Water LIFE May 2010

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May 2010

Redfish Reports page 21-22

Bigger sharks coming soon

Tarpon:

Gear, Boat & Etiquette page 11

7th annual

Kids Cup

Redfish Tournament This Month! May 15

w w w. W a t e r L i f e M a g a z i n e . c o m

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May

2010

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GREAT INVESTMENT – Deep Creek Pines 2/2 condo. Everything is new, even the drywall and duct work. All floors are tiled incuding the lanai. This condo is neat and clean and shows like new.

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POOL HOME ON 3 LOTS -- 3/2/2 with 2,046 sq. ft. shows pride of ownership.

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CUSTOM BUILT HOME only lived in about 8 months. This spacious 3/2/2 sailboat water home offers great view, 7 ceiling fans, plant shelves, window treatments, kitchen with bar, inside laundry room, large living room and lanai, and beautiful landscaping. Come see it today! $259,900 Call Ellen McCarthy 235-5648

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DEEP CREEK BEAUTY – 3/2/2 with heated pool, tile roof, nice landscaping with curbing and stones to match pavers at front entry and lanai/pool area. After you have seen the rest, see the best. This home features great room and large country kitchen open to dining room, with lots of wood cabinets. And more. Come see it! $178,900 Call Ellen McCarthy 235-5648

MYAKKA RIVER VIEW – Waterfront living at itʼs best. If you are thinking of a home on the River, this one is for you. 2,770 sq. ft. built 2006 home with all the upgrades youʼll love.

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Walkway to dock and boat lift. Master downstairs with living, dining, family room, kitchen and nook. 2 bedrooms, sitting room and bath upstairs. Breath-taking décor in all rooms, with ceiling fans, trays, molding, lighting, wood cabinets, corian thru out. This one is a charm at $675,000 Call Ellen McCarthy 235-5648

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ellenmc@portcharlotte-pgi.com

19700 Cochran Blvd • Port Charlotte, FL 33948

May

2010

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May

2010

TARPON FISHING HEADQUARTERS L e t t e r s t o : Wa t e r L I F E @ c o m c a s t . n e t

BLACKMAIL? The Request

E-mail Message to Carol Knox, Biological Administrator Imperiled Species Management Section, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission: During a recent Boating Advisory Council meeting one of the council members had a question regarding the current work in Charlotte County in designing (or looking at ) a Manatee Protection Plan.

Specifically her question was what criteria does the Agency use to determine when and where we assess the Manatee Protection Plans. I thought the question would best be answered by someone in your section. Please have whoever responds to her question cc me.

Let me know if you have any questions.

THANKS Major Jack Daugherty Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Regional Commander, Northeast Region.

The Response

Ms. Knoxʼ reply: There are 13 counties required to have Manatee Protection Plans (MPP). For counties not identified as ones requiring MPPs there is no requirement to do so, however because of the benefits of the MPPs, some choose to voluntarily devel-

op them. Sometimes permitting becomes difficult in certain waterways of a county and there may be a number of approaches that might improve the situation, like additional speed zones or developing an MPP. In Charlotte County there are currently a few proposed projects that are of such a size as to cause concern for the FWC and the federal wildlife agency U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). In the case of Charlotte County we have suggested that one approach to addressing these permitting issues would be to develop a county MPP since the county already has speed zones. The FWS agrees with this suggestion. Both the agencies have met with various county representatives over the last year to explain the process and benefits of developing an MPP. Last we heard the county was seriously considering developing an MPP and we have offered to assist in that effort.

Counties that have voluntarily developed MPPs are Clay Co. so far, however Flagler and Pinellas have been considering doing it as well. I would be happy to discuss this with you further so I can answer your specific questions in more detail.

Carol Knox, Biological Administrator Imperiled Species Management Section, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Tallahassee, FL 32399

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The Ramifications (Editorʼs opinion)

“Sometimes permitting becomes difficult?” What does that mean? Does it mean the FWC will intentionally make permitting difficult if Charlotte County doesnʼt adopt a Manatee Protection Plan?

Thatʼ sounds like blackmail to us.

And what about: “In Charlotte County there are currently a few proposed projects that are of such a size as to cause concern for the FWC and the federal wildlife agency U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service” We are still waiting for an answer from Carol Knox as to which projects she is specifically referring to – MH

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Not affiliated with any other publication Vol IX No5 © 2010

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No part of this publication (printed or electronic) may be copied or reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.

Contributing Editors:

Photography ASA1000.com Senior Editor: Capt. Ron Blago Charlotte Harbor Tarpon: Capt. Mark Bennett Port Charlotte: Capt. Andy Medina Gasparilla: Capt. Chuck Eichner Offshore: Capt. Steve Skevington Commercial Fishing: Kelly Beall Sea Grant: Betty Staugler Real Estate: Dave Hofer Inshore: Fishinʼ Frank Diving: Adam Wilson Kayaks: David Allen Sailing: Bill Dixon Office Dog: Molly Brown

on the COVER

Redfish are still in the spotlight around Charlotte Harbor. Photo: Capt. Angel Torrez

Fishin Frank sent us this photo. “It just looked funny,” Frank wrote. We agree!

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Water LIFE i s the o ffi ci al publ i cati o n o f the Charl o t t e Harb o r Reef As s o ci at i o n, the o ri g i nato r o f the Ki ds Cup To urnament and the pro ducer o f the Do n Bal l Scho o l o f Fi s hi ng .

We don’t just count the people we reach, we reach the people that count

Kids Cup Moments

May

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2010

By Mi chael Hel l er Water LIFE editor This month marks our seventh Ki ds Cup Tournament, scheduled for May 15. You can still sign up. Some of the young kids who participated in the first Ki ds Cup are now old enough to be adult boat captains. That is sooo cool. It’s hard to believe it is seven years already.

Over the last six years we have accumulated a lot of great Kids Cup memories and images, all with big grinning smiles.

There was Cody Bolinger, a polite 10 year old who struggled to hold his big redfish up on the stage and then sought us out to thank us ever so profusely when it was over.

There was Tyler Breton who was the hang around kid at Fishin’ Franks who made it to the top 5 and gained some self awareness on the journey.

Last year it was Colin Moore, a 10 year old who whipped the bigger boys and carried off the Kids Cup, smiling ear to ear.

Brian Varney made the top 5 four times, he never won the Cup but he never lost his incredibly great attitude either. I can still see his lucky orange shirt. And there was a team that stopped to return another competitor’s sinking tackle bag after it had fallen overboard without the

angler knowing. I especially remember Sayje Monning who I mistakenly identified as an age group winner. Sayge politely handed me the trophy back and told me there was another 11 year old who had caught a bigger fish – we later gave Sayje the Sportsmanship Award. It still makes me smile when I think about that.

I remember Tommy Davis, shown in the photo at the right. I remember that moment on stage, but I also remember going out to fish with Tommy. We poked around the south end and then on the way home the tide was right and the light was perfect - early evening on a summer day.

We were anchored at the mouth of a little creek and Tommy hopped in the water and caught fish after fish until it was almost too dark to see. That’s what all this kid’s fishing stuff is all about. Being a part of the environment, learning to both use and protect the resources. When I see kids living it I know we are on the right track.

And there was one young man, one year, who asked me to come check their boat around at the side dock. “We only have a pontoon boat,” he told me, a little concerned they were not in more of a fishing boat. I told him that this was a one fish tournament and luck plays a big part in winning in a one fish tournament.

