Welcome to all who have ventured to the Florida Keys this week! At the beginning of the week the temperature had been hovering around 83 degrees although the winds were blowing strong.  These high winds made sight fishing the flats for Bonefish and Permit nearly impossible.  As the week rounded to a close the temperatures dropped a bit, in return the bonefish have been looking for the deeper waters encompassing the flats. On the upside the Tarpon bite has been strong especially as the tide changes just before sunset.

As most fishermen know winds can truly make or break your day in all aspects of fishing. Yes, the Tarpon were biting however netting the mullet has been the challenge.  The mud have been stirred up making it much harder to get a visual on the bait. To have a real chance of catching the “Silver King’ aka Tarpon you will need at least a dozen or more mullet to secured your chance.  After succeeding with bait we were off to the bridges.

Catching a Tarpon is the easy part, getting it to the boat is the challenge. My preferred set up is a 6 ½ to 7 ft medium to heavy rod.  Using lighter tackle can lengthen the fight harming the Tarpon. Catching a 100 pound Tarpon on a 6 ½ ft rod will give you a 1/2 hour of thrills. Anything over a 1/2 hour and you and the Tarpon may to too tired to go on! For the reel I prefer to use a Shimano Torium (non-level wind) reels.  They have proven to be durable, high-speed reels that cast well.  Depending on the size of the Tarpon I choose to use 30 to 50 pound braided line. Caution has to be exercised using braided line because it will cut your fingers clear to the bone.  There is no stretch so if you hand is in the way consider it gone. For the leader I use 5 to 6 feet and tied directly to my line using a Uni to Uni knot ending with a 5/0 to 8/0 circle hook.  Approximately 4 feet from the hook I secure an adjustable split cork or float.  This keeps my bait to the back of the boat.

This coming week you can expect the tarpon bite to remain strong during the evening hours. Make sure to be prepared because the big boys are here and what a thrill. My father in law got a taste of what it is like to fight a Silver King and I hope to do the same for you! So until next time, ask yourself this one question; Are you fishing yet?

Welcome to the Florida Keys! It has been a busy week for guides and lots of action to be had by all! This was the week to be on the water! The winds were light, the sun shining, the waters warming, and the bite was strong! Great action included Large Mangrove Snapper, Bonefish, Permit, Speckled Sea Trout, Redfish, Jacks, Ladyfish and of course my ultimate favorite the Tarpon aka Silver King!

The last few weeks the Tarpon bite has been limited to the evening hours but now it is on night and day!  They are being caught around the bridges as well as in the backcountry.  On average the Tarpon we are catching have been in the 100 pound range.  Catching monster game fish like these takes some skill and knowledge. The main point I would like to make to all my new Tarpon anglers is when these fish jump out of the water bow your rod! We have lost over 20 large Tarpon this week alone due to anglers getting too excited and forgetting the rules, ALWAYS BOW TO THE KING! As the silver king begins to break the surface you will feel the slack in the line and then you need to immediately bow your rod or the king will break it. It’s important I get more Tarpon to the boat not only for you to have the lifetime memory, but also for research purposes.

Limited long term research has been completed on Atlantic Tarpon however; one program that all Captains and anglers can get involved in is the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study being lead by the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). The research is to help biologists understand the Atlantic Tarpon’s migration patters and the success of Tarpon stocks. This kit is easy to use and puts very little stress on the fish. You can order the kit from FWRI by calling 1-800-367-4461 or e-mailing TarponGenetics@MyFWC.com.  You can also request a kit from some of your local bait shops. I have been using the kit for years and happy to help any research needed to sustain my favorite pastime, fishing!

If you are thinking of getting on the water your chances of catching a prize fish is high.  Find yourself a skilled guide but be aware more then 65% might already be booked for the time you want. My suggestion would to be flexible.  Many guides will go out more then once a day. This is always nice because they have already experienced what’s biting and where.

 So until next time, ask yourself this one question…  Are you fishing yet?

Welcome to the beautiful Florida Keys, where fishing is living! If you are not on the beautiful turquoise waters then you better get yourself to the nearest marina and book yourself one of the many experienced local captains.  Things are heating up as I have had some wonderful luck catching, Mangrove Snapper, Sea Trout, Lady Fish, many species of Sharks, Spanish Mackerel and Goliath Grouper,  Best of all the Tarpon are filling my evenings with some rod bending, drag screaming excitement.  

The best tarpon bite has been at night just before sunset as the tide is falling. The bridges are holding “silver kings” ranging from 100 pounds to 200 pounds. On average we have been catching tarpon around 150 pounds. What a fight! As soon as the tarpon bites hang on because you are in for the ride of your life. Tarpon are known to run line the farthest during the initial hook-up followed by some jumping and thrashing.  Hopefully, after approximately an hour of your captain and you working simultaneously in hopes to land this massive creature, you get to relish in the sweet taste of victory! Tarpon to the boat tagged and freed for future generation to enjoy. After the excitement you maybe too exhausted to do it all again, but we all know you will try!

