tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29259580239899820712024-03-13T23:17:19.813-07:00Southern Kayak KroniclesSteve Gibson is an avid angler, writer and photographer who lives in Sarasota, Fla. Follow his daily pursuits and thoughts through his blog.Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.comBlogger304125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-24903010267055338172020-04-09T11:30:00.000-07:002020-04-09T11:34:08.048-07:00Lake Manatee is a jewel that shines bright and is lightly fished<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvAy0LxeZBx4TEp5q6V50nZZK0xQWwoWvA-C0hgtIOqzRnzPDlHJoSGizP1ffTVcuEa3aj2DLeGVRdjj6u99JTWjynRr0kC0DGpj7QgDWHHA1pzPk7G-YSjrlhvnBQ-VAaQyZ_i0sq7HZ/s1600/IMG_0882_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1600" height="547" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvAy0LxeZBx4TEp5q6V50nZZK0xQWwoWvA-C0hgtIOqzRnzPDlHJoSGizP1ffTVcuEa3aj2DLeGVRdjj6u99JTWjynRr0kC0DGpj7QgDWHHA1pzPk7G-YSjrlhvnBQ-VAaQyZ_i0sq7HZ/s640/IMG_0882_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Lake Manatee largemouth bass fell for a Myakka Minnow on a 2-weight TFO Finesse. (photo by John Weimer)</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></b>he other day, I told a friend of mine that I was going to
head out to Lake Manatee the next morning. I told him he could join me if he'd
like.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Must not have appealed to him because he decided to fish a
private lake in Venice instead.</div>
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<br /></div>
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No big deal.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He'd fished Lake Manatee one time a year or so ago with
little success. So, I doubt he was too excited about the prospects of another
trip. Surely a chance to fish a private look had significantly more appeal.</div>
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I get it. Most folks who fish Lake Manatee leave
unimpressed. She's a tough nut to crack -- to say the least. I'll bet there are
more Lake Manatee one-timers than any other lake in Florida.</div>
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That's a shame.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I experienced perhaps my best day ever on the lake. And I've
had some good ones over the years.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqb9oz6IYpC16nmnjFiEVtLIN7-m2nTVwNZh3nlg9uwsuk1un9hFqd_MSmA7iJaoUDq9YOm2Q4lZmPZ-h9FU63_mBiea1JQ5Wqvs4AMS2mwiwPRHFJHTqy_w0dn9-SdlqUDaMvVCLpouCX/s1600/IMG_20200327_075728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqb9oz6IYpC16nmnjFiEVtLIN7-m2nTVwNZh3nlg9uwsuk1un9hFqd_MSmA7iJaoUDq9YOm2Q4lZmPZ-h9FU63_mBiea1JQ5Wqvs4AMS2mwiwPRHFJHTqy_w0dn9-SdlqUDaMvVCLpouCX/s320/IMG_20200327_075728.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hefty Lake Manatee shellcracker</td></tr>
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I first fished Lake Manatee in the late 1970s. And I'll
admit I certainly wasn't very impressed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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"Lake Manatee is very tough to fish," said Bob
Popp, who at the time was manager of the old Bass Pro Shop on the north Tamiami
Trail in Sarasota. "But she has some impressive bass."</div>
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<br /></div>
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He was right. The old gal can be extremely tough. Reason is
the lake isn't your typical Florida "dishpan" lake, with vegetation-covered shorelines. The lake was created in 1964 when a dam was constructed
across the Manatee River. The lake/reservoir is used to provide drinking water
for Manatee County residents.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Most of the shoreline is not really shoreline at all, but a
facade created by vegetation that grows out into the lake. The edges can be 20
to 75 feet from the true shoreline. And under the vegetation is nothing but
empty water.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Another factor that affects fishing is the lake's water
level. I find it best when the water at the dam (where the measurement is
taken) is at 39 feet. That means there's plenty of water at my favorite spots
to cast popping bugs for bluegills and bass or nymphs for bluegill, speckled
perch, shellcracker, stumpknocker and channel catfish.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">W</span></b>hen the water drops, that often means spots where I had
been catching fish are now only 12 inches or less. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fish move offshore into deeper water.</div>
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You can determine the lake's water level by visiting: </div>
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<a href="https://www.weatherforyou.com/reports/index.php?config=&place=winter+park&state=fl&forecast=riversobs&gauge=MTDF1">https://www.weatherforyou.com/reports/index.php?config=&place=winter+park&state=fl&forecast=riversobs&gauge=MTDF1</a></div>
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The lake's level<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is
controlled by flood gates on the dam, which is located<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on the western end of the lake. I'm not sure
what Manatee County's philosophy is when it comes to determining the water
level?</div>
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Certainly rain and drought have influence, but who knows
what goes on when it comes to the lake's water level?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Although low water can be a pain, it doesn't mean fishing
will stink. Witness a trip John Weimer, a Sarasota retiree, and I had in May of
2017. We launched<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our NuCanoe Pursuits
at the ramp in Lake Manatee State Park. I hadn't fished that part of the lake
very much and really knew little about it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, we headed across the lake and found some fish feeding in
a shallow cove. We cast small popping bugs and had a pretty good bite for about
an hour. We caught largemouth bass, bluegill, sunshine bass and a feisty
channel cat (a rare catch on a popper).</div>
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<br /></div>
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When the bite ended, I wasn't sure what to do? However, I
noticed some disturbances along the shoreline and paddled closer to see what
was going on. Turned out, it was big channel catfish "tailing" in the
shallows. While they were grubbing along the bottom, their tails would pierce
the water's surface. It was then an easy task to present them a fly. We
connected on quite a few before the fish left the area.</div>
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We found more "tailing" activity just west of the
cove. At the spot, we found it easier to "beach" the kayaks, get out
and walk along the exposed beach (it was normally under water). Casting Squirmy
Wormy flies under a strike indicator, Weimer and I caught and released 17
channel cats from 2 to 6 pounds.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My latest trip was one of my best ... ever!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At dawn, I found some bluegill feeding along
a grass edge and caught an half dozen on popping bugs. When that died, I
paddled along a grass edge and found an area of deeper water. I expected
bluegill, but encountered largemouth bass to 3 pounds. I caught four or five
bass, plus a handful of bluegill and a large stumpknocker.</div>
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<br /></div>
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At that point, I decided to give Speck Cove a try. It's an
area that has been yielding some really big bluegill and shellcracker. But a
funny thing happened on the way to the cove.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I found some "busting" fish and decided to give
them a try. I wasn't sure what they were, but what the heck? I was expected
bluegill, but found more bass. First cast resulted in a plump 3-pounder. By the
time the topwater bite ended, I had caught and released a half dozen bass to 2
1/2 pounds.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></b>hat's when I finally head to Speck Cove. I caught a half
dozen nice bluegill on a Gibby's Simple Nymph under a strike indicator, but
they certainly weren't jumping into the kayak.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9qQ3DePbGDlWeIULpeoHzy3aZES8Ja_ZBpBuYCVCX9NAyKCd50aY9HKkEZBERG4E3x81-H_2Ro3sNIvZHYaxW_Q4oDbd7WOtW01N29NQOhnte3dcZ1wt7TAqYdGdwfGuiiPR6O9ikAwi/s1600/IMG_0963_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9qQ3DePbGDlWeIULpeoHzy3aZES8Ja_ZBpBuYCVCX9NAyKCd50aY9HKkEZBERG4E3x81-H_2Ro3sNIvZHYaxW_Q4oDbd7WOtW01N29NQOhnte3dcZ1wt7TAqYdGdwfGuiiPR6O9ikAwi/s320/IMG_0963_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This huge channel cat was taken on a 1/2-weight fly rod.</td></tr>
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So, I paddled back to a spot<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>where Weimer and I had done well the week prior. It's a long grass line,
but only a third of it had been productive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The strategy was to drift the productive area and then<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>paddle back and drift it again. As long as
the fish were cooperative, we'd gladly make another drift.</div>
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The pattern was the same on this outing -- only better. In
addition to some really big bluegill, I caught 10 speckled perch (northerners
call them crappie), bass to 4 pounds and a 13-pound channel cat.</div>
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All of the fish were caught on nymphs.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And to complicate
things, I was using a TFO 1/2-weight Finesse. You're reading that correctly. It's a half weight. Smaller than a 1 weight fly rod.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I've caught a lot of fish on that rod, but I never expected
to catch my largest channel cat ever.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fortunately, when I set the hook after
the big cat inhaled the No. 12 nymph, the fish decided to head out into the middle
of the lake. If it had headed into the grass, there's no way my 4-pound tippet
would with survived.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Still, it was an epic battle. Not only was I taken deep into
the backing, I was also close to being stripped. I've developed the ability to
paddle and fight a fish at the same time, so I could follow the fish and regain
some line. I was able to prevent the big cat from stripping me.</div>
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The battle took 15 minutes. It didn't take a genius to
figure out it was a big fish, but my eyes widened when I saw the channel cat
for the first time. It was the largest I'd ever hooked on the lake. </div>
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I netted the monster, removed the tiny nymph and weighed the
fish. Slightly more than 13 pounds.</div>
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Incredible.</div>
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I've caught quite a few noteworthy fish from Lake Manatee.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo2lGkWOznt6zfRJ7IcOBP2lcBUnNB3Z4_tBXBtpQBe6MQnAHiRa4S69sa2bzqIi8TSF9rnmp3h_ZNXtJ7-vuA2ZrcycSZaU_Oy49g8fhtt-ncwMgTw2phQvzgkBwhFFk8otHWKD2_mj2/s1600/DSC04298_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo2lGkWOznt6zfRJ7IcOBP2lcBUnNB3Z4_tBXBtpQBe6MQnAHiRa4S69sa2bzqIi8TSF9rnmp3h_ZNXtJ7-vuA2ZrcycSZaU_Oy49g8fhtt-ncwMgTw2phQvzgkBwhFFk8otHWKD2_mj2/s320/DSC04298_edited-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Weimer with a Lake Manatee speck</td></tr>
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In March (2020), Weimer and I were drifting the north
shoreline on our way back to the launch at Lake Manatee Fish Camp. We'd had
another remarkable day, with loads of bluegill, shellcracker and largemouth
bass. We really did expect much, but the light westerly breeze was moving us
along shoreline beautifully.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">W</span></b>eimer was casting a Gibby's Rudy J; I was casting a No. 12
Gibby's Myakka Minnow on a 2-weight TFO Finesse.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We each caught a couple of small fish, but nothing
exceptional. I cast the Myakka Minnow, a fly I developed in 2005, to within a
inch of the grass line and began to retrieve it. The line tightened and I swear
I was hung up on a log or the bottom. I knew that wasn't the case when I felt
movement on the end of the line.</div>
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<br /></div>
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"Big fish," I yelled to John, which is our signal
to get the camera ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I don't
know what it is, but it's big."</div>
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<br /></div>
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I began paddling backwards with one hand and fighting the
fish with the other. My goal was to (hopefully) get the fish away from the
grass and limbs. I saw the fish flash and really thought it was one of the lake's
huge tilapia. But when it made its first jump, I knew it wasn't.</div>
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It was a huge bass. It was the largest bass I'd ever taken
on fly. It was beautiful.</div>
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But how could I land it on such diminutive tackle? Would the
tiny, No. 12 hook hold? Would the 4-pound tippet be strong enough?</div>
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I didn't know, but I would give it my best effort.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The fishing gods were with me that day. The tiny hook and
light tippet survived six jumps and a 10-minute fight. When I was finally able
to net the bass, I was amazed. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I've caught a pair of trophy bass in my life. I caught an
11-pound, 9-ounce largemouth from a pond in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., in 1975. I
caught a 10-4 bass from Sarasota's Cowpen Slough in 1979. But those came on
spinning and baitcasting tackle.</div>
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This bass was my largest on fly rod. I'm not sure how much it weighed, but I'd guess 7 pounds or more.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Other memorable Lake Manatee outings include the day Weimer
and I combined for 30 big speckled perch on nymphs (our record).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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And there's the time I caught a 6-pound tilapia on a
1-weight TFO Finesse (also on a nymph). </div>
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<br /></div>
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I got to video Weimer fighting and landing a huge tilapia
that he got on a Myakka Minnow.</div>
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Noted fly fisher Joe Mahler of Fort Myers and I had an unforgettable
day when we didn't land a big one. It was Mahler's first trip on Lake Manatee.
We paddled under the State Road 64 toward the south shoreline. I'd been getting
some nice bluegill there.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">W</span></b>e started casting along the shore, but our plan was
interrupted by some big bass feeding on golden shiners behind us. You could see
shiners frantically leaping from the water, trying to escape the big bass in
pursuit.</div>
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We cast what we had in our hands as quickly as we could. I
was using a No. 10 popping bug. I don't remember was Mahler was casting, but
I'm sure it was equally as ridiculous for big bass as my tiny bug.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We both hooked up immediately. I don't know how large my fish
was, but I couldn't stop it. The hook didn't do a good job, either. It pulled.
I hooked three more huge bass (and lost each one) before the melee ended.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It's my opinion that Lake Manatee isn't a great bass lake.
At least that's what I've found. I think there are some huge bass in the lake,
but they're not easy. I believe you have to be opportunistic. </div>
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<br /></div>
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During spring and fall, you'll often find schools of hefty
bass busting shad in the afternoon. Shad will rise to the surface to feed on
plankton when the water warms up in early afternoon. You can often witness the
blowup from the bass.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2a15AhyLan4wqt3WzTs_DIj26o_OQwFXcYiTxdJJ27EMuJKuvATK35ZXT_9ZDAUVKkN8oxriRVzNXSbIoS0GN4fG-7dEeCkHGhDiHjNq9Y7iD42HyOnvUhql1NJmQrb-Wy7wB2MhEeZby/s1600/DSC01271_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2a15AhyLan4wqt3WzTs_DIj26o_OQwFXcYiTxdJJ27EMuJKuvATK35ZXT_9ZDAUVKkN8oxriRVzNXSbIoS0GN4fG-7dEeCkHGhDiHjNq9Y7iD42HyOnvUhql1NJmQrb-Wy7wB2MhEeZby/s320/DSC01271_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The author with a nice tilapia taken on a 1-weight TFO.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've found it's tough to get close enough to cast. My
strategy has always been to paddle to the general vicinity, then sit and wait.
Sooner or later, fish will move close enough for you to make a cast.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These usually aren't trophy bass, but solid 3 to 5 pounders.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The lake also has some hefty shellcracker (redear sunfish).
I was told years ago that you can't catch shellcracker on popping bugs. The
Lake Okeechobee guide who gave me that sage advice probably should have told me
that I couldn't catch very many shellcracker on popping bugs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a recent trip, I caught two nice shellcracker in a row
poppers. Later in the day, I caught four more shellcracker, including one that
weighed more than a pound, on my Gibby's Simple Nymph. Most of my shellcracker
are caught on nymphs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That leads me to my freshwater strategy. I'm like most other
fly fishers; I love to catch fish on the surface. So, I usually started out
with a No. 10 popping bug. And I'll fish it as long as I'm catching fish. That
can be from 20 minutes to several hours. I let the fish tell me what to do.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the topwater bite ends, I usually switch to a Simple
Nymph under a strike indicator. This is my go-to combo on Lake Manatee and
other lakes around the state. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I first started fly fishing, all I used in fresh water
was popping bugs. And when the bite ended, it was time to go home.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That all changed when I discovered nymphing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That discovery took place while fishing for
trout in northeast Georgia with guide Rex Gudgel out of Unicoi Outfitters in
Helen, Ga. We were doing well on nymphs, catching rainbow trout to 27 inches.
That's when the proverbial light bulb started glowing in my head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"If trout love nymphs, why wouldn't Florida panfish?"
I thought. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">M</span></b>y plan was to give it a try upon return to Sarasota. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I ordered a dozen Hare's Ear Nymphs from Orvis and the
odyssey began. Not only did the nymphs work, but they worked wonderfully! I
started catching more fish than ever. And I caught some large fish.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a while, I start tying my own. I didn't tie Hare's Ear Nymphs, but an adaptation that I created for myself. I call it the Gibby's
Simple Nymph. It's a bead-head nymph with a pheasant tail and dubbed body.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
It's quick and easy to tie. And it catches loads of fish.</div>
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The best fishing at Lake Manatee takes place fall through
spring. I don't fish it much in summer because that's the time I'm usually
walking the beaches, sight-fishing for snook in the surf.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Lake Manatee is located off State Road 64 west of Bradenton
in Manatee County. It's nine miles east of Interstate 75.</div>
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It's close, easy to get to and, most importantly, lightly
fished. </div>
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<br /></div>
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If you haven't fished Lake Manatee, you're missing out.</div>
<br /></div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-44374122101808111892018-11-28T06:09:00.000-08:002020-04-09T11:34:28.296-07:00A new species on fly rod is always a memorable occasion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdjMBiWun6VOddnSnomGJmL0WpkaoRxrrUMqlRhTBv5-OzhziQqiq68ebpmtCspDIX03Oz0Q2g5tN9VxtSCWByzradHlbTHmwgx7xX3BwsusdREhJjiYVKW10j6BitjOOJ-Mpjwt8mr5x/s1600/DSCN1397+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1600" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdjMBiWun6VOddnSnomGJmL0WpkaoRxrrUMqlRhTBv5-OzhziQqiq68ebpmtCspDIX03Oz0Q2g5tN9VxtSCWByzradHlbTHmwgx7xX3BwsusdREhJjiYVKW10j6BitjOOJ-Mpjwt8mr5x/s640/DSCN1397+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author Steve Gibson shows off a first, a sailfin catfish from Lake Manatee. (John Weimer photo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdjMBiWun6VOddnSnomGJmL0WpkaoRxrrUMqlRhTBv5-OzhziQqiq68ebpmtCspDIX03Oz0Q2g5tN9VxtSCWByzradHlbTHmwgx7xX3BwsusdREhJjiYVKW10j6BitjOOJ-Mpjwt8mr5x/s1600/DSCN1397+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdjMBiWun6VOddnSnomGJmL0WpkaoRxrrUMqlRhTBv5-OzhziQqiq68ebpmtCspDIX03Oz0Q2g5tN9VxtSCWByzradHlbTHmwgx7xX3BwsusdREhJjiYVKW10j6BitjOOJ-Mpjwt8mr5x/s1600/DSCN1397+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdjMBiWun6VOddnSnomGJmL0WpkaoRxrrUMqlRhTBv5-OzhziQqiq68ebpmtCspDIX03Oz0Q2g5tN9VxtSCWByzradHlbTHmwgx7xX3BwsusdREhJjiYVKW10j6BitjOOJ-Mpjwt8mr5x/s1600/DSCN1397+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">'m a little different. I think.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">While most people I know don't give a hoot about catching a
new species, I'm all over it any time I get the chance.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">I've been that way since the day I started fishing.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">I remember a trip to Costa Rica in the early 1990s. My hosts
wanted to pursue snook and tarpon -- species I catch all the time while angling
around my home in Sarasota, Fla. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">I've caught more snook and tarpon than any angler has a
right to catch. With that in mind, I opted for Costa Rican native species.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">During my stay, I caught guapote, roncadore and mojarra --
three species that were new to me and unavailable in my home waters. I didn't
catch any snook or tarpon, but I was quite happy with the results.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Just the other day, I caught a new species near my home. I
had been trying to catch a sailfin catfish around the boat launch at Lake
Manatee. They are pretty easy to spot around the launch. However, I had tried a
couple times without success.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">After a fun day fly fishing for bluegill and other species
with John Weimer of Sarasota, I decided to try my luck on these prehistoric
catfish once again. Only this time, I would pursue them with a No. 12 Gibby's
Snymph, a tiny nymph pattern which usually produces good numbers of fish.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">I didn't expect much. Why should I? I'd never had a sailfish
cat show even the slightest interest in anything I cast in front of them.</span></div>
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<b>B</b><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">ut they apparently loved the Snymph. The cats were
plentiful in the shallows along the shoreline just north of the launch. I waded
along slowly and look for them on the bottom. When I'd spot one, I would cast
the fly in front of them and let it sink to the bottom.</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">I hooked and lost two fish quickly. The third fish wasn't so
lucky. I was solidly connected to the 2-pound fish on my 1-weight TFO Finesse. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">The fight was unremarkable. The fish was slow and sluggish,
but nothing the 1-weight rod couldn't handle. After a couple of minutes,
Weimer, who was wading beside me, was able to net the dark-colored catfish.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">I was extremely happy. Not because of the battle. Not
because they're good on the table. But because it was my first on fly!</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Actually, according the Florida's Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission, they're pretty decent on the table. Sailfin cats are
not indigenous to Florida, but have been in state waters since the 1950s. They
were probably introduced by tropical-fish enthusiast who dumped the contents of
his/her aquarium into a backyard canal or pond.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">The rest is history.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Over the years, I 've caught a number of first-time species
on fly, including oscar, peacock bass, Mayan cichlid, Midas cichlid, blue
tilapia, spotted tilapia, sheepshead and others.</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Every time I catch a fish on fly rod that I've never caught
before is a memorable occasion!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span></div>
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-11842827309556891602018-08-05T10:33:00.000-07:002018-08-05T10:33:48.941-07:00Weather, wind and dirty water putting a damper on beach snook season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoe9zQSfzg7THwfNCi_oBi6UYBl9RL740QP7gDZ9JdLbhC_YuYsTN9bcnpqpwETHAuPimSAc76QrZ-fHX0YQuLz74P2hu7JxTHv7W2q5OpTQnXB5KwbhV-jQzWMsRNvaPQsg2IaphDeq8/s1600/DSC07526_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoe9zQSfzg7THwfNCi_oBi6UYBl9RL740QP7gDZ9JdLbhC_YuYsTN9bcnpqpwETHAuPimSAc76QrZ-fHX0YQuLz74P2hu7JxTHv7W2q5OpTQnXB5KwbhV-jQzWMsRNvaPQsg2IaphDeq8/s640/DSC07526_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Mallia of Buffalo, N.Y., landed the snook of a lifetime while sight-fishing the surf off Longboat Key.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">T</span></b>his summer has been challenging -- to say the least.<br />
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West wind, dirty water, rough surf and other problems have
made this the most trying beach snook season in years.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKUy3bsA1zWc28aYClSVyjf1v41Y4EqiHkbeeGswX5NBQnMe2Kc1xFYbc9A1GBWMCdlSO03xCqGAXuvQMg3lBTQHdcG6l664sLsA-X2xUCZWwuADwjPFKQy-20TyIGi5uLASI3NqvvSSc/s1600/DSC07502_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKUy3bsA1zWc28aYClSVyjf1v41Y4EqiHkbeeGswX5NBQnMe2Kc1xFYbc9A1GBWMCdlSO03xCqGAXuvQMg3lBTQHdcG6l664sLsA-X2xUCZWwuADwjPFKQy-20TyIGi5uLASI3NqvvSSc/s320/DSC07502_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big snook prowl the surf in summer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And it appears now that the season just might be over when
you add red tide into the fray. Places where I've had some success are now
unfishable because of deadly bloom.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We did have some beach snook success in July. Sara McKenzie
of Oregon joined me for a day of sight-fishing in the surf. We encountered
plenty of snook at our first spot, but the fish were uncooperative. We switched
locations, heading south to mid-Longboat Key. There, Sara hooked nine snook and
landed five. She also had a large snook quickly inhale the fly and spit it out.</div>
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Mike Cline of Bozeman, Mont., an accomplished trout angler,
joined me for two days. We fished north Longboat Key with moderate success.