“You have just as much chance as any-

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One of the memorable Kids Cup moments was when the girls from Hooters snuck up on (then 14) year old 2005 KIds Cup winner Tommy Davis and we snapped this photo.

body when you back your pontoon boat up to the mangroves,” I told him. And don’t you know if they didn’t come back with a six pound redfish and win the age group award. Boy were they a proud father and son. Boy was I proud too.

But the thing I remember most are the kids who didn’t win, the kids who flashed us thumbs up from their boats as they motored off, the parents who have come up to us in the supermarket and in the

drugstore taking their time to stop and thank us for putting on the Kids Cup. Notes and emails we have received.

Of course it is us who really have to thank the kids and their parents. We are all in this together, doing it for the kids and for the Don Ball School of Fishing.

Thank you to you all!

And if you have a 10 to 16 year old come out and fish it this year. There are memories just waiting to be made.

Port Charlotte

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May

2010

Lots of Action Offshore With Capt Steve

The soft white meat from a tasty hogfish like this makes incredible sushi.

Capt. S teve S kevi ngton Water LIFE Offshore What a great April we had. The water warmed up fast and so did the fishing.

With kingfish just off the beaches and huge schools of mangrove snapper on the wrecks now, everything has gone according to plan.

For the best kingfish action look for diving birds just off the beach. The Spanish mac's are piled up just outside of the passes too.

The sharks have shown up in force, from the backwaters to offshore out 50 miles, I am seeing sharks everywhere.

Let’s start talking about the grouper.

The gag grouper are hiding under the ledges from just 35 feet of water all the way out past 120 feet. They are being "picky" to say the least, so just be sure to have lots of live bait when you go after them.

As far as the big red's go, if you find em let me know!

If you have fished any one of the many

deep wrecks we have in our area lately then you have run into some big amberjack.

They are just stacked up out there and hungry ... and ‘hungry’ doesn’t even begin to describe the AJ bite!

The big mangrove snapper are out there right now too. I am talking about fish over 22 inchs. The deep ledges are holding most of those fish. On a recent over-nighter the crew pulled their limit of mangs, and we kept nothing under 22 inches - with some of these guys going over 28 inches. Those are some huge mangs!

And the always-willing-to-play barracuda are now back in full force on the area wrecks.

Watch for the permit to show-up anytime this month.

There should be lots of action out there this month and next. Don’t miss it!

Capt. Stev e operates out of Pineland Marina. He can be reached for fishing information or to book a charter trip at: 941-575-3528 His website is: paradisefishingcharters.com

Manatees Safer in Charlotte Co.

May

2010

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...but more manatee speed zones are coming On the Line

Capt Ron Bl ago Water LIFE Senior Staff One of the requirements of a State approved Manatee Protection Plan (MPP) is that it must be updated every 7 years and Sarasota County has just completed their review process. I wrote about this several months ago and complained that a paid staff member from the Ocean Conservancy, who is not even a Sarasota resident, was appointed to that committee.

As luck would have it, I understand she was appointed secretary of the group and had a big hand in writing the recommendations that were approved by Sarasota’s Board of County Commissioners, and sent along to the FWC for approval at their next meeting.

As I suspected, the recommendations included additional slow speed zones for boaters. The Sarasota report (which is on the FWC web site under ‘meeting agenda’) says although the number of manatees may be increasing in other parts of Florida, in Southwest Florida the total population may be decreasing by as much as 1.5-percent per year. How’s that for sound science? Remember that we had a record aerial survey this year, finding a population of 5076 manatees statewide. I guess they didn’t have time to look at the aerial survey data from Southwest Florida, which shows steady growth in the manatee population. The new regulations increase the number of slow zones by 3percent in Sarasota. Some might say that the loss of 3-percent of your boating rights is a small price to pay if it helps the manatee, but remember they have already taken a rather large portion of our rights and now they are nibbling away at what we have left. If you don’t fight for

your boating rights don’t be surprised if one day you don’t have any.

The other side understands this perfectly. The FWC has received over 450 form letters and e-mails from the Save the Manatee Club members supporting the new slow zones, and only 2 letters from boaters who were opposed.

Last month I mentioned that the FWC wanted Charlotte County to volunteer to have its own State approved MPP. In response to the simple question of ‘why us?’ the FWC responded (see letter from Bureau of Imperiled Species Management on P-4) with vague reference to support from un-named county officials and help with permitting of un-named future projects. This is right out of the Tony Soprano School of Business. “So you guys are looking for a little waterfront development action. Well, we guys at the FWC can help you with that. Just sign up for our MPP policy and we can take care of all those little details for you. You can trust us; we are from the government we can help you. Just sign up.... or else you might not like what could happen.”

The process has already started. At the last MAC meeting the members were given a data list of the manatee mortality in Charlotte County from 1993 to 2009.

We were told 267 manatees had died in Charlotte County in that 17 year period and 59 of them were killed by boaters and that is why we need a manatee protection plan. Well if you do the math, we find that boater mortality in Charlotte County is 22-percent of total deaths, which is less than the statewide average.

That means manatees are safer in Charlotte County than in most other counties. So I’ll ask the question again.

Why does Charlotte County need a Manatee Protection Plan?

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Best Kept Secret:

Page 8

By Adam Wi l son Water LIFE Diving Lately I’ve been thinking of why I love diving so much; not just diving in general, but especially diving right here in our own Gulf of Mexico. It really comes down to the pristine conditions we are so lucky to have right off our coast. Some would debate that statement. Usually when I tell people I’m going diving they get very interested and ask “oohh, where are you going?”

Waiting to reply I see that eager look on their face as they begin to imagine jetsetting half way around the world to some south Pacific palm tree lined postcard destination. And their response is always the same when I inform them I will simply be driving 20 minutes to Englewood to get on my friends boat.

“Really, you mean you are diving here?”

It is always the same response. Then, when I begin to patiently try to describe why the diving here really is so incredible, their look of disappointment quickly turns to complete apathy.

The main reason the diving here is so great is because so few people realize what a treasure we have right off our

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Local Diving

coast. Unlike the reefs off the east coast that are trampled religiously by thousands of divers who are constantly being shuttled by cattle-boat operators, it is rare to even see a dive flag offshore here.

More often than not we still find spots we never even knew existed, and it’s very possible no one else did either.

Last week my dive buddy Carl and I snuck out of work early and ran due west out of Little Gasparilla pass to a Swiss cheese rock outcropping in 55 feet to grab a couple of grouper for dinner. While carefully inspecting every hole for hiding fish I thought, wow, just a 20 minute boat ride from shore and we might as well be on the moon!

There was zero evidence of man ever being on this spot and more importantly it was loaded with snapper, grouper, triggerfish and just about every other species of reef crawling critter the Gulf has to offer. Simply amazing, and how lucky we are to have this jewel right in our backyard.

The new Jeff Steele Reef was another spot we dove recently. The newest addition to the reef is a huge barge that was sunk on April 2. We forgot to bring

along the GPS coordinate for the barge and opted to just dive the concrete ruble.

The vis was great and I was able to see and explore what seemed like almost the entire area, and it’s quite expansive. It is similar in makeup to the shallower M14 artificial reef in 40 feet. A tip: if you are shooting fish, check the concrete cylinders that have a slab of cement on top, with the only access being the small twelve inch holes on the side!

The goliath grouper population that was nonexistent last month has now begun to show up in numbers. The wreck of the Fantastico already has a dozen or more behemoths, and they are hungry. There you will find most of them hovering over the crow’s nest on the aft mast. Subdue your catch quickly or find yourself in a tug of war.

