92- 0
Grouper Under the Brain Coral
Snorkeling or spearfishing was a favorite pasttime in high school. Using my dad's boat and diving off South Florida meant a chance to take home some fish. Groupers were the preferred fish on this trip, but a moray eel had other ideas.
- 0
A Raccoon Named Herman
Raccoons can become your seeming friend, quite by accident. Tehn there are the times we help them become what they were not designed to be...
- 0
The Real Fishbait
Sometimes our opinion of who a person really is can be distorted. It's so satisfying to find out that they may not be who we think they are.
- 0
The House on Pine Street
It's amazing to visit your old home. It's more amazing to see what has happened to it!
- 0
Trolling for Spotted Seatrout
Seatrout are a favorite fish for inshore anglers. They are relatively abundant and put on some spectacular surface fights—two things anglers pursue! They are a coastal species ranging from New England south and all the way around to Texas and are caught in various ways over their entire range.
- 0
Everglades Bass on L-28 Canal
About 40 miles west of Miami, just past what we call the 40-mile bend, sits the L-28 canal that runs north from US 41, the Tamiami Trail. The “Trail” was built to provide a road between Tampa and Miami, hence the unusual name.
- 0
Fishing in Whitewater Bay at Everglades National Park
Always use fishing tackle appropriate for the size of the fish. Light tackle seldom catches heavy fish and more often than not lets the fish get away!
- 0
Which Fish Are Edible?
"Daddy, can we eat this fish?" That question has been heard by every fishing father for ages. I asked my father many times, and my boys asked me many times. My dad had an answer, and I used the same answer with my boys …
- 0
Speckled Seatrout—Arguably Florida's Favorite Saltwater Fish
Spotted seatrout, specks, snaggle-tooth, or plain old trout — whatever the name, this member of the drum family is one of the top three fish pursued by Florida anglers. In some sections of the state, it is the number one sought fish.
- 0
Fishing Slagle's Ditch in Everglades National Park
No fewer than 11 canals were dug in South Florida in the early 1900s in an effort to drain the Everglades. It did not work and, in fact, backfired. But it created a few good fishing spots like Slagle's and House Ditch.
- 0
A Favorite Snook Hole
One of the hardest-fighting, best-eating, and most sought-after fish in Florida is the snook. Because of its popularity, guides in the state specialize in catching no other fish. Because of its fragile nature regarding temperature, it is also one of the most regulated fish in the state.
- 0
My Boat—His Boat—The Boat
Our family always owned a boat. It never had a name and it never belonged to one person. It was always just "the" boat.
- 0
That’s Why They Call Them Snappers!
When a boy from Tennessee comes to Florida to fish, he sometimes does not know what he's about to get into. My cousin learned a few things about saltwater fishing on one trip—like why we call them snappers!
- 0
The Net Rack in Everglades National Park
When we fished together at Flamingo in Everglades National Park in the 1950s, my father and I often headed for the old net rack. This structure, built from old telephone poles, was used by commercial fishermen to dry their nets. It made for good fishing!
- 0
Born With a Silver Hook
A silver spoon would have been nice—I could have afforded a much larger boat—but a silver hook did my life just fine, thank you!
- 0
Catching Fall Doormat Flounders
Fall weather means fish migrations. Flounders are dependable migrating fish and can be caught in the inlets and river mouths up and down the Atlantic coast in cool weather.
- 0
Fishing for Chickens in Tennessee
Growing up, I literally spent time every summer in Tennessee with my many relatives. Farm life and creek fishing were a far cry from my South Florida home.
- 0
Rationalizing at the Precipice—Duck Hunting at Lake Okeechobee
Opening day of duck hunting season was always a family tradition, at least with me and my boys. A trip to Lake Okeechobee was in the offing, and they were excited.
- 0
How to Locate and Catch Mangrove Snapper
A grey snapper, known in my world as a mangrove snapper, is, in my opinion, one of the most intelligent fish on the planet. They can be hard to catch because they are very cautious feeders. They are indeed one of the most challenging fish to catch.
