how is Fishing?

It is fishing. I haven't been out in a few days thanks to this robust economy. I have been weighing my options. Dave Navarro weighed his and put a gun to his head. I am a little more conservative and decided it was time to break out the last of my Cuban cigars. Nothing like a 20 dollar, oh now that the morality police are in office, a hundred dollar cigar to make life a little more tolerable in tough times. Just a few years ago I used to pass out Monte Christo Numero Unos to the crew. How times change. Now the poor have to pay for the research to help the wealthy avoid paying taxes for health care. What a wonderful world.

I am still here fishing and will put you onto fish. Unfortunately, I appeal to the blue collar guys that have been hurt worst by the economy. I will hang in there as long as I can. If you can afford to go I will take you. If you can't, I am always there to help you do it on your own.

Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide trips or our fishing 101 so you can fish on your own with better success.

Tight lines,

Capt. Dallas

A Change of Scenery

I am taking a break from Captain Pips to decompress for a while. I will be hanging out at the Seven Mile Marina if you want to stop by and shoot the breeze about fishing, charters, whatever. Dan at the Seven Mile said he has no problem with me working on my lures in the mornings. I will probably get a coffee pot so you can get a free cup of Joe.

Now this doesn't mean that I will not be fishing out of Captain Pips. If you are staying at Pips and want to book me, just book me through my blog or "cringe" call me at 305 394-3472 or 305 395-1923. I cringe because I hate getting phone calls all the time when I am trying to fish. So you will probably get the voice mail. I am pretty good about returning calls though. This is not a bad thing because I can better advise you about which boat and gear is better for your desired fishing adventure.

I do request that if you book a trip, room or visit a local restaurant because of something you read on my blog that you mention it to the proprietor. Not that I will get anything for the mention. Just that some folks may become better aware of what I do for the community with stuff I write.

I am trying to make this post a sticky so new fishing reports and other stuff will show up after this post for a while. Y'all have a good one and come on down to do some fishing.

Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide trips or our fishing 101 so you can fish on your own with better success.

Tight lines,

Capt. Dallas

A Mini-Season Update

The Florida mini lobster season is the last Wednesday and Thursday of July. This is a big time of the year for being in and one the water in the Florida Keys. It seems that every year someone over does it and gets into trouble. So don't leave your common sense at home, be safe.

For those of you planning a late trip for bug season, you may be too late. Most of the rental boat companies are sold out for the mini season week. If you are trailering your own boat down, don't forget to grease those bearings, check those tires and trailer breaks.

To help locate rental boats if some are available check my General Rental Information

Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide trips or our fishing 101 so you can fish on your own with better success.

Tight lines,

Capt. Dallas

The Moon is Waning

The July full moon was pretty brutal for the offshore fishermen. The dolphin bite dropped off to nearly nothing. There were football tuna and a few billfish to fill the void. This time of year though many Florida residents come down to fill their cooler with dolphin fillets.

The yellowtail bite on the reef has been strong as well as mangrove snapper mainly at night, but good numbers in the daytime. The average size has dropped a little. That is not uncommon with a full moon so the sizes should be better as we approach the new moon.

Gulf trips to the far wrecks has pretty good action. Goliath grouper are out in force, the permit and a few cobia are still around. If you chum hard enough you can get the yellowtail and mangroves going on the surface which is required to get them away from the Goliaths.

A few morning tarpon bites were reported. These are mainly resident fish that are smaller but a few big girls are getting jumped. The flats guys are in their glory with tarpon, bonefish and permit all available.

One thing that is great for you vacationers is that you will have no problem finding charters or guides. This is the slowest tourist season I can remember. So if you can afford a weekend getaway, come on down.

Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide trips or our fishing 101 so you can fish on your own with better success.

Tight lines,

Capt. Dallas

July is Here

One thing about July fishing is that the Dallas Darts pictured will catch a bunch of dolphin and tuna. With the calm winds hump trips will be on most people's minds and the dart are great for blackfin tuna, especially the darker colors. More than once I have filled the box with nice sized tuna in July and never used anything but the darts. Dolphin and sailfish are not uncommon by catches when hunting the tuna.

The snapper bite is pretty phenomenal and should stay that way for a while, probably through the next full moon in August, maybe a little longer. Night mangrove and muttons in the daytime are the main event which plenty of Yellowtail action to round out any trip.

The flats reports are very good but I doubt many folks this time of year want to pass up on the other action. The flats action is good around Marathon and just gets better the further west you go.

Viewing the fireworks tomorrow without getting caught in the traffic on land or on water is good at Burdine's and Rumbum. It is so much easier than fighting the crowds and both have good food. Rumbum is planning a pig roast for the event so there should be a fun crowd.

Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide trips or our fishing 101 so you can fish on your own with better success.

Tight lines,

Capt. Dallas

Today at the Seven Mile marina

I went down to the Seven Mile Marina early today because I needed to make some
Dallas Darts. The best performing Dallas Darts are made within 20 feet of water, just the way it works. When I showed up everyone in the marina that had a boat was getting ready to head out on charters. They all take off to fish while I work on my lures. 30 minutes later they all come back to the dock. Despite the forecast, a pretty wicked storm brewed just offshore of Marathon. Everyone took a three hour chill pill for the storm to dissipate then hit the road again for a fishing redeux. Maybe it is just me but it was kinda comical.

Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide trips or our fishing 101 so you can fish on your own with better success.

Tight lines,

Capt. Dallas