Mike hooked three snook on the first day and landed a small one. Next time out,
he cast at 30 or 40 monster snook without a hit.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOnjQHNST1ZD8YdxCtOJMu4wo_Mcp_YuDXBEKD78tm4hO5OPln-bxYsvYnmW0j4hG_IF8pgvoAJr78Z19HIVUPZ563IgEYdrPG3pv9Qlz6hfHhB8U4A1wKYBh-uzd8B-A43uDmd1IlaMa/s1600/DSC07343_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOnjQHNST1ZD8YdxCtOJMu4wo_Mcp_YuDXBEKD78tm4hO5OPln-bxYsvYnmW0j4hG_IF8pgvoAJr78Z19HIVUPZ563IgEYdrPG3pv9Qlz6hfHhB8U4A1wKYBh-uzd8B-A43uDmd1IlaMa/s320/DSC07343_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sara McKenzie of Oregon connects with a beach snook.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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John Mallia and Don Lenda of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Buffalo, N.Y., <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fished two days
with me and had fair success. First day out, John landed a pair of pompano. Don
had a monster snook take his D.T. Variation, but the fish (we estimated it at
25 pounds) broke the leader.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">N</span></b>ext time out, John landed another pompano and hooked a big
snook. He was able to land the fish after and challenging battle that took him
deep into the backing. We estimated his personal -best snook at 15 pounds.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Typically, July and August are the prime months for beach
snook. Not this year. </div>
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I might be jumping the gun a bit, but I'm think it just
might be over as red tide has invaded Sarasota and Manatee counties.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fortunately, red tide has no effect on freshwater fishing.
And we have been having some pretty decent results in local fresh waters.</div>
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John Weimer, a member of the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers in
Sarasota, and I fished Lake Manatee and did well. We landed 15 mostly large
copperheaded bluegill on Gibby's Snymphs under strike indicators, popping
bugs and Myakka Minnows. We also landed bass, channel catfish and a hefty
tilapia (John's personal best). We fished the Gilley Creek area of the lake.</div>
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Key to fishing this time of year is to get out early to beat
the heat.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AUGUST FORECAST</b>:
I'm thinking fresh water is the way to go. With red tide making things
difficult in salt water, a switch to the sweet side is in order. Top spots
locally include Lake Manatee, Benderson Lake, Myakka River, Upper Myakka Lake,
Shell<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Creek and Webb Lake. Popping bugs
should work good early, but we usually switch to nymphs and Myakka Minnows by
mid morning. If the red tide stays out of Sarasota Bay, I look for decent snook
action at night around dock lights. Small tarpon and spotted seatrout also are
possible around dock lights. We use small minnow and shrimp imitations for dock
snook.</div>
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It's not too early at least begin thinking about peacock
bass. We've had pretty good success over the last two years around Naples on
peacocks up to six pounds. We also encounter oscar, Mayan cichlid, largemouth
bass, tarpon, bluegill and shellcracker. When targeting peacock bass, we use 5
or 6-weight rods, floating lines and Junior's Craft Fur Minnows. It's a blast
when the peacocks cooperate.</div>
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September through mid-December are prime months.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you're interested in book a trip, please give me a call
(941-284-3406) or email me (steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com).</div>
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I'd love to take you fishing!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">941-284-3406</b></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-14984843274821106112018-05-29T10:43:00.001-07:002018-05-29T10:46:09.200-07:00Wind and rough water couldn't stop us from catching fish<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsMwSvo0qovC6_whswL58Oe-wIBIdi7un1IpSI2I7l7e8Kg6r6RKQSaJfGlEBXDADi0X4L4k-mc025c0SlZ4nFdSFMFBC3IgLtolSevPLj7mKeJLKfZ2Qte99smPQatB28oeSoHqFbiRI/s1600/DSC06855_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsMwSvo0qovC6_whswL58Oe-wIBIdi7un1IpSI2I7l7e8Kg6r6RKQSaJfGlEBXDADi0X4L4k-mc025c0SlZ4nFdSFMFBC3IgLtolSevPLj7mKeJLKfZ2Qte99smPQatB28oeSoHqFbiRI/s640/DSC06855_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonnie Hickey of Bozeman, Mont., battles her first beach snook.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>W</b>e were able to catch a decent number of fish during May --
despite strong wind, rain and rough and dirty water.</div>
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Weather certainly has been a major influence on fishing
throughout southwest Florida so far in 2018.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We're hoping things settle down
and we can get back to "normal."</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQarKaq4UEmmEKN3Ozp_cxV29VBfn41YEDXegiJuLuP78xeC1-ymPqkglsZgcNj-ciwDTO77O_1YT73haq3feN9F5IZ_laNtaAb0UP8qJcRLLVoKZbWoQzmt4HYfC2BAYhyphenhyphen61CJNP9ZeA/s1600/DSCN1216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQarKaq4UEmmEKN3Ozp_cxV29VBfn41YEDXegiJuLuP78xeC1-ymPqkglsZgcNj-ciwDTO77O_1YT73haq3feN9F5IZ_laNtaAb0UP8qJcRLLVoKZbWoQzmt4HYfC2BAYhyphenhyphen61CJNP9ZeA/s320/DSCN1216.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This unusual brown peacock bass was impressive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Early in the month, we made a number trips to The Everglades
where we walked in and did quite well on peacock bass, largemouth bass,
bluegill, oscar and Mayan cichlid. Despite our success, those trips are over
until the next dry season. High water, heat, thunderstorms and mosquitoes will
keep angling action in The 'Glades to a minimum for a few months.</div>
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<br /></div>
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That being said, it could be the time to think about an
Everglades trip down the road. If you've never caught a peacock bass, you might
want to seriously consider this trip.</div>
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Over our last four outings down there, we caught and
released more than 200 peacock bass. It's some great fly fishing, for sure.</div>
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Most of the fish were caught on Junior's Craft Fur Minnow, a
creation of Junior Burk, an Indiana fly tyer. We also caught peacock bass on
Gibby's Myakka Minnows.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPeZvEV7BWcR9Bo_k-8MTiDZ7TEmEFBmd1geu8huvAwbWCWn2IS-UNIelDvgY5FGAEVKjig0WITltmoHPAEb4DWGGP8jrvpXUM0cUlI4ilq3jgW-GswnpEHgtN1vR0y0K_bNi_66aG1X6/s1600/DSCN1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPeZvEV7BWcR9Bo_k-8MTiDZ7TEmEFBmd1geu8huvAwbWCWn2IS-UNIelDvgY5FGAEVKjig0WITltmoHPAEb4DWGGP8jrvpXUM0cUlI4ilq3jgW-GswnpEHgtN1vR0y0K_bNi_66aG1X6/s320/DSCN1165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gibby's Myakka Minnow was effective on peacocks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I did get out on a couple of beach snook trips in May.
Conditions were not good, but we still encountered snook. Mike and Bonnie
Hickey of Bozeman, Mont., joined me on a marginal day. We first tried Manasota
Key, but encountered rough water and quite a bit of red algae (not red tide) in
the surf. We drove north to Casey Key and found better conditions.</div>
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At Casey Key, Bonnie Hickey landed a 23-inch snook (the fish
broke loose as I was holding the leader). She and Mike also hooked a few
others. In all, they got maybe 15 shots at snook, including one fish we
estimated at 10-12 pounds.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">J</span></b>eff Marshall of Venice and Sherri Soper of Arizona spent a
day with sight-fishing the surf in trying conditions. The water was calm
enough, but the sky was overcast<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which
resulted in extreme glare on the water, making spotting snook pretty tough. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HoOr_RtdLvezoRsBC8AttXZ69ZEZYLkKWohoh-NDUNJmYPQ0LWoOpE_TzFWmsHEf0evsXcpf4I8i8SaogbJMfWE-PgbiJOe_54cE_i6_a4KDoZzIXhc-CzFODEMgHHOuZl7VAqIi1AsE/s1600/DSCN1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HoOr_RtdLvezoRsBC8AttXZ69ZEZYLkKWohoh-NDUNJmYPQ0LWoOpE_TzFWmsHEf0evsXcpf4I8i8SaogbJMfWE-PgbiJOe_54cE_i6_a4KDoZzIXhc-CzFODEMgHHOuZl7VAqIi1AsE/s320/DSCN1253.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This over-sized redfish was sight-fished in 18 inches of water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Still, Sherri<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hooked
a 24-incher and had a couple of other s take her fly. Jeff landed a decent
spotted seatrout and lost another.</div>
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<br /></div>
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John Weimer of the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers in Sarasota
joined me on a trip to Lake Manatee. We launched at the Verna Road Bridge on
the east end of the lake. The results were fair. We landed 25 mostly hand-size
bluegill on popping bugs and Gibby's Snymphs under strike indicators.</div>
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Weimer also fished with me late in the month around
Buttonwood Harbor off Sarasota Bay. We caught and released five snook, two
redfish to33 inches, a number of spotted seatrout and a few ladyfish. Snook
were caught on Gibby's Snook Shrimp, while the reds went for MirrOlure Lil
Johns on light jig heads. Fish of the day was one we didn't land. While casting
for trout over deep grass, I jumped a 60-pound tarpon that put on quite a show
before I lost it!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Marshall<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinerman of
Atlanta caught spotted seatrout to 18 and ladyfish on MirrOlure Lil Johns on
light jigs around Buttonwood Harbor. We also landed a fine, late-season pompano
on a MirrOlure MirrOdine.</div>
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<b>JUNE FORECAST</b>: I
can tell you what it should be. Snook should be plentiful in the surf and willing to hit a Gibby's D.T. Variation.
This is the best sight-fishing around when conditions are right. All we need
are a light easterly breeze, calm surf, clear water and sunshine! Around
Sarasota Bay, I look for decent snook action at night around lighted docks.
Spotted seatrout should be plentiful over deep grass. And I think redfish
action is beginning to (finally) pick back up after four sub-par years. I've
already caught and released more reds this year than in the last four years
combined.</div>
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If you want to get in on some of this exciting action,
please give me a call (941-284-3406) or email me
(steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com).</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">941-284-3406<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<br /></div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-84670186267396035872018-05-01T09:59:00.000-07:002018-05-01T09:59:32.605-07:00Despite the wind, April produced a variety of fish<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuNANA2d7E4gb9aNOp6J5cWhW3wJ_GpTGiRHrLPDczr-H-TnIEI3xxYFq194YAqhJeaRLjKKOFt1R99AgpMbqCM7M7a3_4w-wekO2rDSm_U4zmXvYQwvc69nDON2dKjbC0e9Lf_8PIZNR/s1600/DSC06350_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1600" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuNANA2d7E4gb9aNOp6J5cWhW3wJ_GpTGiRHrLPDczr-H-TnIEI3xxYFq194YAqhJeaRLjKKOFt1R99AgpMbqCM7M7a3_4w-wekO2rDSm_U4zmXvYQwvc69nDON2dKjbC0e9Lf_8PIZNR/s640/DSC06350_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshall Dinerman of Atlanta had a reason to smile after landing his first redfish in nearly six years.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A</span></b>pril continued where March left off -- windy.<br />
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Extremely windy.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM6NJb4hD_0CpIND2f1Ka_ttK2DON5usE2Pi0sh4QOhezqYklwEqzgNMl4nADpbUsYVj86lC-1IQYC0Q6gpmOLGJYCX-yvjZROrrKSRKl46htsZd32qleuqDTjm91GUi8PUdDVuK2eZ0i/s1600/DSC06800_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1368" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM6NJb4hD_0CpIND2f1Ka_ttK2DON5usE2Pi0sh4QOhezqYklwEqzgNMl4nADpbUsYVj86lC-1IQYC0Q6gpmOLGJYCX-yvjZROrrKSRKl46htsZd32qleuqDTjm91GUi8PUdDVuK2eZ0i/s320/DSC06800_edited-1.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Weimer shows off a fine peacock bass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In fact, I have yet to walk the beach in search of snook in
the surf. I hope it's not too long before the windy subsides and conditions get
right for my favorite form of saltwater fly fishing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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That doesn't mean we didn't fish in April. Au contraire! We
got out many times and did pretty well.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In salt water, we fished Sarasota Bay, catching a variety
fish. Marshall Dinerman of Orlando caught a 28-inch redfish on a Live Target
pilchard in Buttonwood Harbor. He said it was his first redfish in nearly six
years! In addition, we caught snook, spotted seatrout and ladyfish.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dave Marshall of Port Charlotte caught a pair of snook on
MirrOlure Lil Johns on light jigs from a Longboat Key canal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, he added his largest redfish ever -- a
30-incher. He used Lil John on a jig. We also landed another snook and one of
the largest mojarra I've ever seen.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Todd Dawson of Bradenton fished Sarasota Bay off Stephens
Point and did well. We caught 25 spotted seatrout to 17 inches and a small gag
grouper, using D.O.A. CAL Jigs and gold grubs.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW6Z0NSr_b2fOlymCa5n_vRDBYgUfD_dfGsxXfA-FzYotz3P9QIK_eqFNKq2mNk7KVW7D3eLaYWUp_92K3LkscRL7m6BJlgl1NSOcPKWRLMyx389HXbk28y5VcrkYzlfzKBBwwZAw6quH/s1600/DSC06464_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW6Z0NSr_b2fOlymCa5n_vRDBYgUfD_dfGsxXfA-FzYotz3P9QIK_eqFNKq2mNk7KVW7D3eLaYWUp_92K3LkscRL7m6BJlgl1NSOcPKWRLMyx389HXbk28y5VcrkYzlfzKBBwwZAw6quH/s320/DSC06464_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave Marshall and his Sarasota Bay redfish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got out on a solo trip and had a very good day. Using an
8-weight fly rod, I bested five snook to 26 inches around dock lights. I used a
small, white shrimp imitation. After daylight, I caught a pair of redfish, six
spotted seatrout and four more snook to 30 inches on a MirrOlure topwater plug
and MirrOlure MirrOdines.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I fished Buttonwood Harbor on another occasion and caught 12
snook, 10 spotted seatrout and two redfish on flies, jigs, MirrOdines and topwater
plugs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">P</span></b>eacock bass action was extremely hot in April. John Weimer
of Sarasota joined me for two trip to The Everglades . We walked in to a small
lake and caught 130 peacock bass to 4 pounds on Junior's Craft Fur Minnows and
Myakka Minnows. We also caught largemouth bass to 3 pounds, oscar, Mayan
cichlid, hand-size bluegill, gar and tilapia.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The walk-in trip (the walk is easy) is one you won't want to
miss. However, I expect conditions to be right for the trip for only a few more
weeks. Once the rainy season (June through August) begins, the walk will be
impossible because of high water and mosquitoes. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also fished Lake Manatee on a couple of occasions,
catching bluegill, largemouth bass, shellcracker, speckled perch and
shellcracker on popping bugs, nymphs and Myakka Minnows.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MAY FORECAST</b>: I
look for beach snook action to take off once we get conditions conducive for
sight-fishing the surf. For this, I used 6-8-weight fly rods, intermediate
sinktip lines and 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. My fly choice is my Gibby's
D.T. Variation, a creation I've used to catch more than 5,000 snook in the surf
over the years. Bay fish should remain good for spotted seatrout, snook,
redfish, ladyfish and jack crevalle. We'll continue to fish The Everglade for
peacock bass, largemouth bass, oscar, Mayan cichlid, bluegill and other species
until conditions get too tough. Locally, Lake Manatee, the Myakka River and
Webb Lake should produce good results (largemouth bass, bluegill, speckled
perch,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>channel catfish, sunshine bass).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My beach snook trips are filling up quickly. So, it might
not be a bad idea to book ahead of time. Call me at 941-284-3406 or email be at
steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As always, thanks to my generous sponsors: NuCanoe,
Aqua-bound, MirrOlure , Temple Fork Outfitters and D.O.A. Lures.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">941-384-3406<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-54110550369092548812018-01-03T12:32:00.000-08:002018-01-18T13:34:55.290-08:00Junior's Craft Fur Minnow great for fresh- and saltwater fish<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2PLRajHZudma3BoZoUKkdLvat7DoP4gO-PlfPjcs4LcrxlCbCOfGr1oiOkjfyyF_n5HM17fheh_qmwbU9Y3Yxln4Zig0402skrDYsQ4aRgkXeAyqlVhqoNYOHvOYek1JshHem8-L-_X9/s1600/12566.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1280" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2PLRajHZudma3BoZoUKkdLvat7DoP4gO-PlfPjcs4LcrxlCbCOfGr1oiOkjfyyF_n5HM17fheh_qmwbU9Y3Yxln4Zig0402skrDYsQ4aRgkXeAyqlVhqoNYOHvOYek1JshHem8-L-_X9/s640/12566.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junior's Craft Fur Minnow is easy to tie and very effective on fresh- and saltwater fish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">E</span></b>very once in a while, I stumble upon an idea so simple that
I wonder why I didn't think of it?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe Mahler, a fly-fishing guru in Fort Myers, Fla., turned
me onto a fly created by Junior Burke of Indiana. It's a classic takeoff on the
Clouser Deep Minnow created by Bob Clouser of Pennsylvania. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The original
Clouser is tied with bucktail.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuaXosYzu4UYwYmrFCM2EdzB1nM-4kwQghI2ZOgGB_HQBeg92Nw4d94N-bh6peBTiTAzNU1ewK7H03s-Gg74ee_PrdCdMBFfV6JpaEXPv4h4_T10TEfrvyzEyMPphBmMyJNNnkXb1bdSI/s1600/DSCN0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuaXosYzu4UYwYmrFCM2EdzB1nM-4kwQghI2ZOgGB_HQBeg92Nw4d94N-bh6peBTiTAzNU1ewK7H03s-Gg74ee_PrdCdMBFfV6JpaEXPv4h4_T10TEfrvyzEyMPphBmMyJNNnkXb1bdSI/s320/DSCN0782.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peacock bass are suckers for Craft Fur Minnows!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Burke's minnow is tied with select craft fur that's readily
available in most fly shops. In my hometown of Sarasota, I purchase craft fur
at The Compound (4063 Clark Rd., http://www.compoundboardshop.com/). The
Compound arguably has the best selection of fly-tying materials in this area.
(Note: The Compound will be moving into its new building in Sarasota in late
February.) You can call The Compound at 941-923-0430.</div>
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Back to Burke's amazing minnow!</div>
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<br /></div>
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The fly is easy to tie. I'd estimate I can crank one out
every couple of minutes. So, as you might imagine, I have a good supply.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The fly was originally designed for smallmouth bass in
Indiana. Burke advises to fish it on a sinktip line with a fluorocarbon leader.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZ1uEBloJ1_jUrv80e-_aNa2zaVOXamgXkmS6Tr_UD2Vy9sRZJKfghW13GPV3mU5mtQw8FJIYZKHiND0mmXkLb3BMl3dExhXgu6yOICzPH_vGLvD9HB1JzbsgwDL82ageN06_xheDj4hw/s1600/DSCN1015_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZ1uEBloJ1_jUrv80e-_aNa2zaVOXamgXkmS6Tr_UD2Vy9sRZJKfghW13GPV3mU5mtQw8FJIYZKHiND0mmXkLb3BMl3dExhXgu6yOICzPH_vGLvD9HB1JzbsgwDL82ageN06_xheDj4hw/s320/DSCN1015_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fly paid big dividends for John Weimer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It's his "go-to fly."</div>
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<br /></div>
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Mahler, a good friend of Burke's, advises letting the fly
sink, then use short, sharp strips with long pauses.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>hile Mahler uses the fly to fool largemouth bass, I've
found it's an incredible fly for peacock bass. Over our last four trips, we've totaled 125 peacock
bass to 5 1/2 pounds. In addition, we've
caught largemouth bass, monster Mayan cichlid and oscar. </div>
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<br /></div>
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While driving home from a peacock bass trip in south
Florida, I began to think about using Junior's Craft Fur Minnow in salt water.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why not?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I tied it on a saltwater hook, there's no reason it
shouldn't work.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tying a few on No. 2 Mustad S71SNP-DT hooks, I set out to find out how
marine species liked the fly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can't say I was surprised. They loved it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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For freshwater fishing, I tie my Craft Fur Minnows on a No.
