tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35402645127765881002012-02-01T11:35:01.923-05:00Let's go fishing in the Florida Keys! The only Caribbean Islands you can drive to. Home of the third largest barrier reef in the world, the most diverse fish habitat in North America.Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.comBlogger4011100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-56218705305055972072012-02-01T11:35:00.000-05:002012-02-01T11:35:01.930-05:00

For the guys north of latitude 30: Warmer that where you are. Sunnier than where you are. Better fishing conditions that where you are :) 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

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-91806000664568183762012-01-28T12:31:00.000-05:002012-01-28T12:31:29.221-05:00

When I started fishing with Chris and Walkabout charters, I started off with lower rates than he is used to quoting. Since I have been doing this for quite a while, I know pretty much what works for my regular clients. They want to catch fish. While they would love to catch the mostest and biggest, they mainly are more concerned with the tastiest. I have no problem with that. So the cheap or

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-19805983022143208492012-01-26T15:41:00.001-05:002012-01-26T15:45:54.197-05:00

Since I can't remember names worth a dang, I will just use Mom, London and little Miss Pinfish. Chris booked a family trip, for a pretty large family. He took the Dad and older girls to the reef, I took Mom, London and little Miss Pinfish to the Bay. Since it was a family outing and some of the kids required the Coast Guard mandatory wearing of the life vest thing, we outfitted the younger

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-75116279301302885572012-01-24T15:37:00.000-05:002012-01-24T15:37:34.789-05:00

Francais is just French for French. If you take a refresh fish fillet, say from a 17 inch bridge caught Mangrove Snapper, season it with salt and pepper, dredge it in flour, then egg wash then seasoned flour. Then saute that in butter plus olive oil until golden brown. You are getting French with your fish. Then if you happen to saute some mushrooms, peppers and onion in the same pan, deglaze

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-35456581850338672422012-01-23T08:26:00.000-05:002012-01-23T08:26:18.697-05:00

Here is a news flash, charter fishing is about making money. This topic came up shooting the breeze with the captains at the dock. Why? Because they believe that all charters should have about the same sticker price. I think all charters should have about the same profit margin. It is a profit thing in my opinion. The reason this subject comes up is because I have cultivated a blue collar

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-9620551266685197362012-01-18T15:00:00.002-05:002012-01-21T23:01:05.645-05:00

Fly fishing aficionado Brian had to go back to the real world leaving his buddy Mike all alone with big ferocious fish that made is Chesapeake Bay tackle look a little wimpy. Yes, that's right sports fans, big fish made Mike work for it and his luck and gear just wasn't up to the task. Mike has a slightly aging Mitchell spinning reel. It is a classic among classics. An estimated 90 pound fish

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-48998323283958056912012-01-15T19:40:00.001-05:002012-01-15T19:45:05.260-05:00

The wind started in the twenties early, so I recommended a later start. Mike and Brian, from the Maryland area agreed. We tried a close spot first because of the winds, no luck. So we headed into the wind back in to the Bay. We had already added a Danforth anchor on to the rock anchor, just to make sure we would stay put. We started chumming about 10:30 and by 10:35 we had our first Spanish

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-69635581477043307022012-01-14T18:14:00.003-05:002012-01-14T18:42:08.141-05:00

Long ago, in a place that seems so far, far away, a commenter on the Florida Sportsman Fishing Forum mentioned that the reports on the forum were all good, no one ever mentioned the not so good. I am a firm believer in never saying negative things about people or fishing trips. But, since honesty was requested, I compromised and say more realistic things about the less than stellar trips that

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-59149104232473102932012-01-13T18:38:00.002-05:002012-01-13T18:46:05.357-05:00

I try to keep the Marathon Area boat rental information current. Somethings, like what boat is getting new power or who is getting new boats, some I pick up, some I don't. One of the guys online did his homework, checked my blog and checked out a few companies on the list for what his needs were. He was nice enough to give me an update, which I am going to post, A couple tidbits for you ont

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-49238624002940014612012-01-12T16:16:00.000-05:002012-01-12T16:16:47.520-05:00

Lil' Chris, er.. Captain Chris Morin, with his angler Dave from the frozen north country posing with what's for dinner, a mutton snapper of respectable size. This is Chris with the Walkabout Charters LLC which I be fishing with. Lately, he has been doing the mutton thing while I do the bridge thing. It's all good, I catch more fish for the guys that want more meat and more action, he catches

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-65529390086236626802012-01-09T11:33:00.000-05:002012-01-09T11:33:03.836-05:00

Decisions on what manufacturer for my new fishing gear. I have had custom made rods with Daiwa spinning reels and Shimano trolling reels for the past 12 years. With just the general maintenance, both have served me quite well over that time, both have little issues which I would expect every manufacturer would. I am not desperately loyal to either since neither sponsor me or offer a direct

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-27017111005828827412012-01-04T20:52:00.001-05:002012-01-04T20:56:20.310-05:00

After threatening to buy on of those counter top convection ovens with the rotisserie I did the deed thanks to a ding at Kmart. Hamilton Beach twin 12 inch pizza baking with rotisserie! Since is was cold and windy last night, it has perfectly bake four loafs of bread, a batch of bacon-cheese cornbread muffins and a pound of bacon. All the while keeping my little place warm and restauranty

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-52427998918825404832012-01-01T17:22:00.000-05:002012-01-01T17:22:16.044-05:00

