Terrific Tarpon Times and.....

It's almost December and we've had two cold fronts: one following Hurricane Wilma and one last week. If recollection of years past (very past!) serves correct, it was colder earlier in the year. There were more fronts by now, and they would be colder fronts. The World Series in the sixties meant sustained cold weather as well as catching all the bluefish, mackerel, and pompano you wanted at the Sunny Isles Fishing Pier-people literally left with orange sacks and wheelbarrows full. These times coincided with the British Invasion by the Beatles, and the biggest scandal was a high school pregnancy. The aforementioned gamesters never make it this far south and this shallow anymore. Right now, there are some macks in forty feet of water off Miami, but Jupiter seems to be the stopping point for the really large schools.

What species survive may have climactic implications. The ladyfish-filled waters of North Biscayne Bay have passed into history and now hold year-round tarpon. No ones complaining, but it might suggest that such a presence of the tropically-originating tarpon may show a northward push of a warm water fish in a warmer water world. To wit, I went " five for five" on a school of backbay rolling fish-they ranged in size from ten to fifty pounds. These fish seem to never leave Miami anymore. They just go a bit inland in the presence of a cold front.. they make terrific tarpon times.

Don't want to wax morbid or selfish, but I hope the sick birds of Asia stay put and give Floridians a rest from catastrophe. We humans make hurricane preparations, but how do you position yourself for a mutating virus you cannot even see? It all boils down to the job a writer has for not simply writing soothing ink, but to find some distant, deep discomfort and drain it into daylight, despite the sight of it.

And, heck, the de facto-quarantined status of distant tropical islands with lots of flats are shrinking, with the jetliner-belched numbers of anglers seeking the getaway to places where I've already wished that I got away to. Maybe there's a cozy little place in the center of Abaco where I can hide my skiff and kayak and alternately fish Green Turtle for giant bones one day on the east side, and 'yak the Marls on the west side the next day. No need for a computer... just pencil, paper, and lots of makings for a few Tranquil Turtles on a sunny Bahamian afternoon, far across the Gulf Stream from all those masses and the rise of the concrete cancers- a flats fisherman gone survivalist not just for survival sake, but respite from the "too much" that life along the Gold Coast has often become. I'm also sure that if Saint Peter hears that you did roadwork in Miami, there's a red-hot future in store for you... far, far, below.

Jan

A Green Turtle Cay Adventure

Despite being caught in what Captain Ricky Sawyer called a "squeeze play" between a stalled front and a north-moving tropical disturbance, I headed for Bluff House and Captain Ricky on Green Turtle Cay off the northeast coast of Abaco, Bahamas. The first day featured winds gusting to 30 mph out of the northeast, yet Ricky "tucked in" inside an ocean passage and within 10 minutes we hooked and released a 7 1/2 pound bonefish. I also caught a huge tailing ocean tally and then a big mutton snapper just off the flats. The evening at Bluff House featured great food and a great view off a cliffside suite on the sea of Abaco and beautiful furnishings (www.bluffhouse.com/). Their phone is 1-800-745-4911

The second day had the winds dropping off. Ricky took me to a wreck just off the flats for nonstop action on cero mackeral and snappers on ultralight tackle and lures. As the tide starting falling, we shot back to the flats, where I spotted, hooked, and released a 9 1/2 pound bonefish. Green Turtle may have the largest frequency of big bonefish in the entire Bahamas. There's so much more to be said!

I'll be writing of this incredible experience at length, but for now Ricky's contact data are:
phone: 1-242-365-4261
website: www.abacoflyfish.com/.
email:bonefish@abacoflyfish.com.

Jan

"Drop Fishing" for Tarpon

We've been here before, but let's remember that when tarpon are off the flats and not migrating, they stage along the bottom. Witness Boca Grande, Government Cut, etc. Their tal-slapping rolls also indicate a rapid return back to the bottom-some call this hard-rolling. When tarpon stay on top, their rolls are less circular and feature a momentary dorsal bulge.

