Water LIFE Oct 2005

Water L I F E FREE!

Charlotte Harbor and Lemon Bay Florida

October 2005

Aaron and the boys head back offshore looking for action ... and they find blackfin tuna Page 5

Keeping Boaters and Fishermen Informed

Flatsmaster Results Page 6

Richest Redfish Draws a Crowd Page 24

Hook a Kid on Fishing Page 19

www.CHARLOTTEHARBORMAGAZINE.COM

Construction Progress Page 29

FREE!

Page

2

Water LIFE

MAGAZINE

October 2005

October 2005

Water LIFE

For Some, Life Revolves Around Fishing

It’s been a grueling stretch of 12 and 16 hour days working on our new house. I haven’t been out on the harbor in two weeks. On this day, the sun is an orange orb in the eastern sky as I head for the ‘job site’ at 6:30 a.m. It looks to be another hot one in Port Charlotte as storms elsewhere keep the dry air flowing into Florida.

Everyone who sees our new foundation says it’s height is stupid, but we are building to the requirements of the Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA. Need I say more?

Our block masons, in the business for 20 years, comment they have never seen anything like this before.

The good part is there are fishing stories all day long. Andy Medina, a tournament fisherman and regular Water LIFE writer is also our block mason. He has Mighty Mouse holding a trowel, tattooed on his right arm – Andy is serious about cement. Greg, Andy’s brother is also a mason and avid angler to boot, so most of the day we’re talking about fishing. On this day, Greg is a little tired since he spent the night before at the Bass Inlet bridge, but when we take a break, Greg grabs a rod from his truck and starts throwing a plug in my canal.

We talk about the big storms and how we were in fact ‘lucky’ to have gotten off ‘easy’ with Charley. We talk about the Redfish Cup and how where ever the Cup goes (Punta Gorda, Lake Charles,

Chalmette, Biloxi and south Texas) hurricanes follow. – ‘The only thing worse than having the Redfish Cup come to your town is waking up and seeing Jim Cantori, of the weather channel, broadcasting from your back yard!’ Later, Andy’s tournament partner Trent has his boat tied to my dock and is pulling snapper out from under my dock. These guys live to fish.

Our framing contractor, Josh Smith, stops by to go over our lumber order and tells me a story about about Wayne Kerry, a tournament fisherman who rescued a man thrown from a boat and almost drowned the day before when the steering cable snapped. “He was in the water for an hour,” Kerry later said. For the workers on our project it seems like work, women and the rest of the world fits in around their fishing. Me, I may not be on the harbor much, but I’m keeping up with the news.

By 7 pm the tide is starting out. We’re done laying block and the guys have cleaned the mixer and headed home. My friend Lester, another fisherman, stopped by earlier and noted “You have a refrigerator in your garage, your boat out back, a clean swimming pool and a porta-potty in the yard, what else do you need?” Lester is a fisherman too. I grab a rod from the garage, pour a ‘short one’ over ice and head down to the dock.

I’ve been keeping my lawn maintenance guy David on contract ever since Charley,

MAGAZINE

Page

We got this picture via e-mail. Someone took a picture of the two George Bushes on a fishing trip and superimposed them into the flooded streets of New Orleans to create this bizarre scene. For some people, no matter what is happening, fishing is always top priority.

so the south side of our property – where the pool is – still looks green and manicured. If you turn your back to the cement work and look out over what’s left of the lawn to the dock, it looks almost normal.

I throw a D.O.A. shrimp out in the falling tide, along the seawall where a drainage pipe has cut a little depression in the bottom, twitch it once and let it fall. It doesn’t take long. Slurp, splash, yank! I have a fish on, ripping off my 12-pound line, heading south. I take up the slack, hop the fence into my neighbor’s yard and

3

stop the creature before it gets to the pilings. Soon I am releasing a nice 26 inch snook. The old timers have been saying winter is coming early this year, that the snook are heading up the harbor into the canals. It’ cool in the morning. It still seems early, but I guess they are right.

The sun is an orange orb in the western sky now. For a brief moment I forget the construction behind me and look out into the harbor. I am home on my canal, fishing from my dock. It’s just past 7 p.m. and for the first time in a long time, I

Page

Water LIFE

4

Another ʻMoronʼ ʻ Moreʼ ʻonʼ the Peace River

Phosphate Spill

Donʼt Be Blinded by the Sun

Water LIFE Staff Report Further to last monthʼs incredulous statement by Charlotte Sun Publisher David Dunn Rankin who went on the record saying that Phosphate mining had done nothing to harm the Harbor and that boaters and fishermen had done all the harm: We offer these pictures are from the state archive of phosphate spills in the Peace River. Shown here, (1) one of thousands (maybe hundreds of thousands) of dead fish – this one was a bass.

(2) A fisheries biologist leaning against a tree showing the high water mark above his hand on the trunk. (3) The Peace River, white with phosphate runoff.

We were told the spill was actually caused when a worked intentionally opened a dam to empty the area behind it. The reasoning at the time was the monetary fine would be cheaper to pay than the cost of properly disposing of the waste.

MAGAZINE

New Boaters Group Formed

By Capt. Ralph Allen

Question: What do local fishing clubs, sailing centers, yacht clubs, cruising clubs, marinas, charter services, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons all have in common? Answer: They all involve people who are passionate about boating on Charlotte Harbor. This is a particularly pivotal moment in the history of boating on Charlotte Harbor as decisions made in the coming months about future development of the waterfront and downtown areas of the City of Punta Gorda are going to plot the course which will be followed by all area boaters for years to come. Itʼs with this in mind that the diverse group of boaters described above have come together to form the Punta Gorda Boaterʼs Alliance (PGBA).

The PGBA is a not-forprofit non-governmental organization formed so area boaters will have a platform from which to present their views on the wants and needs of the boating community to the City of Punta Gorda and to other governmental bodies, and to promote safe, friendly boating in the Punta Gorda area. The mission of the PGBA is to serve as an umbrella representing its member organizations by engaging those issues of interest to the boating community for the City of Punta Gorda

and surrounding waters.

Says newly elected PGBA President George Eichman: “This is a truly exciting time for Punta Gorda as development of the downtown and waterside portions of the city proceeds.

With the likely opening of at least three marinas, a mooring field, dingy docks and other boating amenities along the city waterfront within the next year or two it is especially important that boaters make sure their voices are heard.”

Development of the city marina at Laishley Park is currently in the permitting process and this project will be one of the first focuses of the PGBA. Punta Gorda City Manager Howard Kunick has already requested that the PGBA provide input to his office as to the best management options for the operation of the new marina once construction is complete and the facility opens for business.

PGBA has also established a relationship with Team Punta Gorda which will involve the sharing of ideas regarding the future of the Punta Gorda waterfront.

For more information on the Punta Gorda Boaters Alliance call Capt. Ralph Allen at 941-639-2628 or George Eichman at 639-4767.

COMING AND GOING? ... Take Us Along!

SUBSCRIPTION FORM

SUBSCRIBE to Water LIFE Have us mail your copy anywhere in the U.S.A. for $18 / Year

Name _______________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________ City _______________________________ State ____________ Zip ____________________

Out-of-the-area mail sent First Class

Local zip codes sent as Bulk Mail

Credit Card _________________________________________ ExpDate_________

10/05

Now Just $18 for 12 monthly editions Check one:

o Payment included: make check payable to Water LIFE

or Bill my

o Visa o M/C account

Fill out (please print) and Mail to: Water LIFE 217 Bangsberg Rd, Port Charlotte, FL, 33952

October 2005

Water LIFE

Michael and Ellen Heller Publishers

(941) 766-8180

TOTALLY INDEPENDENT

Water LIFE is not affiliated with any newspaper or other publication © 2005 Vol V No. 9 Water LIFE No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the written permission of the publishers

CM RT

WRITE US! e-mail (preferred) Waterlife@comcast.net Regular MAIL: 217 Bangsberg Rd. Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Contributing Editors:

Fishing / Environment: Capt. Ron Blago Charlotte Harbor: Capt. Robert Moore Gasparilla: Capt. Chuck Eichner Port Charlotte: Fishinʼ Frank Offshore: Capt. Steve Skevington Technical Advisor: Mike Panetti Sailing Advisor: Bill Dixon Lemon Bay: Don Cessna Kayaks: David Allen Local: Capt. Andrew Medina

on the COVER:

The boys about the charter boat Pelagic operating out of Stump Pass Marina got into the blackfin tuna last month 90 miles offshore.

on our WEBSITE:

WWW.charlotteharbormagazine.com

Tide Graphs: For local waters

Weather: Links to all of our favorite sites.

Back editions: Pages of previous editions Artificial Reefs: Lat. and Long local reefs

Manatee Myths: Read the original plan to create sanctuaries and refuges, as spelled out by the United Nations in 1984 Links to Realtors: Connect with our real estate advertisers

October 2005

By AAro n Sutcl i ffe Water LIFE Offshore The weather was still holding. We were determined to return to the wreck we had fished on the full moon for snapper – we had unfinished business there – the opportunity to nail some tuna or possibly a wahoo. Our float plan called for us to leave at 3 a.m. make the run and be fishing by first light.

We wanted bottom time, to see what we could wrestle up from 180 feet, and we would simultaneously free line some baits in a chum slick on the surface. After that, the plan called for trolling around any birds or weedlines we came across. We were very confident that one, if not all of these methods would produce. Along on the mission was Capt. Travis Ormond and Dave, one of our longtime fishing buddies and our skipper’s backup first mate.

Conditions were optimal as we ran the great distance towards glory. In the faint morning light we assembled both trolling and bottom rigs. While I was rigging a cedar plug on a TLD 20, I was struck in the chest by a flying fish – it went right into the livewell! Our trolling setups were rigged with some small black and purple feathers, the aforementioned cedar plug, a purple and black Yo-Zuri bonito plug, and some skirts that would get rigged ballyhoos. This massive undertaking made the long ride feel much shorter. We came upon our destination

Water LIFE

Tuna Action

while the first bright rays of sun pierced the blanket of clouds to our east. As we ranged a quarter mile from the wreck I deployed our trolling baits for a few exploratory passes.

Less than a tenth of a mile away we were hooked up on a triple header. One fish that burned a really strong run pulled off. The other two turned out to be small ‘cudas. At this point, big fish showed on the bottom.

We marked the spot with a ‘suremark’ and set anchor. I broke out ‘Ol' Painless,’ so named after Jesse "the body" Ventura's weapon of choice in the movie Predator. Ol' Painless is my Daiwa 4/0 sealine on an eight foot sabre rod. It got its name after I vanquished a 250 pound goliath with it. This stick hurts the groupers.

My first pinfish down was immediately devoured – I was hooked up on a quality fish and soon a nice 12 pound gag was in the box.

Another pinfish quickly sent down was also inhaled immediately. I got about 10 or 15 cranks and the fish pinned me to the gunnel.

Travis shouted “get-em son! Turn that fish!

Work it!” but the fish had other ideas. It dug for the bottom and found it. My leader came back minus the hook. By this time Travis was hooked up. He got his fish up about 50 feet and then it got its head pointed down as it squalled drag off his Daiwa 4/0. He lost his whole rig on the bottom. This continued for another few fish until Dave broke out the 6/0 Daiwa with 150 pound braid – meat fishing

MAGAZINE

at its best, beefed up tackle with a 150 pound leader and 4x strong hook. Dave sent down a frozen sardine and was soon on like Genghis Khan. He managed to get his fish up 40 or 50 feet when it turned on him and almost pulled him over board! I grabbed the reel and he got his footing back just as his hook pulled. We continued on like this for an eternity – losing fish, one after the other. Travis finally sent down a smaller rig in hopes of tempting a snapper to eat a shrimp. As he was pulling it up to check his bait it was engulfed by something big. He fought it, and made the call “it’s a reef donkey and a big one.”

Fifteen minutes later I gaffed a nice AJ. By this time a small weedline had drifted near the boat and I could see fish busting in the middle of it. Then, all of a sudden, right off our stern, blackfins started skyrocketing all over! They were so close we could see the bright yellow stripes running along their lateral lines. Travis had a Yo-zuri hydro pencil on a spinner and chucked it out towards them. He was working it on the surface, when it got crushed. I followed suit with a surface chugger. He had his fish near the boat when we saw it was not a blackfin, but a little tunny. At about that moment a ‘cuda ate the rear half of the tunny, creating a red cloud of blood. Once we (kind of) calmed down we decided to switch up and run the trollers again. So far, this all happened before 8 in the morning.

In the trolling mode, it became evident that there was alot going on. Terns were dipping amidst busting tunas and tunnys. A small, broken weedline was pushing through with the current. Conditions were looking good for action. Within a few minutes one of the small feathers got nailed, but the hook pulled immediately. As soon as that rod straightened back up, our purple and black plug got waylaid and the TLD it was on sang a high note. Dave was up and once the lines were cleared it was evident this was not a ‘cuda or a little tunny. The fish was stubborn and stayed deep. He worked it up to where I got color and I could see in the clear water it was a beefy blackfin. The fish sounded deep and after a see-saw battle it was gaffed by Cap. Ormond, while I filmed with my underwater camera. Dave had caught his first blackfin! It was quickly bled and iced, a practice that left the boat looking like a murder scene. The baits were once again deployed

Page

5

and we gave chase to some terns. It was not 10 minutes later that the same plug and angler, was rewarded with another hookup to a blackfin. This one was somewhat smaller, and fought less hard, but was equally welcomed aboard!

We trolled around the outskirts of the wreck. As we passed south of it, the cedar plug on a TLD 20 got picked. I manned the rod and the fish burned half the line off the spool by the time the other lines were cleared. I commented to Travis, “This one might spool me, it hasn't stopped bro!” He backed the Pelagic down as the fish continued to pull off line. By this time I had a third of 450 yards of line left and the fish was intermittently stopping and taking drag.

Travis continued to back down. The fish continued to pull line. I pushed the lever past strike, a quarter of the way to full. The standup rod bent deeper, and the fish still pulled line. At this point I was 20 minutes into the fight and had not turned the fish; I had only gained a little bit of line by backing down the boat. I had no idea what it was, I only knew that it was staying deep and was pulling like a freight train. As the fish took still more line off I questioned my ability to land it. Right at that moment the line parted!

Over two-thirds of my 40 pound Ande was off the spool. I reeled line back on the reel for what seemed like forever and found that the line had broken above the double line. It was at that point I rigged my two speed Shimano 50L.R.S. with a lure and sent it out.

I also added another Yo-Zuri Bonito lure to the spread, seeing as how this lure had already put two blackfins in the boat. It wasn't two minutes before it got whacked, and the fish made the TLD 25's drag scream. I worked this fish – was doing good, nice and easy. It was fighting like a nice blackfin, dogging deep, and swimming in circles.