Fishing the bridges for tarpon takes skill, knowledge and experience. There are a number of objects to avoid and rough waters to contend with making night tarpon fishing dangerous even for the experienced.  I have seen many novice fishermen put themselves at risk as well as other fisherman. I’ve witnessed novice fisherman run over the fish causing the other fisherman to loose their chance for success. I have also seen fisherman hooked through the hand while de-hooking the tarpon. I highly recommend you learn from an experienced guide and not all guides are experienced, especially at night. Your boat drift and casting is important but even more important, if you hook a silver king they will run feverishly and if you do not understand there normal movements then you are putting yourself at risk, as well as other anglers.  Please respect the fisherman and know before you go! The last thing I want is for one of my fellow fisherman to be hurt do to the inexperience of another fisherman.

 Tarpon produce some heart pounding action so I hope you find yourself a reliable, capable, knowledgeable guide to help you experience this thrill ride! When done right you will never forget the thrill and fight a tarpon provides. Please be careful and considerate so all fishermen make it home safely.

Until next time, ask yourself this one questions, Are you fishing yet?

It has been yet another beautiful week on the water here in the Florida Keys! The winds were light, the waters were clear, and the fish kept anglers of all ages grinning from ear to ear! Each angler leaving my boat had plenty of tall tails to tell their friends and family.  The most tails will be about the Silver King (aka Tarpon) we were stalking this week!

The tarpon are now showing up around the bridges. Tarpon are powerful game fish with hard rough mouths, sharp gill plates and abrasive scales.  The largest tarpon caught was almost 300 pounds but on average they will range from 80 pounds to 150 pounds. The female are larger then male tarpon and can grow to lengths of over 8 feet and reach weights of near 355 pounds, The female Tarpon can live more than 50 years. The males generally are smaller and live approximately 30 years. Tarpon will not reach sexual maturity until they are 6 years old and at least 4 ft long.  

Fishing for tarpon takes skill and planning. I primarily use live bait such as crabs, shrimp, pinfish and mullet. It’s important to know what the tarpon are eating for the day as their taste buds change from day to day. It’s also important to rig the live baits in the most natural way possible. You can also use artificial such as Zero Spook Plugs and any kind of plastic swimmer bait such as Silver Shad Paddle Tail and or a Jerk Shad.  

Casting is also very important. You need to cast cross current and adjust your depth by casting different distances up tide and down tide. The further you cast up tide the deeper your bait will go by the time it reaches the tarpon hiding under the many brides that pepper the Florida Keys landscape. When you feel the bite, resist the erg to set the hook! Let the tarpon do the work for you because if you don’t you are sure to be stomping your feet due to the loss of the magnificent fight you could have had!

In conclusion it is time for you to book a fishing trip here in the Florida Keys. There are some great game fish regardless if you decide to hunt the open ocean or venture into the Everglades. There is fun to have any which way you go. It is easy to find great guides here in the Keys, just visit the closest marina and you are sure to have your own fishing story to bring home making your friends and family jealous!

So until next time ask yourself this one question, Are you fishing yet?

Fishing captains are in full force as the spring breakers are here for some warmth and fishing frenzy!  The waters have not been disappointing for most who ventured out. I had some great luck with some wonderful rod bending excitement and most of the guides I spoke with also had great luck! If you are even thinking of going fishing I suggest you take a quick look at the wonderful guides listed in the Weekly Fisherman or take a drive around to the many marinas. Things are heating up and many of the best guides will be booked if you wait. Remember the early bird gets the fish, right! This coming week will be no different!

We had some great luck this week with lots of rod bending action!  In Flamingo the bite was mainly Speckled Sea Trout, Ladyfish, Pompano, and Redfish. The most action of all was on the patches reefs. The patches were on fire with Mangrove Snapper, Hogfish, Mutton Snapper, Cero Mackerel and Jacks.  I have to say fishing the patches takes an experienced guide if you want to have success.

The Florida Keys are home to an incredible system of patch reefs The Patches serve as habitats for a variety of marine life. The key to fishing the patches is to find a good spot and anchor your boat up-current to the reef you intend to fish.  Please be aware that anglers and divers damage the reefs by dropping on top of them. It is much less damaging to the reef and better for your fishing if you drop anchor in the sand just up-current to the reef. Another added benefit is you will lose much less tackle by not snagging it on the coral, sea fans and any other life at the bottom.  This week I chose to fish between the depths of 10-30 ft because my clients were under the age of 10. Shallow patches produce lots of action for small children.