6 White River 004 that I get at Bass Pro Shops. Most any strong freshwater hook
will work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tying the Craft Fur Minnow is simple.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hook:</b> No. 2
Mustad S71SNP-DT (salt water); No 6 White River 004 (fresh water)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thread</b>: White
flat wax nylon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Eyes</b>: Bead chain
(your choice of size and color; I like black)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Body</b>: White extra
select craft fur</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Flash</b>: 2-3
strands pearl Krystal Flash</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Beard:</b> I like red, but Mahler prefers pink. Your choice!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First trip out in the salt with the Craft Fur Minnow was
remarkable. I tied a few on No. 4 hooks so that I could use them on my 5-weight
TFO BVK rod. I caught several trout from 20 to 24 inches before the wind came
up. When that happened, I switched to a 7-weight TFO BVK. I caught trout up to
28 inches. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next trip, I took John Weimer of the Mangrove Coast Fly
Fishers in Sarasota. We had another good day. In fact, Weimer beat his personal
best trout seven times! His largest trout went an impressive 27 inches. He also
added a 5-pound bluefish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The shallow-water pattern ended, so I opted for a TFO BVK 6
weight with an intermediate sinktip lne the next outing. I caught trout to 26
inches. In one spot, I caught 15 from 16 to 22 inches.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The fish of the day, however, was a 5-pound blue that I
caught when I cast into a school of breaking jack crevalle. I hooked a jack on
my first cast, but lost it after a few seconds. The fly was immediately eaten
by a healthy blue!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On another trip, I caught several trout from 20 to 26 inches
and a 28-inch redfish. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have no doubt the fly will appeal to a variety of
saltwater fish. I believe the fly is easy for the fish to see and ever-so-sexy in the water, with the craft fur forever pulsating to entice predators.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Junior Burke may have designed his fly for smallmouth bass,
but I'm not sure he realized the wide appeal of this easy-to-tie fish-catcher!</div>
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</div>
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</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-37892308981959268192018-01-03T09:12:00.001-08:002018-01-03T09:30:03.623-08:00December was a potpourri of action: peacock bass to large spotted seatrout<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijk_7y5xuRD1IvegUbrmECx77gJy5AKe_E7XDs_iJ-6CTnIUh1dKNMxH5fr7EzpWZOGkk8UwMIkJqvLwCgc_F3IcIpuWCpWDqNpKQPgR06L1tD9HLiTOR7hflszq9PdCoOna6KtT2Pm8kq/s1600/DSCN0992_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijk_7y5xuRD1IvegUbrmECx77gJy5AKe_E7XDs_iJ-6CTnIUh1dKNMxH5fr7EzpWZOGkk8UwMIkJqvLwCgc_F3IcIpuWCpWDqNpKQPgR06L1tD9HLiTOR7hflszq9PdCoOna6KtT2Pm8kq/s640/DSCN0992_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Weimer of Sarasota shows off one of the may large spotted seatrout he caught from Sarasota Bay. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">F</span></b>or the past two months or so, we've been concentrating our
efforts around the freshwater lakes and streams of southwest Florida.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, we like to catch fish. And we've found that the
state's lakes and streams result in bent fly rods!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Second, there's much more to Florida than salt water.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisxc2CnqRWSy4Dmh8VX_iQx5q11AIVEn7P9Mv5T1s3MN5ZixmvrZ8ykrK83cLbz1PV8voKLLZlaUzxqKaFNEtcZwKTrRZSON-SA3Kwu3N6CdFBgBowxzzoolHRzcYvOA1wqq2NW_LZdBW/s1600/DSCN0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisxc2CnqRWSy4Dmh8VX_iQx5q11AIVEn7P9Mv5T1s3MN5ZixmvrZ8ykrK83cLbz1PV8voKLLZlaUzxqKaFNEtcZwKTrRZSON-SA3Kwu3N6CdFBgBowxzzoolHRzcYvOA1wqq2NW_LZdBW/s320/DSCN0920.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The author and a fine peacock bass caught on 5 weight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We've been fishing the state's salt waters since 1971. We
began fishing the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay around Fort Walton
Beach. I was in the Air Force then, and stationed at Eglin AFB.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We moved to Sarasota in 1975 and have been here ever since.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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What we've discovered is that the region's lakes and rivers
often are overlooked and underfished. That's a good combination for those who
want to catch fish on fly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the most part, we target hand-sized bluegill, shellcracker,
largemouth bass and channel catfish. That's particularly true when we're
fishing around Sarasota. Our favorite spot to fish in Lake Manatee, a
2,400-acre reservoir located 9 miles east of Interstate 75 on State Road 64.
This lake is lightly fished and chock full of bluegill, speckled perch (black
crappie), shellcracker, largemouth bass and channel catfish.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MJDLnAu2xV8YKCihM-ccIgC3RhsWj933CrR4BKpT-Z14A1e_Rl9Emb52jWuz4m5B67Wvw__4uEAHwB-ab47Y3U-BCqSEXv_6psdzruKDvCT1QB1mBh1JbJ3KFHOgQbBLb-qzeJ-tzC2O/s1600/DSCN1091_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MJDLnAu2xV8YKCihM-ccIgC3RhsWj933CrR4BKpT-Z14A1e_Rl9Emb52jWuz4m5B67Wvw__4uEAHwB-ab47Y3U-BCqSEXv_6psdzruKDvCT1QB1mBh1JbJ3KFHOgQbBLb-qzeJ-tzC2O/s320/DSCN1091_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Weimer's bluefish put up quite a battle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also fish the Manatee River, Myakka River, Upper Myakka
Lake and Benderson Lake.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For this, we use .5- to 6-weight fly rods. I like to cast
No. 12 Gibby's Snymphs (simple nymphs)
under a strike indicator on my .5-weight TFO fly rod. I'll rig my 2-weight
with tandem Myakka Minnows. I'll cast a small popping bug on a 3-weight TFO.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Best time of year to fish Lake Manatee and other nearby
waters is November through May.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I also love to travel south to fish Alligator Alley and the
waterways around Naples. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A</span></b>t Alligator Alley, I target oscar, but also catch bluegill,
largemouth bass, Mayan cichlid, peacock bass and stumpknocker. I most often
cast a 3- or 4-weight rod loaded with floating line and 8-pound fluorocarbon
leader. My fly of choice is my Myakka Minnow in gold, copper, brown or black.
If you don't get cut off or lose your fly to a snag, often you can fish all day
with one fly.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When fishing Alligator Alley, we often catch more than 200
fish each. I estimate that 60 percent of the catch will be oscar, an exotic
that was unintentionally introduced into south Florida waters in 1954. Oscar
are extremely strong and readily take a fly.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The waterways around Naples can be even better -- not in
terms of numbers, but in quality. All species (oscar, peacock bass, bluegill,
shellcracker, largemouth bass) seem to run a little larger than average.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I fish Naples from May through December. I've found the colder
months to be a little slow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peacock bass there range from just a few inches to more than
5 pounds. My largest on fly is a 5 1/2 pounder that I caught in November . We
usually cast 5- or 6-weight rods, floating lines, 8-pound fluorocarbon leaders
and JR's Craft Fur Minnows or my Struttin' Peacock Fly. I've also caught plenty
of peacock bass on nymphs, Myakka
Minnows and popping bugs.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Peacock bass are very strong and will test the skills of any
fly angler.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Butterfly beacocks were introduced into south Florida waters
by the state in 1984 and have thrived. Maximum size of butterfly peacocks is
about 10 pounds, but the average size is 2. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I've found peacocks like to hang out around docks, rocks and
aquatic vegetation like hydrilla.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saltwater fishing shouldn't be overlooked. After the onset
of cooler weather, the pattern changes and fish can actually perk up.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my favorite spots to fish this time of year is Palma
Sola Bay. I find spotted seatrout to 4 pounds will pile up in holes and canals.
I've had some fantastic days there over the years. We average 40 fish per
outing, but have topped the 100-fish mark on several occasions. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">F</span></b>or this fishing, we use 6-weight fly rods with an
intermediate sinktip line, 10-pound fluorocarbon leader and a variety of flies.
Clouser Minnows and Bob Popovics Jiggy Fleyes are good choices.</div>
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In addition seatrout, we also encounter snook, redfish,
ladyfish, jack crevalle, flounder and pompano.</div>
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Around Sarasota Bay, spotted seatrout are the main catch,
but snook, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, flounder, ladyfish, black drum
and (occasionally) redfish also are available.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We like to get out an hour or so before daylight to target
snook around dock lights, using an 8-weight rod, floating line and 20-pounding
fluoro leader. Fly choices include Gibby's Snook Minnow or Gibby's Glass
Minnow.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At daylight, we will
target snook, redfish and black drum in
canals with fly or spinning tackle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We'll spend the rest of the day on the flats or over deep
grass, targeting redfish, snook, spotted seatrout, flounder, pompano, bluefish,
ladyfish, jack crevalle and Spanish mackerel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When fly fishing, we'll use Clouser Deep Minnows or baitfish
patterns. On spinning tackle, we like the mini MirrOdine by MirrOlure. We also
like to cast MirrOlure Lil Johns on 1/16-ounce jig heads.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We encountered some very good spotted seatrout action during
the month. In fact, John Weimer of Sarasota obliterated his personal-best
seatrout several times during one outing, catching and releasing trout to 27
inches. Fly of choice was Junior's Craft Fur Minnow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did a solo trip and caught a bevy of trout to 28 inches on
Craft Fur Minnows. In addition, I managed bluefish, pompano, snook, redfish and
jack crevalle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesse Ehrlich of Sarasota joined me and a great tide, but we
didn't have a great day. We caught about a dozen spotted seatrout to 23 inches.
In addition, we lost a decent redfish that went for a Craft Fur Minnow.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another solo outing resulted in a bunch of trout to 26
inches. Most were taken on chartreuse-and-white Clouse Deep Minnows. I also
caught jack crevalle, ladyfish , bluefish and pompano.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marshall Dinerman of Atlanta, Ga., caught a pair of snook
from a Longboat Key canal on Clouser Minnows.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>JANUARY FORECAST</b>:
Usually this is the month for big snook in the Myakka River. The action hasn't
been great the past two years, but then again the weather hasn't been cold. And
cold is the key to pushing the big snook up the river. We'll see what the month
has in store. We look for excellent night snook around lighted docks, plenty of
spotted seatrout in deep holes and canals and along the edges of the flats. In
fresh water, we anticipate good action on bluegill, speckled perch, channel
catfish and largemouth bass in Lake Manatee. Of course, Alligator Alley is a
prime spot for oscar, Mayan cichlid, bluegill and largemouth bass.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We're approaching "The Season." That means the
demand will be high for kayak fishing services. Be sure to book your trips
early to assure you get in on the action!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can call me at 941-284-3406 or email me at
steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Holidays!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>941-284-3406<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-90718767678638445382017-10-06T05:05:00.000-07:002017-10-06T05:05:16.232-07:00Photos of dead fish should be a thing of past<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqh-UZDxtzZQPMEY2zXn3KIGPDE5HpHNza-xtDVDmYwyyPtpiB9bDSPsxYhIpgKfPedEg9SWO91_SMV5slXd9hZXu4jJip06i4gzux6EaaFg0DgY5qQUdtxT8AiQC1CnSXCTqAzq6sARn/s1600/JohnnyLong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqh-UZDxtzZQPMEY2zXn3KIGPDE5HpHNza-xtDVDmYwyyPtpiB9bDSPsxYhIpgKfPedEg9SWO91_SMV5slXd9hZXu4jJip06i4gzux6EaaFg0DgY5qQUdtxT8AiQC1CnSXCTqAzq6sARn/s640/JohnnyLong.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three oblivious charterboat anglers pose beside their bounty of dead fish lined up on the cleaning table at the dock.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I</span></b> realize I'm not all that smart.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps that's why there are many things in life I don't
understand.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Like meanness. Cruelty. Insincerity. Rudeness. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAFwdRXbf3sOd2qUD8_L8Hw_87V2Bw3fhr3ZMtCiSOKv9xuOWg37igHVUvQOS4Q_EXXlnluugUo9qGSznaNfm_myqmZG42JTX_2fu6g9EfvDTO7PC3LAviYzdKv3OsHyxP75r9oBZtUoJ/s1600/DSC05997_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAFwdRXbf3sOd2qUD8_L8Hw_87V2Bw3fhr3ZMtCiSOKv9xuOWg37igHVUvQOS4Q_EXXlnluugUo9qGSznaNfm_myqmZG42JTX_2fu6g9EfvDTO7PC3LAviYzdKv3OsHyxP75r9oBZtUoJ/s320/DSC05997_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fine redfish was photographed quickly, then released.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don't understand why some people who enjoy the great
outdoors don't respect it. They throw trash out of the windows of their vehicles.
Cut across shallow, fragile grass flats in their boat, gashing out ugly prop
scars with their outboards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daily, I see people driving down the road smoking cigarettes
and flipping them out the window when they're done.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There's a common thread here: selfishness. They want to so
therefore they do.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What's the big deal?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my pet peeves is photos of dead fish. I don't mean
photos of fish killed by pollution, red tide or some other natural disaster.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mean fish that have been caught by humans, deposited in an
ice chest and then later hung up, lined up or held in front of a camera.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVhZcYi1HA60DGDBkINX2Tmp_H6ep2YHmGeARF_hDGt7QH1vCT5P3qpLhA2YpoYEXkROs0rhB8B1_iiJpy5q74Gy5j05u_gc_qQUJP8SlwS5gUHEH8hVEecDXwARpCnaF6_Geio1AAj1q/s1600/DSC01339_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVhZcYi1HA60DGDBkINX2Tmp_H6ep2YHmGeARF_hDGt7QH1vCT5P3qpLhA2YpoYEXkROs0rhB8B1_iiJpy5q74Gy5j05u_gc_qQUJP8SlwS5gUHEH8hVEecDXwARpCnaF6_Geio1AAj1q/s320/DSC01339_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actions photos are better options than dead fish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In most cases, the fish corpses are colorless and stiff.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I see when I view photos of these dead fish is people
saying, "Hey, look at me. Look at what a big man I am. Look how many fish
I killed."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's all ego-driven.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>hile littering, destruction of natural resources and other
acts are illegal, taking photos of dead fish is perfectly legal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But here's the rub: Sometimes what legal isn't necessarily
right. It could fall under the auspices of outdoor ethics. If you make your
living off the great outdoors, then you have an ethical responsibility to
respect it and protect it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you want to see what I'm talking about, you'll see it on
most any social media if you have any outdoors friends. I see it all the time
on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was a professional outdoors writer for 35 years. And over
the last 25 years of my career, I did not use a photo of dead fish. That
practice was quite common in outdoors publications around the country in prior
to 1985. But it slowly changed over the years. And you'll rarely see a
dead-fish photo in any reputable outdoors publication these days.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I like to think I was ahead of the game.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just recently, I saw a photo on the Facebook page of a local
charterboat guide. His party of three smiling anglers posed beside 14 dead
spotted seatrout and two Spanish mackerel lined up stiff and colorless on a
cleaning table at the dock.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also saw two local charter guides in a photo on television
each holding dead snook. The fish were long dead, stiff and had their throats
slashed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am offended by these pictures. They make me sick. They
show no respect whatsoever for the fish, fisheries or great outdoors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why in hell are people still focusing on catching and
killing limits of fish? Some might argue that I am against people catching fish
and taking them home to eat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not so. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am against the philosophy that you have to kill all or the
majority of legal fish you catch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It doesn't make much sense. It especially doesn't make
economical sense. You pay $700 for an all-day charter to take home five pounds
of filets. Care to figure out how much that 80 ounces fish flesh costs you? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If eating fish is the main goal, save the charter money and
take your significant other out to a fine seafood restaurant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Y</span></b>ou'll come out way ahead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With that in mind, I don't mind if an angler wants to take a
fish or two home. No big deal. But rather than posing with a fish corpse back
at the dock, take a photo of the fish right after the catch while it's alive
and vibrant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was watching an outdoors show on television recently where
the host and guest were fishing for redfish in shallow water. They did pretty
well, too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They released most of the fish, but kept a 25-incher.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"That one's going in the skillet," the host
grinned as he lifted the lid to the color and dropped the red in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That didn't have to be in the video. It could have been
edited out and no one would have be the wiser.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One practice that really annoys me is gaffing. I watch
fishing shows on TV and they'll stick a gaff in a large fish, then haul it
aboard. We as viewers have to watch as the fish struggles and bleeds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don't watch many fishing shows any more (especially those
who seem to delight in killing fish), but sometimes you can't avoid it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm just amazed at the number of dead-fish photos I see
today. They're on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other media.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They annoy the crap out of me. I hope you feel the same way?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many things that were common practice 40 or 50
years ago that aren't cool today. <br />
<br />
Some day photos of dead fish will be a thing of the past.<br />
<br />I certainly hope so.</div>
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</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-32775438905562798392017-10-06T05:01:00.000-07:002017-10-06T05:01:16.615-07:00We survived Irma and even got out a few times to catch fish<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The author lands a nice peacock bass on fly rod while fishing a small lake near Naples. (Photo by John Weimer)</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>e are alive and well after Hurricane Irma. The nasty storm devastated
a good portion of Florida.</div>
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Irma did heavy damage in the Florida Keys, Chokoloskee,
Everglades City, Marco Island and Naples. When she hit the Keys, Irma was a
Category 5 storm. She was still quite a bitch when she hit Chokoloskee and
Everglades City. </div>
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Fortunately for our area, Irma moved inland and started to
lighten up a bit. She was a Category 1 hurricane as she passed Sarasota.</div>
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Kathy and I evacuated the Wednesday prior. Our thinking was
that if we waited, we might not be able to get out because of traffic and a
lack of fuel. Still, it took us 18 hours to get to Atlanta, a drive that normally
takes about eight hours.</div>
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We stayed until the following Wednesday, and we weren't
certain we could back then. Even though it had been three days since Irma
wreaked havoc on Florida, there was little gas available along Interstate 75,
and the traffic reportedly was terrible.</div>
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I decided to take U.S. 19 back. </div>
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Good decision. </div>
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We had no problem finding gas. And traffic was light along
the way. It took 14 hours to get home, but I think it was quicker than it would
have been on I-75.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>hen we got home, we had a lot of debris in the yard, but no
damage. Even our electricity was on!</div>
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I did get out fishing a few times in September. I spent a
day around Buttonwood Harbor on the west side of Sarasota Bay and did well. I
started fishing a couple of hours before daylight and targeted snook around
dock lights. I caught and released five snook to 30 inches on my Gibby's Snook
Shrimp. </div>
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At daylight, I paddled to Redfish Key where I encountered
several schools of mullet -- normally a good sign for redfish.</div>
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However, redfish have been scarce for the past year or so
around Buttonwood Harbor. So you can imagine my surprise when I hooked into a
feisty red. I knew it was larger than average, but we impressed when it
measured 32 inches.</div>
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I paddled north to Crabclaw Key and caught three more reds
on five casts. They were all 27 inches or larger.</div>
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After that, I targeted spotted seatrout to complete my Slam.
In addition, I landed bluefish, ladyfish and mangrove snapper.</div>
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John Weimer of Sarasota accompanied me on a trek south to
Naples where we hoped to target peacock bass and large Mayan cichlid. We did
well. We caught six big Mayans to 15 inches, six bluegill to 12 inches and
eight peacock bass to 17. </div>
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We caught the bluegill and Mayan cichlid on popping bugs and
Gibby's Snymphs under a strike indicator. We caught all of the peacock bass on
chartreuse-and-white and olive-and-white Clouser Deep Minnows.</div>
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It will be interested to see what the look likes like
following Hurricane Irma.</div>
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I fished Fort DeSoto on a shark trip and had fair success. I
landed four small blacktip shark on ladyfish chunks. I'm hoping to get back up
there soon and try catching a shark on a fly rod.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">J</span></b>ohn Weimer and I fished Lake Manatee late in the month and
caught 43 mostly hand-sized bluegill, a nice speckled perch and a 6-pound
channel catfish. We used popping bugs and Gibby's Snymphs.</div>
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Interestingly enough, I caught most of my fish, including
the speck and channel cat, on my new TFO Finesse .5-weight fly rod. </div>
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<b>OCTOBER FORECAST</b>:
Should be great. October is the best month of the year as far as weather goes.
Not too hot. Not too cold. Just right. In salt water, I anticipate good action
on snook, spotted seatrout and redfish around Sarasota Bay. I predict
Buttonwood Harbor and Little Sarasota Bay to be the hot spots. There also
should be some good action off Stephens Point. I like to fish southern Tampa
Bay this time of year. Snook, spotted
seatrout, redfish and flounder will be the featured fish. Shark, jack crevalle
and ladyfish should also make their presence known. In fresh water, I
anticipate good action on bluegill, bass and channel catfish in local lakes.
Further south, I anticipate good action on peacock bass, Mayan cichlid,
largemouth bass and bluegill.</div>
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Looks as if the fall is shaping up to be for great fishing.
I'm starting to book up, so get in touch and secure your outing.</div>
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Call me at (941) 284-3406 or email
steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com</div>
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<b>Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b>941-284-3406<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-59646642635889625532017-07-31T11:27:00.001-07:002017-07-31T11:28:24.077-07:00Beach snook cooperated for fly-fishing anglers during July <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">B</span></b>each snook action hit high gear in July after a fairly slow
start.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stewart Lavelle shows off a fine fly-rod snook.</td></tr>
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I had several clients fishing with me who caught their
personal best snook on fly. Top of the chart goes to Stewart Lavelle of
Sarasota, who bested a 28-incher. Ironically, Stewart hooked and lost a bigger
snook on his next outing, losing the estimate 38-inch behemoth to a
straightened hook.</div>
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In two trips, Steward hooked 28 snook and landed 18 -- not
bad for his first two beach outings!</div>
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John Mallia of Buffalo, N.Y., isn't a fly fisher per se, but
he did well on a beach snook trip in early July. John hooked 18 snook and
landed 11 to 27 inches. Not only did he catch his largest snook on fly, but
also his first snook on fly!</div>
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John Weimer joined me for a beach walk and a slow day.