Chicago Joe, Joey, Shelbi and I started off the New Year with a shark fishing trip. Hey, what can I say, people like playing with fish as big or bigger than they are. We missed a couple shots at sexier sharks but a sharpnose on light tackle and a large nurse, just for the photo op, we fine for the crew. Shark catching was followed by a light lunch at Burdine's ChikiTiki and a little swim on

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-53732972336662455002011-12-31T17:46:00.001-05:002011-12-31T17:48:51.713-05:00

This is Chicago Joe with one of his bridge Mangroves. That fish is in the three pound range. We limited or at least came close enough to limiting out is about 2 hours this morning after spending a little more time than normal getting the right size bait. The bait that fish fell for was a candy size pin fish about two inches long. Pilchard and the larger live shrimp also caught quite a few

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-86129684540733051262011-12-30T19:10:00.000-05:002011-12-30T19:10:20.331-05:00

I think today was Day 5 with Chicago Joe. Anyway, the photo is of the catch of Lane, Mangrove and Mutton Snapper. These were mainly caught in the channel, but we hit the bridge for a while and picked up the larger mangroves and a few stories about big fish that got away. Yesterday, the fish won. We got covered up with King Mackerel trying to yellowtail plus Amberjack and a shark or three.

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-9666909368352565512011-12-27T07:20:00.000-05:002011-12-27T07:20:08.417-05:00

Day 3 with Joe was a struggle. The winds were just strong enough to keep the bait away and the anchor tripping. The fish we did get were nice. One Lane was 20 inches long about 3 pounds and we got a keeper red grouper. Lost nice fish to the bottom again. Yesterday was fishing with the guys from Nebraska. I started them off at Kmart doing the basic tackle thing, then the tackle shop for chum

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-48504330178358762262011-12-24T20:29:00.000-05:002011-12-24T20:29:06.405-05:00

Bait is still a little bit of an issue. Plenty of pinfish of course, but I have not seen any ballyhoo in net range nor my thread fin herring I was expecting. So with just live shrimp and pinfish, we managed a fair catch of lane and mangrove snapper and on 22 inch red grouper. As usual, jacks are everywhere, plenty of throw back grouper and a few big ones that got away. We started in the Bay

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-83856086797135624222011-12-23T16:48:00.000-05:002011-12-23T16:48:08.322-05:00

Today we headed to the reef instead of the bay because the weather was beautiful. Ten to 15 knots winds, in the mid 70s for both the air and the water. I had more trouble finding bait that usual. That tends to lead to more hunting than catching. We moved back to the channel around noon because things were slow on the reef and settled for a couple dozen 15 inch average, lane snapper for dinner

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-41312279169749341402011-12-22T19:43:00.000-05:002011-12-22T19:43:58.505-05:00

Let's see, a half day of mackerel fishing in the bay and 10 phone calls. Yep, its season. That means boys and girls that you may get my voice mail a little more often. Today it was the guys down from around the Miami area to catch Spanish Mackerel for the smoker. It was a little slow, but they brought about a hundred pounds of fish back to the dock, so that is about 40 of 50 pounds for the

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-23846610766938494382011-12-20T21:40:00.000-05:002011-12-20T21:40:31.880-05:00

I had a nice lady stop by the other day to check out the Captain Dallas approved fish cleaning get mo' money off the price. table. As promised, just in almost time for Christmas, we have a new discount code to save folks a little money. Remember DAL0402 to save another 20 bucks. The total price for the table top is $379 including everything, no tax, shipping or any other aggravation. Base

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-79246967385800667422011-12-19T19:39:00.001-05:002011-12-19T19:40:59.326-05:00

This is trying out the new camera on the phone. As promised, Jake and Austin are headless. I started the day dropping my reading glasses in the water so I will use that as an excuse. The seagulls kept the ballyhoo away from the boat so we never got the bite going real hot. Still pretty nice size 'tails for a windy day. Got most of their heads second time around :) Marathon in the Florida

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-82888846100024043012011-12-15T09:14:00.000-05:002011-12-15T09:14:25.606-05:00

Happy December 15th 2011 everyone. I have set aside this day for a climate change summit with emphasis on fishing. The reason fishing is emphasized is because while climate change is real, the guys in charge are about the most corrupt and ethically bankrupt bast%#ds I have ever seen. Ooooh, thems getting sued words! Possibly, most were probably born of wedded parents :) As most of you

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-30824354271067009722011-12-14T10:04:00.002-05:002011-12-14T10:09:53.447-05:00

This the the new to Chris Sea Vee that I will be fishing from time to time. We fished four guys the other day and there was plenty of room. The boat run fine. With twin 150 Yamaha it can cover a lot of ground pretty quick. So I am looking forward to some of my old Gulf Wreck fishing adventures and a Cay Sal run or two in the summer. This is the Blackfin, Walkabout. Still pretty quick

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-84879042860141854582011-12-07T17:34:00.000-05:002011-12-07T17:34:53.476-05:00

We had a half day trip this afternoon to check out the new to Chris Sea Vee 25 center console. The boat just got a new tee top with an upper station for fish spotting. The new fly by wire controls need a little fine tuning, but the boat ran great and fished fine. As always, I have a tweak or two in mind to get my proper blend of organized disorganization. I love having a spot to stash stuff

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-38171754307974134462011-12-03T17:00:00.000-05:002011-12-03T17:00:59.410-05:00