Suddenly, my line went slack. Dejected, I reeled in a zero! No fish, no lure, only a broken ball-bearing snap swivel. Not to be defeated, I rummaged through the tackle selection to find a suitable lure. I came up with an orange Rapala CD18. I sent it way back on the 50L.R.S. We were back at it and I was fine tuning the spread when my 50 went off. I got it under control and started cranking the fish in. I had alot of line out to begin with, and the fish had almost taken a hundred yards. It took a while but soon I popped up a

Flatsmasters

Page

Water LIFE

6

By Capt. Jerry Cl effi Water LIFE Tournament Perspectiv e Eighty five teams lined up in front of Harpoon Harry’s on September 17, waiting for the 7:00 a.m. start. It was their final chance in 2005 to qualify for the prestigious Maverick Boats Flatsmasters Series Championship. Their goal in this third leg of the series; catch a legal redfish and a legal snook. After this event, points would be tabulated based on their order of finish and the top 40 teams will advance to the Flatsmasters Championship to be held October 15 & 16.

Red fishing had been consistent leading up the tournament with lots of 7-pound-plus reds being caught. However, the snook is always the game breaker in this event. In years past it’s been either feast or famine when it comes to snook fishing in mid September. This year, teams had to handle hotter than normal water temperatures, bouts of red tide, and grazing blows from passing hurricanes and tropical storms.

As the scales opened at 1pm, some of the biggest snook of the day were weighed in. Team Cracker/Seacoast Supply with Capt. Jim Stephens was quick to jump to the top of the leader board with their 10.40lb. Snook and 6.52lb. Red. As the day progressed it looked like many of the teams were able to find a hungry linesider, but many of those snook were just over the 26-inch mark and fairly light in weight. Team after team weighed in to garner those valuable qualifying points and in the end there were a total of 27 Snook and 64 redfish weighed in. There were a total of 64 teams that weighed at least one fish. Team Cracker/Seacoast Supply remained at the top of the leader board throughout the day and ended up as Flatsmasters RedSnook Challenge Champions.

The field is now set for The October 15 & 16 Flatsmasters Championship in which the top 40 teams will compete on the 15th to catch 1 snook and 1 redfish. On day 2, Sunday the 16th, the top 5 teams from Saturday will compete head to head, each with a SunSports TV Camera on board, to determine The Maverick Boats Flatsmasters Champions. The overall winners will walk away as the proud owners of a 2005 Hewes Tailfisher 17 tunnel hull flats boat with Yamaha Engine, and custom trailer valued at $25,000.

The public is invited to Harpoon Harry’s to view the weigh in on both Saturday and Sunday. The last leg of the series will be televised on the SunSports TV network on Oct. 11 at 5:30 pm., Oct. 14 at 1:30 p.m., Oct 15 at 3:30 a.m. The Championship will air in mid November and all event photos are available on line at www.lesterk uhnphoto.com.

The Flatsmasters is brought to you by Maverick boats, Ingman

Good Crowd at Harryʼs Capt Meredith Wedell Wallin Hoke Withers Rebol Achilles Moding Kersey Lombard Rush Jr. Roe Taylor Ziegler Beye Jones Medina Davis, E. Hindman Landry Susko Vasbinder Ward Harris, B Brown Truitt Jacobsen Locke Robinson Byrant Blackburn Kerry White Stephens, D Newman Jacobs, RJ Tydings Beerbower Lopez Branch Goodwin Laugois Burnett Griffing Thayer Rossi McCard Liscum Boggs LaRosa Capt

October 2005

MAGAZINE

Plenty of nice redfish

F l a t s m a s t e r To u r n a m e n t S e r i e s F i n a l S t a n d i n g s

Team Waterproof Charts Motley Crew Not Right Tromble & Company Subway/Coast to Coast Ken-Rite Construction Venture Out One Outta the Money Snatch Hook Team Ingman Marine #1 Team San Carlos Marine Doghouse Ketchin Keepers Wing City Cape Fear Rods Muddy Dogs Team Nasty Hooker Re/Max Harbor Realty Patricia Scott DDS PA Nautical Charts Red Jay Kitchens Buchan's Landing Resort Ol Mossy Renegade Team Famous Craft Reel Em In Robinson Underground Shallow Minded Limited Out Big Hit Team Dolphin Cleaners Bayback Extremes Tarpon Tide Charters Kern Carter Concrete Quantum Flatsmen Salinity Check Voltman Fishin'Fools Warden's Worry Team Nezzen B & R Color Charlotte County Ford Harpoon Harry's Team Hooker LaRosa's Plumbing Team

#1 94 75 86 89 81 60 88 101 77 99 73 76 68 93 72 67 65 63 35 78 98 62 79 95 54 69 84 52 56 64 80 90 97 46 53 74 45 92 51 32 28 0 92 36 58 31 61 0 57 0 #1

#2 92 99 93 86 101 97 87 89 95 94 73 81 82 41 67 88 75 71 98 84 58 91 66 72 65 64 47 53 77 74 60 0 42 90 51 0 55 0 70 80 54 97 0 50 83 57 0 46 76 85 #2

#3 89 96 87 90 77 94 73 57 75 49 95 78 85 93 83 64 76 82 80 47 51 53 62 39 86 68 69 92 60 53 50 99 44 38 70 98 66 74 43 48 72 56 61 58 0 52 79 91 0 46 #3

Points 275 270 266 265 259 251 248 247 247 242 241 235 235 227 222 219 216 216 213 209 207 207 207 206 205 201 200 197 193 191 190 189 183 174 174 172 166 166 164 160 154 153 153 144 141 140 140 137 133 131 Points

Russell, J Hill, F Burson McCauley Flowers Tanksley McHugh Opsahl Boyette Jenks Stephens, Jim Page Ingman Tucker, Travis Parry Carter Lahr Russell Cress Chancey, Ben Stephens, C Long Nickell Smith, Carl Lambert Bradshaw Spokas Brooks Stover Haber Blalock James Gage Gorman, Owen Crawford Simes Westberry Forrest Allen Bresee Beck Mutz Miller Wright Thomas Davis, S Forsberg Daughtry Smith Harris

New Gulf Front Condos on Manasota Key

Single Family Gulf Front Home

Beautiful Coral Creek

Easy access to the intercoastal.

18000 sq ft lot with deeded dock space in gated and deed restricted community. $199,000

Judy Kaff

INCREDIBLE VIEWS on over 200 ft of direct Gulf beach frontage.

Beautifully designed home in perfect shape with 4/5 bedrooms and dock on the Bay $2,997,500

(941) 830-0502

82 71 29 Sticky Fingers 37 Sunshine Realty 41 JTI/American Rodsmith 0 McHugh-Poter Builders 40 Polk's Badcock Furniture 0 Shallow Water Boats 44 Stokes Marine 49 Team Cracker 0 Mirro-lure 97 Team Ingamn Marine #2 50 Team PC 0 Shearwater 87 Young-Boats.com 43 Dogfish Tackle Company 85 Team Soggy Flats Boys 0 Lets Get Em 83 Chew On This 0 KB Homes 0 Chaos 42 Blind Hogs 0 Bar Hopper 0 Bent Rods 70 Ft. Myers Marine #2 0 Cannista 66 Brooks Quality Stucco 0 Team JTM 0 No Name Team 0 Team Superior 59 Team Hooters 0 Marine Max/Dream Chaser 55 Better Vue 0 Reel Sure 0 Ft. Myers Marine #1 48 Haywire 47 Team Justice 0 Quality Masonry 39 Sunbelt Realty/Century 21 38 Flats Adventures 34 Topwater 33 Team Predator 31 Buddy System 0 Screenprint Plus 0 Fish Warriors 0 Nor'easters 0 Reel Women/First Community0 Palmetto Custom Homes 0 San Carlos Marine 0

Reduced

OAKSHORES - Great View of the Intercoastal Waterway.

Deeded deepwater dock.

Nice pool, upgraded interior.

Bring your boat. $825,000

Doug & Judy Kaff

Health & Strength Gym Gulf Coast Roofing

48 59 0 44 68 45 0 64 0 52 0 0 0 0 0 43 0 0 0 0 79 0 78 0 0 69 0 0 61 62 0 56 0 0 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 97 40 0 64 68 42 59 0 101 0 41 88 0 0 0 84 0 81 0 37 0 71 0 0 0 65 0 0 0 0 0 55 0 0 0 45 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Manasota Key Residence

Lemon Bay Condo

Reduced

Is this the right one?

The winning snook

Sold

130 130 126 121 109 109 108 106 103 101 101 97 91 88 87 86 85 84 83 81 79 79 78 71 70 69 66 65 62 61 59 56 55 55 49 48 47 45 39 38 34 33 31 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

OVERBROOK GARDENS Nicely renovated 2br with community boat ramp for easy Intercoastal access. Nice pool, near beach. $259,000

Manasota Key Condo

EL GALEON Rare 3 BR condo with deep water docking, pools and a skip to the beach on Manasota Key $675,000.

(941) 474-9534

October 2005

By Merry Beth Ryan Water Life Fishing Well first things first. I must warn you living with a fishing guide is as ‘fishy’ as it gets. When I say fishy I mean lots and lots of fresh fish for meals (so you better acquire a taste for fresh fish), loads of dead fish for bait inside the freezer in ziplock bags, the same freezer that used to hold waffles, frozen dinner entre’s, and ice cubes and other such items a normal freezer holds quickly becomes a fish box. We do have a total of three freezers here at the house but it appears they have all become fish freezers over time and I have given up that fight. I simply try to find ways to sneak in the occasional frozen pizza or ice cube tray when I can. That is if I can get past all the frozen Gatorade bottles the Captain uses for ice in the boats ice chest that he managed to stick in there when I was not looking. You can forget about throwing away any sort of plastic bottle it will reappear in the freezer long before the garbage men arrive.

Living with a fishing guide can be challenging at best. Having to child proof a fishing guides house prior to the arrival of my Niece and Nephew’s is a must.

Making sure each and every hook is out of reach and all the lures full of treble hooks hanging from light fixtures are out of sight so they don’t decide to use them as airplanes. Most people child proofing a house think to lock the cabinets that house the cleaning supplies, or put up a gate where you want to keep the kids away from, or to move all breakables to higher ground. Those are all very important tasks as well, but child proofing a house full of sharp hooks and sharp pretty little fishing lures is the top priority before any child can enter our home.

I must admit it is not just the children that need to be cautious. I have found that each and every time I vacuum the house it never fails I hook into a leader with a hook attached to the other end which severely slows down my clean up process not to mention how hard it is on my Hoover. I simply shut off the vacuum and sit on the carpet while I figure out how to get the fishing line off the roller on the bottom of the vacuum while at the same time trying not to use any curse words.

Eventually I get the job done and go back

Water LIFE

to my cleaning. Another struggle I have is when I go to look for my favorite Tupperware piece in the cupboard and realize that has now become a tackle tray for the boat. We go through more Tupperware and Rubbermaid items than you can imagine. We are also single handily keeping the Ziplock company in business. A fishing guide will use a ziplock baggie for most everything from a wallet, to cell phone case, or a leader holder.

When I first moved in with my fishing guide I often wondered if the weather channel was the only channel he got on his television. It seemed that was the only thing we ever watched – that and the occasional fishing program of course. I have since found a way to fix that. We now have several tv’s located throughout the house so I am able to escape and watch my favorite shows when I want to. When my family members first met my fishing guide boyfriend they often asked me ‘Why does he always talk about the weather?’ I explained to them that his business depended on the weather daily and he needed to be aware of the weather in order to prepare for his fishing trips. So after hearing my explanation, my family member’s quickly nicknamed him the ‘Weatherman.’

Living with a fishing guide does have rewards as well. If you enjoy fishing as much as I do, being able to drop the boat in the water on any given day – weather permitting – sure does have a nice ring to it. I have been spoiled to say the least. I do not wander off too far alone without bringing along my own personal fishing guide boyfriend when wetting a line. Not having to worry about how to tie a knot, or what hook to use, or what bait to throw sure reduces my stress level on the water.

Living with a fishing guide sure has given my little Niece and Nephew’s some wonderful memories as well. Being able to share fishing with them has been very rewarding to both of us. The kids will have those memories with them for a lifetime. Talk about being spoiled, the kids were treated like royalty on the boat. They have experienced catching some of the most sought after game fish in Southwest Florida at a very young age. While some angler’s fish for years before being able to say they caught a trophy fish, these kids all have their trophy slams. At times,

Page

MAGAZINE

Living With a Fishing Guide

some of the fish they were reeling up were darn near as big as they were. Talk about a Kodak moment. I have picture albums filled with all the special photo’s that I will someday hand over to them as they get older.

When it comes to traveling the first thing we pack is of course the fishing rods and reels and plenty of tackle regardless of where we might be heading. Then we worry about our clothes and all those other necessities. We came to the conclusion that it was better to have the fishing gear with us and never get the chance to use it verses not having it with us at all. Thank goodness we have a huge van to carry all our fishing gear in. We actually could open a small Bass Pro Shop here at the house. I would only have one request if we

were to open such a shop, that being we build a barn outside to welcome all our angler enthusiasts to the shop verses taking over the our last guest bedroom to use as a fishing tackle storage room as is currently the case here at the house.

My life living with a fishing guide is a challenge on a daily basis, but it is a challenge I obviously am up for. I would not trade it for the world. Fishing is such a serene rewarding activity I am not willing to give it up anytime soon. I have learned to let a lot of things slide and patience was always something I had trouble grasping.

Living with a fishing guide has taught me patience I never thought in a million years I would achieve. Until next time I am off to go see what I can catch for dinner.

Fish XS PDF

L et U s S e l l Yo ur B o at

Daryl Hall • Tom Stivison Marry Will www.redfishyach t. co m

7

28' Albemarle 275 Express Fisherman-JUST REDUCED BY $5,000 FOR QUICK SALE. New port engine, major service just performed. Great offshore boat. $54,999

320 Cross St (at WaterProof Charts) Punta Gorda

(941) 639-9400

Water LIFE

Page 8

WHY WAIT TO BUILD!! Two beautiful BRAND NEW 3 BR plus a den (or 4th BR), 2-bath homes, ready to move into. The 1st thing you will notice as you enter through the etched glass double doors is the elegance of these 1974 sq. ft. homes. From the beautiful porcelain tile floors throughout, except BRʼs, to the Sylestone counters & wood cabinets, to the bull nose corners, arched entryways, and the tray ceilings, no expense has been spared to build a home of real quality.

Also features an oversized garage & a deep well irrigation system w/Floratam sod. MLS #485276 & 485277, $345,000/ea., call Gerry or Heather Gilbert 268-4249 or

Nice and neat pool home in great area near Kings Hwy and Tamiami Trail off Olean. 3/3/2 with 1696 sq ft.

