Where is the Salt Water Forum

I just flew back in from the Keys and like the joke says I am tired. I was able to get out on a charter after my family obligations were over. (Nieces wedding)So I really had to take it easy at the reception so I could still get up and catch the charter by 7:00 AM. Didnt do a very good job of that but I made it none the less but slightly hung over. I learned a thing or two along the way to keep in mind if you ever try the charter thing. While we were sight seeing on Duvall Street(Party Central )there was a Kiosk on the corner that would set up your charter and book you a seat. You did not have to pay for the whole boat just your seat. This made things much easier, you did not have to worry about rounding up other people to fill the charter. All you had to do was show up with your drinks and snacks and get on. Each charter was for four and was for 4 hours or so. Now once you are on the boat you get to know the deck hand and the captain. The deck hand suggests that you set the order of who will take the first fish on and who is next. No one really spoke up about this matter so when we left I went and sat down in one of the back chairs so I knew I would be either 1 st or 2nd. This is key because we only had 3 fish on that day and the last guy was out of luck.The deck hand set out 5 rods in the pattern with one on a small downrigger. We were trolling ballihoos for bait right on the surface. First fish came on the downrigger rod and the other guy in the back chair took it . He brought it in and it was about 22-25″ king makeral.I was up next and we rebaited the rod and continued. It took a while but soon we had a bill fish in the pattern but could not get him to commit to the bait and he left. That was cool .So after another 20 minutes or so the rigger rod just went down hard. The deck hand grabs the rod and puts the base in the rod holder on my chair and the fight is on. He had taken a bunch of line right off so I had to get busy . I was just crakin him in but it got to the point were I wasnt getting any more line so I had to start to pump him up with the rod. It was a great fight but I really can’t tell you how long it lasted. I can tell you I could feel it in my arms after it was over. I caught a Wahoo that was 44″ long, we never did weigh him. The next fish on was another makeral that got off at the boat. And that was it,we trolled for 2 more hours without a bite. I felt bad for the last guy but… better him than me .It wasnt my job to get him a fish. Its the guides job! Oops did I say that out loud. Sorry.
One other must see is Robby’s at Indian Key I think. You can stop there and feed tarpons on their dock.And there are bunches of them. They have a small fenced off dock to keep the pelicans away and the tarpon are there waiting. You can buy a bucket of fish and have alot of fun. What I would give to throw a spook in there, WOOOSH! There were some real nice ones there some pushing 5ft long. The Keys are a nice place to visit but not real kid friendly. Lets say it is alot more adult entertainment than kids,especially after dark .

Here is my catch.

Spinner dave….sounds like alot of fun…the keys are on my list of salt water places to fish and I appreciate the info…It would be nice to have a forum of salt water fishing experiences and tips…While I do alot of walleye fishing in MN. I also love some saltwater action…fished hatteras …totally awsome… and a few other spots…totally agree a salt water forum would be awsome and interesting…and who knows…bet it would open up some local fisherman to a whole new world of fishing…I actually have a topic for disscussion as well……Why not more center console boats up here??? they can make a great walleye /catfish boat …trust me

Another tip. 1 Dramamine is not enough for a flatlander in 3-5ft sea in a medium size boat. You need to take one the night before and one the next day.If you remember nothing else I said remember this. You will be glad you did.

I have my return tripped planned in March.

Actually getting sea sick is no matter. I have yet to feel the full effect, but I have had friends that have suffered dearly. We have been out in some monster rollers and it is not fun, much less trying to stand, but if your on fish it makes it a ton easier. Spinner your right. The Keys are awesome but Key West is more Adult Friendly and some of them are very friendly. Another note, if you bring a lady friend or wife, there are a ton of shops and shopping opps. so be careful leaving your wallet lie around.

This just got me pumped up to get down there. Maybe a January trip / 3 day weekend down to Ft. Myers in in store.

Oh yeah…..very nice Hoo SD!

The West Coast salt water forum is at:

http://www.976tuna.com

Philip Friedman runs the second best fishing site I’ve seen (next to IDA).

I was there in Late March a few years ago. I highly recommend flats fishing with guide.

I think some flats fishing would be fun.Being a bass angler it was hard to sit on a boat all day without casting. Next trip south it will be for quantity more than quality,If you get on some big reds or tarpon it could be both .