This guy must be related to me somehow, Beer and Wine Climate Change Summit. So in a show of solidarity, I am going to throw my own Beer and Wine Climate Change and Fishing Summit at Salty's Waterfront Grill at the Seven Mile Marina on December 15th myself. Being a teetotaler at the moment, I reckon I should mention non adult refreshment drinkers are welcome as well. I will drink vicariously

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-25734686321283712822011-11-30T17:47:00.001-05:002011-11-30T17:48:38.811-05:00

One of the great things about hooking up with young guys is that they are basically insomniacs. Chris and George have taken to night time bait fishing for Goggle Eyes. Probably one of the most expensive live baits you can get for sailfishing since they are so nocturnal. Old guys like me enjoy our nap time and resort to more mundane baits like pilchards and ballyhoo for our live baits. With

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-86859056532772092962011-11-29T16:48:00.001-05:002011-11-29T16:53:44.465-05:00

Michigan Jim and Family in the photo about caught some fish. Lots of mackerel with enough snapper volunteering for a meal. Mom caught the biggest fish even though she was stuck with video duty most of the trip. Other than a few, "Are we there yets?", the kids seem to have enjoyed spending the day in my backyard with me and Chris. I did mess up and leave fish biting in hopes of bigger

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-7214536186981800022011-11-17T19:56:00.000-05:002011-11-17T19:56:47.140-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, after swearing to do my best not to expire while in command of a vessel and that I will notify the United States Coast Guard prior to my expiration, I am now considered to be capable of operating a motor vessel for hire. With all the privileges and responsibilities associated with my merchant mariners credential. My regular customers know that opens the doors to vast

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-29554167990141516302011-11-15T08:17:00.000-05:002011-11-15T08:17:21.982-05:00

No sooner than I promote myself to Colonel Dallas, I get demoted by the Coast Guard to Captain Tisdale again. I don't understand the Navy and Coast Guard way. In the Army, Colonel is a pretty big deal. The Navy guys say that Captain is just as big a deal. Well, at least I didn't get promoted to Rear Admiral. Who would want to be a REAR admiral? Lots of guys down here call their wives

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-30389031681055410562011-11-14T09:45:00.001-05:002011-11-14T09:46:31.826-05:00

While I do have some fishing reports, I have something better! Biscuits!! I have been playing with making the ultimate biscuits ever made. The biscuits to end all biscuits. Biscuits so light, fluffy and buttery they float off the plate unless you weight them down with homemade sausage gravy! It think I did it! Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination.

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-73858917187382801752011-11-11T10:29:00.001-05:002011-11-12T20:49:17.562-05:00

I don't do texting on the phone. I do respond to comments on the blog and will actually answer my phone on occasion. But I don't do texting, fat fingers. Robert, unless it is blowing over 25 knots, Bay Side fishing is fine, just carry a bigger anchor. 25 to 30 knots is doable, over 30 is cocktail time. So this weekend should be fine, but always check the forecast first thing in the morning.

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-60739401459286135302011-11-02T15:41:00.000-04:002011-11-02T15:41:16.461-04:00

While no where near a peak, the Spanish Mackerel are showing in the Bay for those that want to enjoy a day of fishing in windy weather without getting your butts kicked. It took much long that it should yesterday to locate the fish, but it was worth the wait for my crew from the UK, Larry, Moe and Curly. Or was it Abbot, Costello and Oslo? Anyway, I always having fun fishing with this group of

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-28669731721007997632011-10-26T10:24:00.000-04:002011-10-26T10:24:54.908-04:00

Lord have mercy. After nearly four years of fighting health problems and the Coast Guard, they now want my doctor to verify that I am not dead! Yes, sports fans, after taking a half dozen urine tests, being finger printed four times, paying fro a Twic card I will never use, having to retake the captain's course and spending over a thousand dollars I could used for other things, the Coast Guard

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-4960719590662170412011-10-19T11:41:00.003-04:002011-10-19T12:01:52.716-04:00

While the season is slow and the weather sucks thanks to all the rain, I have been trapped inside doing the weird things I enjoy. Cooking, Blogging, Theoretical Physics and pissing the science world off. While my other little blog doesn't get many hits, it gets interesting hits from major universities and governments. That is kinda cool. I didn't even know the Dutch had a National Aerospace

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-10767870201520034352011-10-09T04:35:00.003-04:002011-10-09T09:28:19.960-04:00

Normally, I do try to keep this silly science nonsense off my good blog, dumping stuff nobody understands on my trash blog, but this is a little special. The IPCC Down Welling Radiation Violates the Law Catchy title, if I had someone that could proof read technical stuff, it could even be published is a high quality journal like Energy and Environment, where the concept came from, though I

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-58030481104496835392011-10-05T10:14:00.001-04:002011-10-05T10:17:58.583-04:00

The wind blew my trip out yesterday so I figured I would aggravate some of the online climate change gurus. What started as a simple math problem developed into a lot more issues. Needless to say, with nothing making too much sense, no one cared to help me with my little issue. So I published a little post on my other blog trying to explain the situation in, Back to Baking Bacon Bread. Then

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-70266987122302378842011-09-23T23:57:00.001-04:002011-09-24T00:01:01.467-04:00

I am bored so I thought I would baffle you guys with a little statistical BS. If you remember the Monte Hall game show, you know about the tree doors. Believe it or not, that is a statistical or as I prefer, a probability exercise, figuring out the best odds for a player. With three doors it is pretty easy, you have a one in three chance to pick the right door and drive off in a new car.

