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CaptainIDS (Captainids)
New member
Username: Captainids
Post Number: 33
Registered: 9-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 05, 2007 - 10:12 am: | |
Are you a Licensed Coast Guard Captain?
This is for you
http://www.captainids.com/ |
Capt. Jon Zorian
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 1:32 am: | |
Subject: Boca Beacon
Tarpon Are Here and Sharks Will Follow
By Capt. Jon Zorian, Boca Beacon
** The wait is over for tarpon to arrive at Boca Grande! Members of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association are reporting that fish are increasing in numbers daily at the pass. The annual migration to our area is taking place not quite as quickly as during the past several years due to the cold front we experienced last week and the recent red tide.
However, tarpon are beginning to gather at the pass and larger numbers are expected during the next few days.
Gulf water temperature at this time is in the low 70’s, which is sufficiently warm enough for tarpon to inhabit local waters. While warm water ushers in the large number of tarpon to Boca Grande Pass, it also attracts several species of sharks. Hammerheads and bull sharks, especially, love tarpon and show up to feed on them, usually after the water temperature has reached the mid to high 70’s, or more.
Sharks are a nuisance to tarpon guides, although the sight of one chasing a hooked fish is plenty exciting. The sight of the shark’s dorsal fin protruding two or three feet above the water, accompanied by the large, ominous dark shadow just beneath the surface that is attached to that dorsal fin, will get your attention, to say the least!
What is far more gripping is the sight of a tarpon, well over a hundred pounds, that suddenly becomes engulfed to the head by one bite of a hungry, charging shark and leaving only a shredded reminder of what was just seconds before a very powerful game fish.
However, shark fishing is not what we are about during tarpon season. Although there are some clients who specifically hire guides to fish for sharks, the reason for fishing at Boca Grande during April through July mostly involves the world famous tarpon population we are so lucky to experience.
The 2003 tarpon season will be fully underway in just a matter of a week or ten days. Guides have spent the past several months getting boats and gear ready for the continuous days of fishing with customers. Once the melee begins, there will be little time for anything but charters at the pass and some sleep. Time to maintain and repair boats will be a luxury, just as much as getting a good night’s sleep.
It appears that all of a sudden, interest in tarpon fishing this season has increased and guides’ phones are ringing. Even though slightly later than normal due to the war and the economy, there is no doubt that charter interest and scheduling will make a sudden surge during the next few weeks prior to the season getting under way.
The Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce “World’s Richest” Tarpon Tournament is close to filling up with 47 committed teams at this time and others in the process of sending in their paperwork and entry funds. In fact, anyone thinking about fishing the “Big One” should call Debbi Ricci, Tournament Coordinator, as soon as possible. She can be reached at 941-964-0568.
For those who haven’t scheduled their 2003 tarpon charter yet, visit the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association (BGFGA) web site at www.bocagrandefishing.com for a complete list of local, professional tarpon experts, plus other interesting information about Boca Grande and the association. Guide information can also be acquired through Debbi Ricci at the Chamber of Commerce, Whidden’s Marina, the BGFGA sign located next to Hudson’s Grocery, South Beach Bar and Grill and many other local supporting businesses. |
Capt. Allan B. Beraquit
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 12:10 am: | |
Subject: SW Florida Fishing Report
Florida Light Tackle Charters.com
Southwest Fishing Report 10/13/02
October is progressing as expected. Water temps have dropped slightly and have brought with it hoards of Pelagics, bait.
Snook: The Snook bite is very much on. This week I switched my focus to the preserve and Pine Island Sound. Snook were feeding aggressively. This weeks mid day low tides pushed large numbers of Snook into the potholes and feeder channels. While live Pilchards were never resisted, the Snook also ate Jigs, Jerk Baits and Gold Spoons.
Redfish: Schools of Bull Reds were again working Pine Island Sound. Clear days made approaching these fish difficult. A stealthy approach and long casts usually resulted in a hook up. Gold Spoons, Top Dogs and Chug Bugs provided the distance, and the right presentation was tough to resist by the hungry Reds. Smaller concentrations of Reds were also found through out the preserve, the east and west end of the east walls, as well as many of the shallow grass flats in the sound.
Trout: With the dropping water temps, the trout bite is starting to pickup. All of the deep grass flats held quality fish. Look for deep grass, bait and moving water, and you will find the specks. Focus on the potholes and channel edges on low tide.