Stone crab season is still open till the 15. A few days in a row of east

winds and the trestle and bridges will be perfect for stones. I hit Venice beach in mid April after a few days of east winds, not many people have been off Venice with the cold water, and I found a lot of fossils just off the beach. Now is the time. As the water warms the area will start to crawl with divers and big shark’s teeth will be harder to find.

May is an incredible month for diving here. The visibility is about as good as it gets all year and the Gulf is in transition as schools of pelagics pour through to their summer homes in the north. Cobia should remain thick at our large artificial reefs. This is one of the best months to bag one. If the vis isn’t top-to-bottom it’s going to be close, with the bottom clearly in sight after dropping down just a few feet.

Temperatures are rising rapidly. Below 40-50 feet it is still in the low 60s, but the surface is already in the 70s and the warmth is quickly spreading deeper. By the end of this month the surface should be at or near 80 degrees. If anyone asks how the diving is here maybe we should just keep that to ourselves.

May

2010

Above: Ready to drop. View from Adam Wilsonʼs head-mounted camera.

Below: A good flashlight is worth its weight in fish when it comes to looking under ledges.

Can you see the grouper in the middle photo below?

May

2010

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Only Big Snook?

By Capt. Chuck Ei chner Water LIFE Inshore A long winter of cold and windy weather has finally given way to warm water and great fishing. I literally lost sleep over the huge snook kill that Florida suffered in January of this year. Snook and tarpon are my favorite gamefish and the thought of having a tough time catching snook in early spring was truely depressing. A cold and rainy March prolonged the agony of understanding the fate of our snook population as there were few to be found.

Finally, the first week of April brought warm air and warming waters.

My wife Joyce joined me for my first dedicated snook trip which we approached with cautious optimism. Setting up our boat on a choice grass bed I chummed with our secret concoction and peered into the water hoping to see the flash of a pilchard or threadfin herring. We traveled a long way south, well into Pine Island Sound to find the bait only to travel closer to home near Burnt Store to fish. The flash of silver and gold I had hoped for appeared in the grass beds and we motored to our first spot with a full livewell.

After fishing four spots without a bite I patiently moved to the next mangrove island spot. A strong incoming tide coupled with a strong south wind pushed an extra foot of water onto the flats. By now, Joyce was in the sleep mode as my hunt for snook continued. Spot 5 did not produce a fish even with a dozen free swimming baits released into the area.

As we motored away from the island I watched a snook come up and pop a bait about 50 yards down from where we were fishing. Easing back to that area I silently staked the boat and chummed free swimmers into open sandholes off the island.

My first cast got slammed and we were off to the races! A 29-inch snook broke the ice and also set the pace. For the next hour we caught snook after snook…….literally ever cast. Really, this is a common occurrence in early spring however almost every fish was over the legal limit and many were well in the 30-35 inch range! Fish of this size are normally only a single bonus fish on a typical spring day. What a wonderful confirmation that there were still plenty of snook around!

Into the second hour Joyce put her rod down and proclaimed she couldn’t reel in another fish. I on the other hand declared that we wouldn’t go home until my arms were falling off - I had waited too long for this! So for the next 4 hours countless fish were boated and quickly released – all big fish.

So now the worry became that the

small snook were apparently killed in the winter and when our first “small” fish came aboard we measured it…..25 inches!

The concern for the small fish continued as I fished on and on and had many snook hooked that must have been well into the upper 30 inch range that could not be managed. Drag rippin’, spool singing fish that ran me into the mangroves with no stopping.

At about 5:00 o’clock on this day a school of trout moved in that were in the 22- to 24-inch range! Talk about being in the right spot at the right time! These trout were so fat they looked like salmon and once hooked would “woller” on the surface shaking their heads side to side on the way in, hardly even fighting. Big females and all were released very carefully and alive. After horsing on big snook and trout for hours my right forearm began to hurt, really hurt, but I fished on in pain…..a good pain.

Two days after my second trip the stress of handling so many big snook became apparent as a huge bruise developed on the inside of my arm reaching from elbow to wrist. A two week depression set in as I waited for my arm to heal.

When I got to test the waters again many things had changed on the flats.

Small baitfish were roving in large schools over grass beds, stingrays were everywhere and more fisherman seemed to be out. Catching bait required more effort as well but a hundred pieces was enough for a half day trip. On this day I fished about 8 spots and half the spots had snook on them. Once again, they were larger than usual with 4 over 28 inches with the biggest measuring 34 inches.

The numbers weren’t as high, but we did catch several small snook.

Checking with other guides and fishermen confirmed that they too are catching unusually large snook as well. The 4 biggest factors that I can see that are contributing to great spring fishing for big fish are: 1) The extra late spring making for hungrier, less wary fish 2) Poor water clarity resulting from the excessive spring rains where in more

recent years the water has had island tropical clarity.

3) The impact of the winter fish kill which remains to be determined.

4) The snook season closure preventing harvest of legal size snook.

By all accounts the spring fishing is in full swing now and there are plenty of snook to be caught!

Capt. Chuck Eichner operates Action Flats Back country Charters and can be contacted for charters at 941-505-0003

Page 9

Husband and Wife fishing: Capt Chuck and wife Joyce Eichner got into some nice catch and release snook late last month.

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From the Ol' Fish'n Hole

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By Capt. Ji m O'Bri en Water LIFE Englewood

Well gang, I sure hope everyone got out fish'n since last month. We have had some real nice weather. From now thru the summer the fish'n will be in high gear.

Right now we have cobia cruz'n both sides of Charlotte Harbor, some just outside Turtle Bay, a few are off the markers in Boca Grande and some are cruz'n the beach's. The lil tunny, Spanish mackeral are in the Habor and out in 20 to 45 feet of water, between Stump Pass and Boca Grande shipping channel. Kings are showing up more every day. Mangrove snapper are all over the place on any artificial sructure inshore or offshore. There are a few permit showing up. Let the water warm up a little more and they will make a better showing. The grouper on the other hand are being a pain, you go out one day and they are there, and the next day they’re gone. Me and a few other captains I know are trying to figure them out. I still think the water temperature has to come up, and we will see better bites. Now on to the

AJ's a.k.a. reef donkey's. There are hundreds of them on just about all the offshore wrecks. Last Saturday my wife and I fished an offshore tournament and we must have caught 12 in a little over an hour!

The Englewood Fishing Club’s Big Brothers and Big Sisters kid's fishing tournament was held April 3 and it was a hoot. My wife and I had a ball. Our club had 60 rods and reels donated. The tackle boxs, food chips, drinks, trophy's, and 30 club volunteers for any kids who didn't have anyone to help show them how to fish.

The tounament was held at Chadwick's Park. The wife and I had 2 kid's we helped. The one was a 12 year old girl, her casting wasn't that great, so I showed her a couple of ways of casting, and she was casting like a pro.

Every time she would make a good cast she would look up at the wife and I and would give us one of them million dollar smiles, that made it all worth it. It's a great feeling to see the kid's having a great time.

The Englewood Fishing Club also had there spring tournament.

Charlotte Harbor FISHING GUIDES

May

2010

“There are hundred's of AJs on just about all the offshore wreck's” ... Capt. Jim OʼBrien

THE OVERALL WINNERS WERE: 1st pl ace team of Judy Hill, Pete Thomas 2nd pl ace team Charles Walsh, Bill Dubose 3rd pl ace team Sue Gregorwicz Congratulations to all the winners!