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-75400107739051163892011-09-20T09:52:00.000-04:002011-09-20T09:52:22.818-04:00

This morning I am on the radio show with C.J. Geotis, at least I think that is how he spells his name, at the Seven Mile Grill. Just made Black Fin Tuna with grits for breakfast. Kinda torn between a Cuban Reuben or Dolphin Reuben for lunch. C.J.'s show is on 1300 AM or 101.7 FM if you are in the Keys. Back home you can get the delayed streaming audio on ... Hum? that's not there anymore, so

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-535285578755832092011-09-17T19:37:00.000-04:002011-09-17T19:37:30.930-04:00

I had trip today out of Tavernier. Chuck and his bride Nancy from Cincinatti, Ohio, were down for a little R&R. With the usual delays getting started, we did a Tavernier style fishing 101. The usual delays are finishing the boat paperwork stuff and me trying to read street signs through leaves. We managed to throw enough stuff together to get out and catch some fish. Fishing out of Tavernier

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-33904064194599482182011-09-13T16:15:00.001-04:002011-09-14T10:15:57.047-04:00

I am revising my Yellowtail post for the guys on the Florida Sportsman Fishing Forum. Like many a good thing, the FSFF under went some changes not for the better. A lot of valuable information was lost when the forum changed its format or software or whatever. Anyway, a once great fishing forum got nearly destroyed. In the Florida Keys General category, there is a FAQ post with plenty of

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-55665658106671336332011-09-06T18:45:00.000-04:002011-09-06T18:45:20.811-04:00

After just hearing this on the radio I am about giddy with excitement. I don't know if my posts calling for everyone to contact the South Atlantic Marine Fisheries Commission help, but I am pretty sure it didn't hurt. There was and article in the Keynoter on August 31st saying in may be lifted. The actual decision is supposed to be made on the 9th of this month, but rumor has it it is a go.

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-90325855835876175092011-08-25T09:24:00.002-04:002011-08-25T09:29:46.186-04:00

As Irene keeps heading north I have had several people ask why I was not worried because it was going to stay east of Marathon. It is pretty simple really because the models have an average based on historical data and the ensemble of the models. Averages are a great thing, but hardly anything is exactly average. So if you compare the models that are based on the actually conditions that the

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-71018023741017846422011-08-20T10:25:00.001-04:002011-08-20T10:27:13.144-04:00

This is the time of the year when my thoughts turn to other things like money and solving all the worlds problems. As some of you know I dabble in atmospheric physics and alternate energy which I find entertaining but pays squat. So I have another blog where I irritate real scientists that actually get paid to scare the hell out of us. That blog is Our Energy Future: Hydrogen. Both of these

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-1197484523372078082011-08-05T22:11:00.000-04:002011-08-05T22:11:32.988-04:00

With lobster mini season and fear of Emily I have been spending way too much time working on the bus instead of fishing. I should have four day of fishing next week as long as the weather holds and it should. It is August so it is hot. Compared to many places in the US right now it no where near as steamy. On the water it is not bad except for between about 1 and 4 when it is the hottest.

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-53673927343682222082011-07-24T20:45:00.000-04:002011-07-24T20:45:50.607-04:00

The mini-season for Florida Lobster is this week! The Keys will be invaded by many thousands of Florida Lobster fans searching everywhere for the bugs as they are called. I normally stay out of the madness during mini-season. There are way too many people in, on and under the water. That normally means that a few people perish hunting bugs. Not a good thing. As a reminder for the

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-61922202571801724752011-07-21T18:53:00.000-04:002011-07-21T18:53:06.189-04:00

The Florida Sportsman Fishing Forum has undergone quite a few changes. Unfortunately, it looks like they lost most of the information for the Florida Keys they had built up over the years. Drastic changes, but it looks like it is back up for a while, anyway. Since the changes all of the old links to stuff on the forum not longer work on this blog. Shame, plenty of good stuff lost. At least

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-63653164983922139272011-07-15T04:38:00.001-04:002011-10-21T13:37:08.654-04:00

I didn't try to edit this video of Cole and father Clint getting mugged by dolphin. I think it is pretty funny. 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

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-38678595757984223492011-07-10T18:08:00.000-04:002011-07-10T18:08:56.319-04:00

Just when I was forcing myself to climb on top of the bus and start mopping white elastopolymeric roofing membrane Clint called for a fishing half day with the rest of his crew. Clint and son Cole had a ball offshore chasing dolphin. Now it was the girl's turn. Wife Kim wanted to fish but Mia was a bit more into jet skiing. So I too them to the kiddy pool for mangrove snapper and fish petting.