However, we found the fish late in the morning and landed five out of nine
fish.</div>
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I got out by myself on July 11, and the stars were aligned.
I hooked 30 snook and landed 22. I had an estimated 35-incher eat my D.T.
Variation, but was only tight for a second.</div>
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I attended ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sport
Fishing Trades) in Orlando and had a very good time. I worked the NuCanoe booth
most of the time, but did get to tour the show for a few hours.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_vha8nmSiFec53IUmfcUuH-BPph_-M2AQTqQ2gqdBp0mmBasN_Q18GUTZJq6WM7InypoCN69rurVRKNzn4wWO6x7XUdpzgT3ekVePj8c_I7dMjeHH2zU0JfEWln7v8TYLSeXi9EAmUzo/s1600/DSC03253_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_vha8nmSiFec53IUmfcUuH-BPph_-M2AQTqQ2gqdBp0mmBasN_Q18GUTZJq6WM7InypoCN69rurVRKNzn4wWO6x7XUdpzgT3ekVePj8c_I7dMjeHH2zU0JfEWln7v8TYLSeXi9EAmUzo/s320/DSC03253_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lack of fly-fishing experience didn't hinder John Mallia.</td></tr>
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NuCanoe unveiled a pair of new products. First up is the new
Flint, a lightweight kayak that is less than $1,000. The new kayak is slightly
less than 12 feet in length and has a myriad of features. It drew raves at
ICAST. NuCanoe also debuted its new H2Proped Pedal Drive system. The system
fits both the Pursuit and Frontier lines.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">J</span></b>ohn Kis, a regular client from New Rochelle, N.Y.
experienced his first day on the beach and did well. He landed two of three
snook he hooked. There were very good numbers of snook on the beach, but they
weren't exactly in a feeding mood.</div>
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For beach snook fishing, I use a 6-weight TFO BVK Rod, BVK
Reel and an Orvis clear intermediate sinktip line. My fly of choice is none
other than my D.T. Variation.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfVz-hHZh-cyCLTLn7iyI98P-WyRUH0b0bJOMY8JcFHsjGCJMW0zaPfwwvZU59NsUr546-gymYm_vIqo-ydEjSrWPySz-muzl_kpRnwqWD-5QIXokC1lRq7oRgcLWIUYzS2RYysUM9Do7/s1600/DSC03722_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfVz-hHZh-cyCLTLn7iyI98P-WyRUH0b0bJOMY8JcFHsjGCJMW0zaPfwwvZU59NsUr546-gymYm_vIqo-ydEjSrWPySz-muzl_kpRnwqWD-5QIXokC1lRq7oRgcLWIUYzS2RYysUM9Do7/s320/DSC03722_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Kis battles a snook on fly rod.</td></tr>
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I have put together a couple of videos on beach snook
fishing. You can check them out on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLNWJwIcGNA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9LCQ-PjzJg.
In addition, I did an instructional video on how to tie the D.T. Variation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvKVHgAB8I0.</div>
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There are plenty of
snook in the surf and they should remain there for the next month or so. All we
need is weather conducive for sight-fishing.</div>
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I spent a couple of productive days fly fishing in fresh
water. First time out, I launched at Benderson Park and caught 30 bluegill,
four bass and a hefty channel catfish. All fish were caught on Gibby's Snymph
under a strike indicator.</div>
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John Weimer and I headed out to Myakka River State Park, but
found little going on. So, we loaded the kayaks back on the trailer and drove
to Benderson Park. We caught a few fish
on Gibby's Snymphs, but things didn't get hot until we tied on tandem,
No. 12 and 14 Myakka Minnows. We ended the day with more than 180 bluegill and five bass. We
caught two at a time on about 12 occasions. John lost the fish of day. We're
not sure what it was, but speculate it was a fairly large bass or channel
catfish that was able to get back into the vegetation and break his tippet.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>e also discovered hand-sized bluegill in deep water and
were able to get them to hit our tandem Myakka Minnows. This lake is not
heavily fished.</div>
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<b>AUGUST FORECAST</b>:
I anticipate very good beach snook action as look was the weather cooperates.
August normally is the peak month for this exciting activity. Large fish have
been pretty common throughout the summer. In Sarasota Bay, look for decent
action on spotted seatrout, snook, ladyfish and mangrove snapper. In local
lakes and rivers, expect good bass, bluegill, channel catfish and shellcracker
action.</div>
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If you'd like to experience some of the best sight-fishing
Florida has to offer, please give me a call or email me:
steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>941-284-3406<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-56024583479142770512017-06-12T10:45:00.002-07:002017-06-12T10:47:02.777-07:00Trout and good times abound on the Oconaluftee River<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxPz2Hw0vWTqL3pdIfDvgha2RM_teJ3Ug1I-XDEuMNjLYx2N8OY9woeJN3LrWdvogEWThNm1cKg16XLwbScAwK61VPzK-tYFaeY0Q624HfhONmYG2VESxfIHCXJafYaWWiwe1Hc2uRjDq/s1600/IMG_20170609_074647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxPz2Hw0vWTqL3pdIfDvgha2RM_teJ3Ug1I-XDEuMNjLYx2N8OY9woeJN3LrWdvogEWThNm1cKg16XLwbScAwK61VPzK-tYFaeY0Q624HfhONmYG2VESxfIHCXJafYaWWiwe1Hc2uRjDq/s640/IMG_20170609_074647.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Oconaluftee River is not only beautiful, but also filled with rainbow and brown trout.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">F</span></b>or a Floridian, few things are better than driving north
and getting the opportunity to fly fish for cold-water-trout.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The author and a nice rainbow trout.</td></tr>
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When my wife informed me that we were going to spend a week
in Gatlinburg, Tenn., with family, I was thrilled. Not only would I spend
quality time with family, but also (hopefully) get a chance to wet a line.</div>
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I was correct on both counts.</div>
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There are numerous streams around the Gatlinburg-Pigeon
Forge area of Tennessee. But they might as well be scarce when you're a
warm-water angler and unaccustomed to fly fishing for trout. There's a learning
curve there.</div>
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I succeeded, but not without help.</div>
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I spent a day on the Little River which was just a short
drive from our mountain-top cabin. Though the stream is picturesque, it's also
heavily fished. Access points are plentiful along the road that parallels the
river. Because the accesses are plentiful and easy, the stream gets fished
quite a lot. So, you can bet trout in the Little River have seen every fly and
every tactic.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YInHfbkhzrPpu0FtvdgIK9Otl6uy1_RomIgGbvdKVKwlbtQuEwg44u6vingd7MU6lj0fgj-QJAlcG5beUoI2uwLK1ISXnN1rsVj5VozX6zAXi88Wti4SqLo2zgT-C37_J6rKjeF_2TGv/s1600/IMG_20170612_133658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YInHfbkhzrPpu0FtvdgIK9Otl6uy1_RomIgGbvdKVKwlbtQuEwg44u6vingd7MU6lj0fgj-QJAlcG5beUoI2uwLK1ISXnN1rsVj5VozX6zAXi88Wti4SqLo2zgT-C37_J6rKjeF_2TGv/s320/IMG_20170612_133658.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guide Travis Williams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, I caught and released three small rainbows -- quite a
feat for this humble Floridian. But I knew to really figure things out, I
needed the expertise of a local guide. I found that guide at The Smoky Mountain
Angler (http://www.smokymountainangler.com/), a quaint little fly shop in
Gatlinburg. There, I connected with Travis Williams, a Gatlinburg native who
also is a Gatlinburg Police officer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>hen not patrolling the city's streets,
you can find Williams on one of the many streams around the area.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The morning of our scheduled outing, I met Williams at the
shop where I put on a set of waders and a pair of felt-soled boots. We then
jumped in his GMC Yukon for the 45-minute drive to the Oconaluftee River in
North Carolina, just a stone's throw from Cherokee, N.C.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We began catching fish almost immediately on tandem-rigged
pheasant-tail nymphs under a strike indicator.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of the rainbow trout were small, ranging from six to 12
inches in length. However, we also managed to land a few of 15 inches or more.
And we had a couple of fish from 17 to 20 inches before the hook pulled or they
broke the 5X tippet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also caught a pair of small brown trout.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo48admxhEm1yyN6YHPNX92bASao36Du-2AIx_w0gZKCswSPWfRWx9WJLn2dIRS15U16gD0PWZfW5sJjnuankDbPg5r9MrfQac_d8zOcjO37kv4_LDDgf0m7eU97rkHFbbHkdf4hwKK9tq/s1600/IMG_20170609_074526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo48admxhEm1yyN6YHPNX92bASao36Du-2AIx_w0gZKCswSPWfRWx9WJLn2dIRS15U16gD0PWZfW5sJjnuankDbPg5r9MrfQac_d8zOcjO37kv4_LDDgf0m7eU97rkHFbbHkdf4hwKK9tq/s320/IMG_20170609_074526.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another beautiful rainbow trout.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bigger trout that we encountered were "dumb
stockers," according to Williams, who explained they were stocked into Cherokee
Reservation waters and made the short swim upstream.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A</span></b>t mid-afternoon, we opted to spent the rest of the outing
targeting native brook trout, a species that is usually small and found high in
the mountains. We drove to a stream that cascaded down a mountainside at about
6,000 feet. The stream was maybe 10 feet wide in places with pools located
along the way. Targeted each pool with a dry fly-and-nymph combo. We hooked a
couple of the colorful and wild brookies, but didn't land one. We were able to
land a couple of small rainbows that also are fairly plentiful in the
diminutive streams.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We didn't get out Slam -- a rainbow, brown and brook trout
in one day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There's always next time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">S</span></b>uccessful trout fishing is knowing not only what flies to
use, but also being able to identify where trout likely are hiding. It was easy
with Williams there to assist. By mid-morning, I was able to figure out where
the trout likely were.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For most of the morning, we used a 10-foot, 2-weight fly
rod.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"We use the 10-footers because they make it easier to
keep line off the water," Williams explained.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of the time, we had little more than a foot of fly line
outside the rod tip. That allowed us to fish the small holes correctly and with
the right drift.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was amazed that we could be so close to the spots and
catch fish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of our fish seemed to home in on the nymphs. Although
we tried a dry fly, we only caught a fish or two on the surface.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I told Williams a couple of times during our outing that I
can see how trout fishing in those beautiful waters could be addicting. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don't know when I'll get back. I hope it's not long.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-89208693478207674682017-06-01T06:03:00.001-07:002017-06-01T06:03:45.688-07:00Despite the drought, freshwater fishing still produces<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS7m4aveTuKuqynWC3zqqIOfRQyhZUMdGOrKP9wdtKjtzsATDhaX5w3qHNG83Bm9VQqp-FOFQj4ASnX5XxkdsCUNXDBVQWXKdUD_Qa8ZNXje29TPQDm2T403sr2p8__ujZGpYpfuAhyeT/s1600/DSC02210_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS7m4aveTuKuqynWC3zqqIOfRQyhZUMdGOrKP9wdtKjtzsATDhaX5w3qHNG83Bm9VQqp-FOFQj4ASnX5XxkdsCUNXDBVQWXKdUD_Qa8ZNXje29TPQDm2T403sr2p8__ujZGpYpfuAhyeT/s640/DSC02210_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Weimer of Sarasota admires a colorful oscar he caught on a Myakka Minnow. (Photo by Steve Gibson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>ind and heat were the culprits of May as far as fishing is
concerned along Southwest Florida.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With that in mind, most of our attention was focused on
freshwater fishing throughout the region.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We visited a variety of spots, including Alligator Alley,
The Everglades, Webb Lake, Tenoroc Fish
Management Area and Lake Manatee. We also spent some time fly fishing the surf
for snook.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let's cover the freshwater efforts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Webb Lake is a long body of water located in the
Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area just east of Punta Gorda in Charlotte
County. John Weimer of Sarasota accompanied me for a fly-fishing endeavor. I've
fished Webb Lake on a number of occasions over the years, but this was the
first trip of 2017.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were greeted by extreme low water, something that's quite
common through this state that has been in a severe drought. Still, we were
able to catch a few fish. We totaled seven largemouth bass, 21 mostly
hand-sized bluegill, a shellcracker and a gar.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We ventured to Miami-Dade County along the Tamiami Trail and
had a blast. We launched the NuCanoe Kayaks amid a flurry of mosquitoes (bring
your bug spray!) and began catching fish immediately. We started out casting
popping bugs and caught Mayan cichlid, largemouth bass and oscar. When the
topwater bite ended, we switched to Myakka Minnows and continued our assault on
the same species. At mid-day, I grabbed a 6-weight rod and cast a No. 6 Clouser
for peacock bass. I broke off one peacock and caught a bunch of Mayan cichlid,
oscar and largemouth bass.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'll definitely hit this spot again!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">J</span></b>im Snyder of Naples joined me for an outing along Alligator
Alley. Fishing was slow compared to previous trips, but we still managed 50
Mayan cichlid, 30 oscar, 10 largemouth bass, five bluegill and a bunch of
stumpknocker and warmouth perch. All fish were caught on Myakka Minnows. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I donated the trip to the Naples Backcountry Fly Fishers.
Snyder bought the outing at the club's annual banquet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Weimer and I visited the Tenoroc Fish Management Area
near Lakeland. We fished Lake No. 2 and experienced slow action. We combined to
catch two largemouth bass on No. 4 popping bugs and a bluegill on a Gibby's
Snymph under a strike indicator. Water was extremely low.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite slow action, we'll definitely return to Tenoroc in
the fall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Late in the month, Weimer and I decided to do something
different.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Why don't we fish Lake Manatee, but launch at the
state park?" he said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Launching at Lake Manatee State Park would give us access to
water that normally out of range. The park is a couple of miles west of our
normal launch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have an annual state park pass, so I'm able to get into
the park after hours. State Parks don't open until 8 a.m., but we entered the
park at 6:15 a.m. and were on the water by 6:30.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was like fishing a new spot. We had no idea where to go
and the water was extremely low. We paddled directly across the lake from the
boat ramp to the north shore. We pulled into a small cover and were greeted by
breaking fish over a wide area.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cast a No. 8 popping bug and missed a fish. I hooked and
landed a hand-sized bluegill on my second cast. I then caught a decent sunshine
bass and a 1 1/2-pound largemouth bass. Weimer caught the first sunshine bass
of his fly-fishing career.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>hen that action slowed, we noticed several tails piercing
the water's surface. Closer inspection revealed they were from channel catfish
grubbing along the bottom. We caught a half dozen on popping bugs. Later, we
beached out kayaks and walked along the shoreline, casting to tailing fish. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We ended up with 17 channel cats to six pounds. We caught a
majority them on bead-head Squirmy Worms on No. 12 scud hooks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also did a number of beach snook outings during May. For
some reason, numbers were down from the previous month. We saw an average of 15
snook per trip. We hooked a couple and landed one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>JUNE FORECAST</b>:
Look for increased numbers of snook in the surf along area beaches. I you like
to sight-fish with a fly rod, this is for you. Bay fishing should result in
decent numbers of spotted seatrout, snook, ladyfish and jack crevalle. Redfish
numbers have been down, and I don't anticipate any change. Night fishing around
lighted docks should produce good numbers of snook. In fresh water, Lake
Manatee is the best bet for bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Gibby's Tip of the
Month</b>: In order to have success when
sight-fishing, you must be able to see the fish. To see the fish, you must have
a pair of quality sunglasses. Most fly anglers will spend several hundred
dollars on a fly rod. But without a good pair of sunglasses, the most expensive
fly rod won't help you if you can't see the fish. A good pair of sunglasses is
just a piece of equipment that will help you do the job. The money spent is up
front. You'll enjoy the benefits of your sunglasses for years. Don't cheap out.
You'll regret it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm heading up to Tennessee for a week where I'll cast a few
flies for rainbow and brown trout. When I return, my battery should be
recharged and ready to go. I expect beach snook to be in the spotlight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>941-284-3406</b></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-49657812296295140752017-05-31T11:04:00.001-07:002017-05-31T11:05:00.752-07:00Lake Manatee rarely disappoints intrepid anglers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPu14j-d4CEc-fawR2vvGV-qJx_RHw88KDOdlrCPVTMvfZ6Bqy96Db6HFpss4cXh5bJ9p7sZBNf9LJq-KiuSQxNgi-Q_bscLd9lOpk9azVdDoQwukYK0Nxk2F99RK_CGAFOCvBQmOgthOZ/s1600/DSCN0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPu14j-d4CEc-fawR2vvGV-qJx_RHw88KDOdlrCPVTMvfZ6Bqy96Db6HFpss4cXh5bJ9p7sZBNf9LJq-KiuSQxNgi-Q_bscLd9lOpk9azVdDoQwukYK0Nxk2F99RK_CGAFOCvBQmOgthOZ/s640/DSCN0526.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The author shows off a sight-fished channel cat that hit a fly in 12 inches of water in Lake Manatee. (Photo by John Weimer)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">O</span></b>n the way out to Lake Manatee, John Weimer and I were
discussing the lack of sunshine bass in the popular Manatee County body of
water.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The state used to stock them in Lake Manatee, but I
don't know if they do anymore?" I said. "I caught a small sunshine
bass three years ago, but none since."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRx__5RojTA8ZayPujfn6ZGH2UM_t7LKVfmp28L-l8tAalCnK6dtpBzvxuccSbERXu9UL-F8miUZ43gFTXNDaqANxkV6oL-F2NykcGIMcoNEOGUW_rVDORavjLNQRJCeXQ7-GXpqa1fjS/s1600/DSC02331_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRx__5RojTA8ZayPujfn6ZGH2UM_t7LKVfmp28L-l8tAalCnK6dtpBzvxuccSbERXu9UL-F8miUZ43gFTXNDaqANxkV6oL-F2NykcGIMcoNEOGUW_rVDORavjLNQRJCeXQ7-GXpqa1fjS/s320/DSC02331_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Weimer holds his first sunshine bass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunshine bass are hybrid fish. They're a cross between a
white bass and a striped bass. They grow fast, are strong and put up a great
fight on appropriate tackle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On this outing, we launched at Lake Manatee State Park off
State Road 64. We normally launch the kayaks a couple of miles up the lake at
Lake Manatee Fish Camp. But Weimer suggested we try the ramp at the park so
that we could fish some new water.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sounded like a good idea. And since I have an annual state
park entrance pass, we could launch any time we wanted. State parks don't open
until 8 a.m., which is a little late to get started when you're an angler.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH9tkniQHqqDpEz0SHOKofee5MEhdbMSFAazUTS6x-R_2KuMrajeldA6VlAj5SLiUx295u_sjeGrbkWjyzclEKnp_UIMWMDyCRI7ga2AUl_qi2R43PJUfEHZY0rBwSPdOfLyoYJtSLp0p/s1600/DSCN0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH9tkniQHqqDpEz0SHOKofee5MEhdbMSFAazUTS6x-R_2KuMrajeldA6VlAj5SLiUx295u_sjeGrbkWjyzclEKnp_UIMWMDyCRI7ga2AUl_qi2R43PJUfEHZY0rBwSPdOfLyoYJtSLp0p/s320/DSCN0515.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weimer battles a channel catfish on fly rod.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With an annual entrance pass, park officials give you the
gate code so that you can enter the park after hours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We launched at 6:15 and paddles directly across the lake. We
had no idea where to fish, but the some striking fish made the decision very
easy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got a hit on my first cast, but missed the fish. I
connected with a feisty bluegill on my second cast.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The third cast resulted in a small sunshine bass, my first
from Lake Manatee in several years. Weimer connected with a sunshine bass a few
casts last. It was the first he'd ever caught.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcs8VqB8dEiB-63LHapCGA-BJLl96ylGQusrGJjT8Mo-0gkvR-op-e8j12WW_FA9C8DHuTA7lY5T9M9lfXB5Ok0McuVtaRH5ou9vVR7EAYoTAEb9D0Xdo-EVz-FBY36L6I57q5ehlNkd-K/s1600/DSCN0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcs8VqB8dEiB-63LHapCGA-BJLl96ylGQusrGJjT8Mo-0gkvR-op-e8j12WW_FA9C8DHuTA7lY5T9M9lfXB5Ok0McuVtaRH5ou9vVR7EAYoTAEb9D0Xdo-EVz-FBY36L6I57q5ehlNkd-K/s320/DSCN0523.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weimer shows off his channel catfish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">T</span></b>he scenario changed shortly thereafter. I caught a pair of
decent bass, but the highlight of the day was channel catfish. They were
cruising the shallows and actually tailing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I caught four on No. 8 popping bugs. We then beached our
NuCanoe kayaks and began walking along the shoreline, looking for tailers. It
was a productive afternoon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Using a bead-head Squirmy Worm on a No. 12 scud hook, I
added 12 more cats to my tally. Weimer connected with three more. The cats
ranged from two to six pounds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the uninformed, channel cats are highly sought
throughout this country's fresh waters. They're strong, speedy fish that can
take you deep into your backing. They readily take flies and will make you
wonder if you should be using a heavier fly rod.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAvJNx32qkBMBu7prNHyPS7r2tBpzoqn4cEBM7fjrQBMlBVQBEAfbgfCQJ7fn_zMrJFGsgX7crDvjrzyul-CEHPr1zbyQ0cpMIzSLWKjNnvrn4qlK-_weU4eFO6nuzoMXnp50B-C3McHF/s1600/DSCN0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAvJNx32qkBMBu7prNHyPS7r2tBpzoqn4cEBM7fjrQBMlBVQBEAfbgfCQJ7fn_zMrJFGsgX7crDvjrzyul-CEHPr1zbyQ0cpMIzSLWKjNnvrn4qlK-_weU4eFO6nuzoMXnp50B-C3McHF/s320/DSCN0510.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sold catfish takes the author into the backing on his fly reel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've caught them over the year from Lake Manatee, but
usually on Myakka Minnows or bead-head nymphs under a strike indicator cast blindly
along the lake's vegetated shoreline. I have never encountered them tailing nor
sight-fishing for them in shallow water.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been fishing Lake Manatee for more than 30 years. I
think it's one of the best lakes in the state for bluegill, speckled perch and
channel catfish. It's a pretty good bass fishery, but I rarely target them. My
bass are largely bycatch when targeting panfish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past spring was great for speckled perch (black
crappie). They run larger than average in Lake Manatee, often exceeding two
pounds. They hit nymphs greedily and put
up a good battle on light fly rods.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX525W6S-yarSroqm9Z40KC-d0OdlUDbnWliaaKePboiJgnd1CwLM0VLhAK1_W9DXZwOAOTpl4oWgnP9fwqvcodW8vXl7fjw3V7jRAiliNSyYnY3q4i5_gQVnTfT6YxzgEVcPcbe-rQ4Nh/s1600/IMG_20170530_154455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX525W6S-yarSroqm9Z40KC-d0OdlUDbnWliaaKePboiJgnd1CwLM0VLhAK1_W9DXZwOAOTpl4oWgnP9fwqvcodW8vXl7fjw3V7jRAiliNSyYnY3q4i5_gQVnTfT6YxzgEVcPcbe-rQ4Nh/s320/IMG_20170530_154455.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sunshine bass fell for a popping bug.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">F</span></b>or nymph fishing, I use a 2-weight TFO Finesse fly rod,
floating line and 7 1/2-foot leader. I usually about 18 inches of 8-pound
fluorocarbon tippet. I believe the key to success when nymphing lakes is to not
be too aggressive. I'll twitch the nymph slightly, then let it sit. Many of the
hits take place when the nymph is just sitting there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's not a bad idea to start the day with a small popping
bug. I prefer chartreuse, but I'm sure other colors with work. I like poppers
with a distinct cupped face. I cast them out, let them sit and then give them a
significant "pop." That's about all I do. Most of the hits take place
with the popper just sitting on the surface.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Myakka Minnow also works well on Lake Minnow. Again, the
key is to not be too aggressive with it. A slow, deliberate retrieve works
best.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lake Manatee isn't the easiest lake to fish. I've put in
more hours than I care to admit over the years. And that effort has paid off
nicely.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I like to fish the lake in October through May. I'll fish in
the summer if the water level is decent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lake Manatee is located in Manatee County nine miles east of
Interstate 75 off State Road 64. It's not heavily fished, and you'll likely have
much of the lake to yourself on any given day. Outboard engines are allowed,
but maximum horsepower is 20. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've had many memorable days on Lake Manatee, but my latest
outing may be atop the list. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-67656731986266193302017-05-01T07:59:00.000-07:002017-05-01T07:59:25.838-07:00Snook are in the surf and hungry for a fly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMZiSACrl91SRPAxtyjpCoc2wGtqUDrIzzQSwT45Q15ZxRi8UWrtLLyXGUmPyneY1pPF33agaxqVq6w4mw7G5frcCOXSbIMjr-IDoHht7nVyRfAuFA2tKUqEKhr0tm50FHefVO8kcZUYu/s1600/DSC01317_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMZiSACrl91SRPAxtyjpCoc2wGtqUDrIzzQSwT45Q15ZxRi8UWrtLLyXGUmPyneY1pPF33agaxqVq6w4mw7G5frcCOXSbIMjr-IDoHht7nVyRfAuFA2tKUqEKhr0tm50FHefVO8kcZUYu/s640/DSC01317_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pat Martin of New York battles his first beach snook on fly rod in the Gulf of Mexico.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Y</span></b>ou never know when you'll be surprised. That happened early
in April when my wife and I drove down to Nokomis Beach to spend a leisurely
few hours in the sun. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While there, I decided to take a walk. Of course, I would
have to see if there were any snook in the surf.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VRfvLuwT-TtaQ95TXWPaunyJFCvNf2YzZJ2OpIV74EFQrXe7ZAadpxyzXfRjHAezqP1lmN8JFP6IwkN6j3emY12NDn0ZBrBPz7XISdFWNn4ILpBxYuqzF48ScZ_QUvErBOz_KsSAWwFc/s1600/DSC01721_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VRfvLuwT-TtaQ95TXWPaunyJFCvNf2YzZJ2OpIV74EFQrXe7ZAadpxyzXfRjHAezqP1lmN8JFP6IwkN6j3emY12NDn0ZBrBPz7XISdFWNn4ILpBxYuqzF48ScZ_QUvErBOz_KsSAWwFc/s320/DSC01721_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Kis shows off one of six snook he caught on topwater plugs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most years, I don't worry about snook in the surf until
about mid-May. But this year has been extremely warm. So, I figured there could
be a fish or two in the surf.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wrong! I spotted more than 50 on my short stroll. I saw
singles, doubles and schools up to 15 fish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was good news because I had Pat Martin scheduled for a
trip the next day. He had originally inquired about fly fishing the surf for snook
when he booked the trip a few weeks earlier. At the time, I told him it was a
little early to hit the beach. I suggested instead that we fish Sarasota Bay
from the kayaks and target snook around dock lights before dawn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He agreed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I called to touch bases prior to our outing, I
mentioned the snook in surf.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2cfCIiNrvjkaY6jGmfu7aW_GfvnLxlQ1GTT76fnM8Wba7dkGRta6Ir8fGQiqw3X_Ja-4Mfa2_i7YWfYOHlw2II686fyHBtBqCB8az4GSltKrdkgj5mSVVLwYiNYyIZPV8M-l8x1xeBeF/s1600/DSC01537_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2cfCIiNrvjkaY6jGmfu7aW_GfvnLxlQ1GTT76fnM8Wba7dkGRta6Ir8fGQiqw3X_Ja-4Mfa2_i7YWfYOHlw2II686fyHBtBqCB8az4GSltKrdkgj5mSVVLwYiNYyIZPV8M-l8x1xeBeF/s320/DSC01537_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Koenaman of Indiana brings a nice trout to the kayak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I think it's doable," I said. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Martin was agreeable and we met the following morning at 7
and drove south to the beach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We arrived, grabbed out fly rods and walked to the surf.