And remember to get out and snort some of that good cl ean sal t ai r cuz- i t's good fer ya!

If you have any questions or if you have a good ol' fishin’ story or a reciepe for cooking fish that I can share with our readers give me a call. To book an offshore charter with us aboard the Predator II call (941) 473-2150

Englewood Beach, FL

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TARPON FISHING

May

2010

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gear, boat and etiquette

By Robert Lugi ewi tz Water LIFE / Fishin’ Franks There will be plenty of fish out here, so give other boats lots of space (300 yards) unless invited in. If there are too many boats or if the fish are spooky, go and find more cooperative fish.

A trolling motor is extremely important, but tarpon fishing can still be done without one. Circle wide around the fish on the up wind and up tide side. Shut the motor down and drift through the fish.

Let other boaters be aware that you are trying to be courteous. Drift several hundred yards passed the fish and start over again. When fishing always have your bait out the back and have a rod on the bow with live bait or artificial ready to cast to rolling fish. Look for rolling fish or free jumping fish.

TACKLE Rods - Shimano Terramar 15-30#, Star Stellar Lite 15-30#, Bill Fishuza Livebait 17-40#, Rods should be 7 1/2 - 8 ft in length. Longer rods enable you to make longer casts at spooky fish.

Reels - Shimano Bait Runner 1200, Quantum Cabo Baitrunner 60 or 80, Cabo 60, Penn Slammer, 760 Shimano, Spheros 8000 Line - 30 mono with line capacity or 200 yards minimum. 50-65 # braid is best because of line capacity and ability to land fish quickly so as not to kill fish from lactic acid build up.

Leader - fluorocarbon is essential early on with clear water, use 60 - 80 #.

Hooks - Sharp... xtra sharp hooks.

The tarpon’s mouth is compared to a cinder block, so don't go cheap. Owner and Gamagatzu make some sharp, strong hooks. 5/0 - 7/0 circle or J hooks, both are appropriate.

BAITS Threadfins, pinfish, crabs, lady fish, or shrimp - big ones! Old school works very well. Sabiki rigs work best for threadfins.

I think they stay alive better than using a cast net. Plus you only need a few baits not a blacked out live well. You are tarpon not red fishing.

Artificials - A lot of lures work well. I prefer single hook baits over ones with trebles. If a fish breaks you off, treble hooks could potentially weld the fishes mouth closed. I like D.O.A. bait busters trolling model. The Calcutta swim baits, Berkley Power Mullet, all work well.

FIS HING S POTS The 20 foot hole, lower Myakka River, Pirate Harbor Hole, Cape Haze Point, Captiva Rocks, Fishermen's Village jetty and anywhere along the beach, but that does not mean right close.

Anywhere from 300 yds to 5 miles offshore. Constantly look to the horizon.

Boca Grande Fishing in the Tarpon Capitol of the

World is a very unique experience. There are several ways to fish the "Pass".

Jigging, live baiting and fishing the hill tide. Each are productive and unique to the area.

The Hill Tide is an event that takes place on the full moon and usually the new moon of the months of May, June, and July, on the outgoing tide in the evening before and after the moon. The tarpon bunch up in the pass and feed on the crabs that flow through by the thousands. The tackle used in this event is very simple. Heavy spinning gear 30# mono or 50# braid. 7-8 foot spinning rods, such as Star Stellar Lite 15-30 class, Shimano Taramar.

Reels: Quantum Cabo 60, Shimano Baitrunner 1200, Penn 760 Slammer.

TECH Drifting around throughout the whole pass. Boats are much more scattered and so are the fish. Fish live crabs, sight or blind casting, letting them drift with the tide. Remember this takes place at about sunset and goes into dark, so be safe.

DRIFTING Live Baiting (traditional Tarpon Fishing) Drifting the pass day or at night, live bait is best. Such as crabs, pinfish, squirrelfish and shrimp.

TACKLE 50 or 60 # mono on a conventional rod and reel such as Penn 410, 330 GTI, Shimano Torium 30 TLD 20. Stand-up rods like Billfisher or Star Areal 20-50, 30-80#. Use Egg sinkers up to 8 oz, Floro Leader 80 - 100 #, 3 - 6 feet long, Owner or Gamgatzu circle hook 7/0 or 8/0.

JIGGING Very productive, controversial, stressful and fun.

If you are shy, apprehensive, get your feelings hurt or afraid to scratch your boat, this is not for you. Also, I personally recommend you hire a captain to jig fish in the Pass at least once to see if it is really what you want to do.

Equipment - A bay boat is best, but not necessary. A fish finder is a must have. The boat never stops running.

There are special rules by the FWC that apply to all anglers, not just the tarpon anglers in the pass. MyFWC.com has them listed or call Fishn' Franks.

Tackle - Reels - Shimano Torium 30, Penn Torque 200- 300 or Senator 410 high speed retrieve are the best.

Rods - Shimano Tallus Kingfish, Star DLX1530 7 ft, Penn Power Stick Plus 15-30# class with 50# Mono not braid.

The braided line ‘sings’ in the current and is dangerous to other anglers when the fish runs or jumps. (If you don't believe me look at all the rods on the Captains boats who make their living at this. Use Fluro 80# Leader. Hooks - Owner circle,

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Tarpon jigs continue to evolve with new metalflake colors for both the jig heads and tails

VMC, Gamagatzu 4x strong circle 7/0 or 8/0 Lures - jigs 4 5, or 6 oz. with 4 inch shad tails, green tiger is the most popular. Always experiment. Try different colors, sizes, and even scents. The rolling fish on the surface are not feeding fish.

Tarpon have an air bladder, not a swim bladder like other fish. They have to gulp air in order to balance themselves in deeper water. Sometimes when they sound as they roll it is a good way to locate them.

The way a tarpon bites on a jig is totally different in the Passs than when they take a bait in the Harbor or beach.

When they eat a jig it is almost like a light tap on the line. When you feel that ‘tap’ reel as fast as you can, don't set the hook. No one knows for-sure what the

fish are doing down there. I theorize that it is like salmon in a river during spawn.

They sit in current facing it and when something comes by, they mouth it. If it is good and if you're fast the fish is hooked. It took me several fishing trips to the pass before I hooked my first fish.

The current is strong, so be prepared to snag the bottom a lot. It can get expensive and frustrating. The biggest fish you will catch is the bottom. So if you hook up use the land for reference points. If you go back to the same spot over and over again you have the bottom. Pay attention and be safe. Don't be afraid to yell-out to other boaters where your fish is.

Robert Lugiewitz can be reached at Fishin’ Franks at 625-3888

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2010

May

2010

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KIDS CUP Update Kids Cup Program to Publish May 5

By Mi chael Hel l er Kids Cup Tournament Director The Kids Cup program with all the sponsor’s ads and all the tournament information will be available on May 5. You can get one where you got this paper.

Community and big name fishing sponsor support continues to be strong. Frabi l l has again donated their high quality mesh-guard landing nets for the age group winners. And S hi mano has donated 5 rod and reel combos, which means that in addition to the Quantum Cabo rod and reel that has been the top rod and reel for the Kids Cup for the last six years, the Top-5 kids will also receive a Shimano rod and reel as well.

Since there will be no second day of fishing, the Kids Cup Champion will be named and he/she will receive the Champion’s Trophy. It is the same trophy we have used for the last six years. Cal usa Nati onal Bank is the 2010 Champion’s Trophy sponsor. We thank them for their support.