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-85940419294362200612011-07-06T19:04:00.002-04:002011-07-06T19:07:25.098-04:00

The off season in the Keys is known for craziness. Not that sanity reigns the rest of the year, just more weird stuff happens in the off season. This off season my land lord decided to piss of the code enforcement lady from the city. He did a remarkable job! Now he is evicted, the old neighborhood is in turmoil and the bus has a new home until things get back to normal. Above is a picture

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-41447900000259882452011-06-02T19:02:00.000-04:002011-06-02T19:02:26.013-04:00

Everybody that is braving the seas is bringing home nice catches of good size dolphin even a few very nice slammers. The bigger fish have moved closer inshore and starting next week it looks like the winds will lay down. It is freezer filling time if you are so inclined. The winds have not been too bad most days, it is just hard to pick a good day in advance. For the bigger boat guys, over 25

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-90669099285295936172011-05-24T20:52:00.000-04:002011-05-24T20:52:18.925-04:00

I tried to take a video of the dolphin we caught. They were not big. The big slammers are about 25 miles off the beach. Since my crew included three older guys (I'm one) we opted to stay close and play with the smaller fish. Skeeter (Dave), Pops, (Mike) and LeRoy (Tom) didn't want to leep many fish so we only kept a half dozen schoolies in the 23 to 26 inch range, plus one tasty blackfin

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-73870130503361966422011-05-20T16:56:00.000-04:002011-05-20T16:56:33.206-04:00

Mike shows that they are still around. Today was a fishing 101 to show Dave's Crew from Pennsylvania where to find some bigger fish. While offshore is the main event this time of year, the deep edge of the reef and artificial reefs have plenty of big critters. After playing with some Jacks, we hit the sixty foot line of the reef and put a keeper red grouper in the box, the king mackerel and

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-52313362913559120662011-05-19T19:24:00.001-04:002011-05-19T19:31:14.716-04:00

NOAA has a neat hurricane track history page for all you storm fans. This is the time of the year all the hurricane predictions come out. This year is supposed to be above normal, whatever that is. I am not all that concerned with normal, I am more concerned with where, when and how strong. They can't predict that. Some of the forecasters do give you similar years. This year is supposed to

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-83139415659119987282011-05-15T09:10:00.000-04:002011-05-15T09:10:48.041-04:00

I was all ready for a fun day of fishing for the freezer but the weather is a little iffy today. Since I have enjoyed all the wild and crazy offshore rides I want, unless of course the pay is right, we are sitting it out today with semi plans for Tuesday or Thursday. I have plenty of freezer bags stocked up just in case. The only reason I am posting anything today is because Blogger, the

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-26769517176116260922011-05-11T18:49:00.001-04:002011-05-11T18:50:40.610-04:00

Not them, that's sage rubbed pork butt cooked to perfection for 4 hours on my newly repaired gas grill. They're here refers to the big dolphin AKA Mahi Mahi aka what's for dinner next week. The big fish were a little slow showing up this year thanks to the La Nina weather pattern. Anyway that's my story and I am sticking to it. Just talked to the captain of the Snap Shot out of Duck Key.

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-1939466785119519442011-05-01T09:41:00.002-04:002011-05-25T18:42:11.641-04:00

The number of grouper I have been getting without being able to keep any has been a major bummer. So I tried to change tactics so I wouldn't catch so many, so maybe more should be around when the Grouper season opened. Tomorrow I will find out if that worked. I have been fishing but not posting much. The catch has been so so. My crews have had fun and caught fish for dinner. Unfortunately

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-22647878437885631352011-04-16T20:08:00.002-04:002011-04-16T20:18:03.994-04:00

He caught this nice 22 inch red grouper. If he was here next month he could have kept it. But thanks to all those wonderful, caring people that don't know where the Keys are, he couldn't keep it today. So he and his crew had to settle for snapper like this Lane, a fair number of 14 inch mangrove and a few porgies. Not that stellar a half day, since I have to try to figure out what is biting

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-26720162730546180712011-04-09T12:43:00.001-04:002011-04-09T12:45:00.740-04:00

Sue, with the large of the two dolphin, and hubby Bob caught fish.  I only say it that way because some of their back home crowd have begun to doubt their catching ability.  Now they got proof. While these dolphin are not wall hangers, on Sue's light spinning rod it was a bit of a challenge.  Anywho, they got dinner for a few nights and learned how to find dolphin on their own.  For the diehard

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-1062634468927574022011-03-30T10:39:00.001-04:002011-03-30T10:41:15.503-04:00

In between naps, solving all the world's problems and playing lumber jack, I have been fiddling with the fish cleaning table.  The new cypress base stand has been tested and photographed by a real semi-professional photographer.  Unfortunately, the semi-professional photographer and I were not able to get some scantily clad young lovely to pose with the table.  At least my fat butt is not in

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-60746032482514969522011-03-20T12:15:00.000-04:002011-03-20T12:15:26.619-04:00

My apologies for not keeping things up dated.  As an energy geek, the stuff in Japan has diverted my attention.  I have written a bunch of stuff on my energy blog.  So far, I stand behind my prediction, even though there are a few dozen Phd types that think I am an idiot. Pfttt to them, I'm righter than they are nah nah nah.  Not to belittle the tragedy over there, but there has been some wild

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-76781218120809190942011-03-11T21:39:00.001-05:002011-03-14T15:56:27.996-04:00

Robert "Rocketman" Hudson is back on stage at Porky's Bay Side!  Rocketman suffered a stroke a while back, but is getting back to doing what he loves to do.  Tonight was his first back on stage as Rocketman.  He has plenty of fans out there that will celebrate the news. With the winds blowing with the last cold front, it is tough for me to find things to do other than solving all the world's

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-71408569014777801142011-03-07T14:59:00.000-05:002011-03-07T14:59:43.683-05:00

Yes, that is the sun reflecting off the front of the RV!  After putting on real shoes, I have attacked the Florida Holly tree that is killing the palms and making it tough to get around the RV.  BTW, the Florida Holly is considered an invasive species, no native trees were harmed during the removal.  Next up is an almond tree that is ticking me off. Heck, I may even hire the homeless to help