But in any bay situation when tarpon stick to the bottom, be sure to fish your baits ALL THE WAY DOWN. It's a temptation to get those breakaway rubber jigs hopping off the bottom, but tarpon can be brought to the surface by a method of chumming and drop fishing silvery jerk baits along with mullet strips. This is very similar to yellowtail fishing off the Keys. The baits must drop alongside the chum without any line resistance all the way to the bottom. The best way to accomplish this is with 12 pound spinning racked in a oblique rod holder and fished on an open spool from your anchored boat. Pull the line from your rod tip and let it rest in well-piled fashion on the water's surface with just enough length to take it to the bottom. Use a J-Hook and watch for sudden line runoffs, which indicate a strike. Using the drop method for tarpon, I've taken as many as 7 tarpon to 100 pounds on a morning trip. Sometimes the tarpon will rise up to meet the chum, and this is the time to take out your 12 weight fly rod and drop fish a bulky chum fly with all the descending food. I find this method a great way to catch tarpon in those times of years that they are off the flats.

Jan

Andros Island

Everything ANDROS
AS FEATURED IN THE WINTER ISSUE OF SOUTH FLORIDA SPORT FISHING MAGAZINE by Jan S. Maizler

The largest and least-explored island in the Bahamas, Andros offers a wide variety of reel screaming action!Andros is by far the largest island in the Bahamian archipelago. The Island measures over 40 miles from east to west and more than 100 miles from north to south. Glancing at a chart, you will notice that Andros Island is really a collection of many smaller islands. The larger north and south sections are split by three shallow bights that completely bisect the landmass. These bights carve the islands mid section into a jumbled maze of smaller mangrove cays. These cays create one of the best and most extensive shallow water habitats found anywhere in the world. The Islands east side fronts the 6000 foot depths of the tongue of the ocean and along with the three shallow bights, contains some of the most productive flats found anywhere. All of the villages, roads, ports and, not surprisingly, resorts lie on the east shore of Andros. No place in the Bahamas rivals Andros Island regarding its exciting and unique geographic fish-producing characteristics. The Island’s sheer size, shape and extremely intricate configurations create numerous and diverse ecosystems which produce excellent feeding grounds for some of the world’s top game fish: seemingly endless backcountry creeks with hordes of silvery bonefish and permit out to the deep blue seas where tuna and marlin reign supreme, Andros is simply a paradise for all fishermen.


If that’s not enough to get you excited, much of the Island’s perimeter is a maze of serpentine creeks, cuts, channels and small mangrove cays that create one of the most extensive skinny water habitats on planet earth.Flats Fishing In Andros:Andros Island is often considered the epicenter of Bahamas bonefishing and for good reason. Its monumental size yields countless flats that seem to melt into the horizon. There are many seasoned flats fishermen who believe that Andros still has many areas that have yet to see an angler. The outside flats of Andros which feature sand, reef or crunchy bottom, create habitats that attract swarms of hungry bonefish. Then there are the shoreline mangrove forests that are endless feeding fields for the large number of bones which graze in the roots at high tide searching for snails, crabs and other tasty crustaceans. Consistently successful anglers will work the mangrove edges on the ebb tide as countless gray ghosts leave the bush on their way to deeper water. The three huge bights which slice through the center of the Island are in actuality quite complex. Not only do they traverse Andros in a northeast to southwest direction, but they do it in a meandering fashion right in the midst of countless keys, islands, and creeks. This intricate habitat creates the well-known inside flats of Andros. These inside flats often have softer bottom than the outside flats and anglers may need to fish from poled boats, versus wading. Though, the bonefish action here can be just as exciting. It’s nice to remember that you can always find refuge from harsh, windy weather on the inside.Most of Andros’ fishing lodges lie on the Islands east side, and run from north to south along the constructed roads on the Island’s major segments. This geographic position no longer stops the more aggressive and adventurous guides from making the comparatively longer run to the fabled west side of the Island. It’s definitely true that the west side of the Island is less-pressured and often, more productive. Due to the cost of fuel and guide disinclination, most anglers never get to fish the west side. It is there that tarpon are more commonly seen prowling the flats, giving shallow water anglers an additional thrilling bonus on this breathtaking atoll.All of these features make Andros an incredible year round flats fishing destination. Couple that with some of the best guides found anywhere in the Bahamas and you are in for an experience you will soon not forget. As a note, it’s on Andros the famed Crazy Charlie Fly was originally constructed of nothing more than chicken feathers and line!


