real trophy. For over and hour she fought the big fish and did a wonderful job. The sound of that eight pound line screaming off was music to my ears! That 28# cuda was larger than my personal best on 8#. NICE JOB. Im sure her dad still hears me telling him NOT to touch the drag or spool! :D See Joe's shark on the Magic Hook "Home" page. Congradulations on your engagment with Carrie, Im sure you since you both enjoy fishing, you will enjoy many years together.

7-24-02
Sometimes we as guides know our work is cut out for us on half day trips. If bait is trouble, or our first spots are not working, our backs are against the wall due to time constraints. Certain areas cant be reached to fish because of distance and so on. Well the morning I met Tim Douglas and family I was happy they were excited about their half dad adventure, and I knew they were in for a treat. The shark / tarpon action had been very good to me lately and I KNEW we would be into fish quickly, a fishing guides dream. We had not been in the boat ten minutes when I spotted large schools of bait. Two throws of the net and we were loaded up and headed for our "spot". Upon arrival I put out the first bait of the day. Buy the time I had baited a second rod, the first was bent double with a nice school sized blacktip pulling drag. Everyone got in on the action with the light tackle sharks that ranged from ten to thirty pounds. About and hour into the charter one of our bigger rigs took a deep bend, and the drag started to whine my favorite tune. Tim Did a great job of getting the big lemon shark to boat side. A nice eight footer. We continued a steady string of light tackle blacktips for another hour or so until mom grabbed 30# rig that was pointed at the horizon and dumping line fast. I got all the rods in, and anchor up as fast as possible and started the chase to get back our line that was over half gone. And hour later after the whole family took part in the fight mom brought the big grinner up for pictures and release. It was a lemon shark that was and easy 375#. Collecting ourselves we motored back the half mile where we started and finished up with a few more light tackle blacktip releases before heading in. It was a great morning with dolphins rolling in the pass, spotted eagle rays, skates, and loads of sharks that came right up to the boat for our viewing pleasure.

Ever hear about the story of "The Best Laid Plans?" Well that was me when I met Lonnie Donner and his family. The weather report was very good, tide could not have been better, and the moon was right where I like it. The previous day I had fished the exact same place I was heading this morning. We had jumped six tarpon from 70# to 125#, and had sharks everywhere. I KNEW we would have a spectacular morning. My plan was to get the kids into a bunch of light tackle sharks, while hooking Lonnie into a poon.

Well, I always say that every day on the Gulf is different. NO KIDDING, I should read my own stuff! First the wind was forecast at 5-10, seas <2'. It was a clue this may be a bit off when my flag was flapping at 6:30 am after launching. I was not to concerned as it was blowing easterly and only at 10 or so, I figured we would be fine. We left the Lovers Key dock right at 7:00. After finding and watching dolphins play in the pass for a bit we headed out. A quick check of the radar showed all clear. My first on the agenda was for bait, so off we went. One throw and our well was full and five gallons of chummers were in the box. Great Start, I was pumped up. After running to the tarpon hole we started looking around. Starting a in the area of good bait concentrations, I put out a bait rod for the kids and a couple of big baits, along with a couple of light tackle rigs. The kids took turns catching trout, jacks, and catfish while we took zero hits on the other stuff. I switched areas, and put out fresh baits. My buddy Allen Hall came in the area and set up also. As we chatted on the radio it became obvious that the shark bite was going to be much slower, and no poons were sighted. Just as I was thinking of relocating we took a nice hit on a starboard rod. Lonnie fought and brought in a nice 30# blacktip for pictures. Just a bit later we had a double hookup. Mom caught and released twin blacktip to the first. Lonnie fought very hard to bring up a big stingray for release. Things settle for a while then a triple hookup brought lots of excitement and confusion. I love when that happens! Lonnie fought a nice 6' hammerhead shark up for pictures, while his wife did a great job on another nice blacktip. Their son had grabbed a heavy rod from the port stern holder and was yelling for dear life for Lonnie to lend a hand. Together the team effort brought up another even bigger sting ray. It was about ten in the morning, at peak tide flow. I felt things were ready to really turn on with the poons and sharks. But it was not to be. Lonnies son and wife were suddenly stricken with seasickness. Seas were at 2' but it was choppy. I make a point to all my anglers that having FUN is the most important to a great day on the water. If you are sick, well no amount of big fish or action will make it fun. We quickly headed back in to flat calm protected bay waters. It was the wrong tide, but we had good baits. I wanted to make the best of our morning together. We hit some structures among the shoreline. Lonnie was fishing first, while I was casting a bait into the shadow. Before I could say anything, the rod in my hand was hammered by a big snook. Ripping drag off even with my hand firmly holding the spool! One head shake and the leader was cut by his gill plate. Next bait in the same spot, same result. Lonnie put his bait in the area, and he was blasted by a 10# jack. What fighters they are. Suddenly there were dolphins all around the boat. Chasing our fish, and rooting out both snook and jacks from the area and making the water very muddy. Upon release of our fish, he was last seen racing in front of a dolphin six inches off his tail. I moved to another spot only to be run off by a big swarm of biting bugs! We then tried for a big gator trout. Two times we were hit, but no hookups. All in all a very nice day of fishing. We did some improvising, but it all worked out, even if it was not part of the plan.