More sponsor’s products are still coming in for the Captain’s bags. Capt Bi l l of Capt Bi l l ’s Barbershop has again donated coolie cups for both the kids and the captains at this year’s Kids Cup. This will be the 7th year Capt Bill has supported the Kids Cup. Thank you Capt.

Bill!

Towl es Cl ub K9 Resort in Punta Gorda has joined the 2010 Kids Cup as a junior level sponsor. We

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LL I T !

S M E O W RO E HAV

will present the Sportsmanship Award in the name of Club K9 Resort. Thank you Towles family!

New Friends of the 7th Grade level sponsors include Boaters Warehouse, Bayshore Mari ne, and Great for Bai t, a new company offering giant imported frozen shrimp for bait. Great for Bait will have a special 6-pack of their giant shrimp for each angler on the dock during the Kids Cup morning boat check in. And S human’s Marti al Arts Academy has given us certificates for one free month of classes for every Kids Cup participant. They even imprinted the certificates to say the Kids Cup teaches kids about fishing and the environment. How cool is that? Thanks guys!

You can sign up for the Kids Cup right up to the night of the Captain’s dinner, May 14 at the Charlotte Events Center (Remember we moved the dinner this year!)

We would rather you mail in an online application ahead of time. You can print one out at:

Our signature cast bronze redfish sculpture trophy will be bigger than ever this year!

www.kidscuptournament.com or pick one up at any of the local bait and tackle shops or call 941-766-8180.

See you at the Captain’s meeting!

Redfish Tracking

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2010

3-Year Review

By Betty S taugl er Water LIFE / Sea Grant For the last three years, I have had the privilege of coordinating a team of scientists as we evaluate the fate of redfish caught and released during the Water LIFE Magazine Kids Cup Tournament. We use two tagging methods in our research design (dart and acoustic tags). From time to time over the three years, I have reported updates on our tagged redfish.

Today, I’ll review the combined data findings from the three years by evaluating the following questions: 1) what is the size distribution of the redfish weighed in? And 2) what is the post release dispersal patterns of the redfish?

Looking at the three years of recorded length data recorded by the tournament, we see the size of redfish weighed in by anglers is different over time (168 records). In 2007, most of the redfish weighed in were between 18-20 inches in length. In 2009, most were 23-24 inches in length, and 2008 redfish lengths were somewhere in between.

In addressing question 2, I evaluated our data by looking at where released redfish were in three month intervals (mea-

sured as days at large after release), and in relation to the release location at Fishermen’s Village. To do this, I drew buffer rings around the release site at a half mile, one mile, then 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 miles and looked at the amount of data recorded in each ring during a three month period. These results combine all three years and use both tagging methods.

Zero to 3 months after release, as would be expected most data recording were within a half mile of the release site, but recordings also occurred within the 1, 3, 5 and 10 mile buffer rings. In 4-6 months after release about an equal number of recordings were made within the 3, 5 and 10 mile buffer rings when combined as were made in the half mile buffer ring.

One fish was observed in the 20 mile buffer ring. In 7- 9 months after release only one observation each was recorded in the 1 and 3 mile buffer rings, and an equal amount of recordings were made in the 5 and 10 mile buffer rings when combined as was made in the half mile buffer ring. The 15 mile buffer ring had one data recording. In 10-12 months after release, all but one data observation was in the 5 and 10 mile buffer rings. After

Redfish Sonic Tracking Positions Fish ID #s

one year, again most of our data observations were in the 5 and 10 mile buffer rings.

Some additional findings from this study: 44-percent of tagged redfish have been observed (both tagging methods combined). Angler recaptures (from dart tagging method) have ranged from 10- to 20-percent by year. Acoustic tag recaptures have ranged from 95- to 100 percent by year. Most data recaptures have occurred within one month of the tournament. Longest day at large observation is 514 days.

Ki ds Cup Economi c Val uati on:

With Kids Cup right around the corner, it is worth revisiting the 2007 economic study of this tournament. Some may remember that the University of Florida helped the Water LIFE Magazine Kids Cup determine the economic contribution of the tournament to the local economy.

We used a survey instrument that participants were asked filled out. The results are restricted to the spending of those participants (anglers and captains). In 2007, those participating in the tournament spent about $54K in expenses associated

with the event. Those expenditures created about $38K in economic impact, $20.5K in value added (defined as: economic value associated with markups and other types of additional expense added to raw products brought into the County. This was estimated via an IMPLAN model, which links together the various sub-sectors of the local economy that would have been “touched” by the tournament-related expenses), and generated one full time job. The total impacts for output, employment and value added represent the direct effects of spending by local residents, plus the direct, indirect and induced effects of spending by non-locals. The take home message is that this event does contribute to the local economy in a positive fashion. That is probably no news flash, but in this case we have some hard economic numbers to hang on it. And this does not address the other positive effects of the tournament … of which we know are many.

Betty Staugler is the Florida Sea Grant Agent for Charlotte County. She can be reached at 941.764.4346. Sea Grant is a Univ ersity of Florida IFAS program.

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2010

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Steven Mazanowicz used a Badonk-A-Donk top water lure to catch this snook at Placida.

April was a great month for catch and release snook, when you knew where to find them.

Back Pain from Fishing & Boating

By Dr. Davi d Wi nsor Water LIFE Medical Nothing can ruin a perfect day’s fishing or boating quicker than a stabbing lower back pain, yet 8 out of every 10 people will suffer this fate in their lifetime. So, you may ask, what can you do to try to avoid this if at all possible and is fishing and boating more likely to cause back pain than any other recreation. The simple answer is that there are lots of water related events that should be treated with caution.

Let’s start with hitching up the boat. If your vessel is not well balanced on the trailer, even a relatively light boat can cause problems. Where possible, use a wheel jack assembly and do not drag the boat to the hitch. Keep backing up until you can simply wind the tongue down onto the hitch. When you bend from the waist you load at least 50-pounds on your lower back before you lift anything.

Jerking up or down compounds the load.

Your next vulnerable task is the launch of the boat. Many of the ramps are very slippery and we have all seen seasoned professionals take a tumble. Wear water shoes and plan to be very well balanced before pushing or lifting. Watch out for lines and have a partner on the dock cleat the vessel rather than you reach over.

You are now relaxed and well on your way to the secret spot, but many other

boaters are around. Limited space means limited ability to avoid wake and some captains are unaware of the hit a smaller vessel can take. The captain can hang onto the wheel and anticipate the sudden rocking, but the unsuspecting passenger is really vulnerable. I was once advised to consider that all other boaters are either drunk or blind and in some cases, both. Follow this assumption and you should be able to anticipate problems.

Large fish on the line tend to instantly cause safety amnesia so just do your best to cope. You will have lots of adrenaline to delay the pain of a bad move or two, but when it comes time to weigh anchor, (especially on a bigger boat) use the windlass or at least cleat the line and carefully use the engine to free yourself.

Given that 80-percent of you already have a back pain or are seriously planning one, the time to think about this is now. Pain killers are like disconnecting the fire alarm in your house because you don’t like the noise. The house will still burn down!

You have to put out the fire or you will pay the price.

Fix your back and then just keep it healthy. You need to be as structurally sound as possible to minimize injury and prevent a ruined day on the water.

For questions or help with back pain y ou can call: Dr Dav id M Winsor, Chiropractor: 941-629-8444

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Pink Gold

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Charlotte harbor has seen a lot of bigger catch and release only snook so far this spring.