Reef Fishing In Andros:The eastern side of Andros Island offers long expanses of deep water flats which give way to a marvelous series of patch reefs. These very patch reefs lead to a barrier reef which is overwhelmingly abundant in sea life. The multiple species inhabiting these jagged areas can keep an anglers interest for a lifetime and a day. Surface, mid-water and bottom-dwelling gamesters will constantly provide bent rods and smiling faces.If you concentrate on working the upper layer of the water column over the reefs, you will lose your mind for hours with non stop action from mackerel, barracuda and a variety of jacks. Imagine tossing bucktail or swimming plug over a patch reef knowing for certain that on every single cast one of many different species is going to explode on your presentation. This is the embodiment of excitement for saltwater anglers who enjoy casting with artificials. I recall a recent reef trip I took out of Small Hope Bay. We anchored off one of the patch reefs, as I hooked fish on almost every cast on my trusty ten pound plug rod. As we took a lunch break, I looked astern and saw a school of what looked to be about seventy to a hundred large jacks. I instantly dropped my sandwich and quickly flipped a fifty foot cast right in front of the school. The first sweep of my jig was blasted by the lead fish. I set the hook with vigor as the fish rocketed in the opposite direction. The blistering run demanded the guide weigh anchor and give chase. After a long half hour see-saw battle, my jack began to surface in reaction to the constant pressure. As it popped up, its long silvery black dorsal and tail fins sliced through the surface which clearly indicated I was battling a large permit. I was high with excitement! Constant pressure for a few more minutes yielded a wonderful catch that was tailed at boat side, weighed in at 32 lbs., and quickly released. Pleasant surprises are common when fishing the reefs off Andros.The most popular bottom dwellers that will surely grab your attention and your baits are snapper and grouper. At times, the number of large grouper and snapper inhabiting the waters just east of Andros can be staggering! During the months of February and March, these fish stack up and often finding large influxes of grouper is an easy task. Natives believe these fish move inshore to spawn and know exactly where they are. Speak with the local fishermen, inquire respectfully and I am sure they will be happy to point you in the right direction. I remember a particular Bahamian skiff that pulled up to our fishing lodge one evening. The skiff was literally filled with big groupers from gunwale to gunwale. It was incredible. 30 lb. conventional tackle will conquer plenty grouper for your consumption although you can expect to hook some bruisers that prove to be unstoppable. I have started experimenting with short graphite-glass stand-up rods matched with reels spooled with PowerPro braided super line. I am finding that I can exert a greater amount of pressure against the powerful shoulders of hefty grouper as they head back toward their holes. The added pressure has definitely helped me land a greater number of larger fish.Later in the year, around May, large numbers of muttons also move inshore to spawn. These fish range in size from five to eighteen pounds and can provide outstanding action. The springtime muttons of Andros quickly gobble up ballyhoo, mullet, crabs and most other baits that are commonly used here in South Florida. The sandy runs and potholes between reefs often produce large numbers of muttons and should always be investigated. On occasion, juvenile mutton snapper may make their way inshore to the flats and channels but for consistency with bruisers, head to the reefs! The same thirty lb. class grouper tackle can be used for muttons as well, with the slight modification of a longer, lighter, 10’ forty lb. leader.