From there, we began walking north, eyes glued on the surf.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">D</span></b>idn't take long before I spotted a pair of snook 10 feet
off the beach, swimming south. Martin didn't see them, but followed my
directions and laid down a perfect cast. Two strips later, he was into his
first beach snook.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Martin hooked three more snook that morning, landing two. We
saw 80 snook over the morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQBC7R6c-5at9lv-xNa29WAsfEZ95Bbb0w7XvBCzFwRGdCBupbU3vuY9pYJ_tJnKeoQWHOgLBRys__P-DnaLjvNmyZu1O-zY49HhTxK_uc18YehyphenhyphenPCvyOfE22sj7qtKACNpvvmdWPvXPN/s1600/DSC01606_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQBC7R6c-5at9lv-xNa29WAsfEZ95Bbb0w7XvBCzFwRGdCBupbU3vuY9pYJ_tJnKeoQWHOgLBRys__P-DnaLjvNmyZu1O-zY49HhTxK_uc18YehyphenhyphenPCvyOfE22sj7qtKACNpvvmdWPvXPN/s320/DSC01606_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This curious manatee decided to check out the kayak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I usually don't start walking the beaches until May. I've
found the prime months to be July and August.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These fish are made for fly fishing. They cruise the surf
just a few feet from the dry sand. All it takes is the ability to see them and
the ability to put a fly front of them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last season was the best in more than five years. I'm hoping
this season is as good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Required gear includes a cap or hat, polarized sunglasses,
sunscreen, water, 6- to 8-weight fly rod, floating or sinktip line, leader and
flies. I also like to wear flats boots when walking the beach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On this first outing of the year, we used my new High
Intensity Minnow, a glass minnow imitation that has proven deadly on a variety
of fish in Sarasota Bay. I tied up a bunch on No. 1 hooks with beach snook in
mind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We weren't disappointed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can find snook in the surf from Anna Maria Island to
Marco Island. Some beaches are better than others. You'll just have to figure
that out. And you'll find that a beach that is hot one week won't have as many
snook the next. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>e spent the rest of the month fishing from our NuCanoes.
Repeat client Bill Koenaman of Fort Wayne, Ind., had a good day fishing around
Buttonwood Harbor. We caught and released more than 50 spotted seatrout and a
snook. Most of the fish were taken on MirrOlure MirrOdines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Kis of New Rochelle, N.Y. had a fair day while fishing
topwater plugs and jigs in Buttonwood Harbor. We landed six snook to 26 inches,
one redfish and five spotted seatrout. I have been fishing John for nearly 10
years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Repeat client Kirk Klingensmith of Corning, N.Y. caught four
snook to 26 inches, a couple of spotted seatrout and a ladyfish of poppers
while fly fishing around Buttonwood Harbor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Milton Cheney of Sarasota joined me for an outing around
Buttonwood Harbor. Action was slow, but we managed eight spotted seatrout to 19
inches on MirrOlure Lil Johns on light jigs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A solo outing to Buttonwood Harbor produced a 28-inch snook,
six spotted seatrout to 18 inches and a ladyfish. All fish were taken on High
Intensity Minnows.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Weimer of Sarasota and I fished a small lake near
Naples and had a really slow day. The lake normally produces good numbers of
peacock bass, Mayan cichlid, bluegill, shellcracker and largemouth bass.
However, the last year's drought has resulted in extreme low water and
excessive aquatic vegetation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The drought has had an effect on Lake Manatee, too. The lake
is down and places where we normally catch fish are now nearly dry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MAY FORECAST</b>: I
look for improved beach snook action, with improved numbers as the days go by.
Keys to success include calm conditions and clear water. As long as the wind if
from the east, conditions are usually good. Night snook action should remain
good around lighted docks. Spotted seatrout action should be good over deep
grass and along the edges of the flats in Sarasota Bay. Snook also should
cooperate on the flats and around mangrove islands.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My beach snook trips usually begin to book up in May. To
assure you get the day(s) you want, please book early by contacting me. Email
is steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com. Phone number is 941-284-3406.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As always, we couldn't do this without the help of your
sponsors: NuCanoe, TFO, Peak Fishing, Economy Tackle, MirrOlure and D.O.A.
Lures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>941-284-3406</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-80628912990643463582017-03-30T09:37:00.000-07:002017-03-30T09:37:23.317-07:00Tiger Lake offers fantastic fly fishing for bluegill and other species<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCWIoydJQL_wFn5Jk2rbBvoZc2FhyphenhyphenR1RsN1ibD27GPhtXDAC5Z8pPnrztEbc4-lnqa34qP3Wy6PEQJO9lgFSAKB05E71w6GvUfIXxj9zsBVWBDIbd-oyTwaESzEAgX-c3KI8l289yVL1L/s1600/DSC00905_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCWIoydJQL_wFn5Jk2rbBvoZc2FhyphenhyphenR1RsN1ibD27GPhtXDAC5Z8pPnrztEbc4-lnqa34qP3Wy6PEQJO9lgFSAKB05E71w6GvUfIXxj9zsBVWBDIbd-oyTwaESzEAgX-c3KI8l289yVL1L/s640/DSC00905_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Weimer of Sarasota battles a bulldog bluegill on fly rod at Tiger Lake in Polk County.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">T</span></b>hank you, Chuck.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUfw02x3jsXA2MY7Wb53j7n5yeyBKKPaD5EzQ7o22RGSzm7Fqm8UOuMPI4H5Ww3_45Yq7F6atXxrjiZaQpJ0dkquT0j36BvQOqhNvcECTERSTEZgGPMI8P3i1EMZe-L8Az9b5jlKqQoci/s1600/DSC00781_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUfw02x3jsXA2MY7Wb53j7n5yeyBKKPaD5EzQ7o22RGSzm7Fqm8UOuMPI4H5Ww3_45Yq7F6atXxrjiZaQpJ0dkquT0j36BvQOqhNvcECTERSTEZgGPMI8P3i1EMZe-L8Az9b5jlKqQoci/s320/DSC00781_edited-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weimer shows off a fine bluegill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The late Chuck Collins introduced me to Tiger Lake more than
25 years ago. I'll never forget Collins telling me about the population of
large bluegill in the 2,200 lake located in Polk County near the small city of
Lake Wales.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don't fish the lake often, but it doesn't let me down when
I do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I first started fly fishing the lake, I used only small
popping bugs designed to catch bluegill and bass. Since then, I've added nymphs
to me arsenal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I drove to Tiger Lake recently with John Weimer of the
Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers in Sarasota. Weimer had never fished the lake, but
came away very impressed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"What a great lake," he said. "I don't know
how many fish we caught."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We launched our NuCanoe kayaks (www.nucanoe.com) at Bud's RV
Park and Marina (1700 Tiger Lake Road, Lake Wales, 893-696-2274). Launch fee is
$5 and there is ample parking. The lake is just a short paddle from the ramp.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYagucwONMe0u8iIEliDBYQBR56_i8FSyV8hh6vW3Ll0aSFlpwPRP3cZ3ZHNXsODN1fw6IYVDvJ23E4Rbg5g1fuk6zHi0PYV2hMxdBIVB6A27lcWNI1FFjuq_BbqqcfCftFqiDLQ_MA5w/s1600/DSCN0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYagucwONMe0u8iIEliDBYQBR56_i8FSyV8hh6vW3Ll0aSFlpwPRP3cZ3ZHNXsODN1fw6IYVDvJ23E4Rbg5g1fuk6zHi0PYV2hMxdBIVB6A27lcWNI1FFjuq_BbqqcfCftFqiDLQ_MA5w/s320/DSCN0348.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This speckled perch fell for a Gibby's Snymph.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Weimer and I paddled into the lake and began fishing
immediately. He caught a 3-weight fly rod with a Gibby's Snymph under a strike
indicator. I cast a No. 10 popper on a 3-weight rod.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>e caught a few fish (bluegill and shellcracker) around
Kissimmee grass and reeds, but the
action wasn't what we had envisioned.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Last time I was here, we caught a bunch of fish along
the north shoreline," I told Weimer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We fished that shoreline for the next five hours and caught
more fish that we could count. We caught bluegill to 10 1/2 inches, plump
shellcracker, feisty largemouth bass and chunky speckled perch (black crappie).
I'm not sure if the fish quit hitting or we ran out of time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm sure we caught more than 100 fish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh01zRHwpDOKca_t2v8hTEboD7HiS_qrmThB9dw6xlCGkmKDW_4Y-VV6-A3vxTioQs37dpdMGjX6anh36_O2w5k-iIYMXxEVRxpcuNTisebxFKrVYN2LsP5B20l8t9wEVgwsHsm-tdp5N/s1600/DSCN0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh01zRHwpDOKca_t2v8hTEboD7HiS_qrmThB9dw6xlCGkmKDW_4Y-VV6-A3vxTioQs37dpdMGjX6anh36_O2w5k-iIYMXxEVRxpcuNTisebxFKrVYN2LsP5B20l8t9wEVgwsHsm-tdp5N/s320/DSCN0343.JPG" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger Lake has plenty of fly-eating shellcracker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At one point, Weimer, who moved to Florida from his native
state of Oregon, caught 10 bluegill in row from a small opening in the lily
pads.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We caught a few fish from grassy areas and around reeds.
However, most of the fish were concentrated in the vast fields of lily pads. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm sure poppers would resulted in plenty of bluegill. But
I'm not certain we would have caught any shellcracker or speckled perch on
poppers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've been using Gibby's Snymphs (simple nymph) since I
created the pattern a few years ago with great results. The nymphs work well on
most freshwater lakes, ponds and streams. I usually tie them on No. 10 hooks,
but I'm sure you could tie them on larger and smaller hooks and do well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I used a brown Snymph; Weimer an olive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">B</span></b>ass fishing can be quite good on Tiger Lake. A few years,
we shot a TV show at Tiger. We planned to video the excellent bluegill action,
but bass kept getting in the way. Took an hour or so (and a half dozen
3-4-pound bass) before we hooked a bluegill. Bass just wouldn't leave our flies
alone!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's interesting to note that Tiger Lake rarely is mentioned
among Florida's top spots for bluegill. Yet, fly fishing for bluegill on the
relatively shallow lake consistently is very good to excellent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can't imagine another lake being any better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bass, speckled perch and shellcracker, as you might imagine,
are likely bonuses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you're thinking about fishing this hidden gem, you might
want to take a 7- or 8-weight fly rod with floating line for bass. Try poppers
early, and then switch to worm-like flies, Clouser Deep Minnows or Joe Mahler's Straw Boss.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, carry a 3-weight for smaller poppers and a 2-weight
for nymphs. I'm sure my Myakka Minnow will result in a bevy of big bluegill.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next time we get a prediction for light wind, you can bet
I'll be heading for Tiger Lake. That's the body of water that Chuck Collins
introduced me to more than 25 years ago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-39562624933708061022017-03-26T08:21:00.000-07:002017-03-26T08:21:00.546-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5asqQlEpZXJXGVLhFio4ZUvjqH6PyD9GahMA95gD8Do_yl3qpJOciv6Jd213oGnQXHr4nikOBPxZMgN4aXHlvL02_ew_ugcAVHtZqHOTHnn4OvsHW2gDXZhuaSgwI4cwDudR55QGiPTh/s1600/DSC00180_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5asqQlEpZXJXGVLhFio4ZUvjqH6PyD9GahMA95gD8Do_yl3qpJOciv6Jd213oGnQXHr4nikOBPxZMgN4aXHlvL02_ew_ugcAVHtZqHOTHnn4OvsHW2gDXZhuaSgwI4cwDudR55QGiPTh/s640/DSC00180_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry Byce of Lakewood Ranch, Fla., shows off a fine spotted seatrout caught on a Clouser Deep Minnow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I</span></b> really enjoyed March fishing -- both in fresh and salt waters.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saltwater action picked up nicely, with spotted seatrout,
snook and pompano leading the way. Oh, and for you fly fishers, there usually
were plenty of ladyfish around to stretch lines and make acrobatic leaps.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1tcOr-yVwWKe1EpYc6QmAsaImGGJOpbNmdgqhB2eQNQN-ufyMxmpaR1bkKCkU5xeF_G8cwWFw6jrqIBuzXWqgT7TO06Rcfb5sSVwkYsmpxlZIKjVFluQQvnmUlwCa0eqrIrYx9zdYqqu/s1600/DSC09804_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1tcOr-yVwWKe1EpYc6QmAsaImGGJOpbNmdgqhB2eQNQN-ufyMxmpaR1bkKCkU5xeF_G8cwWFw6jrqIBuzXWqgT7TO06Rcfb5sSVwkYsmpxlZIKjVFluQQvnmUlwCa0eqrIrYx9zdYqqu/s320/DSC09804_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Micah Breckenridge, 17, is a snook master.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fresh water, we fished a number of places including Lake
Manatee, Alligator Alley and Shell Creek.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Mac Steiner of
Ohio joined me for an outing on Sarasota Bay and Buttonwood Harbor. He caught
snook to 22 inches, redfish to 20, spotted seatrout to 24 and flounder on
Gibby's Glass Minnow and MirrOlure Lil Johns on light jigs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Len Tavormina of Sarasota caught snook to 24 inches, spotted
seatrout to three pounds, pompano and ladyfish on MirrOlure Lil Johns on light
jigs around Buttonwood Harbor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. David Breckenridge and son Micah had a good outing
around Buttonwood Harbor, catching eight snook to 25 inches, 25 trout to 23 and
ladyfish on MirrOlure Lil Johns on light jigs and MirrOlure MirrOdines.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GUtBWC2CxoWtLjD23Ommhm2U7LcDfTnuQGsdpDa3vPPDtdoPuxc1mr9pgR920btaB7kje0okKov-qCjzLexp9PcrKj42clcxf5hKLw9pwWdhcQ_318fFM7IVHG2vFysN6eAdXS-o_oa1/s1600/DSC00505_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GUtBWC2CxoWtLjD23Ommhm2U7LcDfTnuQGsdpDa3vPPDtdoPuxc1mr9pgR920btaB7kje0okKov-qCjzLexp9PcrKj42clcxf5hKLw9pwWdhcQ_318fFM7IVHG2vFysN6eAdXS-o_oa1/s320/DSC00505_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big bluegill no problem for Melvin Johnson of New Mexico.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Terry Byce of Lakewood Ranch had a fairly slow day, catching
only a few trout and ladyfish on Gibby's Glass Minnow and a Clouser Deep
Minnow. However, one of his trout was a 5-pounder which was caught on the edge
of a grass flat in Buttonwood Harbor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Melvin Johnson of New Mexico and Tom "Gator"
Kayser of Ohio joined me for a pair of trips -- one in fresh water and the
other in the salt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">F</span></b>irst day out, the two professional trout guides (Tom guides
in Montana; Melvin in New Mexico) faced tough conditions but did well on Lake
Manatee. They caught a dozen speckled perch to two pounds, 15 hand-size
bluegill and several largemouth bass to three pounds on Gibby's Snymphs and
Ruby-Eyed Leeches under strike indicators.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mts1LGW-svXv78GmU8OUWZSJautjmoaCBGQlglAltIBA3dSOaCTME3wncUoNLoz6PFeiJg98RNhleY1gaC4moXluUAYd_qLFxvFxHMTo_N-OqBiAtHHMuOXRz-UPEdemsOA3sNL5JYcy/s1600/DSC09316_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mts1LGW-svXv78GmU8OUWZSJautjmoaCBGQlglAltIBA3dSOaCTME3wncUoNLoz6PFeiJg98RNhleY1gaC4moXluUAYd_qLFxvFxHMTo_N-OqBiAtHHMuOXRz-UPEdemsOA3sNL5JYcy/s320/DSC09316_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Weimer battles a Lake Manatee largemouth bass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Second day, they did well around Buttonwood Harbor, catching
30 spotted seatrout to 22 inches and loads of ladyfish on Gibby's Glass
Minnows.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Weimer of
Sarasota joined me on several freshwater outings. We fished Shell Creek and had
a fair day, catching six largemouth bass, 18 bluegill and 10 stumpknocker on
Myakka Minnows, popping bugs and Gibby's Snymphs under a strike indicator.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next time out, we fished Lake Manatee and caught 12
oversized bluegill, eight largemouth bass to two pounds, four speckled perch to
2 pounds and a four-pound channel catfish on Gibby's Snymphs under a strike
indicator.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had one banner day at Lake Manatee, catching a record (for
us) 30 speckled perch to two pounds, 20 hand-sized bluegill, five largemouth
bass and a stumpknocker on Gibby's Snymphs under a strike indicator. Our
previous best day on specks was 17.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did some scouting trips and had good action. On one trip,
I caught 35 spotted seatrout to 24 inches and four pompano to three pounds on
MirrOlure MirrOdines and MirrOlure Lil Johns on light jigs. On another, I used
Gibby's Glass Minnows to catch snook to 26 inches and spotted seatrout to 25
around Buttonwood Harbor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>APRIL FORECAST</b>:
After experiencing pretty good action in March, I can only predict better
fishing April. Spotted seatrout should continue to hit a variety of lures and
flies around Sarasota Bay. I also anticipate good action on snook before
daylight, ladyfish and pompano. Redfish action hasn't been the best, but could
improve in April. In fresh water, I look for good action in Lake Manatee on
bluegill, channel catfish and largemouth bass. I think speckled perch action
will slow down and the popular panfish move back into deeper water. Fly fishing
along Alligator Alley should continue hot until the rainy season on oscar,
Mayan cichlid, largemouth bass, bluegill and stumpknocker.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
April can be a fun month, and I anticipate it being busy.