Some guides are not targeting snook at all until the state mandated closure is lifted

By Kel l y Beal l Water LIFE Commercial Fishing The year was 1948, my Dad was fishing the Peconic Bay for weakfish (similar to trout) and porgies. It was the year The Bonacker was built. The draggers built in Long Island were tougher than most and ready for anything. The boat’s name represents a whole community of working class families that lived in an area called Springs which is North of East Hampton, NY. The family names associated with the term Bonacker included Miller, King, Bennet, Conklin, Havens, Strong and Lester.

The term Bonacker comes from Accabonac Harbor which in turn derives its name out of the Montaukett language for "root place", refering to potatoes, which is ironic because in my thoughts it represents my roots. My family wasn't Bonackers but they may as well been – a working class commercial fisherman in the bays of Long Island, that is what my Dad was before he settled in Florida.

Back to my story: The captain of The Bonacker was a man by the name of Bud King. My father knew right who he was; two years prior, in 1946, Bud was the captain of a gorgeous yacht named Wegon. He took one look at that boat and fell in love with it; pure awe! Now Bud was taking off as captain of The Bonacker along with two other trollers; Capt Mel that was captained by Ben Eldred and The Malola captained by Carl Erickson. They were all friends and they were all on a mission. The mission was shrimp, or pink gold, and it would change the direction of their lives forever.

Another family who joined in on the journey was the Kiesels. They had a bait shop on Oak Island and sold shrimp and killies. They had a whole fleet of boats who were all named after areas of Long Island. Fire Island, Captree, The Long Islander and others. These guys represented what the American dream was all about – no guts – no glory. They took a risk to find wealth and security and boy did they find it!

At that time the shrimp boats were mostly dragging during the day. They were in the Tortuguas (which by the way has the best tasting pinks ever!) and they were working late. Then they started to pull at night. They had heard rumors of

May

2010

the catch, but these boats and captains had the guts and resources to really capitalize on it. They pulled their nets at night and caught more shrimp than you could imagine. Together they were able to spearhead a new industry from an age old resource! The captains and crew made out like bandits. One of the crew members of Bud’s boat was Johnny Hoy. He drove home to Long Island after the season in a brand new canary yellow Buick convertible. He was 19 years old!

The boats these guys had were able to surpass any of the Florida boats and they were known for how tough they were.

The Capt Mel was built in Stonington, Connecticut and was an extremely salty rig. Carl Erickson was fearless and would go out in any weather. He, along with Bud King and Ben Eldred were ready to think out of the box and follow their dream. It was the old-school way of self reliance.

Those men who toughed it out for the pink gold were paving their own way to take care of their families and themselves.

Speaking of families, the wives of these men were very supportive of what they did. I have no doubt the men would attribute their success to it. I'm not saying everyone should quit their job and follow their dream, but ladies when your husband has an off the wall idea and wants your support, I suggest you run not walk to his side and make it happen.

The Ericksons are still very involved in the shrimp industry, but today they have new challenges, challenges that are much worse than bad weather. The age old conflict of human gatherers verses agricultural growers has caught up with the shrimp industry.

Before the 1990s 70-percent of all the shrimp consumed worldwide was wild caught. Now, according to the book Shrimp-the endless quest for Pink Gold, in 2009 70-percent of the shrimp consumed has never seen the ocean. Shrimp today grow up in ponds in China, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Taiwan, Ecuador, Mexico and other Asian and Latin American Countries.

I was very lucky to meet the sons and grandsons of these families and I have no doubt they inherited their family’s strong skills of survival and success.

As for Peace River Seafood and Gulf Beach Seafood and Trico - you'll be finding wild caught shrimp at our places.

Go for the real stuff - eat wild caught shrimp, dream a little and follow it!

Kelly Beall runs Peace Riv er Seafood Restaurant and Mark et in Punta Gorda and can be reached at 505-8440

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2010

R Re ea al l E s t a E s t at te e N e w s News PROVIDED BY: Dave Hofer RE/MAX Harbor Realty (941) 575-3777 dhofer@remax.net www.harborparadise.com

Recent area news i tems:

1. For years the EPA has been trying to get Charlotte County to add some 17,000 homes in Port Charlotte to the public sewer system to reduce damage caused to our ecosystem. Confronted with a cost of more than $13,000 per household for sewer hookup, County chambers overflowed with angry residents voicing their resistance to the financial responsibilities associated with these services.

Commissioner Skidmore, the avowed champion of the vocal taxpayer, motioned to postpone the installation of the required infrastructure improvements. He actually vocalized his feeling that commissioners should not appear to be "smarter than you". .. and just to remove any doubt, he went on to incomprehensibly opine that, "science is theories with a little bit of fact". Project postponed.

2. Charlotte County's venture into sports management, Charlotte Sports Park, has run into some unforeseen financial difficulties. The County will be taking $160K of impact fee money to fill the gap left by declining bed tax receipts.

Unlike our neighboring counties, virtually all of the bed tax collected is used to service the debt on this beautiful new facility. So, the taxpayers will, once more, have to make up the difference.

3. The County announced another 27 job cuts to save taxpayers $2 mil per year. This brings cumulative cuts to 261.

Was there that much fluff, or are we cutting into necessary services to appease voters?

4. The State will be removing some $3Mil in reimbursements to Charlotte County's school funds. Local school taxes will have to be increased by 2% to make

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up for this shortfall. Governor Crist vetoed a bill that would have required teachers to be fired based on test scores posted by their students.

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5. The proposed amendment 4 to the state constitution will be on the ballot in November. The amendment would require an election to be held for every amendment to each county's comprehensive plan. In other words, residents of one unaffected area would be able to vote for (or against) changes in allowed land uses in another part of the county.... all at prohibitive taxpayer expense!

6. Charlotte County is seeking $1.3 million in Federal funds to purchase the Flamingo Waterway Scrub Jay Tract to supplement the $400K cost to local taxpayers. The original concept was to allow owners of designated scrub jay lots to pay a mitigation fee to the county to pay for purchases like this and to allow them to build on their own lots. Now that there is no demand for this privilege, this purchase just becomes one more burden for property tax payers.

Small business construction trade owners like Ralph Ballon of Ballon Pools (left) and Kimberly Johnson of Amerasian Stucco (right) report that their work has been steady. Before the construction crunch, contractors could pick and choose jobs, but now they pretty-much take them all.

7. Charlotte County is attempting to consolidate the unwieldy and inconsistent 31 MSBU's into one organization.

Having just one MSTU will permit more efficiency.

8. A 14 lot commercial development at Veterans and Peachland by Primerica Group has been approved. Users are expected to be mostly retailers. Actual construction of the project will be contingent on the recovery of the economy.

9. The City of North Port is evaluating the construction of a new $5.5Mil acquatic center.

S al es S tati sti cs: Volume of both lot and house sales have leveled off. Inventories remain lower than last year. Although federal funds have been made available to taxing agencies all over the country to acquire abandoned properties, rehab or demolish or resell to private parties, only 38% of the funds have been used to date.

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K AYA K S !

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Kayaks and Wildlife at Myakka State Park

Page 18

By Davi d Al l en Water LIFE Kayaking We left Port Charlotte on a cooler-than-usual spring day with a hazy overcast and patches of fog hanging over low spots on the road north.

Myakka State Park is located about 8 miles west of I75 on SR 72, west of Sarasota, and is one of the largest and oldest parks in Florida. In 1985 the legislature designated the Myakka as a “Wild and Scenic River”, one of only two so designated in the state. And there are many activities beyond kayaking on the beautiful lakes and rivers. There is a large concession stand on the upper lake where you can rent a bike, canoe or kayak.

