Capt.PeteRowney
01-27-2008, 05:52 PM
Greetings from the Florida Keys. It’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything so I figured I would fill you all in on what’s going on. First off, what happened to January? This winter is just flying by. Before you know it, we’ll be looking for permit and laid up tarpon. Despite a fish kill at the start of the month associated with a major cold front (it actually got down into the 30's here!) the fishing has been rock solid. When the winds have been reasonable, trips out in the Gulf have been excellent for spanish mackerel. Mackerel fishing is a blast for newbie or veteran fly casters because these fish will just smoke a reel. I just love the sound a fly line makes when it’s being torn through the water at mach 1. The really cool thing about a trip into the Gulf is that you never know what’s going to show up in the chum slick. Cobia, king mackerel, redfish, black tip sharks and some very large sharks all make a showing at some point. Speaking of cobia, the Gulf wrecks have been excellent. In Florida Bay and Everglades Park the redfish and snook bite have been great. Lots of little snook around and depending on the water temps, some tailing redfish activity. The black drum bite has been really good. For those of you not in the know, black drum are cousin to the redfish (red drum). While not the prettiest of fish, they do put up a great fight. Bonefished a few days and like we say down here, “the fishing was great but not the catching”. Saw lots of mudders as well as the occasional tailer. Unfortunately, to hook a fish (any fish) while sight casting, you have to get the fly in front of them. If you can’t do this, no matter what type of voodoo you may invoke, you’re not even in the game. Being able to cast to a target with perfect conditions, even if it’s a catfish, takes skill. Throw in a bit of wind, some cloud cover and the fact that you’re throwing at a 100 lb laid up tarpon or a pair of tailing 10lb. bonefish and things get a bit tougher. What am I trying to say? Practice your casting! It’s the one thing you can do to really improve your odds. Until next time. -Pete