December 26th, 2009
Christmas has come and gone, however the Florida Keys fishing is here to stay! Some people ask me what makes the Florida Keys such a special fishing spot. Maybe it is because The Florida Keys are located in the most biologically diverse area of the Atlantic Ocean. The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean surround the islands, while the warm waters of the Gulf Stream current passes close by. The ocean surrounding the Keys contains more species of fish than anywhere else in the Atlantic! A fishing trip in the Florida Keys is sure to be successful. This past week was no exception to the normal Keys fishing day. The bite has been spectacular for Snook, Redfish, Speckled Sea Trout, Goliath Grouper, Mackerel, Jack Crevell, Cobia and the occasional Blue Fish.
Jack and Ida from Louisiana who stayed at the beautiful and unique Kona Kai Resort here in Key Largo had their luck with the Snook! We caught approximately ten great sized Snook. I have to say that Ida caught the most Snook. This frequently happens that the novice fisherman catches more fish then the experienced because they do not have the instinct to set the hook. I cannot tell you how many times that prize fish was lost by the angler ripping the bait right out of the fish’s mouth. We used 10 lb Power Pro braided line with a 40 lb floral carbon leader to ensure the catch. We used large shrimp as bait by hooking the shrimp through the bottom of the mouth and up through the head. The fish were caught under the mangroves in the deep channels surrounding the islands as the water temperatures were still hovering in the low 60’s.
Later in the week we caught numerous Redfish by using a 1/8 oz Chartreuse Hook-Up Lure. Shrimp were thrown up current and worked back to the boat slowly, as the fish are still a bit lethargic due to low water temperatures. If you are unlucky with the shrimp try using a Berkley Gulp Shrimp. The Speckled Sea Trout were happening this week too! When targeting Trout don’t forget the special weapon! They are attracted by the popping sound that either a popping cork or a Kajun Thunders makes while being dragged through the water. We caught most Speckled Sea Trout on the grassy flats around the Flamingo area. We used 3ft of 30lb leader below the cork and a ¼ oz weight located just above a 2.0 circle hook.
Finally, the Mackerel, Bluefish and Cobia were caught about 1 to 3 miles passed Springer Bank. When catching Mackerel it is important not to forget your wire leader because of their sharp teeth. We caught them using about 8-10 inches of 40 lb wire leader on the end of the line. All of these fish make being on the water a joy for me everyday!
Regardless of your interest in fishing the scenery alone is worth a day on the water. It is expected that your fishing guide knows a great deal about the ecosystem here in the Florida Keys. He or she could not do their job successfully if they did not understand the combined physical and biological components and the complexity of the way they interact. A trip on the water will open your eyes to a new way of seeing the world. You will see many beautiful islands peppering the landscape, beautiful rare birds, playful dolphin, sluggish manatee, filtering sponges, elegant Sting Ray, and hopefully you’re most prized catch! Getting on the water is the best things you can do to relieve all that holiday stress!
Until next time, ask yourself this one question; Are You Fishing Yet?
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
December 22nd, 2009
One of the most important aspects of being a successful fisherman takes place before you ever get on the water. This aspect is overlooked by many anglers, but to the captains that make a living fishing it is one of the most important elements of a productive fishing day. Captains know all too well through experience that dead bait usually means a spoiled fishing trip. It is for this reason that every angler should pay close attention to keeping bait alive and healthy for as long as possible. There is nothing worse then spending hours catching bait to find most of them belly up by the time you arrive at your honey hole.
There are many misconceived notions regarding aeration. Three most common misconceptions are that large live wells are required to sustain a large quantity of fish, large pumps are needed to move large quantities of water to keep the bait alive and last much not least the surrounding water temperature and salinity levels effect of the bait. These factors if not understood properly can lead to unnecessary bait death.
The most important aspect to a live well is the direction of the water. Livewells come in many shapes and sizes. The shape and size of the livewell will not matter as much as the direction of the intake water. The water must be pumped in to create a circular motion. This reduces the stress on the fish. Delicate bait such as pilchards will not survive a day of fishing unless the water flow creates a gentle current. Turbulent water will damage the bait and force them to work against the strong flow causing additional problems such as fatigue and stress and ultimately death.
The second aspect I would like to discuss is the quality of the air bubbles. The air bubbles should be small because the smaller the air bubbles; the more slowly it will rise, giving it more time to dissolve in the water. This is a very important aspect to your live well and to the health of your bait fish. Make certain you bubbles entering are small to ensure there is enough oxygen for all the bait in your well. We saltwater anglers have an advantage over the fresh water anglers! Salt water is denser then fresh so the air bubbles are usually smaller allowing your bait to have access to increased oxygen.