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-83522818686849464502011-03-07T08:25:00.000-05:002011-03-07T08:25:13.524-05:00

I have enjoyed the past few days off dealing with the jungle around the RV and getting Flatlines ready for the crew coming down this month.  As most of you know, regulations are really starting to put a cramp in my style, so I have spent a bit of time pondering the problem.  The worst part is that the Keys is not a good fit for either the Gulf or Atlantic regulation zones.  Gag Grouper, may be

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-40617305651041840862011-03-06T22:53:00.000-05:002011-03-06T22:53:57.593-05:00

Captain James "Bucko" Platt wins the 2011 Leon Shell Memorial Sailfish Tournament.  Bucko is one of the young captains here in Marathon that really pushes me to catch mo' bigga fish.  Bucko fishes out of the slightly rival Seven Mile Marina.  Congrats Bucko! Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide trips or our

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-25026214707370423862011-03-04T08:06:00.002-05:002011-03-05T21:01:43.351-05:00

The Leon Shell Tournament is this weekend here in Marathon.  Some people wonder why I don't sign up for these tournaments.  So while the wind is blowing 30 knots out of the East I will reflect on why I am not a dedicated tournament fisherman. Getting together with dedicated tournament fishermen is always interesting.  These talented anglers make elaborate plans to improve their odds of success,

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-2460237410552753582011-03-02T20:53:00.001-05:002011-03-02T20:55:10.914-05:00

Miss Jess started the morning off with a bang!  Two nice mangs about two pounds each.  The crew released a grouper and lost several nice fish to the coral.  Then visions fish feast died with the current and the wind kicking up to 19 knots with gust to 23.  It was a little sloppy but fishable.  Though, running into the wind was a major pain.  We lost more fish than went in the box.  I was very

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-34267814359718824842011-03-01T16:23:00.000-05:002011-03-01T16:23:52.100-05:00

This morning started with a bang.  Nice fat mutton, ballyhoo in the live well.  Then the current died and the wind shifted to the West.  It was hunt and peck after that.  We finished with two muttons, two hogfish, a few porgies and a mess of legal but not impressive tails. Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-69005465069404893352011-03-01T07:30:00.000-05:002011-03-01T07:30:46.048-05:00

Getting larger mackerel to the boat with the herd of black tip sharks looking for a snack was more of a challenge than normal.  This fat Cero made it through the gantlet along with about a dozen buddies mainly of the Spanish variety.  If I didn't have the video on, the black tips put on a good show leaping and spinning.  They were mainly camera shy though.  I will work on the video issue to see

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-47171410842440547322011-02-27T16:53:00.000-05:002011-10-21T13:43:56.230-04:00

I have some video I have put together but it won't load right.  So until then here is a hogfish and a fat porgy to remind you of the things we catch for dinner down here.  The bite is still a little off but we did good on Mangroves Thursday and today the fish won.  We lost six big fish on a fishing 101 tour half day.  These two, plus another porgy will make dinner. Marathon in the Florida Keys

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-13672042557565568372011-02-24T18:41:00.000-05:002011-02-24T18:41:49.230-05:00

Doug and Ed did pretty good today on the Mangrove Snapper and a few Yellowtail Snapper.  Only one spot was happening on the ocean side so we will try the Bay next week for a few days.  The reason Bambi is in the title is because Doug brought some venison down for me.  Some of the ladies heard of my dinner plans and got all dewy eyed. What they did not understand is that Bambi had it coming! 

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-12754383746974310182011-02-22T18:25:00.001-05:002011-02-22T18:34:29.058-05:00

  Just playing with the video recorder.  Slow fishing today inshore, so weather willing tomorrow it is tuna time! 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

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-70550760313070429282011-02-19T15:23:00.001-05:002011-02-19T15:24:27.778-05:00

Yeah, that's right!  I sucked yesterday.  It was all because of the full moon.  That's my story and I am sticking to it! I have posted before how things get weird around the full moon.  Most of that I can handle, but the fishing part gets me down.  Of the five captains I talked to, we all agreed this full moon was the suckiest we have seen in a long while.  I even postponed my next trip a few

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-80786955385253921412011-02-15T22:31:00.000-05:002011-02-15T22:31:26.331-05:00

The guys I am fishing with Friday I took out last year.  It was our first time fishing together so I was not sure what would turn them on.  The reef was not all that hot that first time, so I took them to do a little fishing in Hawk Channel.  If you have never fished the Hawk Channel humps and bumps you don't know what you are missing if you are one of those constant action kinda guys.  They

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-52194967298148394752011-02-15T13:13:00.005-05:002011-02-15T21:07:26.618-05:00

Okay, I apologize for the contamination of the fishing blog temporarily while I try to hash out the best wording for my indignant rage inspired by arrogant buttholes employed by my government. For a little background, I wrote this article, Can the United States Government can Steal your Intellectual Property?  The article is confusing to many since I am a suckie writer and you have to follow the

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-19296019599646968232011-02-12T12:43:00.000-05:002011-02-12T12:43:55.764-05:00

It is cold and windy so I put my trip off until Monday when things get back to normal.  Ten below zero (60 degrees) may be fishable but they are here for a week so rescheduling is not a problem The bite is still kicking though so it is all good. Speaking of good, it is a good thing I moved my climate junk back to other blog.  I got hacked off at the lack of respect for intellectual property