While the top three species provide for consistent action this week, the “Hot” bite was found just off the beaches. Acre size schools of Spanish Macks, with many as large as 4-5 lbs, and Little Tunny up to 10lbs were gorging on bait schools from Boca Grande Pass north to Sarasota. As far as the eye can see, it was school after school after school. In the mix were Kingfish, Cobia and the occasional Tarpon. This is a fly-rodder’s dream. Chug Bugs, small silver spoon and any minnow imitating fly will result in an instant hook up.
Overall, this week’s fishing will be similar to last weeks. We’ll have a one day tide early in the week, with an early morning low tide by the weekend.
Good catching, and until next time…tight lines and many healthy releases.
Capt. Allan B. Beraquit
http://www.floridalighttacklecharters.com
1-866-4-TARPON (482-7766)
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Captain Allan Beraquit
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 30, 2002 - 11:46 pm: | |
Subject: SW Florida Report
Southwest Florida Fishing Report
September 29, 2002
This past week has certainly had it’s ups & downs. “Isadore” traveled through our coast and brought with her, wind, rain and more wind. The conditions made fishing difficult and uncomfortable, many of my scheduled trips were canceled and/or rescheduled. The days I was able to get out provided for fair to good fishing.
This week’s low salinity level and dirty water drove most of the bait to cleaner, more distant waters. Toward the end of the week, and certainly through the weekend, bait was again located in the usually areas. The Harbor held pods of threadfins in the 4-7 inch range. The bars that line Bokeelia and Jug Creek, as well as Sandy Fly Key and the Trestles all held bait once again.
With bait, came the fish. Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, Bluefish and Jacks were terrorizing most threadfin pods in open water. Silver Crocodile Spoons, Gold Johnson Sprite Minnows and Storm Chug Bugs all drew attention. While the fish were not as glamorous as Tarpon & Snook, the feeding frenzy found within most bait pods proved to be fast, furious and very exciting. Fish on every cast until your arms fell off were the case. The Macks averaged 12 – 20”, the Jacks & Bluefish ran on the small side, and the Ladyfish were from 12” up to 24”. When working the pods, keep an open eye for Cobia or Tarpon. We saw one nice Cobia this weekend but could not make the connection. With that said, ALWAYS keep a 12 or 15lb spinning rod with a #50 or #60 mono leader tied to a Jig or awaiting threadfin ready at all times.
Moving into the shallows, Redfish schools were still working the bars. In addition, we found quality Redfish working the points of Mangrove Islands adjacent to deeper water in Gasparilla Preserve, as well as inside the bar between Burnt Store and Two Pines. The usual Gold Spoon made a connection every time.
The Snook bite was on and off in the preserve, however, quality numbers were caught working the canal systems of Pirate Harbor, Charlotte Beach and PGI. Work the docks at high tide and focus on the drop-offs and sailboats during the low tide. ¼ Chartreuse jig head with your favorite 4 – 6” grub or jerk bait will do the trick, and of course, live bait will get them every time.
In between the Snook we also found some Jack Crevalle and Juvenile Tarpon to fill the Snook voids. In addition, we found Pompano toward the south end of Bull Bay.
This week will be a windy week with yet another system rolling in. Get your fishing in very early in the week, as Hurricane Lili is moving up through the western gulf bringing with her more windy days and dirty water. Please visit our site for fishing reports for the remainder of Florida.
Until next time, tight lines.
Capt. Allan B. Beraquit
http://www.floridalighttacklecharters.com
dba Coast II Coast Fishing Charters, Inc.
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Captain Allan Beraquit
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 30, 2002 - 11:43 pm: | |
Subject: SW Florida Report
Southwest Florida Fishing Report
September 29, 2002
This past week has certainly had it’s ups & downs. “Isadore” traveled through our coast and brought with her, wind, rain and more wind. The conditions made fishing difficult and uncomfortable, many of my scheduled trips were canceled and/or rescheduled. The days I was able to get out provided for fair to good fishing.
This week’s low salinity level and dirty water drove most of the bait to cleaner, more distant waters. Toward the end of the week, and certainly through the weekend, bait was again located in the usually areas. The Harbor held pods of threadfins in the 4-7 inch range. The bars that line Bokeelia and Jug Creek, as well as Sandy Fly Key and the Trestles all held bait once again.
With bait, came the fish. Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, Bluefish and Jacks were terrorizing most threadfin pods in open water. Silver Crocodile Spoons, Gold Johnson Sprite Minnows and Storm Chug Bugs all drew attention. While the fish were not as glamorous as Tarpon & Snook, the feeding frenzy found within most bait pods proved to be fast, furious and very exciting. Fish on every cast until your arms fell off were the case. The Macks averaged 12 – 20”, the Jacks & Bluefish ran on the small side, and the Ladyfish were from 12” up to 24”. When working the pods, keep an open eye for Cobia or Tarpon. We saw one nice Cobia this weekend but could not make the connection. With that said, ALWAYS keep a 12 or 15lb spinning rod with a #50 or #60 mono leader tied to a Jig or awaiting threadfin ready at all times.
Moving into the shallows, Redfish schools were still working the bars. In addition, we found quality Redfish working the points of Mangrove Islands adjacent to deeper water in Gasparilla Preserve, as well as inside the bar between Burnt Store and Two Pines. The usual Gold Spoon made a connection every time.
The Snook bite was on and off in the preserve, however, quality numbers were caught working the canal systems of Pirate Harbor, Charlotte Beach and PGI. Work the docks at high tide and focus on the drop-offs and sailboats during the low tide. ¼ Chartreuse jig head with your favorite 4 – 6” grub or jerk bait will do the trick, and of course, live bait will get them every time.
In between the Snook we also found some Jack Crevalle and Juvenile Tarpon to fill the Snook voids. In addition, we found Pompano toward the south end of Bull Bay.
This week will be a windy week with yet another system rolling in. Get your fishing in very early in the week, as Hurricane Lili is moving up through the western gulf bringing with her more windy days and dirty water. Please visit our site for fishing reports for the remainder of Florida.
Until next time, tight lines.
Capt. Allan B. Beraquit
http://www.floridalighttacklecharters.com
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Capt. Allan Beraquit
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 12:52 pm: | |
Subject: Florida - Boca Grande/Charlotte Harbor/Pine Island
The Back Country Report
With Labor Day just a few days away, summer is almost over, although with the 90 – 95 degree days, it is very hard to imagine.
TARPON: The hot Tarpon bite of late summer has temporarily tapered off in the harbor. There are still a few left, but targeting them could get boring pretty quickly. It’s either on or it’s not. These late summer fish have been averaging between 60 – 125lbs. The best approach is to get out early and fill your bait well with several dozen threadfin herring between 5 – 7 inches long. At first light, look for rolling Tarpon and establish a drift pattern. Drift one bait on a float, one free line and a third with an 1/8th ounce split shot. Drift your baits 30 to 50 feet behind the boat and live chum a threadfin every 30 seconds or so; or at least until you get the fish feeding. The hot spots have been holes 1 & 2 west of Burnt Store, just outside Matlacha Pass, The Cape Haze Hole, The artificial reefs in the northeast section of the harbor, and the mouths of the Peace and Myakka Rivers. If you do not spot rolling fish, concentrate on the boiling Threadfin pods. My favorite set up for these larger fish is a 7 ½ Star Nicklelite Rod with a Stradic 6000 spooled with 100 yards of 20lb mono, and 20lb Power-Pro backing. Use a 3’ section of #50 leader tied using a blood knot, to an 18” section of #60 Fluro Carbon leader. For a hook, I use a 7/0 Gamakatsu Octopus Wide Circle.
In addition to the adult Tarpon, schools of juvenile fish from 10 – 30lbs litter the upper reaches of the harbor. These fish are a morning proposition only, and will fall to the same tactics applied to the larger fish. Scale down your baits to 3 – 4” Threadfins and Pilchards. 8-12lb line with a 12” trace of 40lb Flurocarbon leader tied to a 2’ section of 20lb main leader will do the trick.
SNOOK: Our Snook has finished their summer spawn and are in feeding mode. There are still enough Snook along the beaches to make a day. Look for structure in or around moving water. The big concentrations of Snook have begun their inland migration. I am finding loads of Snook on all of the out islands bordering Gasparilla Sound, Bull & Turtle Bays and Pine Island. Work the larger potholes and edges of feeder channels at low tide, and follow the fish into the bushes during the high. Pot Holes or deep water next the groves are a plus. In addition, many of the Residential Canal mouths that border the harbor and the sound are also beginning to hold Snook. These mouths are best fished on the latter part of a strong outgoing tide. Gold Spoons, Soft Plastic Jerk Baits, Mirror-Lure Tops Dogs and Chug Bugs have been my favorites. Stick with the top waters during low light conditions and switch subsurface lures as the day progresses. As the day begins to heat up, work your lures or bait as far into the bushes (High tide) or at the deepest parts of the holes (Low Tide) as possible. The Snook bite will taper off at high noon, so work your lures a little slower. For best results, stick to artificials in the morning or late afternoon, and use live bait through the middle of the day. The August Snook bite has been better than average thus far, and will only get better as we enter fall.
REDFISH: This time of the year we have two concentrations of Redfish. We have your resident non-migrating bunch, which usually consist of pairs or pods of fish and we have your late summer early fall breeders, which will occupy a flat or a bar one week, and another the next. For years, I’ve been applying the same Snook Tactics to Redfish and have done extremely well. The only difference is, Redfish do not seem to mind the heat as much as the Snook. Where to fish for Redfish is very much tide influenced. I pay attention to the edges of the flats and the largest and deepest of potholes on dead low, and immediately pan the skinny water as the tide begins its flood mode. Like Snook, these fish will push well into the bushes at high tide. Unlike Snook, Redfish will attack a properly presented artificial just as well as a live bait. I prefer the artificial route, especially for sight casting. 1/8 or ¼ Johnson Gold Spoons are tough to beat, as are Shad & Mullet colored Jerk Baits and the famous Chug Bug.
Stealth is the key when stalking Redfish. Most use electric motors, however, poling is the ultimate tool. When looking for resident Redfish, keep an eye for schools. Once alerted they will push a distinctable wake, sometimes as high as a foot tall and will again settle down. Keep a tab on the direction and pole ahead of the school. When a school is in casting range, you can literally cast anything at them and such usually results in an instant hook up. These fish are all breeder fish, so please take the time to carefully revive them.
Another way to successfully target Redfish in numbers is to locate a bar or an edge of a flat during the lowest point of an afternoon low tide, anchor and chum. Be sure it is a flat known to hold Redfish. Chum with crushed crab, shrimp or even cut bait. Be sure to put a couple of lines in the rod holder with a piece of chum attached to a small 1/0 or 2/0 hook. Use just enough weight to hold bottom. These fish will be patrolling these areas in anticipation of the incoming tide. Once chummed up, they will usually stick around, and such tactics can easily result in a double-digit Redfish day. During the month of September we will have a Neap Tide on the 12th, 13th & 14th and again on the 28th, 29th and 30th, providing for an extreme mid afternoon low tide.
I’ve been doing very well with Redfish along the east and west walls of the harbor. Focusing on the bars and/or edges of at low tide, the bushes at high and the mouths of the many feeder creeks and channels on the last stage of the outgoing tide. Many of the flats that line Bull and Turtle Bays, east of Captiva Rocks, as well as the inside of Cayo Costa and Captiva Islands are also presently holding fish. In addition, pay the oyster bars a visit on high tide. While the oyster bars do attract fish, they also attract their fair share of anglers.
TROUT: The Trout bite has been fair at best. While numbers of just under or barely legal Trout can be easily achieved, we are still a couple of months away from a hot Trout bite. For now, the Trout have been mere incidental catches during my trips. The Deep Grass Flats and small passes will hold schools of smaller Trout. Best bet is to fish at first light or just before dark. A few larger Trout to 23” have been caught fishing the potholes at low tide.
OVERALL: The fishing has been pretty good in August. Redfish fishing has gotten better, and the Snook are aggressively feeding. Bait has been thick, and getting a day’s supply should not take more than one or two casts with a 12’ net. With September will come slightly cooler water temps, and the fishing will just get better. A recent exciting trip was a short half-day trip (3 hours) with Geroge Lochli of Charlotte Harbor. In just under 3 hours we managed to release 39 Snook to 28 inches. This occurred yesterday afternoon. We were heading out, when everybody was heading in! My brother Tony and his ten-year-old son came down from NJ for a days of fishing. He managed to land his biggest Snook to date. The fish measured 42 inches with an estimated weight of well over 20lbs. Not to bad for his 2nd Snook trip. This beast was caught on the beach on a small Threadfin and 8lb line.
Until next time, stay safe, tight lines and many healthy releases!
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