I predict that this week will be the same as last with lots of activity on the water. The mackerel and trout are biting in full force! The bonefish are moving onto the flats as the waters are warming and the Tarpon are on their way back to fill our days and nights with endless excitement!

So remember, as you see all the vehicles driving our newly recognized scenic highway, these spring breakers could be looking for a fishing guide. Don’t be left on land, call a guide today to help you make amazing memories here the beautiful Florida Keys!

Until next time ask yourself this one question…. Are you fishing yet?

There is no competing with a day on the water here in the beautiful Florida Keys!  All of you spring breakers will regret it if you skip a chance to experience the Florida Keys true beauty: the turquoise waters and the wildlife hiding within it.  Taking a private charter allows you to make the decisions. This cannot happen while chartering a larger “cattle boat” .  The larger boats are unable to scream across the shallows of the bay while clients witness stingray being chased by Hammerhead sharks. You will not stop to watch a pod of dolphin trap their dinner because unfortunately they have an agenda to fulfill. For this reason taking a private charter is well worth the money and you are sure to come home with wonderful memories as well as beautiful photographs. This week was definitely one to remember for all of my clients as the temperature and the winds were ideal for spotting many fish and other creatures of the sea!

The waters are warming and this brings in many different species of fish. On Monday I took my client Tom and his wife out west and we had luck with Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, Bluefish, Ladyfish, different varieties of sharks and one surprise bonefish.  I have to say the highlight of my day was that surprise bonefish!  Most amazing was we were not in search of bonefish, we were mackerel fishing!  I could not believe my eyes when Tom reeled in the 2.5 pound bonefish. Yes, a small bonefish but a bonefish none the less!  As we continued to fish the bonefish were steadily teasing Tom with nibbles but no more takers.  This is a great sign that the bonefish are moving back to the warmer spring waters! So make sure you practice your casting in order to have the most success catching these usually elusive bonefish.

The rest of the week I spent my time scoping out the backcountry. We had luck with Speckled Sea Trout, Ladyfish, Black Drum, and a few Redfish. As we move into spring and the waters warm the Tarpon are becoming more prominent. I am noticing many juvenile Tarpon scoping the waters for their next meal.  As the warming trend continues the larger more desired Tarpon will make their debut.  If your dream is to catch a trophy Tarpon make sure to book early as the experienced captains are already receiving bookings for the most desired months; March, April, May, and June.

Until next time, ask yourself this one question….. Are you fishing yet?

There is exciting action to report this week in the backcountry. Since January’s unusually cold weather most fishermen were wondering if the bite would ever return. Well I am here to report that I have had great luck this week. The beginning of the week brought good sized Snook, Redfish, Black Drum, and Sea Trout. The latter part of the week I fished with Captain Lain Goodwin with Dirty Water Charters and had luck with lots of Black Drum, Redfish and Trout. The backcountry fishing is returning slowly.  As we begin to move into the warmer months I predict the fishing will be red hot for many of the species listed above excluding the Snook.

The Snook took quite a hit from the January cold spell. In response FWC took action by temporary closing the Snook as well as the Tarpon and Bonefish fisheries. This means you may only catch and release these species until further notice. This is a precautionary measure while they compile data from fishermen and research staff who are actively monitoring and collecting information. You can access the most up to date data at http://research.myfwc.com/fishkill/ . This website will give you an actual count of the number of species killed during January’s cold spell. It is interesting to see the enormity of the impact on our beloved fishery! As more research is completed we should have a better understanding of the future impacts January’s chill will have on our future fisheries.

Although Florida residents were rightfully concerned about the prolonged cold we experienced, the FWC reports that January’s cold was not all bad. A few positive impacts were that native freshwater fish species were largely unaffected by the cold temperatures however, non-native species that were introduced to Florida’s waters were seriously impacted, which I have to admit I am very happy to hear. Another positive attribute is the cold temperatures killed Burmese pythons, iguanas and other invasive species that have been invading Florida. Although the cold has not eliminated all of them, it has sharply reduced their numbers.

As for now things are literally heating up and the waters are more productive then they have been for the last few weeks. As you are planning your fishing trip to the beautiful Florida Keys make certain to be well versed in what is biting.  The last thing you want to do is try to target a species that is not active.  Talk with your selected guide to get the scoop on what is biting and be flexible with your dates. As they say, “Some days are better then others!”

Until next time ask yourself this one question….Are you fishing yet?

Our normal winter weather is back! Days of warming sun with a few passing showers fill our days with bliss. Because of our proximity to the Gulf Stream and the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys have a mild tropical climate where the average summer and winter temperatures rarely differ much more than ten degrees. Average yearly temperatures are the warmest anywhere in the United States. We are blessed with few exceptions to this rule.  So all of you who live in the fidget northern states take a break from the plummeting mercury and warm your bones in the Florida Keys.