Campgrounds and primitive campsites are available. Tour boats, claimed to be the largest airboats in the world, leave from the concession stand for scenic tours of the lake. There is an overflow dam just below the concession stand area that separated the upper lake from the river.

During periods of high water, this dam can easily be paddled over, but with the drought of the last several years, a portage is necessary to cross the dam and enter the lower river.

We decided to launch into the river near the park entrance just off Highway 72. The Myakka flows for about 14 miles thru the park, but we intended to paddle only the middle 8-10 miles. There is an entrance fee of $6 per car. The carry from the parking area to the river is about 150 yards, so bring a caddy to lighten the load.

The Myakka meanders through a variety of low

marshes, interspersed with open area of tree-lined waterways, prairies, hammocks and pinelands. The trail is often so convoluted that it’s easy to paddle up a dead-end channel and have to reverse your course. Several of our group had GPS to help us stay on the right course.

Seven paddlers launched into the haze that was beginning to lift off the cool water and headed north upstream.

As this was a midweek paddle, we were alone on the water, except for a 6-7 foot alligator that was lying on a bank near the launch site. Of course, Myakka State Park is noted for its large population of alligators, so we expected to see many more before the paddle was over.

Myakka State Park is famous for the alligators, but alligators are just a small part of the wildlife that can be seen on the Myakka. There are an estimated 480 species of birds that make Florida their home at some time during the year. Myakka State Park is home to many of these species, and the birds most easily seen from a kayak are the water/wading birds. I personally have never seen as many different species of birds as we did on that early Wednesday paddle. All the regular suspects were present and accounted for. The ospreys, anhingas, limp-

Stand Up Paddle Boards now available for rental and sales.

F r e e D e m o ' s We e k l y. C a l l f o r l o c a t i o n

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2010

kins, and the ibis. But we also saw a sandhill crane family, and several roseate spoonbills. Blue heron were seen at almost every turn. We saw many species of land birds which I did not recognize, but they were beautiful, and their songs sparkled in the morning air.

After about an hours and a half paddle we arrived at the dam across the upper lake, and as we expected, the water level was about a foot below the top of the dam.

So we beached our kayaks on the east side of the river and took a short break.

The return paddle was as full of wildlife to see as the paddle upstream. We did have the advantage of the current being with us, so the paddle was quicker and easier. All told, it was a great paddle and one that showed us a greater variety of wildlife than we usually see. I would highly recommend paddling the Myakka River in the Park for anyone interested in seeing and photographing the myriad wildlife of Florida.

The Port Charlotte Kayakers meet each Wednesday evening at 5:30 PM at Port Charlotte Beach Park at the end of Harbor Blvd. All are welcome to attend. For additional information contact Dave Allen at 941-2352588 or dlaa@comcast.net

SCUTTLEBUTT

Sometimes Unsubstanciated,But Often True

pool it clears up.”

“You need pool chemicals because you don’t want to be swimming in green drinking water,” a pool guy explained.

Fishing Just Got Easier!

Check out the new Torque from Ocean Kayak Hands-free operation, variable speed forward and reverse Powered by 33 lbs thrust of quiet power from Minn Kota!

Peace River Sail & Power Squadron Sponsors Boating Safety Equipment Demonstration Day Activities scheduled for May 16. See page 22

The Other Coast, Monroe County Officers responded to a boating accident involving several minor injuries. A thirty-five foot vessel had struck a channel marker, which severed the vessel’s t-top and tore one of the engines from the boat.

AC at FF’s This summer it’s going to be cool to be at Franks. The are installing new air conditioning.

Green Water If you drain your pool and then refill it, the pool will be green. Fresh Charlotte County tap water right out of the faucet will be green. But the guys who work on the pools would not bet surprised. “You can’t see the green in a glass of water,” one of them told us, “but in 5 gallons you start to see the green and in a whole swimming pool full of water, it is really ...green.

But when you dump two jugs of chlorine into the

New NOAA Tracki ng NOAA has adapted its hurricane track prediction format to plot the predicted path of the oil slick off New Orleans with coneof-uncertainty science.

Dol l ar S hi rt While at dinner with our diving buddy Adam Wilson, Adam took a dollar bill and folded it into this:

May

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2010

Anglers Jumpstart Keys Dolphin Season with 58-Pound Bull

S peci al t o Wat er LIFE One of the sure signs of the advent of spring in the Florida Keys is the arrival of dolphin.

During the last week of April Keys charterboat captains reported significant catches.

In the Lower Keys, Capt.

Jim Sharpe on the Sea Boots reports plenty of dolphin in 300 to 500 feet of water.

Sunday, Sharpe's anglers caught 10 dolphin from 12 to 30 pounds.

On Monday, anglers on Capt. Scott Stanczyk's Catch 22 caught 40 dolphin from 10 to 20 pounds.

But the largest dolphin reported was a 58-pound bull caught off Key Largo, Saturday on the Fin Razer, with Capt. Brandon Jiminez.

Anglers Jim Rosenthal of New York City and Mark Washburn of Washington,

D.C., shared winding duties on the Penn 750 spinning outfit spooled with 20-pound line.

Jiminez had spotted two frigate birds working an area in 450 to 500 feet of water, according to boat owner Greg Sosnow.

The big fish crashed a trolled blue-and-white Islander, but didn't get hooked. Jiminez moved the boat closer to the birds and mate Randall Alexander ran to the bow with a spinning rod, spotted and pitched a dead ballyhoo to a 28-pound cow.

As the cow was being fought, the bull swam up and another ballyhoo was cast and the hook was successfully set.

About 50 minutes later, the big fish was gaffed and brought aboard to join the caught cow.

Charlotte Countyʼs Complete Swimming Pool Supplys Pool Repair and Maintenance Store

Anglers Jim Rosenthal of New York City (L) and Mark Washburn of Washington, D.C., reeled in this big bull dolphin.

Mate, Randall Alexander, is to the right.

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Big Doo at Pelican Bay

As tol d by Bi l l Di xon Water LIFE Sailing Excerpt from a phone conversation: Hey Bill how you doing? “Hey Mike I’m Great!”

Where are you, Bill? “I’m at Marker 2 heading south.” Bill, I never got your sailing column for May. Long silence. Are you there Bill?

“I’ve been using the new Microsoft mail program. I’ve had a few problems with it.”

(That made me, a Mac guy, smile) When are you going to be back, Bill?

“Not until May 4.”

Longer silence.

Then: “You can tell them about the Key West Race. It’s back (after a year hiatus) The Sarasota Sailing Squadron is putting it on.

The Naples Sailing Squadron is also part of the race. Sarasota to Key West and Naples to Key West and back. The Key West Race is scheduled for May 17. Phone 941-388-2355 for more information.

And mention that on May 16 the Punta Gorda Sailing Club’s Summer Series kicks off with the first Sunday race of the series, And don’t forget on May 30, Memorial Day, the Big Doo at Pelican Bay takes place with a raft up and an overnight party in the protected bay behind Cayo Costa, south of Boca Grande Pass.”

OK Bill, that will work, thanks! dixonwj@comcast.net

Above: Sailing strategy comes into play as boats approach the ʻmarkʼ.

Right: Sarasota sailmaker Greg Knighton has opened up shop in Punta Gorda at 6025 Taylor Road and by the time you read this they should be stitching away. This is a big deal for the Punta Gorda sailing community.