Built in 1982.

Home in move in condition.

Has large patio on front of home. Screened entrance, with mirrored foyer, living and dining combo, plus family room, Newer berber carpet and new paint in and out. Newer hurricane code garage door. New screen on pool cage, very little damage from hurricane. Bay window in master bedrm., fam. Rm. And 2nd bedrm. Newer diamond brite and the list goes on. A must see. MLS# 480644 $264,900, call Ellen

Saltwater Canal Home

3/2/2, 1621 sq. ft. built in 2003.

Shows like brand new. Nothing to do but move in. Living, dining, & fam. rm., storm shutters, storage shed, fenced yard, 20 min. to Harbor 1 bridge, MLS# 600193 $459,900, call Ellen.

Bar For Sale!!!! Looking for a great business adventure!! Great location, high trafic area, profitable for over 5 years, building on acre of land - on WATER. Liquor license included. $1,950,000. Call Ellen or Gerry

HARBOR ACCESS

Saltwater canal with concrete seawall and 10x20 dock new as of 2002. Cleared lot ready to build on.

View of island behind home for privacy and it is only 15 minutes to the harbor. You don't want to miss this one, best price in area.

MLS# 473223. $369,900 Call Ellen Today!

Sailboat Water Canal

to build your home in Paradise. Just minutes to the Peace River. Buy now before prices go any higher. MLS# 481704 $375,000 Call Scott Jacobs today. 235-5648

October 2005

MAGAZINE

South Gulf Cove Saltwater pool home, with 6,000 lb boat lift and Veranda dock. A Boaterʼs delight. From the soaring vaulted ceiling, itʼs cozy eat in kitchen with corian countertops, wood cabinets, huge 19x21 great room, open floor plan, beautifully landscaped, you‚ll love this one.

MLS# 603783 $625,000 Call Gerry or Heather Gilbert

SAILBOAT CANAL POOL/SPA HOME, near Grassy pointe with all the whistles and bells.

Tile roof, beautifully landscaped, totally renovated, 2 fireplaces. 3/2/2 with 2,197 sq ft. Expansive great room plan w/cherry cabinetry and a Viking appl. kitchen to die for with and granite countertops. Master br opens to lanai w/sitting area and fireplace. A MUST SEE. MLS# 602504 $750,000 call Meg or Gerry

Sailboat, seawalled, beach complex area, end lot will million dollar view down canal. Just minutes to the Harbor.

Oversized lot to build a large home and pool. Approx.

110x125, Water and sewer. Take a morning walk to the beach complex and watch the boaters going out to fish. What a great area to live in. MLS# 480740 price 639,900 Call Ellen

Condo at Beautiful Riverwood Golf Community

Grand Vista, great first floor end unit, 2 BR plus den or 3rd BR, 2 baths, 2-car garage, 1594 sq. ft. built 2003, tile floors except BRʼs, upgraded with volume ceilings, trays, crown molding, décor painting, quiet preserve and golf course view, enjoy huge heated pool at clubhouse, activity center, fitness room, spa, tennis, restaurant, & more!

MLS #485697, $339,900. Call Ellen today!

3 New condos in Cape Haze, 2 or 3 bedrms, 2 or 2 ∏ bas. still time to pick your colors.

1,500 to 2,444 sq ft to pick from. Resort style living with short golf cart ride to 7 courses, min. to beaches, marinas, fishing. $349,900 to $499,000 Call Meg Winkel

Sharamere Woods

2/2 Villa, 1047 sq. ft., completely remodeled with brand new maple wood cabinets, granite countertops, and ceramic tile floors throughout. Washer, dryer and range are all new. Community pool, fishing and boating nearby and convenient to I-75. MLS #603548, $159,900. Call Scott

3/2/2 pool home, 1908 sq. ft. built 1994, very quiet street w/few homes for privacy, home features living, dining, & family room, kitchen has breakfast bar & nook, plant shelves throughout, pool bath, sliders from living rm., master BR & breakfast area, screened entry & garage, cathedral ceilings, skylight, oversized laundry room, MLS# 480987 $299,900, call Scott

October 2005

Taking the Clean Marina / Clean Boater Pledge

By Capt. Betty Staug l er Water LIFE / Sea Grant Did you know that the marine industry of Florida generates more than $14 billion dollars each year? With over 2,000 marinas, approximately 2/3rds of which have a boatyard associated with them, over 900,000 registered boaters and over 400,000 visiting vessels annually, boating in Florida has become so popular that one in every 18 Floridians owns a boat.

Last month I talked about Best Management Practices implemented by the agricultural indus-

try to reduce their impact on coastal water quality. This month, I focus on Best Management Practices for boaters and the boating industry.

The Clean Boating Partnership was formed in 2000, with a goal of promoting awareness of, and encouraging marine related industries to protect Florida’s water resources by voluntarily instituting best management practices based on industry expertise and sound environmental principles.

The partnership, made up of the Marine Industry, Sea Grant, and the United States Coast Guard

Water LIFE

MAGAZINE

,as working partners with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, accomplishes its goals through a public/private board of volunteers that also includes marina and boatyard owners, members of the Marine Industries Association of Florida, the Florida Inland Navigation District, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and the EPA. The Clean Boating Partnership currently focuses on three program areas; clean marinas, clean boatyards, and clean boaters.

Marine interests who are interested in participating commit by making a Pledge, and then

Page 9

The cause of this sinking at Royal Palm Marina is under investigation

follow through by conducting a self assessment and implementing clean programs or habits as appropriate. The Clean Marina & Clean Boatyard designations are the most difficult and lengthiest designations to achieve because facilities must incorporate best

Charlotte Harbor’s most popular boat and motor from the #1 Action Craft and Yamaha dealer Come by for your piece of the ‘Action’ 3300 Palm Beach Blvd. (Exit 25) Ft. Myers • (239) 334-3424

management practices into the marina infrastructure as well as ensuring clientele are operating within the Clean Marina/Clean Boatyard framework.

To date, just over 100 marinas in Florida have received the Clean Marina designation. In Charlotte

Page 10

Claen Marinas Continued

Palm Island Marina, Gasparilla Marina, Fisherman’s Village Marina, and Laishley Park Marina. Marine Max at Palm Island Marina is also working towards the Clean Boatyard designation.

The Clean Boater designation targets individual boaters and focuses on reducing the discharge of pollutants through the implementation of individual best management practices. This designation is based on your willingness to incorporate clean boating habits into your boating activities.

A Clean Boater pledges to keep Florida’s waters free of trash, practice proper fueling, recycle when possible, use pumpout facilities, help prevent the spread of exotics, be a clean boater example, encourage fellow boaters to Tak e the Pledge, and remember that a clean environment always starts with ‘me’. Thirty four members from the Punta Gorda Isles Cruisers pledged to become Clean Boaters during the month of August. If you are interested in joining them and the 10,000 other Clean Boaters in Florida, give me a call or stop by the Extension office at 25550 Harbor View Rd., in Port Charlotte and ask for a copy of Clean Boating Habits and a pledge card. For more information about the Clean Boating Partnership visit its website at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/law/grants/cm p/cbp.htm

Betty Staugler is Charlotte County’s Sea Grant

Water LIFE

October 2005

MAGAZINE

Screaming Reels Taking on the Cityʼs 6-foot Ordinance

By Capt. Andrew Medi na Water LIFE Staff If you own a boat, there are a few things you should know and these ‘few things’ may vary, depending who you talk to at the Punta Gorda Police Department.

What I’m talking about is Punta Gorda City Ordinance 1149-96. Have you heard of this? Probably not. It’s like a freeway with no speed limit signs where you’re expected to just know how fast to travel. Ordinance 1149-96 was a Manatee Protection Plan item, put in place when Laishley Park Marina was permitted. It was the way the city saved on not hiring more on-the-water officers. The ordinance places speed restrictions on the waters inside city limits and calls for slow speed to a six foot depth as shown on the US Geological Survey revised in 1987. While this does not bother me, I have seen the pretty boat with blue lights enforcing this, most recently while fishing the Flatsmasters Tournament. We were fishing a popular spot called the Skating Rink which is an area just north of Alligator Creek. Yes, this is in the city limits. So I called up manatee sign guru Fishin’ Frank and we headed out to look for all the signs that were suppose to be posted. What we found is gonna’ shock you.

There’s a long list of areas that are sup-

posed to be clearly marked for the public with 3’x 3’ signs. We found out the only people who will ever see these signs will be the ones coming out of the Isles. There are no signs at any public boat ramps and most of the signs are facing the wrong way. The ordinance states that all shorelines waterward out to 6-foot depths shall be marked. So if you come to Punta Gorda by boat and want to fish the shoreline from Colony Point south to Alligator Creek there is no warning. There is one sign in the channel at Ponce Park that faces the wrong way - that’s it. Where are the markers at the 6-foot contour line? How can they enforce an ordinance that is not posted? They’d better hope they don’t pull over an up-tight lawyer with nothing better to do than start a lawsuit. Signs cost about $1000 each to install. Maybe they just got cheap or maybe they’re afraid a manatee might bump his head on the pole. Either way, fix it or abolish it. Go to Tampa Bay around Weeden Island where they have signs down 5 miles of shoreline, 1⁄4 mile apart. That’s how these areas are supposed to be marked. Sorry if I offended anyone, but I did not write the ordinance.

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, only 2 manatees died from water craft injuries so far this year in Charlotte

Not enough places are marked clearly

County. Maybe we don’t need any more on-the-water officers and we don’t need any more signs either. Maybe it’s time for the whole issue to be revisited with common sense and practicality in mind. Remember to just have fun and be safe on the water.

Check out Capt. Andrew Medina on the web at http://www.bentrods4u.com or call him for charter information: (941)456-1540

28' Nauset Bridgedeck 1992 vessel in very nice condition throughout. Well maintained. Radar, GPS, Auto pilot and a flybridge. $76,900

33' Carver Mariner 1995 Twin 250HP Crusader.

Very spacious boat- This boat has been very well maintained REDUCED TO SELL $64,900

30' SeaRay Weekender, 1989. Lift stored, lots of storage and spacious cockpit. Asking $35,900

38' Bertram Convertible - Very nice condition throughout and well maintained by her knowledgeable owner. Twin Diesels. $189,000

33' Chris Craft Crowne - Lift stored and has very low hours, she is a great family cruiser, Twin Volvo 265 HP 5.7 Duo Prop. $59,900

25' OMC/Quest 250 CC - Exceptionally well maintained, plenty of fishing add-ons and aluminum, tandem axle, trailer. $22,500

25' Grady White Sailfish SB - Lift stored in nice condition very well equipped! Sleeps 4, 2 cabins, enclosed head with shower. $36,900

33' Cruisers 3372 Express 2002. Twin 320HP Mercruiser VD's. Beautiful boat, lift stored.

Reduced to $139,500

30' Sea Ray 300 Weekender - Nice layout, plenty of storage, spacious cockpit. Engine longblocks replaced approx. 5 years ago $35,900

25' Pro-Line 251 Walk Around - Lift kept and has never been bottom painted, very nice boat.

Twin 150 Mercurys. $36,900

30' Bertram Fly bridge Cruiser - Very well maintained An excellent boat for cruising, fishing and entertaining. Take a Look! $59,900

38' Chris-Craft 381 Catalina. Twin 330HP gas Pleasurecraft engines. Great boat for entertaining, cruising or liveaboard. Asking $82,000.

43' Sea Ray 430 Convertible 1988. Twin 370HP diesel engines replaced in 2000. Boat has all the amenities of home! Reduced to $158,900

25' Carolina Classic - Tough offshore boat, fast and agile with top of the line equipment. Full specs available. $49,900

30' Carver Sedan, 1993. Extremely well maintained boat with twin mercruisers. Asking $59,900

Water LIFE

October 2005

JUST REDUCED $50,000!

20 Minutes to Gulf

P a g e 11

MAGAZINE

Bring An Offer On This Spectacular Waterfront Home! Live the Florida For Fishing or Real Estate: Dream in a gorgeous Just Ask The Captain Keywest style home located on a deep water sailboat canal. Incredible views of a wide basin with boat house, 2 lifts, 100' of concrete seawall all in immaculate condition. Galley kitchen with wood cabinets, oak floors, vaulted ceilings, huge master bedroom with porch. Immediate access into Charlotte Harbor. Beautiful neighborhood of gorgeous homes. Room for third bedroom and office. $699,500 MLS# 484424

Pirare Harbor Properties

The Best Waterfront Community in Charlotte County!

Huge Waterfront Pool Home 5 Minutes to Charlotte Harbor

Nearly 2700sf under air boasting a spectacular Mediteranean Lanai with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths.

This home has been completely updated with modern kitchen, wood cabinets, hardwood floors, gameroom, brick pavers and barrel tile roof situated on an oversized corner lot. Concrete seawall and dock for your boat! Mls 489894 $585,000

200ʼ Of Waterfront 15 Minutes To The Gulf!

The best waterfront in Charlotte County! Seawalled and riprapped on a large deep water sailboat basin. Build a Keywest style home and have views of open harbor. Tarpon fishing, shrimping and crabbing right at your back door- it just doesn't get any better than this! Oversized tip lot, peaceful location, room for large dock. In community of beautiful homes. Priced to sell- MLS #481762 $709,900

AFFORDABLE LOT IN DESIRABLE WATERFRONT COMMUNITY Build your dreamhome on this huge 120x100 dry lot. All county amenities with city sewer to come. This is a community of beautiful homes convenient to Punta Gorda and Cape Coral. $80,000

RARE TIP LOT OVERLOOKING CHARLOTTE HARBOR!

ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY – On a protected open water estuary with deep water and direct quick access to the Gulf.

Appximately 162 feet of waterfrontage with 180 degrees of waterview! Combine with the adjacent lot also available (MLS # 476415) for a total of appx. 262 feet of waterfront.

Convenient location in Punta Gorda in an area of beautiful homes. Each lot priced at $699,000 or make offer on both!

ake a vacation that’s all

about being on the water!

T Rent a fully furnished luxury condominium, villa, courtyard home or an estate residence.

Enjoy the comfortable, casual elegance of this resort community within the famous Port Charlotte Bay. Save 10% when you mention Water Life Magazine.

www.burnstoreresort.com • 877-276-3300 subject to availability; minimum stay may apply

Old Bayside introduced their new 2006 catalogue this month. Along with their existing assortment of colors, Old Bayside has unveiled five new color combinations which should be particularly suited to Charlotte Harbor fishermen. The new array is shown here for the first time. Check with your local tackle shop or visit them online at www.oldbayside.com RootBeer Gold / Fire Tail Firecracker / Chartruse Tail

Pogie / Chartruse Tail

Avacado / Red Tail

Closing Night / Fire Tail

Water LIFE

Page 12

Pool Sharks of Lemon Bay Inc 3285 Placida Rd, Pelican Plaza Englewood Just got back from the Key's with a cooler full of Dolphin.