Please book your trips early to assure you of the days you want.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Book trips by calling me (<b>941-284-3406</b>) or email (<b>steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com</b>).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I look forward to leading you on an exciting kayak-fishing
adventure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As always, I want to thank my sponsors: NuCanoe, TFO and Mirrolure. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>941-284-3406<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-42735612504506371282017-03-16T06:39:00.003-07:002017-03-16T06:39:37.413-07:00Gibby's Snymph opens up a whole new world in Florida freshwater fishing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V9MGijXaAioCfkXOxzTt_iSVlNLJ649B6f6MiM8PWdg4zq8gMI_6iPqyRYldtwalWpNdZQfNmeN1bpJs46MGiQwb-zvwUtS0qfIeunCa0gIJGEGrdVS3BTrJXA_5e9EFSbETrUUA7Wba/s1600/DSC05281_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V9MGijXaAioCfkXOxzTt_iSVlNLJ649B6f6MiM8PWdg4zq8gMI_6iPqyRYldtwalWpNdZQfNmeN1bpJs46MGiQwb-zvwUtS0qfIeunCa0gIJGEGrdVS3BTrJXA_5e9EFSbETrUUA7Wba/s640/DSC05281_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gibby's Snymph is very effective on a variety of fish and amazingly easy to tie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">N</span></b>ymphs aren't just for trout.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found that out a few years back after a productive trout
trip to northeastern Georgia. Fishing out of Unicoi Outfitters in Helen, Ga.,
we caught an impressive number of rainbow trout on nymphs in the Chattahoochee
River, Soqui River, Chestatee River and
Noontootla Creek.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTOFd0b6_5UZxJ-q-QjuRI9EFCJuvRBSoVjLu7Lp_i8Xxxo9PYzdx2qqgZm23-pc3CPcrFTQvJzn-jUTSRdB_3kzkc8An9sI-NYRQYRKNdab_L2foI8yNoGRgXPaVJwpfJCO4yDlGsIC9/s1600/DSCN0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTOFd0b6_5UZxJ-q-QjuRI9EFCJuvRBSoVjLu7Lp_i8Xxxo9PYzdx2qqgZm23-pc3CPcrFTQvJzn-jUTSRdB_3kzkc8An9sI-NYRQYRKNdab_L2foI8yNoGRgXPaVJwpfJCO4yDlGsIC9/s320/DSCN0259.JPG" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Snymph resulted is this fine speckled perch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While drifting nymphs in the current, the proverbial light
bulb went on in my head. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I'll bet nymphs would
be great on panfish back in Florida," I thought to myself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was only half right.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not only are nymphs great for bluegill, but also speckled
perch (black crappie), shellcracker, largemouth bass, channel catfish and other
species.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">U</span></b>nlike nymphs used to entice trout, they don't have to be
fancy or complicated. In fact, the pattern I tie and use is quite simple. It's
so simple that I've dubbed it Gibby's Snymph (a combination of the words simple
and nymph). It's a bead-head nymph, with a squirrel tail, dubbed body and wire
ribbing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Four steps and you're done. Four simple steps and you're
ready to fish -- and catch fish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9LLgRrk73h6m52CxUz8QbiiV5i_Z5GyIiiQyf_sG4rpEwau4N8FHk-JzTIzCfj27IxauVhvPhV1M0jNHwreYPho9YxN8OfXtv2AIJl71B1EnWK34GclBBenjjO659n6wKa3VgyqQ0yMN/s1600/DSCN0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9LLgRrk73h6m52CxUz8QbiiV5i_Z5GyIiiQyf_sG4rpEwau4N8FHk-JzTIzCfj27IxauVhvPhV1M0jNHwreYPho9YxN8OfXtv2AIJl71B1EnWK34GclBBenjjO659n6wKa3VgyqQ0yMN/s200/DSCN0249.JPG" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big fish also eat nymphs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>GIBBY'S SNYMPH<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hook</b>: Bass Pro
White River No. 10 396 nymph</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thread</b>: Uni </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Head</b>: 1/8 Gold or
copper bead</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tail</b>: Squirrel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ribbing</b>: Fine gold
wire</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Put bead on hook and place in vise. Tie in thread and wrap
to hook bend. Tie in sparse bunch of squirrel hair. Dub body, building it up
toward the bead. Wrap ribbing forward and whip finish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Voila! You're ready to fish.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV2rY7XylrD7Ax9tDPzO4hVSix23RL3JIBJnDCtEXpRs6yxvkgXubdTsu0vISqPe-VdQ7X_jWo-yS9oYxbu4cIFLBtRpxsjovKpgwhhOaKt7Wp7NH1IbqmwtJNX0q_rc_l1zREAqmAFq_/s1600/IMG_20160914_074053601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV2rY7XylrD7Ax9tDPzO4hVSix23RL3JIBJnDCtEXpRs6yxvkgXubdTsu0vISqPe-VdQ7X_jWo-yS9oYxbu4cIFLBtRpxsjovKpgwhhOaKt7Wp7NH1IbqmwtJNX0q_rc_l1zREAqmAFq_/s320/IMG_20160914_074053601.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hefty shellcracker eat nymphs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tie Snymphs is several colors: tan; brown, olive and rust.
Those colors have all produced. I'm sure other colors also would produce.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I fish the Snymph under an strike indicator. I like
Lightning Strike 1/2-inch fluorescent yellow strike indicators. I've found
they're the best and simplest to use for what I do in Florida.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">F</span></b>ishing the Snymph is pretty simple, too. I cast the Snymph
to the edge of the structure (grass, lily pads, trees, rocks, etc.) and allow
it to sink. I don't work the Snymph too much. I use a couple of one-inch strips
in succession and then allow the Snymph to sink again. If there's any chop on
the water, that usually is enough to give the Snymph all the action needed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing I've found important is to point your rod tip straight
down the line toward the strike indicator. With the rod tip in the water, all
slack is removed from the fly line. That is important when the indicator goes
under and it's time to set the hook. With no slack in the line, setting the
hook is easy and usually effective.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You might think the Snymph is only good for small fish. Not
so. I've taken bluegill to 12 inches, speckled perch to 2 1/2 pounds, large
shellcracker, bass to 5 pounds, channel catfish to 7, Mayan cichlid, peacock
bass, gar, tilapia and oscar.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kJ7IvsNkMUDr5bAOM1MJ7I9kREUhMhyphenhyphen0_NOl2sffSNHmDAtKdrI_JRU-jDkeZ76yGRB5-Zw26Nn2YsOQWD6tc-8qNvpVz9EkFHBMuLgBKjCXub9kIbkdQ5VO6pMdJl9M-7dWNAw0ZSym/s1600/DSC01271_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kJ7IvsNkMUDr5bAOM1MJ7I9kREUhMhyphenhyphen0_NOl2sffSNHmDAtKdrI_JRU-jDkeZ76yGRB5-Zw26Nn2YsOQWD6tc-8qNvpVz9EkFHBMuLgBKjCXub9kIbkdQ5VO6pMdJl9M-7dWNAw0ZSym/s320/DSC01271_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This large tilapia inhaled a Gibby's Snymph.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">B</span></b>ack when I first started fly fishing in Florida's fresh
waters, I used popping bugs. I used popping bug for bluegill. I used larger
poppers for bass. I caught mostly bluegill and bass. On rare occasions, I
caught shellcracker and speckled perch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was fun when the topwater bite was going on. When it slowed, it was time to go
home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That all changed after my trip to northeast Georgia to fly
fish for trout. That opened up a whole new world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found out that when the topwater bite ends, the day is
just beginning when you switch to subsurface flies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, the subsurface bite usually is much better!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-3188440284492403472017-03-01T11:51:00.000-08:002017-03-01T11:52:12.671-08:00Snook action was the strong point of February<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYjvBV12ZxhH0aj7GYr1V1wIty5QMaZura8gKYBKK81SRSEqYiNvAH-X64oA0NekAFKNm8uXrjDLbDtVgCae4CDXamImjShd6QT5IuZQgKUtzUbiyaowJNBo-uCx9G36DigMghHCR1Qz8/s1600/DSC08547_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYjvBV12ZxhH0aj7GYr1V1wIty5QMaZura8gKYBKK81SRSEqYiNvAH-X64oA0NekAFKNm8uXrjDLbDtVgCae4CDXamImjShd6QT5IuZQgKUtzUbiyaowJNBo-uCx9G36DigMghHCR1Qz8/s640/DSC08547_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. John Lacy of Kentucky shows off one of the eight snook he caught on MirrOlure Lil Johns.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With unseasonably warm weather, it was no surprise that snook
ruled during February. Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing clients landed snook to 30
inches on fly and spin gear while fishing around lighted docks and in the
Longboat Key rim canal.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32yBTMKBJbH03aFqcKe0RnGtgywnoYR_gZNoIHTrP7jv2t_HFCtvpQLSShoCWhjRQQMokeLDrmmD3PA0Oq5SOaUBTohvTRTmdvftmRTH2-ys1qBHGoVKWb51WR9-HcmVPLuFlGsXYM5Aj/s1600/DSC08690_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32yBTMKBJbH03aFqcKe0RnGtgywnoYR_gZNoIHTrP7jv2t_HFCtvpQLSShoCWhjRQQMokeLDrmmD3PA0Oq5SOaUBTohvTRTmdvftmRTH2-ys1qBHGoVKWb51WR9-HcmVPLuFlGsXYM5Aj/s320/DSC08690_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon Freyer battles an Alligator Alley oscar on fly rod.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also encountered good numbers of spotted seatrout on fly
and spin gear in Sarasota Bay over deep grass patches off Whale Key.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tim Foster, a winter resident from Montana, caught 20
spotted seatrout and a few ladyfish on my new glass minnow fly. He also lost a
couple of snook on a very windy day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent a day at the Florida Sportsman Show in Fort Myers,
helping out NuCanoe. I demonstrated how to fly fish from a NuCanoe Frontier.
The NuCanoe Frontier and Pursuits are no doubt the best kayaks for fly fishing
on the market.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After fishing with me, Foster sold his paddleboard and
bought a NuCanoe Pursuit from West Coast Kayaks in St. Petersburg. One outing
is all it took to convince him that the Pursuit was the boat he needed for fly
fishing!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent a day fishing around Buttonwood Harbor with good success.
I caught 10 snook on fly and jigs. In addition, I landed 30 trout to 24 inches,
pompano and ladyfish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnOqf9cDzc3xDnytxmGJIYjTLbD-QtOK6IfuxTqpPTJ2hM9vNfbvIbXPfFEhbe60aqLvbsEYkS_Lvc-NOv_4w-KTblIMnLgxbdIK64QU3_mmpP8IpGoGnpXTKSpw1pynETp3SWQm_Nard/s1600/DSC07790_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnOqf9cDzc3xDnytxmGJIYjTLbD-QtOK6IfuxTqpPTJ2hM9vNfbvIbXPfFEhbe60aqLvbsEYkS_Lvc-NOv_4w-KTblIMnLgxbdIK64QU3_mmpP8IpGoGnpXTKSpw1pynETp3SWQm_Nard/s320/DSC07790_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie Ewert puts the pressure on a big fish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I accompanied about 20 members of the Mangrove Coast Fly
Fishers on an expedition to Alligator Alley for a two-day outing. Fly fishing
was great and everyone caught more oscar, Mayan cichlid, largemouth bass,
stumpknocker and warmouth perch than they could count.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After we got back from Alligator Alley, I demonstrated how to
fly fish from the NuCanoe Pursuit at the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers Casting
Clinic at The Meadows in Sarasota. Members were very interested in the boat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tim Foster fished with me again and did fair despite strong
wind. He landed two snook, five spotted seatrout and ladyfish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Repeat clients Al Ewert of Connecticut and daughter Annie of
New Hampshire caught 25 spotted seatrout, ladyfish and flounder on fly and spin
around Buttonwood Harbor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNVufelmEKIbQp9VMiwVIed5uFS0TbpttC7pR8qw4pHr2YOUZE1LEwk1g69XBYBbVVul8f4MP_tVTIb9WolLJvpTab3Bl4b-uQLtRH-fuTU289cAZ8gekn_E1lrDUodl8KASqdW-1JU_n/s1600/DSC06935_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNVufelmEKIbQp9VMiwVIed5uFS0TbpttC7pR8qw4pHr2YOUZE1LEwk1g69XBYBbVVul8f4MP_tVTIb9WolLJvpTab3Bl4b-uQLtRH-fuTU289cAZ8gekn_E1lrDUodl8KASqdW-1JU_n/s320/DSC06935_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fly fisher Tim Foster stands and battles a spotted seatrout.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tom Biondo of Bradenton fished with me at Lake Manatee and
had an interesting day. New to fishing, Biondo caught large bluegill and
speckled perch on nymphs under a strike indicator. In all, we totaled eight specks,
15 bluegill and a largemouth bass.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Doughton of Gainesville and Dr. Pete Gearan joined me
for a windy day of fly fishing around Buttonwood Harbor. They managed spotted
seatrout and ladyfish on my new glass minnow fly. In addition, they used the outing
to test out the NuCanoe Pursuit and Frontier. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. John Lacy of Kentucky fished with me again and had an
exceptional day. He caught eight snook
to 27 inches on MirrOlure Lil Johns on light jigs. He also landed spotted
seatrout to14 inches, flounder to 15 and ladyfish on jigs and MirrOlure
MirrOdines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Longtime fried Jon Freyer of Ludington, Mich., visited
Alligator Alley for the first time and came away impressed. He caught the
usual: oscar, Mayan cichlid, largemouth bass, bluegill and stumpknocker on
Myakka Minnows. He caught more fish than he could count.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fly fishing along Alligator should remain strong through
May.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white;">MARCH FORECAST</span></b><span style="background: white;">: We
anticipate continued excellent action on spotted seatrout and snook. In
addition, redfish activity should be good on the flats around Sarasota Bay.
Night fishing for snook will continue to be excellent on fly and spin gear. In
fresh water, Lake Manatee should produce decent amounts of hand-sized bluegill,
large speckled perch, largemouth bass, shellcracker and channel catfish.
Expeditions to Alligator Alley will result in oscar, Mayan cichlid, largemouth
bass, bluegill and stumpknocker.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As usual, I'd like to thank my great sponsors: NuCanoe,
MirrOlure, D.O.A. Lures, TFO Fly Rods and Peak Fishing. They all play an
important part in the success of Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you'd like to spend a day on the water, please give me
call (941-284-3406) or email me (steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>941-284-3406<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-51924081114479658302017-01-31T12:33:00.001-08:002017-02-01T05:20:11.808-08:00January offered warmth and some pretty hot action<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CBXW47AuK968FjyE9mltK0QXirF1_HQcCEiJj_slh5GWS1S9FfInkj590gxc7yDAswnhGi46h3A1Fd8K96OFxSOPV3IncvAUWoFwd2qam4ad2xGi2YuzERJ8Q5Z2Peqevhq2diWjOppy/s1600/DSC06499_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CBXW47AuK968FjyE9mltK0QXirF1_HQcCEiJj_slh5GWS1S9FfInkj590gxc7yDAswnhGi46h3A1Fd8K96OFxSOPV3IncvAUWoFwd2qam4ad2xGi2YuzERJ8Q5Z2Peqevhq2diWjOppy/s640/DSC06499_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry Byce of Lakewood Ranch battles his first Everglades oscar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">T</span></b>his unseasonably warm winter is good and bad. It's
good because you can get out on the water and enjoy yourself in warmth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's bad because it isn't the norm for fish. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Snook are still on the flats and under the mangroves which
isn't normal this time of year. We should be finding most of the snook up
creeks and rivers, but that's just not the case.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVEiSH8B5_9ZoFr6hb2dQBD7UFrPkmL2KgdNWqiJTKWnfOD-CpU7h3pR45G3weQqV6f1Ekhb7T_VvVzh7IZCiwYLo-bj-VBRLxOvUpHsqAQFnKff1aGuTl9EGYDG7XATjcIVjUF79Xl9r/s1600/DSC06656_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVEiSH8B5_9ZoFr6hb2dQBD7UFrPkmL2KgdNWqiJTKWnfOD-CpU7h3pR45G3weQqV6f1Ekhb7T_VvVzh7IZCiwYLo-bj-VBRLxOvUpHsqAQFnKff1aGuTl9EGYDG7XATjcIVjUF79Xl9r/s320/DSC06656_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burt Benjamin, 81, battles a spotted seatrout on fly rod.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fishing has been pretty good in both fresh and salt waters.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In salt water, we've been getting spotted seatrout, snook,
ladyfish, jack crevalle and pompano.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Burt Benjamin of Connecticut joined me for an outing on
Palma Sola Bay. We managed to catch 20 seatrout to 23 inches, three flounder
and a pompano on Popovics Jiggy Flies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you think you're too old for kayak fishing realize that
Benjamin is 81.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Weimer of Sarasota fished with me on several occasions.
We fished Palma Sola Bay and caught 22 seatrout to 19 inches and several
ladyfish on Popovics Jiggies and Super Hair Clouser Deep Minnows.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Terry Byce of Lakewood Ranch spent a day along Alligator
Alley and wasn't disappointed. On his first trip, Byce caught "more fish
in a day than I've ever caught." He managed oscar, Mayan cichlid,
bluegill, stumpknocker, warmouth perch and largemouth bass. All fish were
caught on Gibby's Mighty Myakka Minnow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnt1qy9trvLevNr52xflSx1lrDE1NnMEVozsCxUoM41zG2nDm3ZOsgZHBwmeGSLeqjg0Z6siWeO3LUQtCa-6M1GTEa81Nd8879X41T52vUDgGsxjHwdUpe7uXc1r_EyoMBPH8bIclsiZv/s1600/DSC06738_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnt1qy9trvLevNr52xflSx1lrDE1NnMEVozsCxUoM41zG2nDm3ZOsgZHBwmeGSLeqjg0Z6siWeO3LUQtCa-6M1GTEa81Nd8879X41T52vUDgGsxjHwdUpe7uXc1r_EyoMBPH8bIclsiZv/s320/DSC06738_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Weimer of Sarasota is hooked up in The Everglades.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>eimer and I fished Alligator Alley and had similar results.
We caught an estimated 200 oscar, Mayan cichlid, bluegill, stumpknocker,
warmouth perch and largemouth bass.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Interestingly enough, we caught a majority of our fish while
employing a method we dubbed "the non-working technique." We'd cast
out Myakka Minnows and allow them to sink. We wouldn't retrieve them at all.
Sooner or later, a fish would inhale the offering and the battle was on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The non-working technique paid off in many fish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Speaking of the Myakka Minnow ...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I developed the fly more than 10 years ago. And it has
resulted in many fresh and saltwater fish over the years. One of the main
materials used is Bodi-Braid by Spirit River.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Spirit River was recently bought by Hareline
Dubbin. And the new parent company has decided not to carry Bodi-Braid.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That caused me concern. However, after a visit to a local needlepoint
shop, I have come up with a substitute. Actually, I'm better off because the
shop carries not only the colors I need, but also additional colors that were previously
unavailable to me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I now tie Myakka Minnows in a variety of colors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you're interested in purchasing Myakka Minnows, they're
$60 a dozen (plus shipping). Minimium
order is a dozen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tie them in sizes No. 12 to No. 6 for freshwater. In
addition, I tie them in No 4 to No. 1 for saltwater.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They make great night
snook flies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">O</span></b>ver the years, the Myakka Minnow was caught oscar, Mayan
cichlid, peacock bass, stumpknocker, warmouth perch, largemouth bass, sunfish,
pumpkinseed, speckled perch (black crappie), white crappie, channel catfish,
blue tilapia, spotted tilapia, barramundi, brown trout and others. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In salt water, they have resulted in spotted seatrout,
snook, ladyfish, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel, tripletail, bonefish, tarpon,
mangrove snapper and others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Myakka Minnow is not magic, but a great fly whenever
fish are feeding on small minnows.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I fished Lake Manatee on a couple of occasions and did well.
