Stuart FL, Fishing Reports

February Sail, Getting that 1st One!!

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Created: Sunday, 13 February 2011 18:48

My brother Angelo came down from Pa to get away from the horrible cold  this winter.  He fished a few times down here before and I needed to get him his first sail.   Richard came with us, and we cought plenty of bait at oureliable spot.  the wind was comming out of the NW around 7-10 knots.  We decided to slow troll and heard of a few sails being caught in close.  Trolling for an hour, uneventful, we decided to put the kite up , with a little help from helium.  Drifting near 130 the short kite bait took a dive and line started peeling, I gave my brother the rod to engage and he was on,  immediately the mid line also took off and we were on with a double.  My brother was fighting his fish in the stern, as mine jumped off. Oh well time to concentrate on my brother's sail!  He couldn't believe how strong they pulled and it seemed the fish was on his way to Bimini.  Richard and myself were digging Angelo about how he got so close then the fish decided to go for a long ride, time after time.  What seemed to be forever, we were still ribbing him about how he could let this fish abuse him. Angelo did exactly what he was supposed to do but this fish was relentless.  Fighting for his life, putting on a spectacular show, leaping and dancing all over the water. Seemingly like eternity, we got the fish boatside for a quick picuture and a reviving release.  High five's and a big smile told the story! Nothing like a great time with friend and family!!   The first one you will never forget!!   Lets's start on number 2,  my brother said.  Richard and I looked in amazement and we got that one too!!!!!  2 for 2!!! What a day for the book's!!!!      Capt. Matt

Wahoo!!

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Created: Sunday, 13 February 2011 18:24

Fished with Gayle and Bob from Kentucky last  monday.  The boys wanted to catch a sail, so  that was our goal.  We loaded up with pilchards and herring ,  and set out against a stiff 13 knot wind out of the east.  Set up in 250,  put out the sea anchor and some flat lines.  The SFE kite went up easily and I deployed the three kite lines, with Herring.  Not after a few minutes,  the stern flat line takes off, I  told Bob to pick up the rod and start winding.  The fish was on peeling line rapidily.  Being out this deep In the back of my mind I was thinking maybe a wahoo, but possibly a sail.  Bob fought the fish pumping and winding like a pro.  After about 10 minutes, (which seemed like an hour,) the fish was in sight, and what a sight.  I saw the beautiful stripes and a smile beamed from my face as I yelled WAHOO!!   Bob guided him to a gaff shot as I lifted him in,  weing in at a respectable 30 lbs.  Knowing he may go ballistic at anytime, I told them to back away from  him, knowing he could do some damage.  As hi five's were slapped around,  the fish went in the box.  The boy"s didn't know how nice a catch a wahoo was so I informed them.  The wind had pick up more and they decided it was too rough, so we headed in.  We did't get our sail,but a sweet  surprise from Mr. WAHOO!!   Short but sweet time on the Buffer zone!!!    Capt Matt

Reef Fishing -Sailfish

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Created: Tuesday, 08 February 2011 18:51

Fished with Tim and Scott Himmleburger from York , Pa on Sunday.  They wanted to catch some bottom fish, so we got some live shrimp and plenty of chum.  Netted some hoo's and anchored up. Scott and Tim, both,were getting their share of snapper and yellowtail ,but Tim was in the lead.  Scott was getting numerous cut offs, so we put on some wire and the macks started coming over the rail.  Snapper and yellowtail were caught, with  porgies and mackeral, and grouper that were released.              

The boys wanted to try another day of fishing, trying to get their first sailfish.  The wind was coming out of the east, so we set up in 250ft.  Sea anchor was in place,as well as, 3 lines on the kite and 2 flatlines and a mid depth rod.  We drifted in with no action on anything.  I asked Tim to wind up the mid rod and the line started peeling off. Tim was rewarded with a snake king around 6 lbs. One of the flat lines took off soon and Scott was rewarded with a nice bonita.   We cranked everything up and went back out to reset.  The wind really picked up, and we set all lines back out.  Ten minutes later, the mid depth rod starts screaming and we were on!!  The fish exploded to the surface and as we had hoped, Scott was on with his first sailfish.  After a release and high five's we headed in.   Let's get out there for your sailfish!!!!  

Tarpon Fishing in Miami Beach

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Created: Friday, 07 January 2011 13:56

We fished with Mitch Scarlin, from Bensalem, Pa on Wed evening.  Our mission was to land Mitch his first tarpon.  Water temp was 72.4 and the winds were calm inside the bay.  After  around 30 minutes of setting up, the port side rod  took off.  A beautiful silver king arose to the occasion.  After some spectacular jumps from behind the boat, the tarpon in the 40lb range was released and sent on his way.  We fished for another hour, without any bites and called it an evening. Another great  memory with the mighty silver king.  Now is the time to catch the mighty tarpon!   Let's get out there for your great memory too!!! Capt. Matt