No fish tales here, just the truth about what was caught. Below is a summary of what we caught, or tried to catch, over the last few weeks or so. I update this page on a regular basis. No hype is allowed in my reports because we all know how fishing goes - sometimes you get’em and sometimes you don’t.

Noteworthy Catches:

September 24, 2008

The end of summer is typically a slow time for the guides in Florida. However, the fish don't take any time off. I was fortunate enough to go on a couple of vacations during the month of September. Somehow my skiff found it's way onto the trailer hitch on the back of my truck during these trips. Along with a few stowaways (friends) in the cab, I found myself heading for the Florida Keys.

Fishing in the Keys was pretty good despite the 25 to 30 knot winds from Hurricane Gustov and Tropical Storm Hanna. We had to fish areas that were a little bit sheltered from the wind, but we still managed to catch some bonefish on the fly. Tan toad flies with bead chain eyes were the fly of choice.

In the Tampa Bay area, I got to fish with friends and fellow guides Capt. Russ Shirley and Capt. Nick Angelo. We have been doing pretty well on tailing redfish in the north end of Tampa Bay. We have been fishing the low tides in the afternoon associated with the new and full moons. Tailing activity has been best on the last of the outgoing and first of the incoming tides. Brown or black redfish toad flies have been the top producers.

Look for the fishing to pick up as the water temperature starts to drop. Fish will be feeding heavily to fatten up for winter's leaner times. Snook, trout, and redfish will all be available and cobia should start to show in greater numbers as they migrate through the area.

That's it for now! Good Luck on your next fishing trip. Practice your casting, because you never know when you’ll get that shot at the fish of a lifetime.