8-3-02
Mark Zmijewsk called and asked about a charter for himself and his son. He wondered if any experience was required as they had none. After quickly telling Mark NONE was required, and that we specialize in having fun, we booked his charter. The reality is I love new anglers on the boat. Yes, we loose some fish, but big deal. New anglers really dont care. This attitude is why I fish, FUN. We met at Lovers Key and departed after introductions. It was a very pretty morning, calm and still cool. I told the guys about bait catching and our basic plan for the day. As we left New Pass the radar picked up a rain cell ten miles south along the beach moving north. I decided we would catch bait, then go offshore a few miles and let the rain pass inside of us. We ran to the bait spot, threw twice and had plenty for the day. As I was cleaning out the net I noticed spanish macks busting behind us. Quickly tossing out a spoon they both hooked nice spanish. Their first salt water fish. Turning west, we ran out ten miles or so to and area of live bottom. My plan was to start them out on snappers, blue runners, and such to get the feel of the rods and how a fish bite's. But remember that old story about the best laid plans? Just as I slowed up I spotted a good sized school of permit! We adjusted our position on the fish and started casting. First Marks son, hooked, fought and landed a nice 10# permit. Next Mark got one, he was amazed at how hard they pull, and rip drag. Next we hooked something unstoppable on a 30# bottom rig, then another same deal, just to much power. Next came a double header permit hookup. We lost both fish. Geeze I hate that! LOL Next bite was a couple of mango's, then two good sized permit in a row. Next came a really cool looking 5# permit, he was awesome! Next was one of those things that happens and you have no control. Marks son hooked a nice permit, it was really fighting hard for several minutes. Then the line just stopped moving as if snagged. I tried the rod and instantly knew what was up. A Goliath grouper had eaten our permit whole and was slowly swimming away. DARN... Of course the line quickly parted. Next we got a 6' sabertooth shark (nurse shark). Next we released two more permit. At that point we decided to switch gears as they guys wanted to try their hand at shark fishing. We picked up and ran fifteen minutes or so to a spot not far from Bonita Beach. As I started to get the rods out, a 20# blacktip came by the boat and hit a light tackle 8# rod. Marks son, had a blast with him. Shortly later we hooked a big shark on a tarpon rig. Line was screaming off then it was gone! I hate that! Shortly later, we hooked one even bigger, and the fight was on! the fish streaked for the bow, and we were a bit slow to follow, and our line snapped as it hit the anchor line We did not have long to discuss it as we hooked a nice 6' hammerhead that Mark did a great job of working up to the boat for a picture and a release. The wind switched, and the bite stopped for a while. But suddenly wham, we hooked two fish. One on light tackle that busted off on the engine quickly, but the other on a tarpon rod was hooked well. Marks son fought it and fought it around and under the boat. A while later, he brought the 7' hammerhead up to the side. I lip gaffed him, and brought him aboard to pose for pictures before release. Wow that was interesting. LOL We beat feet for the dock a bit early as the radar showed another heavy rain shower was closing in on us quickly. This was a very nice day, and I had a great time showing these guys how much fun the Gulf of Mexico can be.

Beautiful Gulf permit and a big smile!

10-25-02
Sorry its been so long since a report, life has kept me pretty busy lately. First of all Congratulations to my wife Liz, and Kathy Bobotis. They have decently sat for the National Physician Assistant Certification Boards, and the Surgery Boards. They both passed with very high scores and are now full fledged State of Florida Licensed Physician Assistants. And even better, they both have aquired JOBS!