On one trip, I caught 20 bluegill, two bass, one speckled perch and a
stumpknocker on Myakka Minnows, popping bugs and Snymphs. The other trip was
virtually the same.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
February looks promising and is booking up quickly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>FEBRUARY FORECAST</b>:
Spotted seatrout action should be very good over the deep grass in Sarasota
Bay, Little Sarasota Bay and Palma Sola Bay. In addition, bluefish, Spanish
mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle should please. Redfish action should perk
up on the flats and around mangroves. Snook are still in the bay, but will move
to creeks and rivers if we get a sustained cold front. In fresh water, Lake
Manatee and the Manatee River should produce bluegill, largemouth bass, channel
catfish, shellcracker and speckled perch. Alligator Alley should produce loads
of oscar, Mayan cichlid, bluegill, largemouth bass, stumpknocker, warmouth
perch and an occasional peacock bass.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you're interested in a fishing trip or purchasing Myakka
Minnows, please give me a call (941-284-3406) or email me
(steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hope to hear from you soon!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>941-284-3406<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-81546275680857775832017-01-03T11:17:00.000-08:002017-01-03T11:19:20.095-08:00December saw improved fishing in Sarasota Bay and plenty of freshwater action<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhxmafwL2z_WfxJDY1rViYtj0PFdrCLumXXtPsnHX4tr5WFCWiM-57IwLf4qwxXsgBpyzdqtSgVXs0xNsiArRH5LNwqkIg01Z7dp3UUTui0Nh37ttrre-X7HTjtoJUX4CWYx70Xv6l6en/s1600/DSC05875_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhxmafwL2z_WfxJDY1rViYtj0PFdrCLumXXtPsnHX4tr5WFCWiM-57IwLf4qwxXsgBpyzdqtSgVXs0xNsiArRH5LNwqkIg01Z7dp3UUTui0Nh37ttrre-X7HTjtoJUX4CWYx70Xv6l6en/s640/DSC05875_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Kis of New Rochelle, N.Y., caught a variety of species, including this leaping bluefish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">D</span></b>ecember arguably was the best month of fishing we've
experienced in a while. After battles with red tide, poor water quality and
wind, things finally perked up in salt waters around Sarasota.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJe_0HbBLwcPu4JBDIUjx7B21xs8ruNtDNL7XU99rAWOSY7ivvyt9TGTzBjHkUN09i1jguymjRXw9ArPdPLKmsNuVowdeKJ_n2tFMbou7VMt-temMukEVXb4dUypkHTjBTm9kpN2X008T/s1600/DSC06356_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJe_0HbBLwcPu4JBDIUjx7B21xs8ruNtDNL7XU99rAWOSY7ivvyt9TGTzBjHkUN09i1jguymjRXw9ArPdPLKmsNuVowdeKJ_n2tFMbou7VMt-temMukEVXb4dUypkHTjBTm9kpN2X008T/s320/DSC06356_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray Gibson of Atlanta shows off a fine pompano.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We experienced good to excellent action in both fresh and
salt waters from Tampa Bay to The Everglades.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The big news, however, was the return to glory of Sarasota
Bay. That's good news on a number of accounts. First, it's close to home.
Second, the bay perked up considerably after red tide pummeled it for the
second straight year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Weimer of Sarasota and I launched at Stephens Point and
caught a number of ladyfish and jack crevalle. We were anticipating spotted
seatrout, bluefish, Spanish mackerel and pompano, but came up short. However,
the water quality of extremely encouraging.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next three days saw us launch off Longboat Key at
Buttonwood Harbor. The first day, we caught several snook on fly rod around
dock lights. Then at daylight, we switched to spinning gear and caught a number
of snook to 26 inches on MirrOlure Lil Johns on light jigs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We moved into the bay and caught numerous spotted seatrout
to 22 inches on MirrOlure MirrOdines. In addition, we managed eight bluefish to
four pounds and eight pompano to three pounds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">N</span></b>ext day, repeat client John Kis of New Rochelle, N.Y.,
caught snook, spotted seatrout, ladyfish and pompano. Snook were caught on Lil
Johns and light jigs in the Longboat Key rim canal. We caught seatrout to 21
inches, bluefish, pompano and ladyfish on MirrOdines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ray Gibson of Atlanta caught spotted seatrout to 19 inches,
ladyfish and pompano on MirrOdines and flies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That action was particularly encouraging after several
months of slow fishing. If we can avoid red tide, I anticipate a good year of
fishing in Sarasota Bay.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We fished Lake Manatee on a number of occasions and did
well. We caught hand-sized bluegill, speckled perch to 15 inches, largemouth
bass, stumpknocker and channel catfish on Gibby's Snymphs under strike
indicators. We also caught fish on popping bugs and Gibby's Myakka Minnows.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">M</span></b>anatee River action ranged from fair to very good. On one
trip, we caught six channel catfish to four pounds, a number of hand-size
bluegill, tilapia and a 7-pound largemouth on Snymphs under a strike indicator.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Weimer and I visited a small lake east of Naples and
had an average trip, catching bluegill to 12 inches on Myakka Minnows,
stumpknocker, largemouth bass and two peacock bass.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>JANUARY FORECAST</b>:
It has been unseasonably warm, but we're expecting the weather to cool off with
a cold front on the way. When that happens, look for snook to begin to push up
rivers, creeks and canals in search of warm waters. If that happens, we
anticipate decent action up the Manatee and Myakka rivers. Spotted seatrout,
pompano, bluefish and Spanish mackerel action should remain good in Sarasota
Bay over deep grass. In addition, our trips to Alligator Alley should results
in hot fly-rod action on oscar, Mayan cichlid, largemouth bass, bluegill and
stumpknocker.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We hope everyone had a great holiday season.<br />
<br />
Of course, we couldn't do anything without our sponsors: NuCanoe, Aqua-Bound Paddles, MirrOlure, D.O.A. Lures, TFO and Peak fishing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
January is looking good and my schedule is filling. If you'd
like to experience the world of kayak fishing, please give me a call
(941-284-3406) or drop me an email (steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>941-284-3406</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-40667765007767135002016-12-02T06:03:00.000-08:002016-12-02T06:03:56.591-08:00Anticipating strong action in fresh and salt waters as we head toward winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcwzNdgH-e2qyaVJONCS0YbdCb_Tr0X8vUPZf_q5qqBbxJnpeqIFyvM4HcEORfKyn9xMJ7i3ibgPYxZtuvGL_So8pZCvTco8E5m3d0UyQTVP678wqIB4fagXVTqo3QlCMm_BsSaeYG_t_/s1600/DSCN0115_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcwzNdgH-e2qyaVJONCS0YbdCb_Tr0X8vUPZf_q5qqBbxJnpeqIFyvM4HcEORfKyn9xMJ7i3ibgPYxZtuvGL_So8pZCvTco8E5m3d0UyQTVP678wqIB4fagXVTqo3QlCMm_BsSaeYG_t_/s640/DSCN0115_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The author shows off a fine peacock bass caught on fly near Naples, Fla. (Photo by John Weimer)</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">F</span></b>reshwater fishing has been much better than saltwater
fishing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that's subject to change any day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We're moving into the winter pattern and that means several
things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In salt water, it means bluefish, pompano and , hopefully,
large snook.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fresh water, it means wonderful trips to The Everglades
for tackle-busting exotics.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We fished the salt a few days in November and did so-so.
Fishing Little Sarasota Bay around Vamo, we encountered snook, spotted
seatrout, jack crevalle and ladyfish. Snook were plentiful around the islands
on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway and were a blast on topwater
plugs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trout, although somewhat scarce in most areas, could be
found along the ICW. We caught sseatrout to 20 inches on MirrOlure Lil Johns on
1/16-ounce jig heads.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The best action took place around and under docks just south
of the launch. Using skip casts to get jigs well under the docks, we caught
snook to 30 inches, jack crevalle and mangrove snapper. The most effective bait
was the new D.O.A. 2 3/4-inch shrimp in gold flake.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Lacy of Kentucky joined me for a trip on Little
Sarasota and did fair. We caught three snook, two jack crevalle, six spotted
seatrout, a mangrove snapper and a ladyfish. We also lost a snook estimated at
15 pounds while skipping D.O.A. Shrimp under docks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">H</span></b>ighlight of the day was the number of manatee we
encountered. We probably saw at least 18 manatee over the six-hour outing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fresh water, we fished a variety of spots, including Lake
Manatee and a small lake east of Naples in southwest Florida.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lake Manatee, located in Manatee County just 10 miles east
of Interstate 75 off State Road 64, is one of my favorite places to fish --
especially during fall and winter. It's a spot where diversity rules and you'll
likely catch a variety of fish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really don't target any species in particular. I used
popping bugs, nymphs and my Myakka Minnow. I catch bluegill, speckled perch,
shellcracker, tilapia, stumpknocker, shellcracker, largemouth bass and
channel catfish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our best day in November was an outing in which we caught
big bluegill, two huge speckled perch (black crappie) and five nice channel
catfish. All of the fish were taken on my Snymph (simple nymph). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following day was much tougher. John Weimer of Sarasota
and I combine to catch 26 bluegill, one speckled perch, one bass and a golden
shiner on Snymphs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few days later, I took John Freyer of Ludington, Mich.,
and we had to work extremely hard. We combined to land 17 bluegill and a gar.
The interesting thing was we couldn't catch anything on Snymphs. Most every
fish came on my Myakka Minnow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">J</span></b>ohn Weimer and I drove 105 miles south on I-75 and had a
wonderful outing. Fishing a small lake east of Naples, we caught a variety of
fish, including peacock bass to 4 pounds. Interestingly, we had few fish by 1
p.m.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was at that point, I decided to pull out the 6-weight TFO
fly rod and cast an orange-and-chartreuse Clouser Deep Minnow in areas where I had caught some nice peacock
bass. I wasn't disappointed. Over the next two hours, Weimer and I combined to
land 23 peacock bass to four pounds. We lost several others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peacock bass were introduced in state waters in 1984.
Because they can't tolerate cold water, they were stocked only Miami-Dade and
Broward county waters. Both barred and butterfly peacocks were stocked, but the
bigger barred species couldn't tolerate the cold. Butterfly peacocks thrived.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Somehow, they made their way west to Collier County. And,
through a friend, I found out about a small lake and adjoining canal system
that holds a good population of these colorful, hard-fighting battlers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took me a while before I began catching them with
regularity. I found out you don't have to get up too early to catch them. Best
action takes place from mid-morning on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've caught them on a number of flies (even tiny nymphs),
but I've discovered the best action takes place on orange-and-chartreuse
Clousers. I use a fairly quick retrieve.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also keep my eyes open for peacocks chasing bait or
nesting along the shoreline. If you pay attention, you'll be rewarded.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The lake is also home to mega-bluegill, giant shellcracker,
monster Mayan cichlid and largemouth bass.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>DECEMBER FORECAST</b>:
I look for good numbers of spotted seatrout, jack crevalle, ladyfish, bluefish
and pompano in Sarasota Bay over deep
grass off Stephens Point and Whale Key. Night fishing for snook should be good
around lighted docks. Late in the month, we'll start probing local rivers for
monster snook -- especially if we encounter cold weather. In fresh water, Lake
Manatee and the Manatee River should yield good numbers of bluegill, channel
catfish, largemouth bass, speckled perch and shellcracker. For those interested
in non-stop fly-fishing fun, Alligator Alley should yield good numbers of
feisty oscar, Mayan cichlid, largemouth bass, bluegill, stumpknocker, warmouth
perch and an occasional peacock bass.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm booking up fairly fast, so contact me to make sure you
get in on the action. You can call me <b>at
941-284-3406 </b>or email <b>steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Holidays!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Southern Drawl Kayak
Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>941-284-3406<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-31825349226993205712016-11-12T06:27:00.001-08:002016-11-12T06:27:39.166-08:00Fast and furious peacock bass action at its best<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1q0ztR4ohenz5qXQlJRJPYtPBPyKkTLNMJ8l5SKt_30RTdsvyu_SftTW4p75ZPjybZ0p-zgMoGAliDXQ8BcGBrzQAlSZiSBueOGmV3s6BTbiAi6EKJB1syz7_cJaEDIsvB8hg3VVfMEs/s1600/DSCN0125_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1q0ztR4ohenz5qXQlJRJPYtPBPyKkTLNMJ8l5SKt_30RTdsvyu_SftTW4p75ZPjybZ0p-zgMoGAliDXQ8BcGBrzQAlSZiSBueOGmV3s6BTbiAi6EKJB1syz7_cJaEDIsvB8hg3VVfMEs/s640/DSCN0125_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Weimer of Sarasota admires a chunky peacock bass he caught on fly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I</span></b>n the United States, you have to choices when it comes to fly fishing for peacock bass: 1. travel to an exotic destination; 2. visit south Florida.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLO1BNpHvlH7qkgh1UkOc48BWPc1aUbMDnQRM_04bKXyvyNHeLVKEyM_UufMgDC2mtb32UzC3TrMSAitagIwENIKZKx2-1mMWX3Bln8-TpbcqAwIXNFovcqGChkr1uZAAOi3WGEIeaB14/s1600/DSCN0134_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLO1BNpHvlH7qkgh1UkOc48BWPc1aUbMDnQRM_04bKXyvyNHeLVKEyM_UufMgDC2mtb32UzC3TrMSAitagIwENIKZKx2-1mMWX3Bln8-TpbcqAwIXNFovcqGChkr1uZAAOi3WGEIeaB14/s320/DSCN0134_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The author got in on the action, too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I choose the latter. It's convenient and productive.<br />
<br />
A little history here. The state of Florida stocked butterfly peacock bass into south Florida waters in 1984. The original stocking was in waters of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Waters anywhere north of that area could be too cold in winter for these tropical cichlids.<br />
<br />
Somehow the fish have found their way to Florida's west coast and can be found just 100 miles down Interstate 75 from my home in Sarasota. In just 90 minute, my clients and I can be fly fishing for peacock bass.<br />
<br />
I will not reveal the name or location of the lake to protect the fishery.<br />
<br />
I have fished the location many times in the past four years. At first, peacock bass were somewhat of a mystery. I didn't catch any on my first trip, but a friend of mine did. Joe Mahler, a fly-fishing guru who resides in Fort Myers, caught a chunky 3-pounder on his famous fly, the Straw Boss.<br />
<br />
It took several more trips for me to start figuring out how to catch peacocks.<br />
<br />
First trick I discovered was to find peacock bass on nests and sight-fish them. I'd stand up in my NuCanoe Pursuit (www.nucanoe.com) and slowly pole along the shoreline. When I'd spot a peacock on a nest, I'd anchor nearby and cast to the fish. Note that peacocks will hit the fly virtually every time it enters the nest. But hooking them is another matter. They have an uncanny ability to spit your fly out quicker than you can react.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">S</span></b>o, it becomes a game of guessing and timing. You almost have to "set" the hook before you see the bass take the fly.<br />
<br />
I caught some very nice peacocks with this method.<br />
<br />
But peacock bass don't spawn year round. So what do you do when they're not on the nests?<br />
I began "blind casting" along the shoreline with No. 6 Clouser Deep Minnows, using a fairly quick retrieve.<br />
<br />
For this fish, I use a 5-weight TFO Finesse rod, floating line and 9-foot (8-pound test) leader.<br />
This method has paid the biggest dividends. I've had several "double-digit' days using it.<br />
<br />
My best fly is a No. 6 Clouser in orange and chartreuse. I tied it to resemble a baby peacock bass. The fish are cannibalistic and will often eat their young.<br />
<br />
Last trip to the lake was very productive.<br />
<br />
John Weimer of the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers and I made the trek and did extremely well. We combined to catch 23 peacocks to 4 pounds. However, we didn't catch our first peacock until 12:30 p.m.<br />
<br />
Up to that time, we had nine largemouth bass, one bluegill, one shellcracker and two stumpknocker on poppers and on Gibby's Snymph.<br />
<br />
The action was much slower than normal. At that point, I pulled out the 5-weight and set up a drifter along a shoreline that had produced peacock bass in the past. I was quickly rewarded. I caught a trio of peacocks, including a pair of 3-pounders in about 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">M</span></b>eanwhile, Weimer was casting a tiny Clouser that was producing nothing. I gave him an orange-and-chartreuse Clouser and suggested he give it a try. It wasn't long after that he connected on a solid 4-pounder, the largest peacock bass of his life.<br />
<br />
We hit several spots, but really found some fast action at a location that has paid off in the past. I was drifting down the bank when I saw a peacock chasing minnows. I made a quick cast and immediately got a hit. I missed that one, but hooked up on a chunky 2-pounder on the next cast.<br />
<br />
After I released that peacock, I began casting again. I noticed some action underneath a nearby tree that was hanging over the water and began to cast around it as I neared. I had the rod nearly jerked out of my hand on a ferocious hit. I was solid into another fat peacock.<br />
<br />
I caught and released nine peacocks along that stretch. Weimer also caught a fatty.<br />
<br />
The day started slowly, but ended beautifully.<br />
<br />
"That's why you have to keep at it," said Weimer, who relocated to Florida from his home state of Oregon. "Your days wn't always start out quickly. But if you keep at it and keep a fly in the water you have a chance."<br />
<br />
I love fishing south. I love catching fish that I can't find in local waters. I fish south a lot during the year. And it won't be long before I start fishing along Alligator Alley where I target oscar and Mayan cichlid.<br />
<br />
These great fisheries are simple too good -- and productive -- for Sunshine State anglers and others to ignore.<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-4010769601740990912016-11-05T06:10:00.001-07:002016-11-05T06:10:59.050-07:00Nymphing is a productive fly-fishing technique in Florida <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQ6nv34BbNlvMVjmCY1rWMS07FrZzUQFd_X6WeVb5DHUOlPs_4f9RQ4Fo0IFM_8cPvfB7D-HPxSmKXP3VsK-HNiz-DYw8DJQwL1ZS5sHS-1k5sKCSa3JX-zBDM46-w44c9CO_S5ZMYLnu/s1600/IMG_0640_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQ6nv34BbNlvMVjmCY1rWMS07FrZzUQFd_X6WeVb5DHUOlPs_4f9RQ4Fo0IFM_8cPvfB7D-HPxSmKXP3VsK-HNiz-DYw8DJQwL1ZS5sHS-1k5sKCSa3JX-zBDM46-w44c9CO_S5ZMYLnu/s640/IMG_0640_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gibby's Snymphs (simple nymphs) are quick and easy to tie and are very productive for a variety of freshwater species.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A</span></b> few years ago, I traveled to northeast Georgia to fly fish
for trout.</div>
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After a frustrating morning on Noontootla Creek, I asked
guide Rex Gudgel for a little help.</div>
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"I know where the trout are, but I can't catch
them," I said. "Why don't you show me what you would do?"</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB9IK1D0fRHBLFLBNW1qsJOcfLxWInjtGTbqcHtg7vk_ETj78k1tgsnX-o1YnjbWxvY-aqSaXRrc7pFRvHb2LlpK1OkmymXg_zyq6XWFg2FmnZAsLJyY3LvEoW6gIVZtcnrcMW1vU930K/s1600/DSC02709_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB9IK1D0fRHBLFLBNW1qsJOcfLxWInjtGTbqcHtg7vk_ETj78k1tgsnX-o1YnjbWxvY-aqSaXRrc7pFRvHb2LlpK1OkmymXg_zyq6XWFg2FmnZAsLJyY3LvEoW6gIVZtcnrcMW1vU930K/s320/DSC02709_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The author shows off a hefty Mayan cichlid<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Gudgel, who was working at the time as a guide out of Unicoi
Outfitters in Helen, Ga., surveyed the spot, then tied on a nymph and added a
strike indicator. He cast upstream and allowed the rig to float down with the
current.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He explained the nuances of nymphing to me. While doing so,
he caught rainbow trout of 12, 17 and 26 inches.</div>
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I was amazed.</div>
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After he left, I caught and released a 27-inch rainbow, the
largest of my life.</div>
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But that wasn't the highlight of my life. Don't get me
wrong. The trout was great. But nymphing lit the proverbial lightbulb in my
head.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I thought the technique would pay handsome dividends back
home in Florida where freshwater trout were little more than a dream.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZfFK0KWcAAWA1bmJYpcG0eBwHt0jgF7P6QWkl9Uns3ltmWSQLhAkj4knRyBxtcZktZaoYWWy16z5PINGlvUS7lQo9-Ql0iCWPGmgGpJh64MQJGTTypoXTZ5S3ssctFTFz02oRha8foxV/s1600/IMG_20160914_073302390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZfFK0KWcAAWA1bmJYpcG0eBwHt0jgF7P6QWkl9Uns3ltmWSQLhAkj4knRyBxtcZktZaoYWWy16z5PINGlvUS7lQo9-Ql0iCWPGmgGpJh64MQJGTTypoXTZ5S3ssctFTFz02oRha8foxV/s320/IMG_20160914_073302390.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Weimer's peacock bass sucked in a Snymph.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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Rather than trout, I envisioned big bluegill and
shellcracker. I could see these panfish sucking up nymphs with reckless
abandon.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">N</span></b>ow, I'm not going to tell you that I'm the first person
ever to use the technique in the Sunshine State. I'm sure others have done it.