These are two which the boys caught while fishing with Capt. Jeff Totten of Englewood off Cudjoe Key.

(941) 698-9889

Please stop in and look over our fishinʼ scrapbook - Talk to Allen

Maintenance • Repairs Heaters • Pumps • Chemicals Covers • Cleaners

Boat Buying Tips

Things to look for when Test Driving a Boat

Is the driving position comfortable to you? Can you see all the gauges? Are trim tabs, throttles, etc. easy to reach? What kind of visibility do you have? How does the boat handle various conditions? You should also check the steering at different speeds.

Usually before asking for a test drive you should make a serious offer and sometimes a deposit must be made.

Mike Panetti

Ken Cook / Boats Unlimited 4809 Tamiami Trail Charlotte Harbor

941-628-8250

BOAT REPAIR

Sterndrive • Inboard • Outboard Weʼve DOUBLED our service area to give better service to our customers and their boats

Bottom Paint and Detailing

(941) 255-3106 or 769-8064

4256 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte

(on the east side of US 41 just north of Harborview)

October 2005

The Virtues of Light Tackle MAGAZINE

By Don Cessna Water LIFE Englewood Have you ever wondered why it is that some fishermen can always catch a fish or two even on the toughest days of fishing?

What about the days when you try everything in your tackle box including some lures that have been new in the package for years and it is still almost impossible to find a fish dumb enough to bite. But the guy next to you may still get a few strikes Why? Could it be the lighter tackle?

I really enjoy a good fish fight, but heavy rods spooled with 30-pound super line are not for me. I remember the last time we fished the meat rods. I was using my heavy stand up rod with a 12/0 reel spooled with 180 pound line. Heavy tackle for sure. We anchored over the wreck and as soon as I dropped the line to the bottom the fish was on. At the hour and forty-fiveminute-mark we had the thought that since the fish seemed to be just swimming around, maybe it didn't even know it was hooked. After about two hours of pulling and loosing line my arms were numb and I started resting the rod on the gunnel of the boat. After two and a half hours I felt one wag of the tail which broke the line easily.

One hundred eighty pound line: it sounded like a .22 rifle, Pow! Would we fish as much as usual if every time you hooked a fish it was that difficult? Most of the everyday fishing around here is for normal sized game fish. We can pick on fish up to 10 or 15 pounds and have fun with them. How often, really, do we catch fish in the 12-to15 pound range? The record books are full of light tackle catches. A record fish weighs three, four, or even five times what the tackle is rated at. The key is a very good drag system in the reel, room to fight the fish, and resisting the urge to horse the fish in. Twelve to 15 pound outfits and line are fine in most cases in our area. A good everyday every- occasion rod is about the same as most use for fresh water bass fishing. I think a good quality 7-foot heavy action rod is perfect. That heavy action rod will perform like a rod rated in the next class up, yet is nice and light in your hand.

Use the rod to fight the fish - keeping tension on the fish by keeping the tip high with the bend and tension of the rod. Often a rod rated medium or less will be too wimpy for large fish and you could find yourself maxed out or out classed in some cases. Also, with a lighter rod, a quick twitch is adequate to set the hook.

Once hooked, if you keep the rod tip high with the line out of the water as far as possible it will help keep the fish from cutting you off. Choose a rod which provides good sensitivity to your hand. Test by ever so lightly touching something with the tip and see if you feel the tap in your hand. A good rod will let you feel a fish pick up your bait before he eats it. If you enjoy throwing lures, the rod will be in your hands most of the day and hundreds of casts can be made ... so light is nice.

Generally a 3/0 reel or at most a 4/0 size spinning reel should be used on the type of rod described. The rod and reel combination should balance on your finger right over the spool of the reel. The reel will need to be maintained, so have it serviced often. A smooth drag is the most important feature for the reel. Second, it should turn smooth and feel nice to use.

Price is relative and not always an indication of quality. Some low cost reels are very well made. Unless you are a fanatic in maintaining your reel it will last 1-2 years max. I have reels over 9 years old, but they get good care.

For the Gulf, a 7 or 8 foot rod of the 50-to 75 pound class is fine. Here, a rod that is flexible at the tip and gradually gets tougher to the halfway point and is then strong at the last 1/3 is perfect for trolling and drifting both. Again a 3/0 or 4/0 size spool type real is adequate. Here is some good information for you: The water which gets in the gear case and under the spool will be the end of the reel. Hang them upside down, on a clothes line for instance, while rinsing and letting them dry. This way the water will run out the front of the reel rather than into the gear box and under the spool.

Now let’s go fishing!

Water LIFE

October 2005

Discontinued Ship始s Store

styles of

T Shirts

Fishing designs including snook, tarpon, redfish, trout, etc.

by artist Joe Suroviec

Short Sleeve $10 99 Long Sleeve $11 99 驶till they始re gone!

Page 13

Page 14

ELEVERT 5000 LB. BOAT LIFT

Water LIFE

You Gotta Be Good To Yourself MAGAZINE

October 2005

By Lee S trauss Water LIFE Installed new in May, 2003.

Contributor Manufactured by Quality Boat Lift of Ft. Myers. Perfect for boats up We were in one to 24-feet or where there is limited of the back bays seawall or canal width. near Port Charlotte (Does not include pilings). beach complex.

Purchase Price: $3550.00 Angel started off (new $5200.00) using an orange belExcellent Condition. lied 3-d fingerling Can be installed by Keesling Construction and I was using a D.O.A. bait buster.

Call: Ben Richards We both got some in Punta Gorda Isles bumps but no at 941-575-8554 hook-ups. We saw a couple of tarpon that were finning near one of the Just Out! All New! 21-foot docks. We had 3 17” Offset Bracket, Hydraulic Steering, Accon Hardware - All top Line shrimp left so, I figured they wouldn't eat an artificial. What the heck, I threw a live shrimp on my little pole. A 12-20 pound Diawa coastal rod with a Stradic, lined with 20lb power pro. Tipped off with 30lb fluoroCustom order your new boat today carbon and a 2/0 owner hook.

Angel was the cameraman as this tarCustom 14? 21? and 29? Open pon danced and fought his little heart out. He about 7 times in almost 10 minutes.

Fiberglass Repair & Supplies ¥ Bottom Painting ¥ Detailing jumped & More Finally, getting him under control, Angel Family Owned and grabbed and brought him on board. We took some pictures and revived him, and let Operated with over 941.628.2588 50 Years Experience him go grow bigger.

Whidden Industrial ps.......It was my birthday tarpon. My birthday is tomorrow but, I have to work Your local SW Florida so....Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me!!

Boat Lift For Sale

Fiberglass

Located in South Gulf Cove, this powerboat lot is already cleared and waiting for your dream home.

Controlled water depth, great fishing, miles of canals to explore and easy access to the Myakka River, Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico makes this property right for you. $235,000 Call Noelle at 941-628-1584

Florida living doesn't get any better than this.

Take a look at this 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car garage pool home. The split floor plan offers a complete new kitchen. The large lanai is just waiting for you to entertain your family and friends. Powerboat access to Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. $675,000 Call Chuck Sanders for more details.

941-235-1555 or e-mail Chuck Sanders at ChuckSanders@CaptainsChoiceRealty.com

This 3/2/2 pool home located on a freshwater canal is waiting for you.

Nice and open for entertaining or just relaxing by the pool, this 2,559 sq ft. home has ceramic tile and carpet, screened entry, new pool cage, new barrel tile roof and recently been painted on the outside. Split floor plan offers privacy with a large master bedroom and bath. Located on a corner lot-garage access is from the side street. Stroll through the large back yard to the freshwater canal for some great fishing. Section 15 is one of the most desirable areas to live in Charlotte County. $365,000 Call Nancy at 941661-9737 or e-mail questions to Waterlife@CaptainsChoiceRealty.com.

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers 55 feet of seawall on a recently dredged sailboat canal. Hop into your boat and travel only 3/10 mile to Charlotte Harbor. No lengthy waterways to navigate- no locks to go through. Just a quick trip down the canal to open water. This little piece of paradise won't last long. Make it yours today. $479,000 Call Nancy at 941-661-9737.

This property in the southern sailboat section of South Gulf Cove offers it all.

Leave your dock and travel the Santa Cruz waterway to the Interceptor Lagoon.

Enjoy the tranquility of the Bird Estuary and the lagoon on your way to the lock.

No seawall is in place. This property offers all that Southwest Florida has to offer. $325,000 Call Nancy at 941-661-9737

Look at this lot in the upper-sailboat section of South Gulf Cove. It's only 10 minutes to the lock and you are on your way to the Myakka River, Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. $450,000. With a seawall in place, controlled water depth and million dollar homes in the area, it's the place to be in South Gulf Cove. For More Informatiom On this Beautiful Lot Call Lowell Today at 941-661-5161

Topwater Technique October 2005

By Capt. Robert Moore Water LIFE Senior Guide Every fall when the water temperature begins to drop, I pull out my full arsenal of top water plugs.

During the summer months when water temperatures can reach the 90's on the flats, the top water bite is an early morning event and usually ends by 9a.m.. I have found over the years that when the water temperature falls in between 70 and 80 degrees the top water bite can last all day, especially for redfish.

There are a lot of top water plugs on the market today. Just about every artificial bait company makes

Sarasota Oct 24 thru Nov 3

some sort of top water plug. My favorite style of top water plug is the walk the dog style. This style of plug floats on the surface and when retrieved correctly will dance in a side to side motion, hence the slang term “walk the dog”. To correctly get the desired side to side action you must work the plug with your rod tip and not the reel. If all you do is retrieve your line back, the plug will have no action to it at all. With your line tight and a twitch with your rod tip, the plug will dance to the side. Twitch it again and the plug will dance to the opposite side.

The skill comes in when you can retrieve your slack line without influencing the plug. It takes some coordination and practice. I can only guess at the hours

Naples Oct 17 thru 27

Water LIFE

I have practicing in a swimming pool or canal.

But when you get the coordination down and can effectively work the plug in a side to side motion, you’re 80% of the way to watching your bait being engulfed.

The other 20% needed to get consistent strikes depends on several other factors. The speed in which you twitch the bait back to the boat is the biggest. All I can tell you is some days they like it fast and others they like it very slow. I usually begin with a medium action retrieve and go from there. If a fish continues to explode behind the bait then I will slow it down. If fish swirl underneath it or I can see the fish wake up on the plug and not strike, I will speed up my retrieve. A medium

Cape Coral Oct 3 thru Oct 13

MAGAZINE

to slow retrieve is where I have the most luck. One other factor to consider in keeping a fish coming back to your plug after they explode and miss, is to not stop your retrieve.

Continue your retrieve. In reality, when a fish strikes a bait fish, the bait fish will continue its frantic attempt to get away. Stop your retrieve and the bait looks unnatural.

Another important factor in getting the best action from your top water plug is the knot you use. I have come to use a loop knot called the Rapala Knot.

This knot will allow your bait to swim more freely from side to side unlike a knot that is tied directly to the eye of the plug. The procedure for tieing the knot is shown below.

As I mentioned before

there are a lot of different manufacturers that make a ‘walk the dog’ style plug. I have three that are my all time favorite, the Top Dog

by Mirror Lure, the Zara Spook by Heddon, and the Banana Boat by Yo-Zuri.

My color of choice is either a red head and white body or orange belly and black back. There are hundreds of colors to choose from and your own trial and error will downsize your own choices. Always check the hooks that come with each plug. Most are strong enough to handle redfish and snook with the exception of the Yo-Zuri.

The Banana Boat plug comes with wire hooks and will straighten out on most fish. I will replace these hooks with 4x strong hooks before it ever hits the water.

The only downfall to

Page 15

mention about top water plugs is if there is a lot of floating grass in the area, the plug will be impossible to work. Your treble hooks will grab every blade of grass, stopping the side to side motion of your plug.

There is nothing better than watching a hump of displaced water created by a redfish come up behind your plug. The explosion that comes next, along with the fight, is a bonus.

Give it a try, it’s very addictive.

Tight Lines!

Capt. Robert Moore You can reach Capt.

Robert Moore for fishing information or to book a charter fishing trip at (941) 637-5710 or (941) 6282650 or contact him v ia email at tarpon-

Secrets of Catching 驶Smoker始 Kings Page 16

By Aaron S utcl i ffe Water LIFE Offshore Ah, the secret to catching large trophy kingfish! The holy grail to some, including competing SKA teams and those that are addicted to screaming drags. Smoker Kingfish are an animal in a special class.

Blistering speed, razor sharp dentifrice, and skyrocketing leaps are part of its appeal.

So, what gets anglers worked into a frenzy over this game fish? There are multitudes of rigs, lures, baits, and techniques used to capture these toothy missiles. Many of them work, but I will describe in detail some very simple strategies that work time and again. They all use the same terminal tackle, the same rods, and the same baits.

You can keep one or two rods rigged with them at all times and have them at the ready. These techniques are very simple.

Once mastered, you are guaranteed to catch not only smokers, but cobia, blackfins, cudas, grouper, sharks, and possibly more.

On to the technical terminal tackle explanation! Have you ever used, or heard of, or made a stinger rig? It is a wire leader rig with two hooks. The front hook goes into the bait's nose and you allow the trailing hook to swing freely. Many consider this the only way to catch a large king mackerel. They think the fish will cut the bait in half with a short strike, and the

Water LIFE

trailing hook will "snag" the fish. This rig is great for schoolie kings. Small kings have small mouths and usually hack the bait fish in half when they strike. I will tell you from experience that large kings have very big mouths and can swallow a BIG bait in one chomp. When I say big I mean over a foot long. Hence, if I am fishing for schoolies, I use a stinger. If targeting smokers I use a simple single hook, with a slightly longer wire leader. The larger hook gives a solid hookup to a fish that could potentially put up a long, drawn out fight. I use the longer leader, 2' to 3' to allow the fish to really get the bait in its mouth for a solid hookup. It is all about the hookup.

Small trebles and short shank hooks commonly used on stingers don't have much "bite". If a fish does get "stung", a long fight gives a high probability of the hooks pulling. A large fish with a hook that has more "bite" in its snout or the corner of the jaw has much less chance of pulling the hook. Another way of describing the "bite" is the hook's gap. The space between the point of the hook and the shank. When I am setting up the rigs for fishing I match the size of the hook to the size of the bait that will be used that day.