Tom Cullen met me early on Saturday morning with the hope of finding a late season tarpon. I was not sure as decent tropical systems had just swept through the Gulf causing big changes in the fish migration patterns. We spent half the morning with light tackle catching several spanish mackerel to five or six pounds, and a few jacks and blue runners. Not seeing any tarpon we stopped to net a few shiners on our way offshore. At our first stop, Tom hooked, fought and landed a nice cuda about 25#. Not long later he landed and released a gorgeous 15# permit, his first ever. Action slowed when another boat moved in on us so we ran to try our luck at another spot. First fish there was another cuda maybe fifteen pounds. Next was a great looking smoker king mackerel just over 20#. At that time the bite slowed, so we ran back to look for the tarpon as the tide had changed. To our luck we found a good sized school of them feeding hard on bait all around us. Our first bait did not last two long before Tom was hooked up solid to a big fish of at least 125#. Before I could bring in the other lines, we hooked another poon about the same size. I was concerned about the second fish breaking off Toms fish with a crossed line, so I hammered the drag, and the line parted like the sound of a shot. After Forty five minutes, Tom just about had his fish up for release when the fish just came unbuttoned. It had been a great fight and Tom had done a good job working around the anchor and boat, thats just fishing. We headed in with the fish still rolling and feeding all around us, what a sight that was to top of a fun day on the Gulf

My buddy Mac Mackenzie set me up with a charter from his place of business in Fort Myers. Eric called me and had two clients he wanted to take out and mentioned his desire for tarpon. Its late season and I had a bad feeling about tarpon due to the full moon and cooling water temperatures. But I knew that any lack of tarpon could be made up for by the hot action that has been going on offshore. We met just before daylight and were headed out of Lovers Key by moonlight. To my surprise, we found a few very large tarpon rolling. They were not feeding actively, but we put our baits out to give it a shot. We hooked and released a big blacktip shark, and a few catfish but no silver kings were jumped. It was fun to see them though and the area was loaded with dolphins putting on a show. We started offshore and stopped twice to get bait. On our first stop it was a sight to behold. Acres and Acres of water was churning white with spanish mackerel, little tunny, sharks, king mackerel, and cobia all feeding in a frenzy. Our first baits out were light rigs for the tunnys and spanish. As the guys were having a blast I put out a rig for the larger fish. It did not last long. With drag screaming off at a very alarming rate, we turned to give chase. Ten minutes into the fight the fish bit through the wire leader, and then we lost and even bigger fish on the engine. EGADS I was about to jump overboard trying to get a fish to the boat! Then Eric hooked and did a great job landing a nice 20# Kingfish. After landing several more spanish macks and a tunny, and loosing a couple of more big fish, including a huge spinner shark, we landed two more big kings in a row in the 20# class. Again more spanish macks and a nice release on a hundred pound spinner shark put us back in the game. Later we released a big king, and then another on light tackle. We headed in with most of our lines twisted, broken, leaders chewed, and a box full of nice fish, sunburned anglers, and a tired Captain.

One of Eric's big King's

12-4-02
One of the best parts of being a fishing guide is seeing people over and over again. Some become friends. This is true of Matt Retucky. I have fished with him several times a year for the last five years. We met at the ramp, and after getting caught up on our lives we headed out on a sloppy chilly late November morning. We started out working some live bottom in pretty close. Lots of birds and fish all over the bottom machine, but not a single taker so we headed out a bit further. When I pulled up on the next area, the fish finder showed solid fish. Matts first bait did not last long, and the snapper bite was on. He caught a couple of dozen mangrove and lane snappers, a half dozen grouper, grunts, porgies. He also hooked something huge, that fought him for twenty minutes before cutting him off on some coral. While that was going on I managed to fill the live bait well with fresh baits. Our trip was only a half day, so I decided to work over and area that had been holding good kingfish action for the last month. When we arrived nothing would have told me fish were in the area, but I deployed the baits on a hunch. Not long later the short bait was taken and the reel was screaming. First one then another high flying jump from a big cuda. Matt did a fine job, and we released the fish cleanly. Ten minutes later we had another bait blasted, but no hookup. Then just a bit later the same thing, this time it was a big smoker king that skied on a bait but missed the hooks. Our next fish was another big cuda pushing thirty pounds. After posing for pictures he was also released. It took a while for the next bite but it was worth the wait. Our T-top rod went off like a rocket. The first run of a big smoker kingfish has to be experienced. After a couple of hundred yards of line was ripped free, Matt went to work bringing the thirty one pound king back to the boat. What a great fight, and a great fish to end our morning adventure.