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-12612030807653311522011-02-10T09:36:00.000-05:002011-02-10T09:36:24.378-05:00

The Florida Sportsman Fishing Forum is used by locals and vacationers to keep up with what is happening fishing and fun wise in Florida.  The forum denizens are planning a Keys Bash this year and are trying to decide where to have the main event.  Fishing guys like to party, but not to the point it interferes too much with their fishing.  So not too surprisingly, the Middle and upper lower Keys

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-5912823251191714682011-02-08T22:19:00.001-05:002011-02-08T22:23:07.040-05:00

Now that I am getting fit again after that nasty cold it is time to get busy again.  I worked on the new base for the fish cleaning table a while over the weekend while I wasn't gorging on dip and chili.  Since the base is supposed to be a kit, Jason and I put it together like a kit after I sanded and put a light coat of white wash on the wood.  I don't know about the white washed look.  It may

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-42825519890818829782011-02-07T11:56:00.002-05:002011-02-07T13:11:14.373-05:00

Ron Robalo pictured is one of the many official taste tester judges for the first annual Porky's Great Fish Dip Challenge.  There were 12 entries in the inaugural competition and all were interesting.  The winner was number 8, Andy who's last name is withheld because I had a brain fart.  So it is a Cinderella come from behind kinda victory for the unknown yellow shirted number eight.  The

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-50111145545120567642011-02-06T06:32:00.005-05:002011-02-06T06:52:00.314-05:00

Thanks to this cold that has been cramping my style I have not made much in the way of preparations for the Super Bowl Sunday culinary events to take place here in Old Town Marathon.  Salty's Grille at the Seven Mile Marina is having a chili cook off and Porky's Bay Side is having the Great Fish Dip Challenge. While the cold is much better, I am still a little congested and have that lingering

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-17741374572728138962011-02-02T18:45:00.002-05:002011-02-02T18:49:58.231-05:00

It was pretty nice on the water yesterday and today was pretty too.  A little on the warm side in the RV, but definitely nice outside.  Looking at the weather map it looks like the rest of the nation is having plenty of fresh snow for all those snow related things they like to do.  One fellow took advantage of the fresh snow to get creative and sent me the picture below of his efforts. A few

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-75617413181583800302011-02-01T20:26:00.000-05:002011-02-01T20:26:45.712-05:00

Capt. Bill made a very good post at the Florida Sportsman Fishing Forum. The new proposed regulations for Dolphin, Wahoo and Cobia are being made for no good reason really.  Once regulations are put in place it is very hard to have them relaxed as condition change.  The lack of flexibility by the South Atlantic Marine Fisheries Commission is the biggest point that needs to be made by recreational

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-87677328079400567502011-01-28T08:41:00.000-05:002011-01-28T08:41:14.943-05:00

This cold is really becoming a pain in the butt.  It is cramping my style big time and I am starting to get cabin fever.  It the picture above, Captain Jeff Knapp is showing off his second Cobia in two trips to the bridge tarpon fishing.   As I reported before the bridge action is pretty hot.  Many visitors to the Keys tend to focus too much on one type of fish or fishing and neglect to take

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-22491037915607065012011-01-27T12:32:00.001-05:002011-01-28T06:32:04.802-05:00

Despite feeling like death warmed over thanks to this cold, I managed to get the fish cleaning table with the new cypress base up to the Tackle Box to get some feedback.  As soon as I feel better I will get started on the more deluxe model base.  The deluxe will be fully enclosed with doors on the front.  If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and give me your opinion.  Marathon in the Florida

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-26438457372171575482011-01-24T13:21:00.000-05:002011-01-24T13:21:28.712-05:00

I have a cold which is really cramping my style.  I did manage to get a buddy to help me put together a new base for the fish cleaning table.  I am into wood and low maintenance, so I ordered some cypress from central Florida.  Cypress has natural oils that protect it from insects and rot to a point.  Second growth cypress will weather well, but it does need a little UV and water protection to 

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-77990382946646501922011-01-20T09:47:00.000-05:002011-01-20T09:47:17.813-05:00

Cleaning out the truck has turned into a monster!  Trying to figure out what to do with all the extra stuff is stressing me to the point it is cutting into my hammock time.  Lucky, the soothing effects of the Teens4oceans.org underwater camera at the Bahia Honda bridge helps.  The kids with teens4oceans.org replaced lights and worked on the the camera last December and the quality of the video is

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-45051166922196427782011-01-18T09:41:00.002-05:002011-01-18T16:42:25.392-05:00

Having something to blame is comforting, but is everything really due to climate change? My conversation with Joel's uncle Will last night turned to global warming among a few other things. I read a lot about the political science debate on what is now called climate disruption. The debate on how soon and how much mankind's wicked wasteful ways has on climate will rage on for a while. Most of

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-79671284909855204602011-01-17T20:46:00.000-05:002011-01-17T20:46:18.633-05:00

Joel's Mom and uncles made it to the Keys and we had dinner at Porky's Bay Side.  Everything seems to be going well so Joel should have his passport and everything by Wednesday.  All's well that ends well. 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

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-63036671326981810742011-01-16T17:07:00.000-05:002011-01-16T17:07:36.696-05:00

Today was one of those weird fishing days.  We caught fish all day, but the bite never got kicked into high gear.  We did lose a large number of good size fish that were chewed by a variety of predators. Even when we were trying to catch bait the cero mackerel kept them spooked, so we just went with the flow and put several good size cero's in the box along with a 'cuda that was munching on stuff