- 0
A History Update on Cape Sable and East Cape Canal
The water is the color of coffee with cream—a light tan color. The visibility is maybe six inches if that. It's always this way because the canal was dug out of the mud marsh at the southern tip of Florida. We are in East Cape Canal, located at the east end of Cape Sable, hence the canal's name.
- 0
Blue Moon Fishing
The recent August blue moon makes me think about a few of my “blue moon” fishing adventures. They were once-in-a-lifetime events I’ll never forget.
- 0
A Muskrat Trapping Bond
What an unusual place to make a friend. My best friend in the US Marines and I did a lot of outdoor "stuff" together. Here's what I remember the best—trapping muskrats.
- 0
Cool Weather Stripers in Savannah, Georgia
According to Georgia DNR biologists, striped bass are coming on strong in the lower Savannah River. Each year, catch reports of large fish increase, and fish of forty pounds and more are being reported in the cooler months. It is an outstanding fishery, and it is only getting better.
- 0
Making Fishing Leaders
Short leaders, long leaders, double leaders, and wind-on leaders—we all use fishing leaders of some sort most of the time. Are they necessary? Are they homemade? Check it out and see!
- 0
Seatrout on Popping Floats and Grub-Tailed Jigs
A new way to fish has always intrigued me. Learning new tricks to put fish in the boat is what I am all about. This new—new to me—method really works!
- 0
The Machete and the Pig
Sometimes, young men can act like young boys. They begin innocently enough but end up in a totally different realm. Such was the case on an Everglades frog hunt…
- 0
Tips for Catching Spotted Seatrout
Knowing this simple fact can make you a good seatrout angler. Knowing where and when they school and feed can make you an expert. Here are some seatroout tips.
- 0
Best Fisherman of Everglades National Park—Captain Walter Mann
Isn't it interesting how life works? As I sit and remember my past years' fishing experiences, I remember Captain Walter Mann. He was larger than life to me, and he was arguably either very lucky or the best pure fisherman of all the charter captains in Everglades National Park.
- 0
On the "Shanty by the Creek" With Airbnb
A family gathering in southern Tennessee resulted in us finding accommodation at a charming Airbnb along the creek. It turned out to be an idyllic and wonderful stay!
- 0
Tips for Catching Pompano
A pompano is one of the most popular food fish in the ocean. Pompano almandine, fried pompano, baked pompano—people who eat fish love pompano! Here are some tips for catching these tasty fish.
- 0
Chum Fishing for Tarpon
In August, the tarpon frenzy moves into high gear up and down the Atlantic coast, from Virginia to Florida. Tarpon roam the beaches and inlets, following huge schools of baitfish. Even small boaters have a chance at a huge silver king this time of year. Here's how to be successful!
- 0
Salt-Curing and Storing Bait Shrimp
Sometimes when I fish with a jig, like a bucktail, I feel like a little extra smell would entice a strike. I have added scent to my jigs for years, and it seems to work. Here is how I add scent to my baits.
- 0
Fishing for Bonefish in Biscayne Bay, Florida
Many anglers in South Florida do not realize that bonefish can be found in Biscayne Bay—on the mainland side! Here's how you can locate and catch these grey ghosts!
- 0
Fishing the Marquesas Keys in Florida
The Marquesas Keys were always a mystery to me. Not many anglers went there back in the day—they are 27 miles west of Key West. We didn’t have a boat that would make it there and back. But, the ones who did always caught bigger fish and more fish than other Key West anglers.
- 0
Stuck by the Fin of a Saltwater Catfish
All anglers get finned by a fish at some point. It is inevitable. For the most part, we end up with a sore finger or hand and go about our business. But when it's the fin of a saltwater catfish, it's a whole different story. Here's how I handle being stuck by one.
- 0
Fishing in Key West in the Early Days
Florida's "Overseas Highway" ends when it reaches the island of Key West. This last inhabited island on the Florida Keys is 5.6 square miles of homes, hotels, and marinas. Over the years, it has become a prime tourist destination. Here is how I fished there growing up.
- 0
Navigating an Inlet in a Following Sea
Inexperienced boaters can find themselves in serious trouble if they fail to follow some simple rules in following sea conditions. They get into trouble more quickly than they thought and can't find a way to correct their mistake. Here's what you need to know.
