General Non sense but a grouper update.

I had to go to Key Weird today to get my TWIC card. Pain in the butt, but I did see a few guys I haven't seen in a while. I timed the trip perfect for some fresh fried gizzards at Dion's in Big Pine.

When I got back to Marathon a crew that I took out five or six years ago were singing the blues about not catching. They wanted Grouper and big snapper. So I am going to do a quickie for fishing basics.

There are a few wrecks that grouper have not been over harvested in the Marathon area. There is no way in hell I am giving you those numbers. Honey holes are what save my butt from time to time and I would be stupid to give my numbers to the masses.

I do teach how to find your own honey holes. Generally, when you fish for long lived species like Grouper, you need to find a place less fished by man. So instead of fishing a Top Spots number, just take a look at how it looks on the bottom machine. Throw a plug out to troll and search for similar bottom structure and give it a shot. Then if you are smart, take one keeper and move on to another.

The Middle Keys bottom fishing gets a lot of pressure. If you take all the brood fish off a spot it may take years to rebuild. Hunt and peck may be more work, but it produces and will continue to produce in the future.

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

Happy Days are Here Again!

Finally, there appears to be a break in the winds for nearly a whole week to come! Woo Who! Now maybe I can get some money in my clothes. Any of you South Florida guys that can play hooky from work keep your eyes on the weather forecast and my blog. With the Gulf Stream still in close offshore may kick butt and the 'tails have been chewing with any current. Looking good!

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

Daylight Saving Time Vs Biological Clock

Now that Daylight Saving Time (DST) has taken effect the clock in my truck will be correct again. The clock on my computer is correct. The clock on the newer GPS units will be correct. But my biological clock will be running slow for a while.

For you guys with normal jobs that is no big deal. Fishing center consoles with no head this may be problematic. The troops are on a very tight schedule and are not subject to move on command.

Fishing wise, I have never caught a fish wearing a watch. So should the delayed troop movement be eminent, do not be surprised if you hear a very rational explanation of why timing the tidal currents is extremely critical for the next few days. I may even resort to graphs and charts for a truly detailed class on Keys tidal currents until a visit to the Tajma Potty is finally required.

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

More about Captain Pips Rental Boats

Now back to the boat choices at Captain Pips. The newest boats in the fleet are 19 and 21 foot Cape Horns with full electronics tee tops and four stroke Yamaha engines (except for one that has an Evenrude, fuel efficient and great power). These boats all make good fishing platforms. The large live well in the stern, thirty gallons I believe, is perfect for Keys fishing.

Larger boats are the 23 foot Cobia with Yamaha HPDI two cycle power, full electronics, tee top and large live well. Surprisingly good riding boat and fishing platform. It is also one of the less expensive up grades.

23 foot Mako with four stroke and the rest. The live well is below deck but good sized. Stable fishing and a good ride.

24 foot Parker with four stroke and the rest. Parkers are wide open fishing boats. The live well is a oval 20 plus gallon that can be taken out of the boat. This boat does not have fish boxes so if you want to keep a lot of fish you should bring a large cooler. The boat is very stable and has probably the best ride in the fleet. For divers, the Parker has the highest payload and the most space for tanks and gear.

24 foot Cape Horn with twin 150HP four strokes and the rest plus tee top mounted outriggers. Probably the best choice for offshore pelagic fishing. Huge fish box and live well.

24 foot Hurricane deck boat with four stroke power and huge Bimini top. This is definitely not a fishing boat but a party barge and good dive boat in calm weather. It has ten cups holders and plenty of seating.

There is no such thing as a perfect boat for every activity. The 19 and 21 Cape Horns come close, but due to their size weather conditions limit their offshore window. Twenty knot winds are the maximum recommended for offshore and that can be a stretch depending on the current. Their ride and handling in confused seas is a little different. They don't like a head sea and will tend to porpoise if you don't feather back the power. There are some tricks that die hard offshore guys can use. First are deep diving trolling lures. Instead of beating yourself silly, troll to the edge. Second, head out from Vaca Cut instead of the Seven Mile bridge and troll with the wind. Then quarter back in at the Seven Mile or Bahia Honda bridge.

Regardless of the size of the boat, know your limitations and don't push the limit. Keys seas tend to be a lot more confused than most places I have fished. The object is to have fun so plan your trip around the weather. And contrary to the belief of some, there is very good fishing in Hawk Channel, the Bayside and the bridges that can extend your time on the water in nearly any wind.

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

Charter Boat Price War

Things in the charter boat world down here are heating up a bit. Right now there is a lot of jockeying for prime dock locations and a price war being waged. Captain Pips joined the price war fray with their own round of price cuts. Good through March, the following rates for charters are in effect.

For the Pips 36 foot Brull, it is $800 for a full day, $700 for a three quarter day and $550 for a half day of fishing. Papa Pips, the 29 foot Topaz has been cut to $750 for a full, 650 for a 3/4 and $500 for a half. Pretty good prices.

To add to the charter price war, if you book during March, the price is good through the end of the year. So you guys looking for slammer dolphin and tasty tuna can get a pretty nice price break. Mention my blog and there are also discounts on lodging and boat rentals. Right now the discount is 10 percent. You can also look for discounts on the charter plus lodging packages and three day get away specials.

On the fishing side of things, the sailfish bite lit up yesterday. How long it will last, who knows, but it is a nice sign. The yellowtail fishing has been pretty hot and there are plenty of King Mackerel to stretch your line. There have been a few more Cobia caught in the bay this week. That I sure hope lasts for a while. So price wise and catching wise, things are looking up.

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

Rum Bums Restaurant Grand Opening

Rum Bums, the restaurant at Seven Mile Marina, has picked St. Patrick's Day for their Grand Opening. They are open now and tweaking the menu. Beer and wine only, but they have plans to increase seating capacity to get a full liquor license.

I talked to Lisa, one of the owners, today about their cook your catch plans. Since their grill is pretty small, cook your catch will probably be beer battered, blackened and broiled. They have a variety of sides to choose from to go with your meal.

Rum Bums is open air dining so smokers are welcome. Located at the marina, they have a good water front view and atmosphere. The second story and roof top offer very good sunset views. They have plenty of parking, but it is easy to miss the turn into the parking lot. The turn is actually in front of the old Turnkey Marina location. If you miss it, you will need to go to Knight's Key RV to turn around or you will be touring the Seven Mile Bridge.

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