However, I have fished in Florida for more than 45 years and I've never seen
anyone use the technique.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For me, freshwater fly fishing was simple. You'd cast a
small popping bug for bluegill. You'd cast a larger popping bug for bass.</div>
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There was no in between.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreUJDiz_8Im4nJJd-9ZsY1IEGTLyU5jtFxfQ7nknoS2rm0wtsPjYiAIKsy9ZREH6jIwF4rrfXWp11OFrk-g8MNdsVTWmH992wc96dLhbs2kjHUZzZPBGk9dedeHQExfXPC36Oez1h1ihj/s1600/20160318_082124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreUJDiz_8Im4nJJd-9ZsY1IEGTLyU5jtFxfQ7nknoS2rm0wtsPjYiAIKsy9ZREH6jIwF4rrfXWp11OFrk-g8MNdsVTWmH992wc96dLhbs2kjHUZzZPBGk9dedeHQExfXPC36Oez1h1ihj/s320/20160318_082124.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Manatee speckled perch on a Snymph.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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When the bite ended, it was time to go home.</div>
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Sometimes, the bite lasted all day. Often it didn't. We
would usually head home by mid-morning.</div>
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That all changed when I began nymphing.</div>
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I started out using a popular trout pattern: a bead-head
Hare's Ear. It produced pretty consistently. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Later, I began developing simpler
patterns that could be tied in just a couple of minutes.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4jhD2owQiUDfAp-ji7znlXWy-bdfyJruUmFLMRAZmtXfmcVqfmFkezOLnXZXogZ5FP4runaUi5kPavSz9K-FYpxw0DWjConWyU3EHeMpWfkCu9dtYuVl21FRQF9MTir-mikOxR-O-4TK/s1600/IMG_20160914_074053601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4jhD2owQiUDfAp-ji7znlXWy-bdfyJruUmFLMRAZmtXfmcVqfmFkezOLnXZXogZ5FP4runaUi5kPavSz9K-FYpxw0DWjConWyU3EHeMpWfkCu9dtYuVl21FRQF9MTir-mikOxR-O-4TK/s320/IMG_20160914_074053601.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hefty shellcracker on Snymph.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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I first began nymphing on Lake Manatee, a body of water nine miles east of Interstate
75 in Manatee County. The lake can be tough, but if you invest the time to
learn it you'll find it's loaded with fish.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I've used a number of different strike indicators over the
years, but I've settled on Lightning
Strike Round Foam Strike Indicators (http://www.basspro.com/Lightning-Strike-Round-Foam-Strike-Indicators/product/15218/)
that I purchase at Bass Pro Shop.
They're simple and do the job nicely.</div>
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This is no fancy system. I tie on my Gibby's Snymph (simple
nymph) and set the strike indicator according to the depth of the water. Usually
I set it between 18 inches and two feet. </div>
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I cast it out (usually toward the shoreline structure),
allow the nymph to sink, and then twitch it during a slow retrieve.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When the strike indicator twitches, moves or goes under,
it's time to set the hook.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>hat could be more simple?</div>
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I've used the technique in lakes and streams throughout
Florida, and it has rarely failed. I have used it in Lake Manatee and caught
hand-sized bluegill, large shellcracker, impressive speckled perch, largemouth
bass to 4 pounds and channel catfish.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL9q0ivxLtY0YR-tcxa_nLGNeS94I-oVFtrsThdLaW2nkC5TcjFnDvHiSW4KRQWiVFfAkp1Vl1nukAdm1ioXpxTz2wC-TXbGVHVd8Xf45oCL1u0MPtNjs1t6877qjS0O1JZ30Hml1zrZK/s1600/DSC05152_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL9q0ivxLtY0YR-tcxa_nLGNeS94I-oVFtrsThdLaW2nkC5TcjFnDvHiSW4KRQWiVFfAkp1Vl1nukAdm1ioXpxTz2wC-TXbGVHVd8Xf45oCL1u0MPtNjs1t6877qjS0O1JZ30Hml1zrZK/s320/DSC05152_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt. Rick Grassett used a Snymph to fool this tiny tarpon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In a small lake east of Naples, I have caught gargantuan
Mayan cichlid, hefty bluegill, shellcracker, largemouth bass and peacock bass.</div>
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It has produced in The Everglades, the Myakka River, Upper
Myakka Lake, Hillsborough River, Manatee River and other bodies of water.</div>
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A month ago, I launched my NuCanoe Pursuit at Benderson Lake near my home in Sarasota. I had only fish the lake a couple of times and not in the last 15 years. I caught a few bass near a spillway on Clouser Deep Minnows, then begain drifting down the east side of the lake. I started nymphing. I caught 25 bluegill, five shellcracker and a hefty channel catfish. I also lost another large channel cat.</div>
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I've also caught small snook on the Manatee River on the Snymph. Capt. Rick Grassett of Sarasota fished a small lake in Charlotte County with me and landed a small tarpon.</div>
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The Snymph has now become my "go-to" rig in fresh water.</div>
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The beauty of the rig is its simplicity.</div>
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It is quick and easy to tie.</div>
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Most of the time I use a White River 396 No. 10 or 12 nymph
hook (Bass Pro Shops). </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">S</span></b>lide the gold bead on the hook, then place it in the vise.</div>
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Tie on the thread just behind the bead and wrap back to the bend
of the hook. Then tie in the tail. You can use pheasant tail, squirrel or
whatever.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Tie in a short length of copper wire, then began dubbing
with Hareliine Dubbin' Hare's Ear Plus. Build up the body. Finish by wrapping
the copper wire toward the bead and whip finishing the thread. The wire serves
two purposed: 1. It segment the body; 2. I secure the dubbing.</div>
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I usually use tan, olive, brown and rust dubbing. I'm not
sure color makes much difference, though.</div>
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Simple.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Snymph.</div>
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Easy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I head to a lake or stream to fly fish, I'll still
start out most of the time with a No. 10 popping bug on a 3-weight fly rod.
I'll stick with it until the bite slows or stops. </div>
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When that happens, I'll pull out my 2-weight TFO Finesse rod
and begin nymphing. </div>
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<br />
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What I've learned over the years is when the topwater bites
stops, your day is just beginning.</div>
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</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-56565365009199126422016-10-30T09:59:00.002-07:002016-10-30T10:00:41.675-07:00Wind, rain, red tide and high water slowed things down in October<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I</span></b>'ve always said October is the best month in Florida.</div>
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Light breezes, low humidity, comfortable temperatures and
great fishing.</div>
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Usually it is. But not this October. It was windy and rainy.
We had a hurricane (Matthew) push up the east coast. That storm didn't affect
us much here on the west coast, but we did get a lot of wind and rain.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcBEB-jRsuUlt7d9ofMw21kGdKQKKfOmrj_r2q6LbFReSKlTOjhaAKIBcHZvCezr2WzKfh8gFHwHiCSWg8ze3UPpcihQ2ad40fgignzy8sKLgYp5clSj0regVxepabdM96ouuSuBBDRCs/s1600/IMG_20160428_111138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcBEB-jRsuUlt7d9ofMw21kGdKQKKfOmrj_r2q6LbFReSKlTOjhaAKIBcHZvCezr2WzKfh8gFHwHiCSWg8ze3UPpcihQ2ad40fgignzy8sKLgYp5clSj0regVxepabdM96ouuSuBBDRCs/s320/IMG_20160428_111138.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snook fishing has been consistent throughout the area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can handle most anything when on the water: rain, heat,
cold. Wind is another matter. It makes fishing quite tough. It's not that you
can't fish in the wind, but it make controlling the kayak a problem. It doesn't
allow you to fish areas slow and thoroughly
as you'd like.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, we were able to get out and catch fish. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Early in the month, we spent a few days fly fishing local
fresh waters. We fished Upper Myakka Lake and Benderson Park. We did well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first day at Myakka, we launched the kayak and paddled
to the dam. There, we floating over the dam and spent a few hours casting flies
for whatever might be lurking in the depths. We caught hand-size bluegill,
shellcracker, largemouth bass, tilapia and channel catfish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We returned a day or so later, but high wind prevented us
from getting into the lake. So we opted to fish the protected boat basin. We
were surprised when we caught a bunch of hard-fishing, hand-sized bluegill.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>e wanted to target Clay Gully, a creek that empties into
Upper Myakka Lake. But high water caused by recent heavy rain made that
impossible. We'll keep that in mind and plan a return trip in a month or so.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6FbbSRtfcsPXs2QjGNjzbVkZCBL5jIlQuTH9uOljXXnGdNUAfijItFYpzDVuDsvAGoROMupazsv1DfirXHBGQy1tvS4oTASmnrfNtjCtilQCLRkfz5ZkpD8nDJpJ_X0f9CX_85N8p25Q/s1600/20150402_052248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6FbbSRtfcsPXs2QjGNjzbVkZCBL5jIlQuTH9uOljXXnGdNUAfijItFYpzDVuDsvAGoROMupazsv1DfirXHBGQy1tvS4oTASmnrfNtjCtilQCLRkfz5ZkpD8nDJpJ_X0f9CX_85N8p25Q/s320/20150402_052248.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Snook gather in a dock light.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For most of this fishing, we used a TFO Finesse 2-weight
rod, floating line and a No. 10 Gibby's Snymph (simple nymph) under a strike
indicator. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our trip to Benderson Park was quite surprising. The lake is
a former pit that was given to Sarasota County. It now serves as a world-class
rowing facility. I'd fished the lake a couple of times previously, but not in
about 15 years. I launched at the boat ramp on the south end of the lake and
paddled up the east side to the Cooper Creek spillway. There, I caught several
bass to 15 inches on Clouser Deep Minnows. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I drifted along the east side and cast Snymphs to the edge.
I caught 25 bluegill, four shellcracker, five bass and a hefty channel catfish.
I also hooked another channel cat, but lost it after a short battle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was at the lake in the spring of 2000 when the State of
Florida stocked it with 10,000 channel catfish. After my outing, I would say
the lake has a good (and hungry) population of channel cats.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sarasota Bay has been battling red tide, so most of my salt
water outings have been in other areas. I fished a couple of days in a tidal
creek south of Venice. I was scouting for the 12th annual Fall Fly Fishing
Challenge. The creek paid off for me last year when I caught enough snook to
win the Snook Division of the tournament.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26FwZklj7mjB7rix1M_2c9HaUVjXOqSGif2USqOhSM7cLCCCamEQLj9oZBqgTBw06cR4AElNxJ5miQKIiiolwL0SU7Y5Y7uIHYE6ui67wQP81-w0inLW19QjHhyphenhyphen6PJf7Fc6JaqwZ3yVFO/s1600/20160318_082124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26FwZklj7mjB7rix1M_2c9HaUVjXOqSGif2USqOhSM7cLCCCamEQLj9oZBqgTBw06cR4AElNxJ5miQKIiiolwL0SU7Y5Y7uIHYE6ui67wQP81-w0inLW19QjHhyphenhyphen6PJf7Fc6JaqwZ3yVFO/s320/20160318_082124.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speckled perch action should perk up in November.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">T</span></b>his time was different. First trip, I didn't see a snook.
John Weimer and I returned a week later and totaled five snook to about 20
inches. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I decided I would fish somewhere else in the tournament.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also fished Sarasota Bay off Stephens Point. I've had
memorable days off Stephens Point, but not this time. Usually, it's a spot
where I can always catch 20 or more spotted seatrout. I caught none on this
trip. I only managed a couple of ladyfish and a jack crevalle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make matters worse, two underwater lights in the Stephens
Point basin were turned off, making night snook fishing impossible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scratch Stephens Point as a tournament spot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We waded the flats near Vamo in Little Sarasota Bay and
caught seven snook on Rainey's Bubblehead Poppers. That was encouraging.
However, we didn't find any redfish or trout. That eliminated the spot from
tournament contention.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Weimer and I drove to Palma Sola Bay and did so-so. We
found several underwater lights that held a bunch of snook. We left them alone,
preferring to catch them during the tournament.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We paddled out onto the nearby flats and found a few
seatrout.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We returned on tournament day. Things started out pretty
decently. I caught five snook and lost another at the side of the kayak.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We then headed out onto the flats. I caught a small trout. Now,
I had the rest of the day to catch one redfish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">D</span></b>idn't happen. In fact, the wind started blowing and we had
to abandon our outing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortunately, Weimer managed four trout that totaled 53
inches to win the Trout Division.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Congratulations, John!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We're hoping the wind finally settles and that red tide dissipates.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If so, things should pick up in November.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>NOVEMBER FORECAST</b>:
We look for improved snook, spotted seatrout and redfish action in Sarasota Bay
and surrounding waters. Water temperatures should drop, causing gamefish to
begin a feeding assault in preparation for winter. Night snook fishing should
remain strong. In fresh water, we look for improved action on bluegill, bass,
speckled perch, shellcracker and channel catfish. Best spots should be Lake
Manatee and Upper Myakka Lake. Also, we're anticipating a couple of trips south
to the Land of Peacock Bass. We've got a small lake just east of Naples that
holds a decent population of peacock bass, plus monster bluegill, shellcracker,
largemouth bass and Mayan cichlid.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Steve Gibson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>www.kayakfishingsarasota.com<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>941-284-3406<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925958023989982071.post-6316658769103526572016-10-13T06:04:00.000-07:002016-10-13T06:06:11.897-07:00Tournament success has little to do with luck<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnH87DW2bMbFzpDoyDjkthEVCfDv3mfBa3iAnz9tYLOg2BvDBxiGFiJrHUYcfMtP4HmrryqHMwZSOaaLHxIEwmcnsXiJMz4WrHLDTo1z8Wl1X6MP2St4x3BTKMkTxsV8pgie48rWmpYJI/s1600/DSCN0616_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnH87DW2bMbFzpDoyDjkthEVCfDv3mfBa3iAnz9tYLOg2BvDBxiGFiJrHUYcfMtP4HmrryqHMwZSOaaLHxIEwmcnsXiJMz4WrHLDTo1z8Wl1X6MP2St4x3BTKMkTxsV8pgie48rWmpYJI/s640/DSCN0616_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redfish are our toughest fish on fly, but I got this one early.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">H</span></b>ad to pick my wife up at the Orlando airport last night and
got home late.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I didn't fish today. Instead, I've been tying an
assortment of flies in preparation for the 12th annual MCFF/CCA Fall Fly
Fishing Challenge, an event that Rick Grassett and I founded.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipN-tC-OMFvNEoavn2BAtxeJG_ThIq3336zAb5iq3OgkKnWIemCcXlQSLL4xllVxbesIPnB0G1X8XSWmVrNgBdF-74jtNI80kVO6fmVd49BCRgOuwKCHTweOZblaWohmBqPJ3o-HMvZDP/s1600/tournament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipN-tC-OMFvNEoavn2BAtxeJG_ThIq3336zAb5iq3OgkKnWIemCcXlQSLL4xllVxbesIPnB0G1X8XSWmVrNgBdF-74jtNI80kVO6fmVd49BCRgOuwKCHTweOZblaWohmBqPJ3o-HMvZDP/s320/tournament.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now in its 12th year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's a pretty decent little tournament. Though the stakes
aren't all that large (grand champion in each division receives an Orvis fly
rod and reel), there certainly is some good competition. If you win the overall
prize or a division, you've accomplished something against many of the best fly
anglers in southwest Florida.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I'm not a tournament angler per se, I do enjoy
competing. First, it's a day on the water doing what I like to do. Second, I
like formulating a game plan and implementing it. I like the focus and
concentration it takes to succeed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've done decently over the years. In the event's history,
I've won a division nine times. I've won the Snook Division five times and
Spotted Seatrout Division four times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I fish in the Open Division. If you're a guide or license
charter captain, you have to fish in the Open Division. If you think you're
pretty good, you can opt to fish in the division. It's open to anyone. In the
Open Division, eligible species include snook, spotted seatrout and redfish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The tournament's other division is the Angler Division. No
guides or charter captains are allowed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This pits weekend anglers against other
weekend anglers. Nearly all inshore saltwater species are eligible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">W</span>e usually hold the tournament on the last Saturday of
October. So, I spend portions of the last two weeks of that month preparing for
the event. I try to formulate a game plan that gives me the best shot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Add caption</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, I want to win the event. I want to be grand champion.
To do that, you must catch, photo and document a Slam (snook, trout, red). I've
done that three times in the tournament. Twice, my slam simply wasn't large
enough. The third time, I forgot to place the required tournament chip in the
photo of my first snook. I landed the fish, placed it on the measuring board,
snapped a quick photo and then released the snook.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As soon as I let go of the fish, I realized my blunder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, as luck would have it, my next fish was a 25-inch
redfish. I caught more than 100 inches of trout that day to easily win the
Trout Division. However, that mistake on my first fish cost me the overall
title.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mistakes happens. So do errors in tournament strategy. Two
years ago, I caught a lot of trout and three snook. I decided that since the
snook were small and shouldn't be a factor I would enter 10 photos of trout.
Even though I had nearly 150 inches of trout, I was a distant second to a
friend of mine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Had I entered my three snook (49 inches total), I would have
won that division.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though I place a premium on pre-fishing and coming up with a
game plan, things rarely go as you might you envision.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">F</span></b>ive years ago, I found some pretty good action in southern
Tampa Bay between Bishop Harbor and Port Manatee. As I was paddling out the
Bishop Harbor channel into Tampa Bay a couple of days before the tournament, I
noticed a couple of things: 1. The nearby flats were void of water on the
negative low tide; 2. There were loads of trout in the channel. The trout had
nowhere else to go on the low tide. The was no water on the flat, so they had
to fall into the channel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I beached my kayak, got out and began casting Clouser Deep
Minnows into the channel. The trout were more than cooperative. In 20 minutes,
I must have caught and released 15 trout to 18 inches. In addition, I coaxed a
small snook into hitting. Now, all I had to do was find a redfish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you've ever fly fished along southwest Florida, then you
understand redfish are our toughest fish on fly. If you go out and catch a red,
you've had a good day. If you catch two or more on fly, you'd better buy a
lottery ticket on your way home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are sand bars that run for great lengths between
Bishop Harbor and Port Manatee. Redfish and other species will swim onto the
sand bars as the tide rises to feed. I was able to catch and release a couple
of decent reds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I had a pretty decent slam. With an 18-inch trout, a
22-inch snook and 28-inch red, I had accumulated 68 inches. I'll take my
chances with a 68-inch slam any time!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next day, I paddled to the channel just to make sure the
trout were still there. They were. At this point, I paddled back into Bishop
Harbor to a hole in the mangroves where a creek led to a decent-sized saltwater
lake (Mose's Hole). I have caught some nice snook and reds there, so I wanted
to find out if it might be a tournament spot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In just 20 minutes, I caught and released three snook and
two reds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">G</span></b>ame. Set. Match.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was ready for the tournament.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I wrote earlier, things rarely go as you plan. A front
had moved through overnight and the wind was cranking when I launched the next
morning. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luckily, the trout were still jammed into the canal. I
caught 10 trout in about 10 casts and documented each with photos. There was no
water on the adjacent flats and it was too windy to fish Tampa Bay, so I headed
for Mose's Hole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I caught fish there, but no snook or reds. I caught several
more trout, including an anchor fish that was 24 inches in length. My 10 trout
totaled 178 inches. I won the division with room to spare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The weather came into play another year. It was predicted to
be bad, and it was. With the wind
supposed to blow 20-25 out of the north, my plan was to fish the Buttonwood
Harbor area of Sarasota Bay. I would paddle to just north of the Buttonwood
channel, anchor and fish the deep water slowly. With a super low tides, I
expected snook , redfish and trout to be in the channel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The wind was cranking when I arrived at the launch. But it
wasn't out of the north. It was straight
out of the east -- not a good wind to fish Buttonwood. I sat in my truck for
about 10 minutes and decided to drive to the east side of the bay and fish
Stephens Point. There I would get a little relieve on the lee side.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was still dark when I launched my kayak. I paddled out to
a nearby lighted dock and saw several snook. I hooked up on my first cast and
landed a chunky 24-incher after a strong fight. By the time I landed the fish,
photographed it and released it, the sun was up and the light was off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I made a few "just-in-case" casts, but didn't get
a hit. So, I paddled out of the basin and into Sarasota Bay. There are several
docks along the bayfront, so I set up to make a few prospect casts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">L</span></b>ong story short: I caught and released nine more snook from
one of the docks. My 10 snook were all that large, but I had slightly more than
200 inches -- no doubt enough to win the division.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the snook bite ended, I paddled out into the bay. The
wind was now blowing hard out of the north. All I could do was anchor on grass
patches and blind cast. I spent three or four hours doing this and caught 30 or
more trout. My 10 best went 160 inches.
Again, that should be plenty to win.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With two hours remaining in the tournament, I paddled to the
shoreline, anchored the kayak, got out and began casting for redfish. I didn't
get a red, but I was confident I had done well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I got back to tournament headquarters, I decided to
enter 10 snook photos. I won the Snook Division quite easily. I also would have
won the Trout Division easily. However, tournament rules restrict all competitors
to winning just one division. That spreads the wealth, so to speak.</div>
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As you have probably surmised, I fish the tournament out of
my kayak, the last three from either a NuCanoe Frontier or NuCanoe Pursuit.
Realize, this isn't a kayak tournament. I'm one of the few competitors going
against powerboaters out of a kayak.</div>
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I realize this could handicap me -- if I allowed it.
However, I actually think I have the advantage. If the fish don't know you're
there, you have a pretty good chance at getting them to hit.</div>
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And that's where tournament strategy comes into play. It
certainly would be a different story if I didn't have the foggiest idea of what
was going on when I launched on tournament day.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">H</span></b>ere's an elementary tournament strategy. Since the tournament begins at 6 a.m., I suggest camping out at a lighted dock at which you know there are snook (you can see them). Arriving early stakes your claim and assures no one else will fish it. There's a great chance you'll catch at least one snook -- and maybe more. At daylight, your redfish quest can begin. You can spend several hours in pursuit of reds. Remember, redfish are usually the toughest of the trio on fly rod. I suggest getting out of the boat and wading. You can cover the water slowly and completely.</div>
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If you get that red, you're in business. Saving trout for last makes a lot of sense because the species is pretty easy to catch.</div>
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If you live in southwest Florida or will be in the area in
late October, you might was to fish this fun event. For tournament information
and registration form, visit http://fallflyfishingchallenge.com/.</div>
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You can also call me with any questions at 941-284-3406.</div>
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We'd love to have you. You'll not only get to spend a day on
the water, but you'll have loads of fun, too.</div>
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We have a pre-tournament (captains' ) meeting scheduled Oct.
28 at 6:30 p.m. at The Meadows Community Center, 2004 Longmeadow, in Sarasota.</div>
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The tournament begins at 6 a.m.. Oct. 29. The tournament
ends at 3 p.m.</div>
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We'd love to see you there. You won't regret it!</div>
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Steve Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00061487106810102520noreply@blogger.com0