- 0
Catching Grouper Before Bag and Size Limits
Bag and size limits have been in place for quite a few years. The Nassau and goliath grouper are totally protected. Today, grouper fishing has gotten complicated—at least, my kind of grouper fishing.
- 0
Catching Flounder in the Intracoastal Waterway
Some anglers get frustrated when they can’t find a fish to catch. This is particularly true of flounder fishermen. My advice is to fish the tides in areas of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) that offer lots of creeks and sloughs. Here is how we catch ICW flounders
- 0
How and How Not to Remove a Fishhook From Your Hand
I suspect it has happened to most of you. As you fish, you become so excited you are distracted or become so bored you get complacent. That’s when the unexpected can happen. A wayward fishhook finds itself impaled in your skin, usually on one of your appendages. What do we do?
- 0
Tips for Catching an Amberjack
The greater amberjack is a hard-fighting fish that is fun and relatively easy to catch. Do you want to eat one? That's up for debate. I'll give you all the information you need to catch this fish—and decide if you want to bring it home for dinner.
- 0
Fishing During the Dog Days of Summer
Poems have been written about it. Some poetry even evolved into a song or two. There are complaints about it galore. The days are too hot. The nights are too hot. It is impossible to find a kind word spoken about the hottest time of the year in the northern hemisphere—the Dog Days of Summer.
- 0
Catching the Voracious Bluefish
Summer and winter, in the surf and from a pier, bluefish are available to all anglers. But stay away from those choppers!
- 0
Georgia's Golden Isles Redfish
With only 120 miles or so of oceanfront, Georgia is not as well known for saltwater angling as its sister states to the north and south. But when comparing numbers, particularly redfish numbers, Georgia ranks right up at the top.
- 0
Striper Stepchildren: The Hybrid Bass of Lake Oconee
Many dedicated hybrid fishermen don't know it, but their favorite fish is not explicitly stocked for anglers to catch. An overlooked "stepchild" fish or not, the hybrids' great fighting and good eating qualities are simply bonuses that come with the stocking program.
- 0
Fishing in a Chum Line
Chum. Look it up. The dictionary tells us that chum is a noun meaning friend or close acquaintance. In my world, chum is a singular noun defined as a natural fish attractant. It is also a verb because we "chum" to attract fish.
- 0
Bass Fishing the Florida Everglades’ L67 Canal
Nowhere else in the country but Florida can you find so much area to fish that holds bedding fish, and nowhere else in Florida but the South Florida Everglades. South Florida arguably has some of the best bass fishing in the world.
- 0
Coastal Whiting Offer a Fishing Treat
Several fishermen were arguing at the bait shop the other morning. The debate: Which fish is the most dependable fish to pursue? Several fish made the list, but one fish they failed to mention is the very one that can make your day!
- 0
Catching King Mackerel: Tips and Tactics
Warming water temperatures mean king mackerel will be moving up the Atlantic Coast. In the Gulf of Mexico, they will head for the Florida panhandle to spend the warm months. We know where to find them; here's how to catch them!
- 0
Tripletail Fishing: Tips and Tactics
The tripletail is a curious fish. It actually only has one tail, but the size and position of its dorsal and anal fins lead the casual observer to think there are three tails. They have a peculiar habit that often makes them easy to locate. What's so peculiar about these fish?
- 0
Shark Alley: How to Fish for Sharks
Some anglers consider sharks a nuisance, an interruption to an otherwise peaceful bottom fishing trip. Others delight in the pursuit and dream of catching "Jaws," of perhaps being able to say to their fishing partner, "We need a bigger boat." Here is how to catch some very scary fish.
- 0
Bottom Fishing on Georgia’s Coast
Bottom fishing on the Georgia coast has become more popular in recent years. Here are some tips on how to catch your limit.
- 0
North Florida’s Best Summer Vacation Fishing
Looking to combine a summer fishing trip with a family vacation? You've come to the right place. Here are three areas in North Florida for the whole family to explore.