For example, a 7" to 10" sardine will get a 5/0 or 6/0 owner SSW. Larger baits should

115 SINCLAIR STREET SE - Port Charlotte Beach area with quick out to Charlotte Harbor from this 3/2 home. Lots of room to add your own pool! Nice tile and new kitchen cabinets and a whole wall of sliders from the family room that really shows off the view - $595,000.

4638 HERMAN CIRCLE - This 2/2 home features a large Florida room across rear that overlooks water a large wooden dock and 10K lift. Only one bridge between you and the open water of Charlotte Harbor! $559,000

2000 BAL HARBOR BLVD. (UNIT 722) 3BR/2BA second floor condo with deeded dock for access to your salt water playground.

Fully tiled interior and many owner upgrades with a single car garage for vehicle or storage.

Furnished, too! $379,000

413 VALLETTA CT. - 3/2/2 sailboat home on a quiet cul-de-sac with an extra wide canal view in Burnt Store Isles. With tile throughout and almost all new appliances, roof, and kitchen countertop, this home is like new and ready to move in! REDUCED TO: $599,000

October 2005

MAGAZINE

be matched to larger hooks, smaller baits to smaller hooks. I have sent out 18" blue runners with 10/0 forged big game hooks and been rewarded with several kings over 50lbs. Also, 8" blue runners have met the same fate with a 6/0 owner SSW stuck through its back.

The rule I stick to is to use the smallest hook as possible to match the size of the bait. This helps keep the sharp eye-

2837 SANCHO PANZA COURT - Only 6 lots between you and the Ponce Inlet - QUICK Harbor access from this sailboat lot.

Impressive 3/2/2 home, freshly painted inside & out, large kitchen, and a huge master bedroom with room for office.

Oversized dock and lift, spectacular landscaping and \ patio, large screened lanai and pool all for only $749,000

This smoker-king was caught early in the fall.

sight of the king from discerning that something is amiss with its intended morsel. I also might add that I don't employ dusters, flashers, skirts, spinners, or divers to the bait. The bait alone will be enough to fool the large king into feeding.

I believe the least amount of terminal tackle will get the most bites. For that reason I usually tie line to line connections using an Albright or blood knot for my leaders.

111 DANFORTH - 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2-story home with pool situated on 2 salt waterfront lots just around the corner from Charlotte Harbor with detached RV or toy garage.

Great investment potential on this hurricane damaged home. REDUCED TO: $699,000

October 2005

If I must use a swivel it is the smallest I can get away with.

Having explained the terminal tackle, I will move on. The three techniques I will discuss are slow-trolling, drifting, and anchoring. Each tactic uses the same rigs and the same baits. Baits that work for both include, Spanish sardines, threadfins, cigar minnows, blue runners, goggle eyes, big pilchards, ladyfish, menhaden, and believe it or not, yellowtail and vermillion snapper. (Vermillion snapper, or beeliner, is an awesome bait in deeper water!) Hook them in the nose or forward part of the back for slow trolling or drifting. When fishing anchored you can also hook them near the tail, above in the back or underneath near the anal fin.

Slow-trolling is by far my preferred method. Two baits in the water are all you need. Send them out behind the transom at different distances. I like one bait close, 30' or 40' and one 75' to 100'. Set the baits out and put the rods into the rod holders. The captain then bumps the boat in gear, when you have moved twenty or thirty feet take the boat out of gear and let the boat coast to a stop. Repeat this process as the boat is maneuvered near a wreck, reef, or productive hard bottom or ledges. A down rigger can be used to send a bait deep for fish that are cruising near the bottom. (Also a good way to catch grouper!)

The boat moving forward does several things to make this method effective. The

Water LIFE

most significant, I believe, is the action it gives the baits. One moment it is fluttering down, swimming around looking wounded and confused, looking for its school for safety. The next instant it is racing forward at a fast pace, getting away from the toothy predator that was eyeing it. I am pretty convinced this triggers fish to strike. One moment they are investigating a possible meal, the next it is getting away. Easy meals are hard to come by, and slow-trolling definitely makes a bait look like an easy meal.

Slow-trolling also covers more area, putting the bait in front of more fish. It also keeps the lines tight and untangled.

This helps the angler to watch the lines for a strike. One thing I always look for is a "nervous" bait. A bait fish that is about to be engulfed is very aware of its predicament, and will try to escape. The rod will dip and the tip will bounce. This is when I pick up the rod and prepare for the strike.

When the bait gets nervous and pulls hard on the line trying to get away, the strike is soon to follow. You should be preparing to feed the fish the bait and get a solid hook set. Holding the rod high and pointing it towards the fish when you get a hit does this like magic. Set the hook and your drag will scream!

You can do the same thing while drifting. While drifting it is a good idea to chum. A chum block or fresh cut chunks will do the job. I prefer slow-trolling to drifting, because line tangles are more of a

2750 RYAN BLVD. - Ultimate Executive Residence! Largest custom designed home built in PGI on 3 lots w/uncompromising quality. 208 ft. sailboat waterfront - almost 1 ac. of tropical grounds - 12,357 sq. ft. of Mediterranean living, exquisite detail and craftsmanship - 6 vehicle garage and boat storage - large air-conditioned workshop - Detailed Brochure Available Upon Request. MLS#474913 $4,200,000

TARPON COVE - Absolutely beautiful 1st flr. unit - This 2 BR w/study (possible 3rd BR), 2 BA unit is immaculate - 2-car garage - large lanai - plenty of storage - walk-in closets and everything you want in a home without the hassles of pool and lawn care - NO DOCK. MLS#602731 $465,000.

Page 17

MAGAZINE

This year if the red tide doesn始t screw things up author Aaron Sutcliffe is prepared to show his approach to kingfishing is still solid

problem when drifting. That is not to say I have not caught winners while drifting!

Fishing for big kings while anchored is just as effective as slow-trolling or drifting. This is usually a scenario where you may be bottom fishing as well. One or two king baits sent out on free lines has a good chance of getting the attention of any large kings in the area. Some of my per-

134 GREAT ISAAC CT - Spectacular water view - must see to appreciate!

Custom built by Prestige. Decorated and maintained in like-new condition.

Large pool and deck area - perfect for entertaining. Furnishings are available, but not included in list price. MLS#477553 $995,000

5035 USEPPA CT. - Custom designed, built w/uncompromising quality by Fero. Exceptional 2-story home - 3 BR/3.5 BA - Loft/office w/balcony - 3-car garage w/workshop - 2 master suites - Large family room, separate dining room. All with extraordinary intersecting canal views. Tip lot w/193 ft. sailboat water. Central vac, electric awning on lanai - Impeccably maintained!

MLS#473103 $1,350,000.

sonal largest kings have been caught this way. Frisky baits may pose a problem, as they are basically swimming in circles around the boat at times. Check them often to keep them untangled, and it is always a good idea to keep rotating the baits. Put out fresh, lively ones and dice the older ones for fresh chum. Don't be surprised when something other than a

230 MADRID BLVD - Stunning BSI golf course home with wide panoramic lake view. 3/2/2 with large family room. Eat-in kitchen, large lanai, walk-in closet, tile floors, hurricane shutters, alarm system and intercom.

MLS#468365 $449,000

Page 18

Water LIFE

MAGAZINE

October 2005

Keeping Charlotte County Beautiful -One Creek at a time

By Davi d Al l en Water LIFE Kayaking Saturday, Sept.

17, was ‘Coastal Cleanup Day’ for Charlotte County.

This local effort was part of the International Coastal Cleanup, with volunteers from all 51 states cleaning tons of trash Sheri found this garbage can in the bushes during the clean up, probably a hurricane left-over from last year. from America’s rivers, coastlines and the mangroves and weeds. Other huge lakes. With over 13 million residents and pieces of aluminum had obviously come about 40 million visitors each year, from the siding of surrounding homes and Florida’s cleanup program is among the pool cages. One of our kayakers found a most active in the U.S. Our local sponsor, PVC lawn chair, got it balanced on the Keep Charlotte Beautiful, Inc., is a nonbow of his kayak and managed to get it to profit environmental group dedicated to the pick-up point. keeping our waterways free of marine One of our club members had brought debris and litter, and this project was parhis motorboat to the cleanup, so most of tially funded by the Southwest Florida the time, we could off-load our full trash Water Management District. bags into his boat and get back to collectThe Port Charlotte Kayakers signed up ing more junk.

17 club members for the clean up, and we As the morning progressed other groups had selected Alligator Creek as one of the began to join us on the creek. A Boy local streams that was in pretty bad shape.

Scout Troop from Punta Gorda, in two We had previously paddled this creek, about man canoes, started picking up trash, par2 miles south of Punta Gorda, and saw that ticularly the larger pieces that we could not the shoreline was littered with all sorts of load into a trash bag or over the bow of plastic, aluminum, bottles and other trash. our kayaks. A second group, also with a The shoreline really looked awful. We powerboat, started the cleanup. Everyone launched from Allapatchee Park, a small seemed to cooperate and help each other. It park with limited parking space, but with a was a nice way to work. nice ramp for canoes and kayaks. The park About 11 AM, we decided to call it a is about a quarter mile east of Highway 41, day. Our group had picked up between 50 and just off Acline Road. and 75 bags of trash, not counting many As we headed downstream, we found, pieces of aluminum and the lawn chair. just as we had expected, plenty of trash But we didn’t get it all by any means; we caught in the mangroves and shoreline veg- only cleaned about a mile and a half of the etation. Some of the debris was a result of shoreline. Another cleanup is scheduled for hurricane Charley and the other high winds the spring of 2006: maybe we’ll get the and waters from the next three storms durrest of the creek next time. ing 2004. Some was just the result of The Port Charlotte Kayakers meet each careless boaters or homeowners leaving Wednesday evening at 5:30 PM, at Port their empties for someone else to pick up.

Charlotte Beach Park at the southwest end The tides had lifted the lighter pieces, of Harbor Blvd. All kayakers are welcome. mostly styrofoam, high and dry, well into

Major Brand Marine Parts & Fiberglass Supplies www.allfiberglassrepairs.com

1 7 2 6 S t e a d l y Av e Punta Gorda

Shop 941- 575-8914 Home 235-2243

Hook a kid on fishing October 2005

By Cayle Wills Water LIFE This isnʼt about ʻtaking a kid fishingʼ, this is ʻhooking a kid on fishing.ʼ They are two distinctly different things. One may interest a child in the sport, the other pretty much guarantees his interest for a lifetime.

Taking a kid fishing with you can range anywhere from an absolute blast to a root canal, and itʼs your temperament that is the deciding factor. You always see the pros on T.V. taking a kid fishing and they make it look so easy. Do you know why itʼs so easy for them? Is it because of their infinite fishing knowledge?

The expensive boat and tackle they have? No. Itʼs the fact that it isnʼt their kid. At the end of the show, that kid gets in someone elseʼs truck and goes home with them, not the angler. That is where we, as parents, are under the gun.

We have to wake up the next morning and face the little heart we may have broken by yelling at them or not letting them have enough control in what they were doing.

You have to remember fishing is new to them. Bait is icky, fish are slimy, and rods and reels are not built for little hands.

The biggest secret to hooking a kid on fishing is to have them actually catch fish. Take them to a location where you know you will catch fish. The more, the better. The first few times you take a child fishing are the experiences they are going to form an opinion from.

In the beginning itʼs not quality fish, itʼs quantity of fish that makes an impression. Kids need that instant gratification of catching a bunch of fish to realize that fishing is fun, but also be careful not to spoil them. They need to learn that fish donʼt bite all the time and they need patience to catch fish. Just donʼt teach patience on their first few trips, let that happen after theyʼre hooked.

I donʼt have a lot of patience, and I have to realize that when I take my daughter fishing.

The best start is to leave your own rods at home or in the rod holder. No matter how big the fish are, or how abundant, your childʼs fishing should be your concentration. If you are fishing at the same time, then you canʼt answer their questions, help them cast, or guide their hand the way you should be doing. And no matter how bad their cast is, or if they forget to set the hook each time, or drop the rod tip and lose fish, or whatever else they do wrong, DONʼT YELL! All they will do is cross link fishing with yelling and that wonʼt be fun. Instead, tell them they are doing a good job - ʻYouʼll catch him next time.ʼ Remember the instant gratification. First theyʼll get it by actually catching fish, then theyʼll get it from your positive reinforcement.

Donʼt force your child to do things they donʼt want to do. Donʼt make them touch fish if they donʼt want to. Donʼt make them reach their hand in the live well if they donʼt want to.

All youʼre going to do is scare them. This is extra important for our saltwater fisherman. All of our fish have a defense mechanism of one sort or another and your child doesnʼt know them. Take the time to show them the fish. Tell

Water LIFE

Capt. Dwayne French put 5-year-old Nathan Steidley on a tournament sized red last month .

them what species they are. Show them how some have sharp gills or dorsal fins that stick up, or have sharp teeth, or are poisonous. Your child will start to touch the fish in time, but do it on their timeline. When they start to build up the courage to touch the fish you have to ensure they handle them safely for both their sake and the fishʼs.

Take this opportunity to explain the history of some of our fish species. Explain to them why we can only keep one of certain species.

Explain to them why some fish have regular length limits and some, like redfish and snook have a size slot. Teach them good conservative fishing. Either catch and release or only taking what you need. If you have created a fun learning experience for them, then they will learn and they wonʼt turn their nose up at the thought of going fishing with grumpy old dad.

In the period between trips, try and keep them interested. There are plenty of things to practice with them to both keep their interest up, and to make fishing easier for both of you.

Spend some time in the backyard casting. My father used to put us in the back yard and have us cast into a 5 gallon bucket.

Get them the equipment they need. Get them pliers and tackle boxes and all the goodies we stash in our truck before we leave to fish. Get them the best rods and reels you can afford. You want them to have the tools they need so their day isnʼt hampered by equipment failures. Losing a fish due to a rod snapping in half is great for us because we can sit down at Fishinʼ Frankʼs and brag about the size of that redfish that hit like a freight-train and snapped our rod right in half. A child doesnʼt see it that way. Not only did they lose that fish, but they also broke their favorite rod. Thatʼs a heartbreaker for them.

You have to do more than just take a child fishing. You have to interact with them.

Page 19

IGFA Certified Observer Program MAGAZINE

This program is a benefit to tournaments by eliminating or reducing rule disputes that sometimes arise. Certified observers can often prevent inadvertent rule infractions before they occur. A growing number of big money and catch & release tournaments have committed to using IGFA Certified Observers for their tournaments.

The class will be Wednesday, October 26 at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach. The one day training program will cover the following topics: Species Identification IGFA Saltwater Fishing Rules & Regulations, Safety at Sea and Boating Etiquette. applications must be completed, mailed or faxed (954-924-4220) to the IGFA accompanied with a $125 fee (payable to IGFA) no later than October 19.