Andros’ Blue Water Bonanza:The bountiful reef paralleling the east coast of Andros forms a steep wall with a rapid drop off into a nutrient rich deep blue sea called the tongue of the ocean. This body of water drops to more than a mile in depth. It’s a huge deepwater cul-de-sac with powerful upwellings that trap huge concentrations of bait and large numbers of pelagics. The most notable of which are mahi, mackerel, tuna and big blue marlin.The good news when fishing the cobalt blue water off the east side of Andros Island is that tactics and tackle are generally universal and what is effective here is also good there. It is important to remember that if you plan on trolling natural baits, you should bring a few frozen packs with you or plan on catching the bait there. I have had some great success slow-trolling just about any small member of the jack family. I have also witnessed a huge kingfish caught on a big yellowtail snapper, so don’t be afraid to be creative and experiment. Trolling artificials works like a dream, just remember to “match the hatch”, and present what you think the big guys off Andros are feeding on. Skirted lures, cedar plugs and deep diving plugs will all do the trick. The addition of a single fifty to eighty pound class outfit prepares you for an encounter with the giant of the tongue, the blue marlin. It has been proven over and over that trolling natural or artificial baits in the tongue can be equally effective on mid size blues in the two to six hundred pound range. For both productivity and comfort, successful blue water fishing off Andros points toward the days of late spring and summer, although this is also a year-round fishery. Be aware that the local sport fishing community on Andros does not really place emphasis on offshore fishing like Bimini, Chub Cay or Walkers Cay. Most of the preparation definitely the tackle will be your responsibility.Getting To Andros:To insure the finest lodge, facilities, amenities, guides and the least-pressured fishing grounds, I really recommended that you utilize a stateside outfitter, such as Angling Destinations (1-800-211-8530). I have been to the Bahamas many times, and have heard too many horror stories from readers, colleagues and everyday anglers that decided to play “free agent”, only to have their best-laid plans evaporate upon arrival. These guys at Angling Destinations are really super. They’re professional outfitters who are committed to providing you the best angling experience possible. They have plenty of options available and will coordinate and route your entire trip, including air, water and taxi transportation. The most recent information I have from multiple sources specifies Tranquility Hill (Behring Point, North Andros), Tiamo Resort (South Bight) and Bair Bahamas Guesthouse (South Andros) as lodges that really go the extra mile to achieve success and 100% satisfaction!Arriving On Andros IslandNow that you’ve got your feet planted on Andros, you can relax. You have brought what you need, your outfitter’s plans have you neatly dropped off at the Lodge and all you need to do is patiently await tomorrow’s fishing. It’s time to get into the island spirit and slow down. Enjoy the sun, sand and salty smells of Andros. After a delicious fresh seafood dinner and a couple of cocktails, you’ll be mesmerized by the spell of the islands known as pure tranquility. You owe it to yourself to enjoy the moment. As the sun sets and you soon behold a sky full of stars, you’ll feel like you’re in heaven. As you’re gaze into the sky deepens, you quickly come to the realization that your trip to Andros is an absolute success before you’ve wet a line.



Andros Checklist:You should plan on bringing any and all rod, reels and terminal tackle that you will need or think you might need. It is best to travel with your rods in travel tubes while soft tackle bags for all your other accessories will fit perfectly into suitcases. Remember, airlines ban any sharp pointed objects in your carry-on; this includes hooks, lures, scissors etc. Don’t forget simple items such as photo ID’s and any prescriptions or over the counter medications you might be taking. In addition, bring a small first aid kit just to play it safe. Keep in mind, you’re traveling to a small, secluded fishing lodge on a remote paradise island, not to the Hyatt Regency.Fishing Gear and Accessoriesfor an Andros trip:One or more of the following are recommended:•7’- 8’ spinning outfit with 6 lb. or 8 lb. line for flats and shallow water fishing •7’ rod with 15 lb. or 20 lb. line for cuda, kings, dolphin and sailfish•30 lb. conventional outfit for reef fishing and offshore•50 lb. conventional outfit for tuna and marlin•Bonefish Flyrod- 9’-10’ rod; 8 weight•Permit Flyrod- 9’-10’ rod; 9 weight Artificial Lures:•Wiggle jigs, flat head, in various small sizes for bonefish and permit•Tube lures for barracuda•Various swimming plugs for inshore and offshore species•Bucktail and nylon jigs in a variety of sizes •Skirted trolling luresBonefish flies:•Clouser Minnow #4, #6 in tan/white•Crazy Charlie #4,#6 in tan/white•Bonefish Special #4.#6Permit Flies:•Del’s Merkin Crab #1,2•The McCrab #1,#2Terminal tackle:•Hooks in various sizes for flats to offshore species•Various size egg sinkers•Leader material and extra line for all inshore and offshore applications.•Polarizes sunglasses with side shields•Multi-purpose tool•Pliers•Portable water bottle•Hook file•Reel lube•Bic Lighter
Website: http://www.flatsfishingonline.com