The last factor to consider is the different temperature and salinity levels as you move from one environment to another. As your live well works it pulls in water from the surrounding environment which can be stressful for bait. When you are on a flat, the water might be warmer than if you decide to try your luck in the deeper waters. The warmer the water, the less oxygen it will hold. These factors will certainly have an effect on your bait making them more sluggish while they try to adapt quickly to the change.
Having lively bait will attract more fish to you line. Make sure to talk with a professional in regards to your bait well. It is one of the most important things you can do before you get on the water to catch your dream fish.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
December 22nd, 2009
Tis the season of giving! Many guides set aside some time, even with all the craziness of the holidays, to give back to the community. The Key Largo Guides Association did their giving by completing their annual clean-up of the Boggies. This area is known to receive heavy traffic by our weekend anglers and it seems to receive much of the trash. We filled our bags with plastic bottles, plastic bags, aluminum cans, foam food containers and of course a large quantity of fishing line. Besides the harm these items can cause to our precious wildlife, the breakdown some of these items is more than 500 years. Please if you read this article be aware of the garbage you are leaving behind for the next generation! A big thank you goes out to Captain Chris Handson, Captain Tony Delossantos, Captain Kerry Wingo, Captain Ted Benbow, and Captain Terry Hilker. Thank you for making this cleanup a success. Your dedication to our environment is much appreciated!
Well the weather has changed and its feeling a lot like Christmas! Finally one of the cold fronts made it all the way to the Keys! This has changed the fishing strategies for anglers. Captains will now be in search of the deeper channels. For example in Flamingo, Snake Bite would be a good choice to try your luck or at Cape Sable the deep channels that line the land will be hot during these cooler days. The bait choice will be mainly shrimp. The reason for this is because of the change of salinity due to the rain fall we receive each time a cold front enters our environment. Heavy rainfall with the accompanying drop in water salinity, have been known to cause shrimp to move into deeper waters. Shrimp will be one of the main foods for game fish during cold fronts so do not throw something into the water that looks out of place.
The fishing has been steady all around Flamingo and the Cape. Snook , Redfish and juvenile Tarpon .Bonefish have been biting pretty steady with our warm waters this week. Reports have come in of 10 pound bonefish being caught on the oceanside flats! Now that’s a prize fish! The main reason for the great fishing is the ease of catching bait. Bait has been visible all week making our jobs simpler. All captains will agree there is nothing better than live bait.
Until next time, ask yourself this one question, Are you fishing yet? Captain Richard Burson
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
November 30th, 2009
Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone and my heart and belly are full of the good stuff its time to focus once again on the waters surrounding the Florida Keys. As temperatures drop up north, the average temperature in Key Largo will be around 76 degrees during the day and around 65 degrees at night. The winter weather here is heavily influenced by major frontal systems, bringing both brisk winds and cooler air to the area. Backcountry guides will be keeping a close eye on the radar as these cold fronts move their way over the islands. Winds are a major concern as they can make or break your day. High west winds are the most challenging for backcountry guides, so they will pay close attention to these cold fronts and the direction of the wind. If the winds happen to be blowing in from the west skilled guides will hide behind many productive islands so their clients do not feel the choppy bay waters.
This past week the water temperature in the gulf was approximately 70 - 72 degrees. The clarity of the water was murky, the way most guides like it when targeting mackerel, cobia, jacks, bluefish, trout, mangrove snapper and many species of sharks. The action has been steady however, it will be better after this next cold front moves across the keys. The water temperature will drop allowing many of these species to move closer to the islands. I have been productive with the use of Berkley Power Pro fishing line with a Yellow Chartreuse Hank Brown Hook-up Jig and a box of chum. I drop my chum in the water and after approximately 15 minutes there will be a variety of species arriving for the feast. Strong currents means more fish. Presentation of your lure will not be a factor with these target fish. All you need is the right current and a good box of chum.
The month of December will bring plenty of target fish for your pleasure. Redfish and sea trout will be the more prominent species biting during this month. A few lingering bonefish packs will hold out on the flats but as the water temperature drops so does your chances for success. If you still want to pursue the elusive bonefish I suggest waiting until after mid day when the waters are warmer. You will have your best shot during the outgoing tides. As the water sits up on the flats during high tide it has a chance to warm. The bonefish will be waiting on the edges of the flat for the tide to begin to reseed off the flats. When the tide begins to move you should begin to poll up onto the flats as the bonefish will begin to search for their favorite food; shrimp, quarter sized crabs, and other small crustaceans. Make sure to bring your patients and your Flying Fisherman polarized sunglasses.
Until next time ask yourself this one question;
R-U Fishing Yet?
Captain Richard Burson
Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »
September 21st, 2009
Well as you peer through the magazines, search the endless websites, you will find a plethora of information which is mind boggling. I have placed a few helpful hints in order to help you pick accommodations and choose which Island (Keys) you may consider staying on. The keys are very different and the choices can be confusing! I hope this information helps you!
I will start with hotels/resorts. The Florida Keys have plenty of different types of accommodations to fit any style. You will have your choice of some wonderful small resorts that will be the same, if not less expensive then the larger chains like The Holiday Inn, Hilton or Marriott. The Florida Keys are riddled with lots of lovely mom and pop types resorts with only 6-11 rooms/suites. These types are my favorite as they add charm and relaxation to any visit. Be sure to do your homework and call to speak with the receptionist, which is usually the owner. Ask about a beach because many resorts even the larger ones do not have a beach. The Florida Keys are not known for their beaches because we do not get the crashing surf that creates beaches. Resorts have to puts a great deal of money into creating a beach. The best resorts in my opinion is Kona Kai Resort and Gallery in Key Largo. Only 11 accommodations and just a beautiful resort. Their accommodations start as low a $179.00 (in the summer months) which is comparable to the large hotels with a MUCH better atmosphere, pool, beach,etc.
Next we should talk about location in the Keys. The first Key is Key Largo. Key Largo is a short 2 hour drive to Key West. If you are looking for a relaxation vacation this is the Key! Key Largo and the next key, Islamorada are the two keys in which you should stay if you are interested in the environment. The waters surrounding Key Largo are part of the Everglades so the wildlife is plentiful. You will see manatee, sea horses, many types of birds, dolphin, lots of fish, sea turtles, and much more. These keys are spectacular for fishing and snorkeling! Key Largo and the next Key Islamorada are considered to be part of the Upper Keys.
The next chain of Islands is Marathon and really is not worth any visit. It is made up of Home Depot and other chains.
The next key is Big Pine. Big Pine is great to see the key deer but there are not many places to stay. The key is very small in width so their is very little development. The one I resort I recommend is Palmer’s Resort. It is a small off the beaten path resort in Summerland Key. It is nothing fancy but it is close to Key West without having to stay in Key West.
Next is Key West which is great for shopping and bar hopping. The old saying is “doing theDuval crawl” which is the main street (Duval Street) in Key west. People get so inebriated that they end up crawling to each bar. It reminds me of New Orleans. You will see wildlife, more of the human kind. People train their cats to jump through fire circles, an all golden man will want to take a picture with you for $5.00, you will see drag queens and many other fun loving characters. Bring your sense of humor and a camera!
Well, I hope this information helps you choose accommodations that fit your vacation needs.
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
August 15th, 2009
August is a great time to come to the Florida Keys and fish the back country. When choosing to come during the warmer times of the year (August, September and October) make sure to schedule your trip for the early morning or the later evening. It is very hot and humid in the mid hours of the day making the fish are more likely to bite in the morning or later afternoon.
Another reason to fish during the summer months is because you will have an easier time requesting the best guides to take you out on the water instead of coming when these guides have already been booked in advance! As a well respected guide in the Keys with 30 plus years under my belt, I have a number of repeat clients who book a year in advance. Most other well known and respected guides also have these type of clients. If you want the best plan ahead or come during the less busy months. We would be happy to take you!
Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
August 5th, 2009
The pictures you see in the magazines or the footage you see as the back drop to your favorite fishing shows in the Florida Keys is exactly what it looks like right now on the water. The waters are crystal clear and the visibilty is great. Spotting the fish has been a breeze. The only thing you need is a good pair of Polarized sunglasses and you will have no problems spotting your target fish on the flats!
Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
July 26th, 2009
Ok we have all seen the amazing videos on TV that show an angler catching the illusive bonefish. Well, if you think you want to come and try let us go over a few ideas to prepare.
1. Practice your cast: Use an object in your yard and stand 35 feet away and hit it with your lure, numerous time. Try this in wind at different angles. Practice Practice Practice!!!
2. Go alone on your trip. While watching you bonefishing shows notice that you will never see 3 people on a boat. It is unrealistic to think a guide can pole you and your friends on the flats with that much weight for an extended amount of time. Bringing extra anglers limits the place you can get to.
3. RESEARCH you captains. Don’t go to the destination and think you will find an experienced guide who can bonefish. It takes a dedicated guide to located the bonefish because the guide has to do his homework. A good guide will scout the day before to locate the packs of bonefish.
4. If a guide puts you on fish and you were unable to cast to them make sure you understand the guide did his part and ask yourself if you did yours! Practice, Practice, Practice.
5. You will only get a few shots so make them count
More to come!!!
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
July 18th, 2009
Last night I took my client out to target tarpon. We caught tarpon however, the biggest thrill of the night was the 175 lb tarpon who rose to the surface numerous times. What a great time! It took my client 1 hour and 15 minutes to reel the monster to the boat!
Check my Facebook page for video and pictures!
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
July 10th, 2009
Great News Follow me On twitter Rufishingyet
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
