Weather turning to nice after big front

A serious front came through Sunday morning early and blew through Monday, but things are getting unseasonably nice afterwards.

Tuesday I did a mainly back country trip with the crew out of Big Pine.  Unfortunately, the water was really churned up so they didn't get to see stellar action.  Even though it was slow, they had fun with lady fish, blue fish and snapper, but unfortunately there were lots of catfish and a few small sharks.  I really wanted them to hook into something big so we headed back out to the rock piles in Hawks Channel.  Slower than normal but they got some respectable Lane Snapper and a decent Porgie.  It wasn't until we were getting ready to pull anchor and head home that something big finally hit a full size blue runner.  It stripped a hundred years or so of line before becoming unbuttoned.  Probably a Cobia, but since they lost it, it can be anything they want.  I believe they are going to invest in some bigger hooks for bigger bait.

Today was a general rock pile/patch reef tour with a new client.  Still murky water and slower than normal but plenty of action and plenty for dinner.  Since I forgot to verify there was a cast net on the boat, we had plenty of ballyhoo behind the boat that would hit bait rigs.  Murphy was a genius.

Tomorrow is a new day with a new client and a fishing 101. 

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

Change of plans - Big Pine Fishing Lodge

I was looking forward to fishing out of the Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp, but the rental boat broke and the crew had to fish out of Big Pine Fishing Lodge.  On top of that the weather was so nice we had to go to the reef and beyond instead of exploring the sheltered back country.  Damn the bad luck!

Since the trip was a fishing 101, the catch wasn't all that impressive for the average serious angler but the scenery wasn't bad, especially for guys from Wisconsin who were ice fishing a few days ago.  The reef was pretty crowded thanks to calm conditions so I had to go a bit further than normal to find a semi-private yellowtail spot. The aquarium lit up quick, but 'tailing was a bit of a challenge thanks to filefish, needlefish, blue runners and others that were more aggressive than the 'tails.  We only spent two blocks on the 'tails and left them thinking about biting with maybe a half dozen in the box.

I had mentioned to the guys how lures like short lipped Rapala, bomber long a etc. were pretty effective.  So after doing some deeper dropping and getting a bit off course, we spotted a few fish busting in a current rip.  The crew dropped back what appeared to be a Rapala X-Rap and hooked into a nice Blackfin Tuna. Just about any kind of lure will catch fish down here, but I still get a kick out of dragging "bass" lures around every now and again.

Now I have to wait for more windy weather to show off the back country.  Such is life.  Hopefully, the crew took better pictures and will send a few to me to post.

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

Wooden Bridge Fish Camp

There are tons of great places in the Keys to stay with great fishing, but I look forward to fishing out of the Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp especially when it is windy this time of year.

I have some west coasters coming in next week that have booked into the Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp, which no longer has a wooden bridge by the way.   The camp is located at the bridge between Big Pine Key and No Name Key across the road from No Name Pub which is about a legendary as it gets.  Big Pine and No Name Keys are the primary home of the fairly famous Florida Key Deer and by boat, Bahia Honda, Spanish Harbor and the Content Keys are right there with sheltered water for most of the trip.  What's not to like?

Now I will probably get some grief for posting what looks like a paid ad, but I love fishing out of Wooden Bridge.  I wouldn't want to live there, but for some piece and quiet with great pizza, fishing, and scenery you cannot find a better spot.

Now I told the guys there is no way I can show them everything in a single trip so this will likely become a multi-day excursion.  I will do my best to make sure there are pictures galore so stay tuned.

Marathon in the Florida Keys and Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp, should be your next fishing vacation destinations. 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

Busy, Busy, Busy

 A nice string of calm days has kept my busy.  Calm days are great for business, but the fishing is generally tougher.  Fish like "normal" and this time of the year calm is nice but not normal.

 When the Carolina Skiff crew makes it to the deep water, it is calm.

 Catching could have been better without all the competition, but half is better than nothing.

 Jacob managed to get this one past the tax collector.

The mutton snapper were a lot small that I expected, but legal and tax free still makes a meal.

 Last legal grouper before the New Year.

More always tasty Yellowtail.

Plus there were more of the usual suspects, Mangroves, Mackerel and a few 'cuda encounters.

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