Tarpon versus Bonefish

Dynamic Duo

POSTED ON THE INTERNET BY, AND AS FEATURED IN THE SPRING EDITION OF THE SOUTH FLORIDA SPORT FISHING MAGAZINE

JAN STEPHEN MAIZLER

Tarpon -VS- Bonefish

This year, south Florida’s winter was as cold, vicious, and ornery as it could be. The icy blows chilled and kicked up our waters from back bays to the Gulf Stream. While the early spring months may still feature some encore fronts, they inevitably will bring warmth while the sun will be higher in the sky and the days will be longer. As South Florida’s marine waters begin to warm, inshore anglers will break through their winter thaw, and begin the water temperature watch with excitement and expectancy. After spending too much time in the sixties, surf temperatures will climb back in the mid-seventies. This lifts the starting gate for south Florida inshore anglers to pursue the return of the dynamic duo, the tarpon and the bonefish.During the previous cooler weather, south Florida tarpon fishing spots were geographicallylimited. Places like Miami’s Government and Haulover Cut offered a nightly ebb tide buffetof shrimp and this kept some tarpon around. The warm water discharge havens in Port Everglades also attracted tarpon.Springtime’s warmth triggers movement in both the residential and migratory stocks of thesilver kings. With spring three basic patterns emerge. For starters our local tarpon will broaden their horizons and their feeding range will dramatically increase. The Government Cut tarpon will begin feeding well into the daylight hours with a prime location being two hundred yards south around the Range Markers. In addition tarpon will migrate into warming waters such as Whitewater Bay near Flamingo and Biscayne Bay in Miami, and feed on the growing schools of mullet and pilchards. The most truly migratory groups of tarpon will launch from the deep waters of the Florida Straits and begin their northward trek up through the shoal waters and beaches along both coasts. When targeting spring tarpon in south Florida, keep these aforementioned patterns in mind.Springtime tarpon become available to anglers all the way from the inside bays to the outside beaches, and each locale has its own angling system. Some of the best baits for back bay tarpon are fresh mullet chunks fished on the bottom.This is an especially effective daytime bait. Come nightfall and the sharks will generally overwhelm your bottom baits. Casting large swimming plugs becomes more realistic.Towards the south Florida coast and beaches, the pristine blue waters become quite clear.Add to this the shoal water depths of migrating tarpon, and you have the perfect situationfor casting artificials from both a flats skiff or a bay boat.Daytime schools of moving and rolling tarpon are quite sensitive to sound and will spook easily if they hear boat engine noise. The best approach while fishing off the beach and along the coast is to pole your skiff towards the rolling schools. If the water gets over eight or ten feet deep, electric motors become the method of choice for propelling your boat towards the fish.When the school gets into range, remember to cast well ahead of the lead fish and retrieveyour lure with a slow even retrieve. This is as true for heavy fly tackle as it is for plug tackle and jerkbaits. Because of the tarpon’s rough mouth, a heavier leader is essential. For medium fish size fish of around fifty pounds and with medium tackle, use a at least a fifty pound mono leader. Larger tarpon and heavier tackle demand leader material testing as high as eighty to a hundred pounds.When using artificials in clear daytime water, think of switching to fluorocarbon leader material due to its decreased visibility factors.South Florida lays claim to the beautiful Florida Keys, which presents its own unique tarponfishery. Silver Kings congregate en masse under bridges which connect this island paradise. The epicenter of the action begins in Islamorada, at Indian Key Bridge and extends well into the lower Keys at Bahia Honda Bridge. It’s a tarpon extravaganza for novice and expert alike. These bridge tarpon feed both during the day and night and actively grab artificials and live baits. However, a betting man would give the best odds to a live mullet fished on an outgoing tide right in the shadow line of a bridge at midnight.The last two things to remember are crucial. Tarpon have hard bony mouths, and an extremely sharp hook is a must. Check your hook point often and file it whenever you have the slightest doubt. Also remember to bow (drop the rod tip) to your tarpon when it jumps - this will minimize the chance of your hook being thrown or your line snapping under too much strain. South Florida’s bonefish - the Gray Ghost - shares top billing with the tarpon, yet it issuch a different creature. Bonefish are shallow water grazers and look primarily to bottom dwelling organisms like shrimp, crabs, and clams asthe fodder. In contrast, tarpon feed on multiple life forms all along the water column. Bonefish, unlike tarpon, are not truly migratory fish. Basically, they move on to the inshore flats with increasing warmth and/or theflooding tide. Conversely, as the tide ebbs out or if colder weather plunges flats temperaturesdown, bonefish move to deeper water where temperatures are more moderate. Though the Gray Ghost is so much smaller than theSilver King, its fighting qualities more than make up for its lesser stature. Who’s to saywhich of the duo is more exciting? The slow roll, jump, and giant splash of a big tarpon, or the silvery flash of a tailing bonefish coupled with sizzling hundred yard runs in eightinches of water? The bonefish of south Florida have a geographical range from Miami’s Key Biscayne all the way down to Key West. Biscayne Bay and Islamorada still rank as the two top producers of the largest bonefish on the planet, afact we can take pride in. In these locales, a ten pound bonefish is hardly news, but would have anglers in the Bahamas, Belize, and the Seychelles dancing for joy. In contrast to the multiple fishing systems employed for tarpon, bone fishing is a sight fishing and casting specialty. Learning and relearning the crucial tactics will keep your bone fishing skills sharply honed. HOW YOU SEE BONEFISH WILL NEED TO CHANGE BASED ONDIFFERENT CONDITIONS. You will need to look at the water’s surface in order to best see tailing bonefish andschools of fish pushing water. In low light, get to the shallowest flats and train your eyesto see the water as a solid film pierced by potential bonefish activity.As the sun comes up and the tide rises too high for bonefish to tail in, put on your polarized UV/glare-blocking sunglasses. Because the fish you will be looking for now are cruising fish below the surface. Retrain your eyes to see through the water toward the bottom. Be sure to wear a cap with a long bill and dark underside. This will help eliminate further glare and help your eyes penetrate the water. SILENCE IS GOLDEN. Many professional guides believebonefish can hear the water pressure made by far away wading anglers for great distances. Some even believe that bonefish can hear human voices and other atmospheric sounds. It’s certain that bonefish will spook when sudden loud sounds penetrate into the water world. Never slam hatches in your boat or scrape your push pole across the bottom.STILLNESS IS GOLDEN. Sudden movement - particularly overhead movement will generally spooks bonefish. They equate this motion with danger and predation from above. When you see a fish, squat, move cautiously, and make a stealthy cast. Above all, don’t wave your rod or push pole to point out the location of incoming bonefish. Use the well-known clock system to help your partner see the fish as well.LINES OUT OF THE WATER! This refers not to the days end, but the best tactic after you hook up with a bonefish. The flats always have some abrasive bottom and the higher you hold your rod tip, the more line remains out of the water. This tactic will definitely reduce your cutoffs. There’s so much more to be said of hunting the Silver King and the Gray Ghost, but that will have to wait for another time. For now, let’s be grateful that spring’s warmth will bring us the great dynamic duo!
Website: http://www.flatsfishingonline.com