- 0
How to Weather a Thunderstorm on the Water
Sometimes a thunderstorm pops up between our boat and the shore. We get cut off and are apparently unable to make it back in without taking the brunt of that storm. But there are ways to handle navigating around a storm safely. Here are my tips on how to do just that!
- 0
How to Anchor Around Jetties
Because fish are always seeking protection and food, they inhabit a jetty. They know the jetty will provide both of their needs. Here is how to anchor and the methods.
- 0
How to Choose a Fishing Line
Some anglers don’t realize how important the choice of fishing line is. Making the right line choice can mean the difference between a good catch and no catch at all.
- 0
How to Clean and Filet a Flounder
There are multiple species of flatfish in the world, collectively called flounders. Regardless of the species involved, they are all built similarly and can be filleted following these tips.
- 0
Is It Intracoastal or Intercoastal?
Almost all east coast U.S. saltwater anglers use the Intracoastal Waterway. They either cross it heading out to sea or traverse it heading into and out of port. But, aside from a lot of red and green markers on poles, what is the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), and why is it there?
- 0
What If There Are No More Jewfish?
In all the years that my dad and I fished together, we never worried about limiting our catch. Jewfish (groupers) were everywhere, and we caught as many as we wanted. Then, we faced the frightening reality of extinction.
- 0
Flounder Almondine
Here is a very simple way to prepare your freshly caught flounder! This is the best way I know to prepare flounder for dinner!
- 0
How to Locate and Catch Flounders
Flounders are some of the best-eating fish anglers can catch. Here are my tips on fishing for and catching flounders.
- 0
Catching Fiddler Crabs for Bait
What if you could catch your fiddler crabs for bait rather than spending money at the bait shop? Here's how to catch them yourself!
- 0
Catching Spring and Summer Atlantic Sheepshead
Atlantic sheepshead are one of my favorite fish. We catch many of them on the channel jetties in our area that run into the ocean for about a mile.
- 0
How to Locate and Catch Redfish
Redfish are creatures of habit. Knowing their habits will help you locate and catch them. Here are some tips to help you accomplish just that.
- 0
Simple Mahi Mahi Fishing Tips
Mahi mahi are easy to catch if you know a few basic tricks. Here are my methods for catching this hard-fighting, good-eating fish.
- 0
Redfish and Orzo Recipe
Blackened Redfish was made popular in the past. I enjoy this recipe just as well—and there is no heat!
- 0
How to Quickly Rig a Ballyhoo Bait for Mahi Mahi
Trolling for mahi mahi means lots of trolled baits. It is much easier to rig your baits ahead of time. Here is an inexpensive and fast rigging method that works.
- 0
How to Clean Saltwater Tackle
If you fish in saltwater, you need to take care of your fishing equipment as well as your boat. Saltwater can cause untold harm if it is left on your fishing gear. Here are several easy tips on the care and cleaning of your saltwater fishing gear.
- 0
Fishing Vacation on the Florida Keys
Take your boat, charter a boat, or hire a fishing guide. Here are some Florida Keys fishing vacation tips for you.
- 0
Catching Barracuda on the Florida Keys
You can catch barracuda on the Florida Keys using these methods. And if you are careful, you can eat them as well. They are quite tasty!
- 0
Goliath Grouper Fishing—or Non-fishing: History and Restrictions
Goliath grouper are still known as jewfish by the old-timers. Sadly, the fishery has been closed for 28 years. But there is a ray of hope in Florida today!
- 0
Red Snapper Fishing: Restrictions, Population Rebound, and a Personal Perspective
After over ten years of closed seasons, red snappers have made a dramatic comeback. Is it time to open the season?
- 0
Snook Fishing Along the Everglades National Park Shoreline
Many snook are found and caught along the shoreline of South Florida in Everglades National Park. Knowing where to look and what lures to use will make for a successful snook fishing trip
- 0
Drift Fishing for Speckled Trout
There is a proven method for drifting a grass flat to catch speckled seatrout.
- 0
How to Catch the Mysterious Cobia
Cobia can be caught fishing from New England south to Florida and all over the Gulf of Mexico.