A Summery Fall

Buildups surround Miami...some mushroom into black and gray. Others do a cotton-candy pose, then vanish. Out early today in South Biscayne Bay, which features 84 degree water temperatures. Not surprising in all this heat, plenty of tarpon. While plug casting for them, I let out a 10-pound spinner with a live shrimp. Not 10 seconds after setting the latter down, line flew off it. I grabbed it, closed the bail, and struck. The long runs, surfacings, circling the boat, all without jumping made me think of a permit. After a half-hour battle that wound up a half-mile from the hookup, indeed it was "quicksilver" and a good 25-pounder at that. My day was "made," but i cound not resist plugging some bird-filled channels, and loaded up on jacks, blue runners, and a few nice muttons. The transition to fall can only be felt in shorter days.

Jan

A Time To Help !!!!

Still suffering from Katrina, the Gulf Coast braces for another onslaught from Rita. These people need help. On a personal note, I am offering a fishing trip on my 16 foot Hewes flats fishing boat in exchange for an appropriate donation to any bonafide charity that immediately is helping these people in so much pain. Examples include The Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, ClintonBushKatrinaFund, and the like. There is nothing more important in this world than to ease the suffering of humanity. Give something, help someone in need, and you have my promise that you'll add another shining star in the sky and sleep with a full heart!

Contact information is on the website.
Jan

Back from Little Palm Island

Without hesitation, I'd characterize this exotic destination off Little Torch Key, Florida as a 6- star experience floating high above a 5- star destination world. I'll be writing about this experience at length in the future, yet I must say I cannot recall such excellence and such an eye for every wonderful detail(www.littlepalmisland.com/) I fished with Captain Fernand Braun deep into the Content Key area Saturday and he found us loads of tarpon, trophy barracuda and shark. Thanks to this guide, photographer, and diver, my trusty little 10 pound plug rod was kept well-bent until midday, when we were chased back to Little Palm Island by a fierce squall. Captain Fernand's phone number is 305-872-9004 and his email is frbraun@bellsouth.net. Great times, great destination,great guide ...who could ask for more?

Jan

The Sun Also Rises...

Back out today, a day of drier Northwest winds, draining SFWMD canals spewing fresh cold water in North Bay. Things are poised for a Fall transition. The three storms are going Northeast-let them flee like wicked witches, to perish in the cooler waters of the North Atlantic.
Another transition color was silver, for the hordes of glass minnows working their way south of Broad Causeway. The cormorants, gulls, and pelicans were having Thanksgiving Day dinner quite early! But the tarpon, where were they? Delicious mysteries that keep us coming back for more..Another slice of adventure, please, sir?

A new boss tapped to oversee New Orleans, better changes in store.

The last column spoke of tomorrow, the future, and passion. In that spirit, I am pleased and delighted to say i'll be headed to Little Palm Island - www.littlepalmisland.com/ - to do a story on the fishing and the resort itself that, in fact, is one of the world's most exquisite five-star destinations. Little Palm Island is a celebration of life itself. Visit their website to get a sense of this. I'll be writing about this wonderful place at length in the near future....

Jan

Here's to the Future!

At times like this when so many fellow Americans are strangers in a strange land-their own country!- It's essential to pull back and try to find some perspective and a big picture. Part of this attempt is the realization that although not everything can be restored, there is, and will be a tomorrow. This is our future, and where our hope can reside. Katrina reminds us how small we are in this cosmos, and forces us to bear mystery as we come to grips with what happened on the Gulf Coast. Yesterday is over, today is a new day, and tomorrow will come. Let's celebrate the fact that although all things must pass, let's make the most of the now, of this irretrievably unique moment, and sing our song! This means doing what we've done-those things we love-with even more pride and dedication. One thing I can say, is that I am so glad I am here in South Florida-with all its good and bad-and that so much of my life, I've been able to fish. Most wise anglers realize, of course, that fishing has nothing to do with fishing..it has to do with the search for peace, passion, and hope.

Jan