Lunar Times 2006

Lunar Phases, 2006
All times are Universal Time
Lun#* New Moon First Quarter Full Moon Last Quarter
---- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
1028 2006/01/29 14:15 2006/02/05 06:29 2006/02/13 04:45 2006/02/21 07:17
1029 2006/02/28 00:31 2006/03/06 20:16 2006/03/14 23:36 2006/03/22 19:11
1030 2006/03/29 10:16 2006/04/05 12:01 2006/04/13 16:41 2006/04/21 03:29
1031 2006/04/27 19:44 2006/05/05 05:14 2006/05/13 06:52 2006/05/20 09:21
1032 2006/05/27 05:26 2006/06/03 23:06 2006/06/11 18:04 2006/06/18 14:09
1033 2006/06/25 16:06 2006/07/03 16:37 2006/07/11 03:02 2006/07/17 19:13
1034 2006/07/25 04:32 2006/08/02 08:46 2006/08/09 10:54 2006/08/16 01:52
1035 2006/08/23 19:10 2006/08/31 22:57 2006/09/07 18:43 2006/09/14 11:16
1036 2006/09/22 11:46 2006/09/30 11:04 2006/10/07 03:13 2006/10/14 00:26
1037 2006/10/22 05:15 2006/10/29 21:26 2006/11/05 12:59 2006/11/12 17:46
1038 2006/11/20 22:19 2006/11/28 06:30 2006/12/05 00:25 2006/12/12 14:32

Some things Change and Some Things Stay the Same

Yes, South Floridians will indeed go on about Wilma, and what's left and what's changed-that's how people cope and work it through. On the Gold Coast, we did not get hammered the way Florida Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands did. Biscayne Bay was left filthy for weeks, though, as a Very strong Cat. 1 storm left our coast to do its dirty Tsunami work to West End, Grand Bahama Island, as well as redemolish Walkers Cay, according to certain accounts. Hurricanes displace water, fish, and can change bottom contours. The areas they do not affect remain predictable.