Capt Derrick Jacobsen of Florida Fishing Adventures writes: Here is a photo of a rare catch.

This 95 spot redfish was caught in Charlotte Harbor late last month by my charter client Dave Hiller while visiting from Chicago! We photographed this beautiful fish then released it!

WAT E R WAY

BOAT LIFT COVERS

PROTECT YOUR BOAT FROM NATUREʼS MOST DAMAGING ELEMENTS

CUSTOM BUILT TO YOUR BOAT LIFT

• Patented Double Rail for Ultimate Strength & Safety • Mold and Mildew Resistant • UV Protected • Fire Resistant • Maintenance Free • Quick Release System for Easy Removal

941 - 505-0237

toll free 877-201-3606

www.waterwayboatliftcovers.com

Area Real Estate Trends

Page 20

Water LIFE

This is NOT an Advertisement!

Provided by Water LIFE Publisher and Realtor Ellen Heller Using information from the Charlotte County Multiple Listing Service

Up the Peace River

These homes are on the north and south side of the Peace River, beyond the I-75 bridges in Harbor Heights and the Shell Creek area.

Both have direct access to the river and the harbor. Shell Creek is not sailboat water but the canals in Harbor Heights are.

MLS 474442 A beautiful house built in 1926 with 2 stories, 3,000 square feet and 5.5 subdividable lots on Shell Creek.

Very quick access to the Peace River and Gulf. This home was pending in less than a month and sold for $640,000. It last sold in 1999 for $155,000.

MLS 479600 Also in the Shell Creek area, this home was built in 1999 with 1,887sq ft, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has a double lot with access to a community boat ramp and launch on the Creek with river access. It sold in 2000 for $120,000 and again this past summer for $255,000 cash with an asking price of $249,000.

Takinʼ A Break

By Capt. Ron Bl ago Water LIFE Senior Staff One of my favorite sayings is “even people in heaven need a vacation,” and by that I mean no matter how bad or busy your life becomes, you have to take a break every once in a while. Sometimes I feel a little guilty, being that I live on the water in Charlotte County and can go fishing as much as I want, but I still have that need to get away and see what the rest of the world is doing. For the last few years, my friends and I have been going to Islamorada for a week in August, but last year we made a big mistake and booked our vacation the same week as the opening of the sportsman lobster season. Too many people, too many boats. This year I figured we would try some place different. The two limiting factors for most people are time and money and I personally don't have much of either. With the price of gas this year, staying close to home made sense.

Looking through a few old copies of

MLS 453062 This is a mobile home built in 1973 and placed on Shell Creek. It has 1008 square feet and 2 bedrooms 2 baths. Out back it has a seawall and boat davits on the Creek with no bridges to the river. It sold in August for $5,100 over asking price of $124,900. It last sold in 1988 for $40,000.

MLS 479479 This house is up the Peace River in Harbour Heights. It was built in 1962 with 1,450 square feet, 2 bedrooms and no pool. It has 150 feet of seawall on a canal with direct river and harbor access. It was pending in less than 2 months for $389,000. It last sold in 2003 for $137,500.

MLS 479746 Also in Harbor Heights this house suffered from hurricane Charley and was sold as a knockdown. It is on a great lot just one up the canal from the river. The house was listed on 6/27/05 and was pending 7/13/05 for $425,000. It previously sold in 2001 for $220,000.

MLS 477434 Another Harbor Heights home but built a little more recently in 1984. It has 1,540 sq ft, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has a beautiful river view and 93' of seawall and a dock. This deal was pending in under 20 days in June of 2005 and sold for $448,000. It last sold in December of '04 for $250,000.

Serving Lunch & Dinner

October 2005

MAGAZINE

Florida Sportsman Magazine I found an article on Homosassa in Citrus County, just north of New Port Richey. Finding a decent place to stay can be a real problem, so my friend Walt volunteered to drive up and check the town out. He got several recommendations from local folks including a nice couple from the local Coast Guard Auxiliary. A small mom and pop place called the Last Resort had everything we were looking for. It was right on the Homosassa River about 6 miles from the open waters of Homosassa Bay, with its own boat ramp and docks. They offered clean, quiet efficiency apartments for about $100 per night and you can do your own cooking both inside and out, to cut down on expenses. They even have pontoon boats you can rent. Frankly anything

Mac Rae's Bait Shop

worth seeing in the area you can get to by boat.

The first day of vacation we left from Sarasota with Walt's Actioncraft Flat Crazy in tow. We went up 75 and connected with the new crosstown expressway toll road which took us near Brooksville where we connected to 19 north. I really recommend the toll road: it’s brand new, not very crowded and has call boxes every mile.

That's important if your towing a boat. We arrived in Homosassa Springs (which is more of a tourist oriented spot) about 11:30 a.m. and hit the local Publix for provisions. By 12:30 we were at the Last Resort putting the boat in the water. This is when the only unpleasant event of the trip occurred. As Walt backed the boat down the ramp, I held on to the bow rope and as I walked down the ramp my feet went out from under me and I went crashing down on my back and shoulder. At least I was smart enough to yell stop before I got run over by Walt’s brand new SUV. Walt came around, saw me lying there and was nice enough to point out the small sign next to the ramp that said ‘Caution Ramp May Be Slippery.’ When your lying on your back in two inches of green slime, these signs are a lot more visible.

A little dinged up and dirty, we headed out on the water. From the resort you can go up river to the Springs and play with the manatees. That's big business up there: tour boats, swim with the manatees, ecotourism, that type of stuff. Or you go down river to the gulf. There are manatee zones everywhere both year rounds and seasonal so it is best to pick up a Citrus County boating and angling guide. It took about 45 minutes to reach the pass to open water and the first thing I noticed was that there were no sandy beaches. Just small mangrove islands surrounded by miles of shallow water grass flats.

Charlotte Countyʼs Complete Swimming Pool Supplys Pool Repair and Maintenance Store

575-2525

Specializing in Heaters and Pumps

Located in the Punta Gorda Crossing Shopping Center Next to Publix

Mon-Fri 9AM-5:30PM Sat 9AM-3PM

“Green Pool” Clean Up & Maintenance

October 2005

Continued from facing page

Finding fish in a new place is a challenge for any fishermen, so we headed for a group of boats about a mile offshore. You have to keep your eyes open for rocks there, but fortunately most of them are marked. It turned out all those boats were diving for scallops, so we kept going until we were about three miles offshore and still in about six feet of water in the middle of the most luscious bed of seagrass I have ever seen. Miles and miles of crystal clear water and seagrass. I broke out the trusty light brown Cottee jig tail and Walt used a DOA shrimp under a Cajun Thunder float. The minute they hit the water we were catching trout. For the next three hours all we did was drift and catch trout. This place has the healthiest trout fishery I have ever seen. The next day we headed a little north to the Crystal River area not too far from the power plant. The trout there were even bigger plus we hooked up a few spanish mackerel, gag grouper, cobia and sharks, all in less than 8 feet of water. Now going out to eat is one of my favorite parts of being on vacation and this time we found a little place called the Sawgrass, just about a mile from the Last Resort right on the river. A small place with good

ON THE LINE

Water LIFE

Page 21

MAGAZINE

food and reasonable prices. The last day we really wanted to catch a redfish but I didn't have a clue where they were so we went for some advice at the local bait shop, MacRae's, just down river. It turned out there was a redfish tournament going on the next day and a lot of the anglers had fished the Stump Pass tournament the week before. My Water LIFE fishing shirt helped me get a few location tips from the pros. I talked to the guy that runs the bait shop, Tom Tururville,who showed us an area on the Little Homosassa River they call Old Homosassa that was full of old Indian shell mounds which usually held fish. We fished our butts off throwing gold spoons at least 500 times. We caught trout, ladyfish, jacks, but no reds. We decided to take a break and let the tide change to incoming and as soon as the water began to flow, we fished the same area and found the reds. We worked hard, but in the end we were rewarded with some nice fish.

Homosassa is a beautiful place with good fishing and friendly people. A throw back to the Old Florida times well worth the visit. A place I want to go back to.

Capt. Ron can be reached at 474-3474 for comments on this column or to book a guided fishing trip.

Half or Full

Light Tackle

Capt. Andrew Medina

A Total Backwater Adventure

(941) 456-

Fishing with Capt. Ron Blago

By Capt Ron Bl ago Water LIFE S enior S taff Fall arrived at my house Monday Aug.12th at 7:32 a.m. I remember exactly the moment it showed up. I had walked out to my dock to check the water and felt that first cool breeze hit my fact. It was only a few degrees lower than the day before, but the high humidity we suffered with all summer wasn't there; and it smelled good. In the canal, fat mullet daisy chained then broke off to follow each other single file. A million glass minnows were balled up. The ball expanded and contracted as small snook raced through mouths open grabbing a few fish with each charge. The more the snook attacked the more dense the ball became. Fall was here all right, the bait was here, the fish were here and I was here. Time to go snook hunting. The next two months will provide some of the best snook fishing of the year. Snook will be in Charlotte Harbor and Lemon Bay after leaving the beaches. They will be working their way up the creeks and rivers as the water gets cooler. During this time these fish will eat anything that looks like an easy meal. Whitebait, pinfish and large shrimp work great. This is also a fine time to use topwater plugs.

There are still plenty of reds and trout in the local waters along with bluefish and pompano. Offshore fishing should be picking up soon. Because of the high heat and red tide, boats have been going out to the 140 foot depths to find good fish. As the water temperature drops

those fish will be moving closer to shore. Everyone is wondering about the kingfish season this year. The thought being that the red tide might break up the migrating schools and we could miss them completely.

Capt.

R on Blago can be reached for fishing information or to book a charter fishing trip at (941) 474-3474 Redfish Cowboy by Water LIFE cartoonist Ron Mills

Charters

20–50 mile trips We help you put charters together • Grouper • Snapper • Kingfish • Shark • Tarpon and more!

Capt Jim OʼBrien

USCG 50 ton license since 1985 Bus: 941-475-5538 Res: 941-473-2150 visit us at www.captjimsbigfish.com

TnT Tailwalkers

Back Bay and Flats Fishing

Captain Jerry Tomas 941/815-1495 Toll Free 877/675-1982 USCG licensed

Grey Ghost

FISHING CHARTERS

Capt. Pete Zambuto GreyGhostCharters.com 941-624-3774 cell: 239-633-7065

Water LIFE

Page 22

October 2005

MAGAZINE

SUNRISE POINTE CONDOMINIUMS on

Manasota Key. Pre-construction prices for deluxe 2 bedroom 2 bath to 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath condos with Gulf and Bay views. These units have 10 foot ceilings, garages, private elevators, large balconies and some boat docks.

This complex is directly across the street from Englewood Beach. Prices start in the low 700's.

Call Pat today to purchase your unit.

Move into this brand new beautiful Berkshire Model lakefront villa in lovely Oak Forest gated community. This maintenance free villa has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, den and a screened lanai overlooking the tranquil lake. Home has ceramic tile throughout w/Berber carpet in bedrooms, brick paver driveway, fenced yard and many upgrades. Amenities include community pool, tennis courts, bocci ball courts, clubhouse and exercise room. Only 10 minutes to 2 pristine beaches and close to shopping and golf courses. Must see! Only $350,000

Beach & Waterfront Specialist Phone: 941-474-9534 or 800-881-9534 Cell: 941-416-1585

e-mail: patsamuels@englewoodfl.com

7329 Satsuma Dr. – Come build your dream home on this fabulous lot In a quiet neighborhood. This lot will not last long at this price, so call today!!!

MLS#603247 $110,000

175 Colony Point Dr - This fabulous home is located in the desirable Punta Gorda Isles community. This 4/4/2 pool lake front home offers a spacious floor plan, and all the ammenities. All interior damage has been repaired, and the price includes the installation of a new pool cage which has been ordered. Call me today for more details, this deal won t last long.

MLS#601361 $689,000.

445 Palmetto - This home is the perfect family starter home. This 4/2/2 waterfront home has been updated with a brand new kitchen, new tiled, new carpet in all bedrooms, new dock, brand new roof, and a beautiful cozy stone fireplace for those chillier winter nights. This spacious home offers a split bedroom floor plan for a little extra privacy. Call me today for more details on this one of a kind deal!

MLS# 602576 $399,000.

1316 Monte Carlo Three bedroom, 3.5 Bath waterfront home with a contemporary flair. Completely refurbishedfreshly painted, new carpet, all new appliances, new landscape curbing. Pool cage is under contract and is included in the price of the home.MLS# 469584 $629,000

38981 Washington Loop - This parcel won t last long at this price. 21.58 acres that borders HWY 17. One acre high ground, right now multi-use, possible rezoning commercial. Call today for more details on this one of kind deal.

MLS# 603088 $375,000.

808 Santa Margerita Lane Beautiful 2/2/2 waterfront pool home nestled in the heart of Punta Gorda Isles, and perfect family or retirement. This home is a must see and offers many spectacular features including a new roof, new windows, spacious lanai, and a new water heater just to name a few. Call me today for more details before this deal is GONE! MLS#482405 $510,000

October 2005

Questions and a few answers

By Fi shi n’ Frank Water LIFE Port Charlotte Why are so many groupers being caught in the local canals? The canals have become a nursery for goliath grouper. Yes, there are a few gag grouper starting to breed in the canal systems too, but very few. Goliath grouper have been doing it for years now. It seems that the fry go up the harbor, find refuge in the canals and stay there until they are 25 pounds or more, many have been caught up to

Jeff McMaster with a goliath

Water LIFE

MAGAZINE

50 pounds. One 200 ponder was caught in the Myakka River not too long ago.

Eventually, most seem to migrate out of the canals and down to the old phosphate dock at Boca Grande.

Staging there, maybe even breeding, before they make Bait shrimp are running very big right now. Why? their way out to the off shore reefs in the Gulf. Catching 80 bigger issue is the commercial-food to 300 pound goliath groupers in the shrimp boats have not been running pass is now common. Jack's, lady due to the low price of shrimp and the fish or mullet for bait left on the bot- high price of fuel. Shrimpers fishing tom with 6oz. sinkers, 100- pound for bait shrimp instead of food just mono leaders and 9/0 reels have raise the price. Live bait boats can become the method of choice. My not catch the amount of shrimp that personal favorite approach is to catch food shrimp boats can, nor do they jack crevalle, keep them alive, free have to catch such large amounts. line them out by the dock and watch They just fill their orders from the them get chased out of the water by a bait shops and go home. The food200 pound fish. It is heart pumping shrimpers get paid by the pound, and and unbelievably exciting. This was do not need the shrimp to be alive what we did looking for big snook when they come on the deck, so they and tarpon at the docks and then one pull longer and faster and ice it all. It day the goliath started hitting them. is not fair to blame local food It’s indescribable to see that big a fish shrimpers for wiping out shrimp hit a free lined bait at the surface. stocks. Texas and other states close Next Question: Why have the the season on shrimp until they reach shrimp been so big lately? And why a certain size, letting them breed at is that important? Anytime time least once. Florida dose not close things change there is a reason. Yes, shrimping and there are boats from all it is great to have big shrimp this over the Gulf trying to make a living time of year, but why when at this from Florida's resources. Right now, time of year we usually might see the price of fuel is keeping them only a few big shrimp? First thing is, home this year. lots of red tide. The shrimp eat fish as And don’t forget farm raised well as plants and with all the dead shrimp from China is also destroying stuff there is lots of food for them. the profit margin, on wild caught The more food they get, the more shrimp. they grow. The other and maybe the Frank can be reached at Fishin’

Page 23

Scuttle Butt Sometimes Unsubstanciated ... but often true!