 As the waters continue to warm after our unusual cold spell, the fishing has continued to heat up. The Mackerel, Snapper, Bluefish and other varieties of sport fish are back around the Springer Bank area. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­The bone fishing in Key Largo has still been a bit slow, but expected to get better as they become more comfortable with their warmer waters. They are known to be weary and this past cold front really put them on edge. The upside is that we are coming up on a full moon so it is expected that they will be feeding more aggressively soon.

This week I decided to take a three day fishing trip to Whitewater Bay in order to further investigate the action as limited reports are coming in from this area.  The weather forecast was spectacular for sight fishing with the winds around 10 to 15 knots and not a cloud in the sky. I camped two nights at the Flamingo Campground which is approximately forty five minutes from the gate at Everglades National Park.  In my opinion this campground is the most convenient place to camp as it is less then a half mile from the boat launch. Another reason to choose this campground is due to their specific campsites that are set up for parking your boat and trailer. The park is well kept and very quiet making it ideal for a fisherman looking to get up early and venture on the water.

 The first morning we got up around 7am to begin our day on the water.  As we launched the boat life could be seen from all angles.  Crocs were sunning themselves while tourist looked on, ospreys were eating their morning meals, and manatees were bobbing for a breath of fresh air. Our first stop was the Hell’s Bay area which surprisingly after a few dozen casts there were no takers.  After approximately half hour of scanning the waters we decided our luck was not panning out in Hells’ Bay, so we opted to move towards a few other favorite spots of mine, Lane Bay, Oyster Bay and the mouth of Shark River. To make our travels enjoyable a few dolphin came up to the boat to check us out and play in the wake as we made our way to new fishing ground.

Moving through our day we finally found some action at the mouth of Shark River.     Redfish, Blackdrum, Trout and a few Sheepshead were the catch of the day and we were happy to see it! I was using artificial bait such as the gulp shrimp and jerk bait made by Berkley. Working some of the deeper points I used the shrimp with a ¼ oz jig with a slow retrieve. In the shallows is where I stuck to the jerk bait. The fish were reluctant to bite; however using the right presentation we were successful. Our patience paid off as we were able to bring some great sized fish to the boat!

In conclusion, The Florida Keys have so much to offer and most of it is just beyond the beautiful islands you see as you drive one of the best drives in the United States deemed by the US Department of Transportation. If DOT thinks it’s a beautiful drive along the highway, just imagine the beauty you find on the water!

Until next time, ask yourself this one question, “Are you fishing yet?

Fishing is at full blast as we all predicted and now is the best time to be on the water! If you are looking to bend the rod you are in store for an exciting time. I have been on the water most of the week and my clients and I came back to the dock with lots of fish stories. Many species of snapper, great sized grouper, sharks, mackerel, sea trout, redfish and a few shots at some bonefish filled our days with action. Things are alive and recovering in the backcountry and I am sure happy to be reporting it!

The weather has been absolutely beautiful this week with the same expected for the weeks to come. The warmer weather has returned and what a relief! The average temperature lingered around 78 degrees. The winds have been calm with many days near flat conditions, ideal for a day on the water.

On the patch reef was where I found the most action this week. Yellowtail and Mangrove Snappers, Black, Red and Gag Groupers, Cero Mackerel and a variety of sharks were all biting while fishing off lower Key Largo.  In the shallows of the backcountry the action included Redfish and Speckled Sea Trout, which were biting on the five inch Berkeley Gulp shad jerk, in a variety of colors. While targeting these fish varieties make certain to provide a long cast about seven to ten feet past the fish then steadily reel and jerk the bait about two to three feet in front of its nose. This action will surely entice the desires attack.

As I moved Oceanside the patches were littered with the same game fish however, they preferred live bait such as shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish.  Make sure to have a block or two of chum handy as this will increase your chances of catching your prized fish. Your chum slick will attract fish from other areas depending on the currents direction and speed.  

In addition to the fun in the backcountry the beautiful and historic Cheeca Lodge and Spa located in Islamorada held their 20th annual Cheeca Lodge Sailfish tournament! Hats go off to the Get Lit Captained by Quinton Dieterle. He was successful in guiding Kitt Toomey, Peter Miller, Jon Cooper, and Captain Hinckley to a total of 20 sailfish releases. So if you are looking for what to do in the Florida Keys, getting on the water is the best decision of your life!  You are sure to find a well rounded and respected guide here in the Florida Keys.

So until next time ask yourself this one question, Are You Fishing Yet?

Captain Richard Burson