The areas that were protected from #1- floods of storm surge, and #2- severe winds, and #3-tree blowdown debris emerged entirely intact. if you want to find these places, think the above 3 factors through as rule-outs to find unaffected spots. You can count on them to be at whatever seasonal status for November fish populations unaffected by hurricanes. A good example would be the West Lake area of Hollywood, Florida and the canals of Fort Lauderdale...as it gets cooler, give these areas the kayak and fly rod treatment in the heat of the afternoon sun around 3.p.m. You should find good fishing for the local stocks of smaller non-migratory tarpon.


Jan

The Seasons Change

Storm weary, wind weary, warm weary, I hit South Biscayne Bay , a tea-colored, debris -strewn sinister soup. A few tarpon seen, but hellishly impossible in the dirty water. Then jigging with a new Bass Pro Shop saltwater plug outfit, I worked the channels and caught big ladyfish, jacks, and a five-pound mackeral. ENE winds at 25 mph and Thanksgiving ahead....The Seasons Change.

Jan

Fall Tarpon Transition

With the horrid hurricane, cold front, and 2 days of a northeaster, Miami's tarpon are headed into the back bays which provide lots of shelter. Todays winds were 25-30 mph out of the NW, but i went 1 for 2 in conditions so gusty, your rod was blown bent.
Jan

Quick Jog to get Post-Wilma Reports

Did a triangular hopscotch to get a sense of how the South Florida area was doing coastally from my friends, who are local guides in some of the best fishing areas in South Florida. Starting in Islamorada, Captain Greg Poland said everyone was okay, doing yardwork, and awaiting an outstanding fall fishing season. Further down the island chain, Captain Fernand Braun on Little Torch Key said that the Lower Keys took a beating but his good planning helped him to emerge unscathed- Fernand looks forward to a "permity" fall with the good prevailing weather. He did mention that Little Palm Island had landscaping that needs to be replaced after the storm, but core structures are fine. Due North at Sanibel Island, my friend Captain Mike Smith reports less damage, but some storm impacts. He also mentioned that the red tide is gone and the snook and redfishing should be getting back to an excellent fall norm. East across the state in Jupiter, Captain Butch Constable went through the eye of Wilma and reports winds much higher in rain band gusts than prior storms Jean and Frances. Sadly, he said that the western parts of Palm Beach County are very hard-hit in every possible way. He mentioned Broward County was in "very bad shape", in addition to the North Broward to Palm Beach corridor. Butch mentioned that a summery fall had produced only a quick spurt of finger mullet and bluefish before the storm.

Jan

Hey, Wilma!

An anhinga perches on a broken tree limb in a debris-strewn lake on a besotted golf course. Not far away, mile-long gas lines sit like predatory millipedes- angry shouting and fighting everywhere as residents and newcomers reel in a tri-county stripped of electric, gas, and communications. A rainbow of responses from parties who have the nerve to say, "we couldn't anticipate the breadth or severity of the devastation" when the same pathetic excuse was used such a short time ago with Katrina. Max Mayfield said, "plan on a Category 3 storm." As for the storm's expanse, did you need a tape measure...just look at a NOAA screen. Better yet, how about CNN or the Weather Channel?

Eldery people weep in Broward retirement communities, puzzling over acquiring some ice to keep their insulin cold. Americans stranded in Cancun, an ex-tropical paradise that went from looking like trendy Miami Beach to Post WWII Berlin. Hurricane-pounded Floridians now walking in the same dazed circles as Gulf Coasters- some even less fortunately members of both groups.

What price, Paradise? Anglers no longer able to ease up to the gas station and gas up their skiffs-some even using their boat fuel tank as a source for their car. While anglers in the Keys have less angry multitiudes than the Tri-County area, their beloved Key West sits partially under water, Sloppy Joe's corner looking like a mini Ninth Ward flood-out.

Good anglers are good planners and good weathermen. Let's be sure our officials get a good dose of that!
Jan

Do You Get the Cabin Blues, Too?

