Big Pompano

Fished with Jim and Tom in Islamorada this weekend. Stiff winds greeted us but then again, it is always windy! The wind died out and we had a flat calm afternoon. We caught a nice pompano and jumped a tarpon right off the bat. Things slowed for a bit and then turned on in the afternoon. We caught snappers, big ladyfish, jacks, and released a tarpon after jumping another two off. Pro Tip: Be prepared to change the pressure on a big fish during the fight. There are times for max pressure but there are also times when you need to lighten up. The ability to read the fish and adjust pressure will lessen break offs and land you more fish. Pressure fish coming your way and lighten up as fish are swimming away from you are some examples.

Islamorada Fishing

Fished with Darryl, Jim, and John on our last day. We caught and released a red grouper, jacks, snappers, and jumped off two tarpon. Fishing continues to be good! We also have a manatee visit the boat as we were fishing. Pro Tip: Tide stage can be very important. Current that is too slow or too fast will not produce. Note the current velocity during successful outings and plan your next trip around those same conditions. And remember, spots that are "dead" may come to life after the current speeds up or slows down.

Sharks and Tarpon

Fished again with Darryl, John, and Jim in Islamorada. We hit the flats and caught lemon and bonnet head sharks. We had lots of shots and released three. We headed into the backcountry and caught a bunch of nice speckled trout, jacks, and ladyfish. We returned to Islamorada for sunset and caught jacks, snappers, and we released another tarpon. Pro tip: You need to be prepared to move your feet when fighting big fish. Quick footwork can make the difference between getting cut off and landing the fish. Standing in one spot is a recipe for disaster if the fish suddenly changes direction.

Tarpon!

We also caught this nice tarpon and these grouper along with the permit.

Four Permit plus Tarpon

Fished with Darryl, Jim, and John in Islamorada. We had a banner day. We caught four permit up to fifteen pounds. We also jumped ten tarpon and landed one. This was all in one day. In addition, we caught jacks, snappers, mutton snapper, blue runners, yellow jacks, and more. I'll post more pics in an upcoming post. I ran out of room. Pro Tip: Never be in s rush to land a big fish on light tackle. Taking your time will result in more fish to the boat.

More Islamorada Fishing

Here are some more pictures of Dan and Skip's trip to Islamorada. We fished around downtown Islamorada and in Everglades National Park. We caught many different fish but the fish of the weekend were a nice tarpon and some lemon sharks on the flats. Pro Tip: Fish small. When the conditions are tough, pick areas that are fish able and work them thoroughly. Spending more time fishing an area thoroughly instead of running from spot to spot.

Skiff at Sunset

Tarpon

Fishing in Islamorada

Fished with Dan and Skip in Islamorada. We fought some tough conditions but managed to have a great time. We released a nice tarpon on the jig on ten pound braid. We also caught and released three lemon sharks and one bonnet head on the flats sight fishing. Skip hooked up on a bonefish that we lost right at the boat. In addition, we caught a bunch of snappers, mutton snappers, jacks, and blue runners. Pro Tip: When sight fishing, cast in front of and beyond your fish. Then you can quickly reel the bait in front of the cruising fish. This allows the fish to "discover" the bait naturally and increases the chances it will bite.