Shark Tourney JM Productions (of ESPN2 Redfish Cup Fame) has extended an invitation to Water LIFE staff writer and tournament angler Capt. Robert Moore to participate in a shark tournament to be held in Key West, October 24th-27. There will be 8 teams competing in the elimination style tournament. After each day, 2 teams will be eliminated until they are down to the top 2 teams. Then they will ʻfish it outʼ for the title. Several TV episodes will be filmed during the event, scheduled to air on ESPN2 sometime in 2006. Capt. Mooreʼs partner will be the 2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion Mike Iaconeli.

The Best Western Hotel in Punta Gorda has reopened after a year of hurricane repairs and the restaurant there should open this month

USCG Underwater If you have your captainʼs license from the New Orleans Coast Guard office they may not be able to provide you with a copy or additional information since (according to one local USCG source) all their records were lost in flooding from hurricane Katrina.

Culling Waiver to Change Word has it that the Stateʼs Culling waiver issued for tournament fishermen will be changing soon but the exact nature of the change is unclear.

Dead From Red The red tide toll this year is 100 sea turtles, 12 dolphins 49 manatees in Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties.

Placida Deep Sea Fishing

Roomy, Comfortable and Dry

Are you ready for some fun?

Our new ʻSummertime Hoursʼ Offer Something for Everyone.

7am -1pm, Wednesday ... $39.00 + tax 7:45am -4 pm, Thursday ... $42.00 + tax 7 am -1 pm, Friday ... $39.00 + tax Friday, nite fishing ... $42.00 + tax 7 am -5 pm, Saturday ... $50.00 + tax 3 pm - 9 pm, Sunday-nite sunset fishing $39.00 + tax

Placida Deep Sea Fishing 941-698-6999 Call for reservations

Spacious, Comfortable, Let the Placida Queen Be Your Destination For summer fishing fun!

Ask about our Private Charters on the 26‚ Boston Whaler.

Offshore, Near Shore, For up to 4 People

Page 24

Water LIFE

Can Tournaments Get Any Better?

MAGAZINE

October 2005

Capt. Derrick Jacobsen & Bobby Jones took 1st place at the "Richest Redfish Challenge" with a two redfish combined weight of 15.30 lbs. The event drew 115 teams and raised over $50,000 for the Good Shepherd Day School expansion project.

By Mi chael Hel l er Wat er LIFE Edi t or Figuring the total number of fish in Charlotte Harbor is speculative at best, but it is an interesting postulate that when we talk about fish stocking, 4,000 or 10,000 fish released into Charlotte Harbor are considered a ‘drop-in-the-bucket’ compared to the numbers of fish that already live or migrate here. So we have a lot of fish, but the fact remains no matter how many fish there are, if fishermen are not doing everything they can, in every aspect of their fishing, to insure the health of the fishery there will be some tree hugger somewhere who points a finger at us and says ‘recreational anglers are a problem.”

The state is wasting a valuable resource by not involving recreational anglers, who are knowledgeable about the fishery, in the state’s data collecting process. Unfortunately, ‘angler based tagging’ is in the state’s opinion ‘not good science.’

So we are at a crossroads when it comes to tournament fishing. With made for TV events like the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup, the FLW Redfish Tour, the Flatsmaster’s Tournament Series, Laishley Marine’s new Richest Redfish Tournament and even our own Kids Cup, we have taken inshore tournament fishing into the homes of a large number of viewers. Bass tournaments have been ‘made for TV’ for some time, but inshore fishing targets more ‘guarded’ species and could draw more fire from environmentalists. Already the state’s culling waiver permit has come under attack from one Orlando sportswriter and the local paper here has come out against tournament events.

When we take a fish in a waterless bag up onto a dry stage and keep it out of the water for a while as an announcer interviews the anglers, the fish chokes and if we then monitor it and we could get data we don’t want to see, but turning a blind eye is not the answer. In the end, this could someday reflect badly on tourna-

ment fishing as a whole, although I doubt it will impact the fishery. Of all the tournaments fished in Charlotte Harbor, only the Flatsmasters events focuses on keeping the fish in the water for as long as possible and bringing the anglers (without fish) onto the stage. Putting TV cameras on the boats and getting the action of fishing as part of the program instead of holding the fish up in the air is a better alternative but it doesn’t attract as big of a crowd.

Clearly, there is some value to keeping the angles in the spotlight. Tournament fishing is expensive; the average expenditure per team to fish in a major travelling tournament series is well over $25,000.

To raise that kind of money, anglers solicit sponsorships from national corporations. In return for their sponsorship dollars the national corporations want media exposure. This requires a big on stage show for the TV audiance. It’s the angler’s 15 seconds of fame, but could there be a better approach?

The Little League World Series is a perfect example. As part of their program they interview each player, and in his own words each tells where they are from, what school they go to, what position they play and who their major league idols are. If we took that same concept and applied it to televised tournament fishing each team would have a chance to plug their sponsors and then when the weigh in came the cameras could focus on the fish in a special made-for-tv, glass tank on stage. We could also focus cameras on the resuscitation and release process. Then everyone (and every fish) would come away a winner and the broadcast and live audience would get a more interesting and more informative show.

We, as anglers and tournament directors, need to pioneer ways to make this happen. It will take more effort and more resources, but in the end it will result in greater viewership. Think of tournament fishing as reality TV. We can’t have the participants dying on stage every week.

Water LIFE

Offshore Report

October 2005

4/3/2 on 2 lots in Port Charlotte includes separate in-law suite with kitchen, living room, dining

This Burnt Store Isles 2001 custom built home boasts almost 2500 s/f under air with

area, bath, lanai entrance. Approximately 3000 sf under air built in 1979, living, dining, family rm., small office, laundry room, island kitchen w/breakfast bar, huge lanai, new roof, gutters, fascia, soffit, outside painting, A/C. Lots of closets and storage, garage with screen & A/C, workshop 16x24, security system, RV parking. MLS #601695 - $425,000. To view this unique property, call Lori Amaral at 941-626-9259.

MAGAZINE

Page 25

Offshore fishing has been on-again off-again with the passage of the recent storms, but Capt.

Steve Skevington still reports plenty of ʻcudas, macksʼ and grouper every day they got out.

Fall fishing and the potential for Kingfish should be on this monthʼs agenda.

3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2-car garage on a wide basin, sailboat canal only minutes to Charlotte Harbor. Cool off in the pool overlooking your private mangrove view. Ugrades throughout.

30 ft. concrete dock, 10,000 lb. lift, and professionally landscaped. $950,000, MLS #487097 Call John Del Sasso (941) 726-6539

Practically new 2/2 home on an oversized lot with a beautiful pool to relax in. A must see! MLS 490545. $399,900. Contact Olivia Jones of Duffy’s Realty Station, Inc. at (941) 698-1500.

2 Story 3/3 waterfront home with access to the Gulf. 4 car/boat garage, (1ft above elev. can be converted to living space, dock, front/back porches, tile, wood, carpeting, wood cabinets stainless steel kitchen package. MLS 459278. $469,000. Contact Dennis Johnson of Duffyʼs Realty Station, Inc. at (877) 564-6767 or www.soldbydennis.com.

9284 Spring Circle - Enjoy the Florida lifestyle at its best in this Gulf access home. Only one bridge to Charlotte Harbor.Pool area great for entertaining. $579,000 MLS# 470102 Call Kelly Parker or Mark Becton of Duffy's Realty Station Inc. at (941)2041039, (941)628-6894 or (941)697-1523.

Beautiful waterfront point lot home in the lovely waterfront community of South Gulf Cove. Many extras and turn key ready. A MUST see. MLS 485862. $575,000. Contact Dennis Johnson of Duffyʼs Realty Station, Inc. at (877) 564-6767 or www.soldbydennis.com.

Very nice updated home in sailboat water section of beautiful South Gulf Cove. 3bd/2bt/den.

Dock for your boat and room for a pool. MLS 477573. $549,000. Contact the Betancourt/Stevens Team of Duffyʼs Realty Station, Inc. at 1-800-5494615, (941) 662-0379 or (941) 769-4006.

Updated home in sailboat water section of the desirable Gulf Access community of South Gulf Cove. Expansive water views from your home and pool. MLS 491142. $549,900. Call Elizabeth Dubman or Tyrus Hartley of Duffyʼs Realty Station, Inc. at (941) 391-2323 or mailto:lizdubman@gls3c.com.

Fishing the Edge

Water LIFE

Page 26

By Capt. Chuck Ei chner Water LIFE Inshore Editor A life long fascination with fishing has lead me to a passion for discovering new fishing areas and fish habits. I guess after 40 some years of the fishing addiction I don’t have to always fish for the big one or catch lots of fish. That’s still always the high point of any trip, but the pursuit is where it’s at. Nothing beats trying a new spot or making the perfect cast and being rewarded with a slam on your line and fish ripping drag.

In recent months I have fished a number of redfish tournaments with artificial lures.

Have no doubt about it; redfish are a challenging quarry at best, but in the warm water months with lots of baitfish, they become way more selective about attacking lures. For countless days I fished from Pine Island Sound to Gasparilla and pretty much everything in between and learned many lessons along the way. This experience lead me to re-examine how fish relate to their environment.

In one tournament my partner and I located a school of redfish that were congregated in a small basin. The shoreline nearby was very inviting, but for some reason these reds preferred something about an open water spot that wasn’t really obvious at first. Even on the higher tides, these fish still related to this special area contrary to the belief that all the fish go to the mangroves on high tides. As the tide reached minimum levels that day, the bottom contour revealed small sand hills around a muddy bottom with some grass. It didn’t really seem that remarkable at first, but to the fish it was home base. The fish this day hit our lures sporadically, but we could see them so they probably saw us which made things a little more challenging. On the second day of the tournament we banked on the same area. After spending nearly 8 hours on one spot you would think there wasn’t much more to learn. On day 2, we discovered that on one side of the small sand hills was a depression of nearly 3 feet

even on low water. For sure there must have been plenty of crabs, shrimp and other goodies that made this location so desirable. Common on both days was that when the tide got very low the fish seemed to disappear. So, on day 1 we ran to other low tide hot spots that were not so hot.

When the tide got low on day 2, we decided to quietly explore the nearby flats. They seemed to go on forever and even with a shallow draft flats boat it appeared there wasn’t enough water to go very far, but we tried anyway.

An old rule in fishing is that the fish don’t travel far from home and that was indeed the case. Maneuvering the boat through shallow spots we found large troughs amidst a field of shallow water and grassbeds galore. It was like a maze to navigate, but we scoured the area and the fish were there! Perhaps not all tournament winners, but we spotted plenty of redfish and got a few to eat spoons. Many other fish were sharing the same area including trout, snook, flounder and sheepshead. At times it looked like an aquarium with baitfish and gamefish meandering about. Standing on the poling platform revealed an obvious pattern. Fish would skirt the edges of the grass looking for a meal and others would sit on the bottom of troughs watching the edges.

The simple rule in fishing is that most gamefish relate to edges. Edges might be as obvious as a mangrove lined bank, an oyster bar, the edge of a grassbed or perhaps something more subtle like a bottom depth change which creates the edge. Bass fisherman like to call this structure fishing. In the shallows of Charlotte Harbor many of the secrets to catching fish are detecting these subtle edges. Countless basins and flats exist in our fine waters. On the fishing experience recounted above, these fish related to sand hills on higher tides and troughs adjacent to grass beds on lower tides. Clearly there was an edge effect to their choice of habitat. It literally took 2 days of fishing the same waters not count-

Dine on the dock ~ Million $$ View!

Boaters Welcome

N 26 38.040 W 082 03.958 Near Marker 55 On the Matlacha Pass Dockage Available

Friday Fish Fry 5 – 9 pm

Live Entertainment

Live entertainment every weekend www.bertsbar.com

Dock Party every Sunday 3-7

4271 Pine Island Rd.

282-3232

MAGAZINE

October 2005

Jimmy Fry and Jimmy ?? with an oversized redfish from Charlotte Harbor

ing prior pre-fishing days to unlock the secrets of this area.

Fish patterns and bottom contours vary greatly from one spot to another. My tendency is to locate a fishy area and spend a lot of time there. I will fish it on many different days and on different tides. I still have spots that have not produced but have a tendency to believe that I have not deciphered the ‘code’ to figure how the fish use it, but still occasionally check on them – hoping.

Fishing a drop off or ‘edge’ is critical in deeper open water situations. If you watch your depth finder you will see fish position themselves right at the steepest portion of the edge. Both gamefish and baitfish will show in the same location and orientation likely depending on the direction of the tide.

Water depths very much play a key role in shallow water fishing as well. Identifying deeper water is the key to many spots.

Deeper water may only be 6 inches or more, but the same analogy applies - fish prey from an easy vantage point and the bottom depth change will be the key and the edge created by it will be the focal point. Locating these slight distinctions in the bottom requires patience and persistence in addition to good sunlight and of course, polarized sunglasses. I believe that most fish on flats or in the mangroves instinctively respond to receding tides or incoming

tides. These fish whether they are snook, redfish, trout or tarpon know a pathway out of an area of shallow water on a falling tide situation and the reverse is true on an incoming. These pathways are usually slightly deeper water that allow them an escape route. Studying the bottom will give you clues how fish come onto or leave a shallow water area. Big fish especially won’t be far from a deep water retreat.

The key is to position your boat and present your bait in a natural way that fish will see when cruising the shallows.

Generally, I like to cast my bait so that it will travel in the same direction that the tide is flowing. Moving an artificial or bait from a shallow spot into a deeper spot will likely find the fish positioned in the deeper area watching for food to flow in. Make casts in travel lanes, depressions and any other bottom feature that provides an ambush point.

With a little luck and perseverance you will be rewarded many times by a dozen or more species that inhabit Charlotte Harbor.