Wilma thrashes my home of the late sixties, Cozumel, possibly speeding up the impermanence of things as well as kicking my recollections of a simpler past there into endless kaleidoscopic shards. Miguel, donde esta usted? The last few days have congested my angler's muse: lowered skies, rain, a postponed trip to the Bahamas, and a lightening strike last night that set off hundreds of alarms that screamed like tortured electric machine-wolves. Hot coffee, soup, blankets, TV, and a cascade of regressive pleasures are called into duty to ease the pain of waiting for another pinwheel, all amidst wondering and cynically chuckling off the B.S. of an "it's just a cycle" explanation when confronted with numbers of hurricanes never seen before. The chilly pain of knowing these water witches are the werewolf progeny of a warming world. It's okay, then, to linger longer over a ruby-colored glass of Pinot noir and enjoy a pasta dish tucked cozily in the fragant shadows of a new cafe in Hollywood Circle-thats a fine way of playing the watery, gray-skied cards that have been dealt!
Jan

Return of the Bonefish

The cool front that pushed out the water witches of the sky left a crescent of clear heavens, dry air, and slightly lowered water temps. Lessening daylight also might help the cause in this summery fall. I had my first bonefish hooked up within 5 minutes, staked up tight to the shore on an early a.m. high tide. 2 for 4 was the score by midday, then off to other things. Great results in the Keys with a potential world fly rod record coming from Islamorada: 13.9 pounder on 12 pound tippet. To top that, The Marathon International Bonefish Tournament, which featured 30 anglers on 15 boats for three days racked up 224 bonefish releases. How 'bout dem apples?

Jan

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

Return To Key Island Estate

A quick note to report that two days fishing here August 18 and 19 yielded 32 snook and 3 pompano- all on a sight-fished basis. Their website is www.keyislandestate.com/ . I do not recall seeing tailing pompano anywhere, but on these soft Gulf surf flats, it's a sight to behold. Not easy fishing, when the pomps and cruising snook have such a biomass-forage on nature's buffet table.
Jan

ONCE UPON A TIME IN COZUMEL- PART 2

Miguel clearly was making a course for what he called the "lighthorse", but on the way to a meeting with his roan stallion, the water in front of us erupted in all directions with the splashes of gamefish carnage. As we got closer, I made out some half-airborne blackfin tuna savaging what looked to be a form of sardine.

Out came my trusty traveling spinner- two pieces of rod became one. I threaded the eight pound line and forty pound mono leader through the guides with shaky hands, and grabbed one of the tiny homemade jigs Miguel kept on the helm. One quick improved clinch knot, an open bail, quick cast, and rodjerk was all the time it took to tell you now that I was hooked up back then, almost forty years ago, to my first blackfin tuna- a fish that runs like an Indy Car. When the arbor of my reel made an unwelcome appearance on this show of shows, I tapped Miguel and told him in Spanish( a mixture of anxious "signing" and utterance) to come out of idle gear and follow the fish. He did. I regained precious line, and as Captain Buck Starck-my Islamorada mentor- put it, "got well."

Eventually, the silver and black battler came alongside and he gaffed the fish expertly in the head. We looked around us to find more striking tuna, but the calm sea indicated the tuna had moved on in their typically hit and run tunahood.

Miguel smiled and motioned for me to sit down. He pulled the tuna onto his cutting board and with his razor-sharp cuchillo started slicing shoulder strips off the still-quaking tuna. He cut the skins off the strips and laid them on a plate. He dug out a small bottle filled with what looked- I hoped- to be salt and pepper and lightly dusted them. He held the plate my way and said, "take!" I did, and had my first sashimi experience. I knew the Native American idea, and maybe Aztec, too, that when I ingested my trophy, it became a part of me and vice versa. So, I tunaed my way through a bunch more tuna strips. Water was turned down for the iced Carta Blancas I brought onboard. One beer was just right. Dessert was naranja y manzana- orange and apple.
As I happily crunched away on my apple, Miguel put the vessel in gear.

We had not even arrived at the "lighthorse" and yet the day, the action, was full and fulfilling already...all the rest would be a Mexican gravy on our Cozumel enchilada, back in time, before the time this place would change. Who knew what lay ahead of us, but who ever does?

Jan