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-41325552237190797842011-01-15T09:12:00.001-05:002011-01-15T09:14:28.607-05:00

I am all for conservation.  I have never been one to over harvest.  For some reason the fisheries management folks are out to kill my livelihood and your fishing dreams by shutting down everything they can.   Now they are going after more fish species to shut own. The Florida Keys is a unique fish habitat unlike any other area in the United States.  We have varieties of fish rarely found

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-66643054598715829182011-01-14T21:32:00.001-05:002011-01-15T08:32:12.699-05:00

I knew cleaning out the truck would lead to other things!  Now I have twenty something rods and reels broken down for maintenance, a bunch of my fishing lures to make, fish cleaning table stuff to do, a lot of clothes to wash and a weekend with no trips scheduled.  It is getting tough to put stuff off! Anyway, I finally made a decision on the fish cleaning table basic mounting base.  I just

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-4720635149489635692011-01-12T12:41:00.001-05:002011-01-15T08:12:54.219-05:00

In the US we have some of the finest jails in the world and a bureaucracy unrivaled in the western hemisphere.  I made the trip to Key Weird to check on Joel's Status.  He has a public defender and everything just like a real American!  I, of course can't get a hold of the public defender, but he has one! I also talked to his proscecutor and she is willing to work with the family on his release.

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-6662478977314371302011-01-11T10:05:00.001-05:002011-01-15T08:32:00.766-05:00

Some people think they know how to procrastinate.  I am the master of putting things off.  Instead of cleaning out my truck, which would lead to doing my laundry, which would probably lead to something else productive, I would rather be the temporary liaison for Joel Prick. In our last installment we mentioned our breakfast with Joel.  Since that breakfast, Joel's vacation has taken an

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-58677435499009097572011-01-09T11:49:00.001-05:002011-01-15T08:32:00.767-05:00

Breakfast out is a bit of a luxury for me.  Living in a tourist town everything is priced for tourists and I ain't one.  Well, today I was waiting on a few friends to have a leisurely breakfast with when in comes Joel Prick.  Joel is from the Netherlands and evidently has fallen onto hard times. Joel ran into an herbalist from Arizona in Key West that seems to have separated him from his money.

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-33394941559525670942011-01-08T11:39:00.000-05:002011-01-15T08:32:00.768-05:00

Hanging out this morning making my rounds while figuring out how to rationalize not completing the truck clean out project, I happen upon Woodrow D. Pecker.  Woodrow must have had a hard night last night.  He was not his normal self banging away on the exhaust hood at Porky's Bay Side trying to drum up a little fling with the local Woodrina's.  Woodrow is the grandson of the late Woodrow D. Big

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-76997010289558555752011-01-07T22:52:00.000-05:002011-01-07T22:52:59.511-05:00

I get some interesting searches that bring new people to my blog.  Today I had someone searching for Sauteed Hog Snapper recipes.  There are several restaurants in town that have some kick butt sauteed fish recipes.  Francais, if that is how you spell it or French style is pretty awesome.  I haven't made it in a while but what the heck, here is my version. Bread the fish fillets by first

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-3776606363485273932011-01-06T06:57:00.000-05:002011-01-15T08:32:00.769-05:00

Tuesday was a good day on the water.  Light winds, warm temperatures and plenty of fish to play with.  Mike from Maryland just wanted eating fish and was not that particular.  The Mangroves, yellow tail and porgies were not all that impressive size wise.  They are tasty though.  Mackerel were the main event with a splash of cobia that were just short making it interesting.  The Kings were not

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-88784708889398318572011-01-02T17:37:00.001-05:002011-01-02T17:39:53.478-05:00

I have been hearing that a good bit.  So I am going to try.  I found a webcam for the computer so I may just show some pictures of where I am writing when I am writing.  The photo below is from Porky's Bay Side.  As you can see the bar tender is having no fun at all :) Future blog posts from the restaurants I have been reviewing for the web addicted and probably one or two from on the beach,

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-54429758599272083772010-12-31T09:38:00.004-05:002011-01-02T17:48:06.397-05:00

What the Dickens was going on?  The first and last of the year delivered record low temperatures.  So low that I was thinking Central America was in my future.  Then the summer was so hot I had my first experience with heat stroke.  The extremes in weather strengthen my resolve in one way.  I will stick to my guns on having fun fishing and not push the stupidity envelope. By that I mean if I

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-29670051171725214432010-12-28T19:38:00.000-05:002010-12-28T19:38:48.613-05:00

It was 50 degrees when we left the dock at 10:15 this morning.  I don't do cold well at all.  The delayed start was mainly me while I made a trip to Kmart for another layer of clothing.  Luckily, I stumbled upon Joe Boxer Thermal Pants!  They are almost like designer long underwear complete with the lable on the waist ban so people might think I am styling if my breaches sag.  Not only did they

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540264512776588100.post-75768351474363883372010-12-27T09:07:00.001-05:002010-12-27T09:13:30.043-05:00

It is chilly this morning so we are getting a late start.  The winds are a bit high, but living on an island we can find some place to fish out of the wind.  Grouper are definitely the target species since the season closes on the first of the month.  Barracuda, like the one pictured above add a little spice to the day, but I only target them for folks that have little experience catching them. 

Dallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07913299764512464597noreply@blogger.com0