May

2010

Fishing Report May

2010

Charlotte Harbor:

Robert at Fishin' Franks Port Charlotte: 625-3888

It’s gonna’ get better... the water temperature has come up already, fish are moving all over the place.

Redfi sh, the big bulls, haven’t moved in yet, not the way they usually do this time of year, but there are still nice fish out there. Because of all the rain we are sort of in a June rain condition with mid-april water temperatures. The fish just have to be confused.

Anywhere around the ICW; like Useppa and Bokeelia or the northern end of Pine Island have all been holding good numbers of redfish. The back of Bull Bay over to Whidden Creek is where the best concentrations of fish are now. Shrimp are still working the best for bait, but whitebait and cut ladyfish are starting to work very well too.

The redfish are really concentrated up on the bushes, in the deeper sandholes and hanging around with some of the schools of mullet. The mullet tend to stir up the sand and the grass which spooks the small baitfish and crabs that the redfish like to eat. The reds let the mullet do

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the work for them.

Redfish are a little slow on the east side where they are concentrated south from Pirate Harbor. Most of those fish are up on the bar.

There are very few up in the bushes and creeks there.

On the west side they are scattered up under the bushes and out in the trough that runs behind the bar, where everybody runs.

Nice redfish caught on a charter with Capt. Angel Torrez.

The lighter color denotes closer proxcimity to the Gulf.

The early morning bite is good on topwaters like the Zara Puppy out along the beaches as well. and the Zara Spook Jr. In soft plastics, Jigs will work well in the pass along the Exude Mr. Twister Dart or the RT with crabs, threadfin herring and large Slug in red mangrove color have been shrimp. Live bait still works better at very good producers for redfish lately. night, but in the daytime a red jighead Tarpon should be showing up any with a green tiger tail is the old faithful day now in better numbers. They are a tarpon combination. On any day, the key little late because of the cool water temis to experiment. Try different tails, perature. There have been some fish in experiment, that’s the tarpon secret. the 20 foot hole in the middle of the harTarpon haven’t really shown at the bor already. These fish have been feeding bridges or up in the river. They have been on threadfins and glass minnows. Look real inconsistent there. Tarpon might not for schools of Spanish mackerel or small be at the bridges until the end of May. baitfish like glass minnows to find the tarpon. The pass will load up with fish Continued on following page one day soon and then fish will appear

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Fishing Report .

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The The BIG-4 BIG-4

Fish Fish to to expect expect in in

May May

May

Go

2010

Fishing Do Not Stop!

conti nued from page 21 TARPON: A few fish starting REDFISH: In the Bull Bay SHARK: small sharks are SPANISH MACKEREL: In the If we get a lot of rain the Whidden and Catfish Creek to show up. Colder water here, bigger ones are not passes on an incoming tide fish should still be here area may be slowing migration far behind and in the harbor unless the rain pushes the threadfins out.

Ki ngfi sh have been migrating for a week or so now. Depending on how warm the water gets, the kings could be here for a week or for the whole month. S pani sh mackerel and king mackerel could be real 4265 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte good this month. The Spanish are all over in 941 - 625-2700 the harbor and on the near shore reefs. The kings should be along the pass channels and 700 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda on the reefs offshore.

941 - 637-0019 There have been mixed reports on snook.

I am hearing about more big fish reports than small fish. Down south in the May 15: Ki ds Cup Redfi sh Caloosahatchee River there have been reports Capt. Chuck Eichner with one of the trout that are here now Tournament and Redfi sh Tracki ng of both small and big fish, but up here, in Project, Fishermen’s Village Punta the freeze, it seems like the bigger fish did a Gorda, Capt’s Meeting at Charlotte Events Lemon Bay: little better than the smaller fish. Some of those Center on Friday. $100 entry 766-8180 or Jim at Fishermen’s Edge, Englewood: fish are already starting to work their way to the www.KidsCupTournament.com 697-7595 Intracoastal. Bull and Turtle Bay have had a lot of May 15 & 22: About Boati ng S afel y Fishing has been reasonably good, depending on snook on them. course at Lemon Bay Park, USCG Aux, Englewood, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm 941-697Cobi a are starting to show up at the near shore which way the wind is blowing. Guys have been catching a number of fish on the beach; S pani sh 9435 reefs. A few fish are moving into the harbor, but mackerel are coming and going with the tide, May 22 National Safe Boating Week see like everything else they won’t be good in the harthere are whi ti ng on the beach, and further south, below bor for at least a couple of weeks. The fish in the there are ki ngs. Numerous guys are catching June 12 Nati onal Mari na Day at upper Harbor will feed around Bayshore Pier and the Fi shermen’s Vi l l age. Fishing Clinic fl ounder in the surf on the island at Boca Grande.

US 41 bridges. Cut sardines and live whiting are Mote Marine Display and more 575-3000 The fish are either coming out of the back bay or the best bait for those fish. For the ones on the going in, but they are there. A few guys are catchreefs or for cobia free swimming along the bars, the ing 18 inchers, casting out in the surf, fishing with May 22 National Safe Boating Week Fishing best bait is a live threadfin or an artificial eel. shrimp on a big surf-chucker pole. I am selling a Activities 10 am to 1 pm between the RIGHT NOW: S harks are going to become a lot more prolific lot of pyramid leads right now. Some guys also use Bayfront Center Building and the This is throughout this whole month. Look for the larger Punta Gorda Boat Club Building on a jig head or a buck tail in the surf. There are still West Retta Esplanade.

Bring your The Time! sharks around the passes and on the near shore a lot of tri pl etai l . One guy got 8 the other day. trailered boat for a courtesy Vessel reefs. Expect bul l s, l emons and hammerheads They were around the stone crab traps, but they are Safety Check or view displays of to increase in numbers now. The bl ackti ps, bon- getting ready to pull them this month. There have required and recommended safety equipbeen a lot of cobi a at the pier at the north end of nets and spi nners will follow the S pani sh ment. Event by Peace River Sail & Power Squadron, Punta Gorda Boatersʼ mackerel and threadfins into the Harbor. The easi- the island. Cobia up to 50 pounds, mostly caught Alliance. Offered in cooperation with the Punta Gorda Fire on big shrimp. There are a lot of trout and redfi sh est way to catch them is to hang a chum bag over Department, Punta Gorda Police Department, Charlotte around too, mostly from Placida south to Whidden the side and use mullet, bonita, sardines or cut bait County Sheriff Office, Florida Fish, Wildlife & Conservation Creek, in parts of catfish Creek, at Three Sisters for the smaller sharks and a whole mullet or Department and the Punta Gorda Boat Club. Participation in and down to Pine Island.

One guide told me they this activity qualifies participants toward the requirements stingray to attract the larger ones. for “instruction and practice in the use of emergency equiphad the most snook they caught in one day ever NOTE ** NEW FLORIDA LAW, lemon sharks ment” portions of the Boat Operator Certificate Program. and that they were biting like mad, but most guides are now protected. All other sharks must be 54 For further information, call Harold Anderson at 575-9776 or are trying to stay away from the snook. Offshore, inches minimum to the fork, except for blacktips 637-0766. grouper and snapper, a lot of grunts, mangs, bonnethead and sharpnose which have no size limit.

Send cal endar i nfo rmat i o n t o : porgys, tri ggerfi sh and a lot of amberjack, There is a 1 shark per person per day bag limit. waterlife@comcast.net up to 60 pounds. That’s to much AJ for me.

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May

2010

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2010

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