Capt. Chuck Eichner is a local charter captain. For information or to book a guided fishing trip call 941-505-0003 or go to his website: www.back country -charters.com

October 2005

Sunfish Regatta

By Bi l l Di xon Water LIFE Sailing What a great regatta. The Community Sailing Center in partnership with the YMCA and the Punta Gorda Sailing Club put on the 2005 Florida Regional Championship for the Sunfish Class sailboats on the weekend of September 17-18.

The weather gods were good to us both days with sunshine and gentle breezes.

Winds out of the Northeast both days allowed the race course to be set off of Gilchrist Park, between Fisherman's Village and the 41 south bridge so everyone could see the racers. The waterfront looked great with boats everywhere.

At 26 boats, attendance was down from last years 36, but we had the can-do attitude in spite of all the storms and in the end a great time was had by all who showed up. The Sunfish Class organization asked us to make this an annual event which I am confident we will do. Sean Doherty from the Charlotte County Visitors Bureau supported us with a professionally written press release that worked well and got us follow-up coverage about the regatta in the local media Results were: Wi nner of the regatta, and a berth in the world Championship regatta and top "master" standing: Joe Blouin, 59, Tampa.

S econd: James Leibl, 36, Titusville Thi rd: Jeff Olsen, 26, Sarasota Fourth: Paul Strauley 46,Orlando

Water LIFE

Fi fth: Tony Elliott 53, Ft Lauderdale.

Top Woman Racer: Mindy Strauley.

Top Juni or was Mike Mielswa 17, Sarasota.

Local sai l ors of note: Rose Rowland finished 19th, and Mike Busher (age) 65 climbed 8 places from 33rd last year to 25th in 2005.

Special congratulations for competing go to Ed Carney, age 80, of Sarasota, ‘Erik’ Erickson age 77, of Sarasota, and local sailor Don Hull, age 73.

I'm only 64 and I quit racing sunfish 2 years ago. Clearly I am missing out on a novel longevity treatment.

Finally, a big THANK YOU to Dennis Peck, Rick Pantall and to the rest of the Regatta Committee for a job well done. After-action reports and plans for '06 with adult beverages and munchies will be at my house. Date, time TBA. OCTOBER S AILING CALENDAR

n October 2, 16, 30 1:30 PM PGSC fall series races, call Jerry Haller at 505-0499

n October 12 6:00 PM Flare shoot and PGFD demo, call Jerry Haller at 505-0499 n October 14 Naples YC Offshore regatta, call Jerry Haller at 505-0499

n October 15 10:00 AM Small Boats Charlotte Beach, call Dennis Peck at 627-6650

MAGAZINE

Page 27

Water LIFE

Page 28

October 2005

MAGAZINE

The Water Water LIFE LIFE Distributorʼs Club 1595 McCall Rd (cr 776-771)

697-1556

Reopening Soon!

Reopening Soon!

Strato Net 625-0200

4265 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte 941•625•2700

Next Door to Laishley Marine

4200 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte 625-5002

1360 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte

is our local Water LIFE Internet Service Provider

excellent rates, excellent service, no waiting

1720 So. McCall Road, Englewood 941•473-2070 Punta Gorda Port Charlotte Englewood Northport

Teds Food Mart

Shell Gas Stations Gasoline

We Sell KEGS of BEER Open every day 5:30 am to 10 pm

Cigarettes & Groceries

Boarʼs Head Deli BLOCK & BAG ICE

22700 Bayshore Rd, Port Charlotte 941- 627-1309

Cooks Sportland

4419 So. Tamiami Trail S. Venice 493-0025

Water LIFE is NOT affiliated with any newspaper or other publication.

1338 Del PradoBlvd. So Cape Coral (239) 573-6455

Bonita Springs/Naples Englewood

BUILDING This New House Part 5

Water LIFE

October 2005

By Mi chael Hel l er Water LIFE editor Last month we poured our footers, thanks to our friend Doug Timmons of Shore Protection Inc., who helped us get concrete on short notice. This month, our friend and Water LIFE staff writer Andy Medina and his brother Greg pitched in for the block work. At one point we had a price to buy block for $3 each. That was ridiculous, so we called around. Home Depot in Cape coral was at $1.38 they had 500 block and could deliver, but we needed 2500. We talked to a guy at the CEMEX plant in Punta Gorda who told us their block should be $1.12, so we went up to the Peachland CEMEX plant and asked to buy some block. That will be $1.51 the guy at the block sales desk told us. Andy and I were flabbergasted, but that’s the way it is, the salesman told us, take it or leave it.

We were just about to leave when Paul Hardy walked in. Paul, I sensed, was important at the plant ... and Paul was wearing a Columbia shirt, a clean whiter fishing cap and a pair of Costa Del Mar fishing glasses. ‘Are you a fisherman?’ I asked Paul. “That’s what I do,” he said, ‘I only work here when I don’t feel like fishing.”

We hit it off right away and I came to find out he was important.

When I told him the problem we were having getting block, he told me they had plenty of block and they were in business to sell block.

“What kind of fishing do you guys do?” he asked. I told him I wrote Water LIFE and that Andy fished the Redfish Cup. I showed him a copy of last month’s publication and he said, “... yeah I read this all the time.” Paul bailed us out, set up an account for me on the spot and OK’d our order for delivery the next morning. We talked about fishing in the Keys, redfishing, the Kids Cup and other important details of our new found friendship.

A fisherman helping out another fellow angler. It just doesn’t get any better than that. Thanks again Paul, we owe you a dinner!

Andy and I spent Friday afternoon putting the block out so it would be handy to lay-up and Saturday morning Andy and his brother Greg, got started. First we got the long wall, about 700 block done, Sunday we were at it again by 7 a.m. and got around the canal side corner and up the pool side to the kitchen – another 600 or so.

Then Monday, Andy and I were alone. I hauled block and Andy mixed mortar and layed it up. Greg showed up after work at 4 p.m. and the three of us worked until about 8 p.m., laying another 600 block.

Then Tuesday we started early and

MAGAZINE

Page 29

WEʼVE GOT BLOCK ABOVE THE GROUND NOW

worked late. Andy and I did the day shift and by 3:30 Greg showed up.

Together the three of us worked until almost 10 p.m., under the illumination of my old photography studio lights and by the time it was all over we had laid 2140 block and the stem wall was done.

But we had more work to do.

I made up some special connections to link the reinforcing steel in the footer to the steel in the walls and my wife and I tied it all together on Thursday, then on Friday afternoon, in the 92 degree heat of the day we pumped the stem walls solid with concrete - a must for filling the foundation full of dirt and not having the sides blow out.

A week later my friend Capt.

Keith Benner got us the first 5 loads of fill and on Saturday Doug let us use his loader and move the fill into the foundation.

Another fishermen-friend, J.R. Witt (Westwind Contracting) sent up a small vibrating roller from his job rebuilding the Pine Island Road and we used it to pack down the first layer of fill. Then, after another three days of hauling and packing we were done.

Next comes the plumber and then we have to form the edges and get ready to pour the slab. Then we can start laying the block for the actual house. Stay Tuned ...and

Once again our pal Doug Timmons from Shore Protection Seawalls Inc. helped us out by sending over three of his his crew to pump our stem walls full of concrete. Then, since heʼs working on a seawall job just down our street, he loaned us his loader to start moving fill. I canʼt say enough about Doug Timmons and his Shore Protection crew. They are not just OK contractors, they are first class, reputable people and they do excellent work at a fair price. If you need more of a reference, call me directly.

Page 30

Water LIFE

MAGAZINE

October 2005

Octoberʼs Fishing Forecast

Charlotte Harbor

Ro bert at Fi s hi n' Franks Po rt Charl o tte: 6 2 5 -3 8 8 8

I think redfi sh are going to be the really big one for October – they are always phenomenal this time of year.

They start to school up in big schools now and smaller bunches. The salinity is getting higher in the harbor every day now, the fish are moving in and you don’t have to travel as far to find them. The hole east side, from south of Burnt Store up to Alligator creek is starting to get more lively with fish. Traditionally speaking, there should be three schools of fish from south of Burnt Store to

Pirate Harbor. One school has showed up already, but the fish are still real spooky. You have to be the first person there to get them to chew and then there should be no reason not to get 30 or 40 fish in an hour-and-a-half. Another good spot to start is to look from Ponce DeLeon park down to Alligator Creek, that’s an incredible spot for the wade fishermen this time of year. The mouth of all the PGI and Port Charlotte canals are starting to light up with fish and they will get progressively better for the net two months. Shrimp and pinfish are phenomenal bait for the redfish this time of year. A far as artificials, for that early morning co nti nued o n the fo l l o wi ng pag e

Capt Angel Torres put these ladies on the fish ... and everyone had a good time doing it.

October 2005

Fishing Report Continued from facing page

BIG-4 BIG-4

Water LIFE

MAGAZINE

Octoberʼs Octoberʼs Target Target Species Species

bite, topwaters are the plan.

For the shore fishermen, this month snook are a real good one.

Night fishing and evening or early morning are always the best time REDFISH are schooling up on SNOOK are moving up the TROUT Are waking up to TRIPLETAIL will be on the the east side of the harbor harbor and into the canals for snook. Now, the fish are just the cooler water temps. stone crab traps offshore. starting to migrate up into the Myakka River. ElJobean is startstarting to get roe and are nice and fat. I’m going red tide and everyone I’ve talked to is still running ing to produce a number or real nice fish. The fish put some of those big shrimp in the smoker. patches as far out as 30 miles. to into will start to move into the canal mouths, East and Stump Pass & the Gulf With the coming of the cooler weather it’s time West Spring Lake should be seeing an influx of Aaron at S tump Pass Mari na to get the crappi e poles out because they will start snook this month.

697-2206 showing themselves and hitting on the little beetle Laishley Pier and the U.S. 41 bridges are startWe’re fortunate not to have red tide in the spins and minnows. Every day the fish are going to ing to see a migration of fish. The first fish are There are a lot of redfi sh and snook a lot bay. moving around more – freshwater and saltwater start small since they move up sooner than the bigger of jack creval l e and bl uefi sh. They are startboth.

This is one of the bets months of the year. ones. ing to move out of the creeks which seems Shrimp are the first bait choice by far right now, Lemon Bay early, but it’s due to the lower water temperabut any other bait, like pinfish or finger mullet, Ji m at Fi shermen’s Edge tures.

There are some juvenile tarpon in the 5 will be good for catching consistent fish since the Engl ewood: 697-7595 to 30 pound range in the creeks hanging out snook are starting to bulk up for the winter now.

Mostly I’m just hearing about stuff in the bay.

I with the mul l et.

Offshore, anything past 80 Trout are just now starting to pick up. The first haven't heard much offshore stuff.

There are mackfeet is going to be a good bet, but inside of that few cool nights we have had are lowering the water erel out by Boca Grande, but mostly I’ve been all the fish have moved out because of the red temperature and getting those fish a little more hearing from the head boats because it looks like tide.

In 115 feet there are a lot of nice yel l owexcited. Look in the deeper sand holes and the little guys are leery about going out in their own boats tai l and mangroves.

Bl ackfi ns are in 120 to drop-offs at the mouths of the canals for trout. and spending big money on fuel.

Mostly snapper 180 feet.

The water temperature is almost where Shrimp under a poppin’ cork or a Bayside Popper is and grouper, yel l owtai l and mangrove are the it needs to be for Ki ngfi sh, but everything on the way to find them. It should only get better as reports.

It seems like the head boats have had a few the month goes along. good trips lately.

S pani sh mackerel will start showing up In the bay, the last few days, there have been a inside the harbor and along the beaches now and it’s lot of l adyfi sh and jacks that came pouring in time to start dusting off the Ki ng mackerel tackle acres of ladyfish have appeared as the bait seems to because they should start showing up towards the be coming back into the bay. A lot of sheepshead end of this month ... providing the red tide doesn’t are starting to show up around the Englewood and keep them way off shore.

Placida Pier, but they don’t seem to be wanting to On the 5th of October the stone crab traps get bite on shrimp: at least they are here. Maybe sand dropped, so there should be tri pl etai l showing up fleas or small crabs would be better, or scrape a few within two miles of the beaches. barnacles and use them to get the going ... and Cobi a will start to move in close to the beachtrout are pretty good size right now. A friend of es and inshore – those fish could be individuals or mine was catching redfish and looking for big in schools. The best thing is to throw them a really Does this look familiar? Seems like the shrimp for bait.

We have so many of them I had a Redfish Cup folks liked our Kids Cup concept big shrimp or pinfish, or cast a sub-surface lure like plate for lunch yesterday. The big ones are like your so much they took the idea and ran with it at a MirroLure or a bomber.

Chalmette. Hopefully, next season Water LIFE grandfather - kick ‘em once in the ankle and you The offshore fishing will be real questionable this will coordinate all the Kids Cup events for the loose them – the big shrimp just aren’t hardy next month. Grouper, snapper, AJ, Bl ackfi n entire Redfish Cup circuit. enough. I’m smoking mullet now since they are should be good, but we’re still fishing around the

CALENDAR

Powered by

Oct 25

CCA

Annual Fishing Symposium

Boating, fishing and conservation groups displays Capts.

Jerry Cleffi and Dan Cambern will hold seminars on inshore and offshore fishing. 6:30pm at the Port Charlotte Cultural center. Admission is free, contact Bob Meyer 629-7112

n Oct. 15-16, Flatsmasters Tournament Final and shootout, Punta Gorda

n Oct. 20-22, Redfish Cup Final Qualifying event at Clearwater. Because of recent hurricanes the Redfish Cup Championship will be rescheduled for November or December with the Location to be announced.

n October 23-24-25 Trip to the Middle Grounds 3 day offshore fishing trip. Call or stop in at Fishin' Franks 6253888 Limited to 32 people

OF

n Oct 25 CCA Annual Fishing Symposium Boating, fishing and conservation displays. Capts. Jerry Cleffi and Dan Cambern will hold seminars on inshore and offshore fishing. 6:30pm at the Port Charlotte Cultural Center.

Admission is free, contact Bob Meyer 629-7112.

n November 5 Chevrolet/IGFAʼs free Kids Fishing Clinic at Mote Aquaculture Park, Sarasota 10 a.m. Educational and fun clinics for boys and girls 16years and younger, each

EVENTS

accompanied by an adult. Preregister via the IGFA web site or by phone to Peter Gaube at 954-927-2628.

n November 10 -13 33nd Annual Fort Myers Boat Show

n December 2 REDstart REDFISH workshop for all our past, present and future recruits that have (or want to) work at the facility on Sanibel Island. Florida Gulf Coast University, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. All things related to fish, Bob Wasno 239-461-7518

Send us your event calendar information via e-mail: Waterlife@comcast.net

Page 31

Fishing

excellent!

RIGHT NOW: