A Trophy Opportunity

You and your fishing buddy have planned this trip for weeks and it’s finally here. The alarm goes off at five o’clock in the morning and you’re up and about like a kid on Christmas. Your buddy’s already in the driveway loading his tackle into the boat and without hesitation you’re off to the ramp. You’ve been hearing about all the wonderful fishing going on and you can’t wait to get at it.

Leaving the ramp you look over to your fishing pal telling him it’s your day. That monster snook’s been waiting for you all month and you’re ready for him. You’ve re-spooled your reels checked your rods and tied your favorite confidence lure to the end of your line. Now it’s up to you and the fish. Can you fool one into taking that artificial lure?

Easing along the outside mangrove lined shore you’ve been casting and placing your lure perfectly into every pocket and under every overhang. As the sun rises, you and your pal have caught several smaller snook and a redfish. Casting, you systematically work the lure back to the boat, slowly moving it across every pothole.

“Suddenly, it happens”, a giant swirl on your lure and immediately you know this is the one you came for. The line goes tight, the rod bends, and you make a slight hook-set before you begin to reel.

The load on the end of your line is heavy; you can feel the head shakes. Comfortable with the hookup you position the rod about 30 to 45 degrees to the waters surface exerting maximum pressure as your drag works flawlessly.

The sequence of events happening over the next few minutes often determines if you are going home with photos or telling stories about the one that got away. Your choice of landing net and fishing partner’s netting performance often means the difference between landing and losing a trophy.

Finally it’s over… your fishing buddy came through. The fish went into the net, you snapped a couple of great photos, and you released this wonder of nature for someone else to catch. Memories is what fishing is all about.

A few tips about netting fish… Always net the fish head-first, never chase it from behind. Even tired, fish can still swim faster than you can move the net through the water. Having a fish friendly landing net is a must when netting a fish especially if you plan on releasing it.

The main reason we net fish is to prevent its escape however; there are other reasons to consider. It’s safer for you especially when using multi-hook lures as hand-landing increases your chances of getting hooked. And landing a fish before it’s totally exhausted definitely increases the chance of survival.

Remember, try to shorten the contest by impulsive or desperate measures can certainly accomplish that goal… you’ll lose the fish. And when that trophy opportunity arrives again make sure you practice good netting techniques.

If you’re interested in using my charter service you can reach me by calling my cell 813-477-3814. Email me at wgore@ix.netcom.com or visit my website at www.captainwoodygore.com.

Blue Fish – Something Different

Looking for something different? Try one of these fast action fighters on for size this summer!

One saltwater fish found throughout Florida and providing some awesome light tackle angling thrills is none other than the unwavering bluefish. Most fish around the Florida area weigh somewhere around 2 to 6 any over that are a real treat. In 1972 off the coast of North Carolina, the recognized IGFA record was caught weighing in at 31 pounds, 12 ounce.

Blues are a schooling fish with relatively large heads, powerful jaws and a mouth full of incredibly sharp teeth. Their tapered bodies end in deeply forked tails making them powerful swimmers and fighters. They’re decorated with blue/green backs, silvery sides, and white/silver bellies, but don’t sell them short these beautiful fish have plenty of muscle and speed.

Rigging for Blues is much like rigging for any toothy fish. Wire leaders are a must or at least 60# or better fluorocarbon with long shank hooks. When fishing live baits I use a short piece of 60# Seaguar fluorocarbon tied to my braid then attach a 12” piece of 30# Tyger Leader (black or bronze) and a bright long-shank 1/0 Daiichi hook. I belly hook the greenback at the pectoral fin, cast it out and the bluefish take care of the rest.

Fish can often be caught on any type of fast-moving lure that resembles a baitfish, including metal spoons, jigs, and tube baits. If you like artificial’s try a shinny spoon or old topwater lure tied to your braid with a dark leader wire leader. Make sure it’s an old lure because you might not get it back.

You might also try trolling on the hot, humid, no wind days. Once you hook-up stop and start fan casting around the area. The fish are there you just need to find them.

It’s not uncommon to find schooling bluefish sharing the same bait schools as mackerel, ladyfish and jacks. If you’re using whitebait/greenbacks start by tossing a few around the area you are fishing. If bluefish are present it won’t take long to get them going. Keep the live chums going and the fish will usually stay within casting distance.

If like using a fly rod here’s your chance to tangle with a fish that give no quarter. Extra strong leaders and larger flies that resemble the most popular regional baitfish will do the trick.

Captain Woody Gore
www.captainwoodygore.com

What Does the Future Hold for Florida’s Wildlife?

Does Our National Symbol Have to Eat Garbage

Our beloved Florida is in the midst of rapid change and the cause for this change is population growth. The major problem that occurs as populations increase is the loss of land due to use designations and changes.

In 2005, Florida had close to 18 million residents and was already overwhelmed by the collapse of natural habitat’s, overcrowded highways and urban sprawl. The materialization of our population growth is land use change, and between now and 2060 when the population is projected to more than double the additional land devoted to urban use will also double. Consequently, without shifts in our policies, and with the predictions of Florida’s increasing population what’s going to happen to our wildlife and their habitat’s?

The amount of anticipated development is stunning, and the byproduct is the loss of wildlife as the lands they inhabit become urbanized. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) tackled the challenge of predicting what may be in store for wildlife 50 years from now if growth trends continue. The results are available in the FWC publication “Wildlife 2060” What’s at stake for Florida?”

As citizens and residents we have a mission to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and our benefit, it is our responsibility to predict what could happen to the resources we must conserve.

Capt. Woody Gore – Tampa Fishing Charters

United States Coast Guard Updates Boat Stability Rule

United States Coast Guard Stability Rule That Will Affect Number of Passengers on Boats – The Coast Guard proposes to amend its regulations governing the stability of passenger vessels and the maximum number of passengers that may safely be permitted on board a vessel. The average American weighs significantly more than the assumed average weight per person utilized in current regulations, and the maximum number of persons permitted on a vessel is determined by several factors, including an assumed average weight for each passenger.

Updating regulations to more accurately reflect today’s average weight per person will maintain intended safety levels by taking this weight increase into account. The Coast Guard is also taking this opportunity to clarify and update intact stability and subdivision and damage stability regulations.

Capt. Woody Gore – Tampa Bay Fishing Charters

Renewable Energy – At What Cost?

Florida’s Public Service Commission is recommending that the state get 20 percent of its power from renewable energy sources like solar and wind by 2050.

Under the proposed approach, each investor-owned utility in the state would be required to produce 2 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2010. That number would increase to 3.75 percent by 2017, 6 percent by 2025 and 20 percent by 2050.

Gov. Charlie Crist last year proposed a flat 20 percent standard but didn’t set a timetable. After much discussion in its last session, the Legislature ordered the PSC to recommend a renewable energy standard and report back to lawmakers.

I feel their targets are not ambitious enough to drive significant investment in renewable energy technology in Florida. These would make Florida dead last and the weakest in the nation. If you had to grade the governor’s targets they would receive a failing grade. Realistically, Crist would be 94 years old before his proposed 20 percent target is realized.

Florida deserves better and should bump up the targets. According to recent research more than 20 states already have standards, ranging from California, which wants 20 percent renewable by 2010 and Wisconsin, which has a goal of 10 percent by 2015.

Some energy experts say a renewable energy standard would boost costs for consumers because the region is not a good location for efficiently producing wind or solar energy.

By Captain Woody Gore – Tampa Fishing Charters

Pink Barbie Fishing Pole Catches North Carolina State Record

On a sunny day in Elkin, N.C., David Hayes was fishing in a pond behind his house with his young granddaughter Alyssa. They have fished the pond since she was old enough to hold a pole. Her father had gotten her a new pink Barbie rod and reel for Christmas, which was now her favorite because she had hauled in several Bluegill Bream over last few outings.

After a little while and like all little girls, Alyssa needed to use the bathroom and asked her grandfather to hold her Barbie rod and reel. Being a good grandfather David took the rod and reel and within seconds something tugged on the line. Granddad had something big and a few minutes later he landed a 21 pound, 1 ounce state record channel catfish.

The fish was caught on 6-pound test monofilament line, weighed 21 pounds. The fish measured 2 inches longer than the rod at a whopping 32 inches and was certified by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as a new state record.

Who says you need $200 dollar fishing outfits to catch record fish.

Part of Sky Fishing Pier Closes Aug. 29, 2008

The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park consists of two piers, north and south, that stretch into Tampa Bay. In 1994, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection entered into a 20-year lease with the Florida Department of Transportation to manage the piers as a recreational site.

Over the last 50 years, typical deterioration and corrosion have lead to the end of the service life of the east side piers. To maintain public safety, the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Department of Environmental Protection have announced that they will close the eastern portions of the fishing pier beginning August 29, 2008. There are no plans to repair the eastern portions which may be removed sometime in the future.

However, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) are working together to continue the operation of the western fishing piers. Both agencies believe that this is the best decision to protect the community’s safety while allowing for continued recreational enjoyment. We are committed to working with the community to ensure this local recreational asset will continue to serve the needs of residents and visitors in the area.

To keep the western portion open construction is scheduled to begin on August 21, 2008 to modify the west piers to allow two-way traffic and one lane of parallel parking. The buildings and crossovers that were built in the early 1990s are safe and will remain open to the public.

By Captain Woody Gore – Tampa Fishing Charters

Another State Record Catfish for Florida

James Mitchell is from a small town in Caryville, Florida with a population of between 218 and 232 residents. It’s

James Mitchell and his 64 plus lb. Blue catfish

located about halfway between Panama City and Dothan, Alabama.

When he decided to go fishing in the Choctawhatchee River this week he never expected to catch a state record Blue Catfish. The giant fish was 53 ½ inches long, almost 3 feet in circumference and weighed 64 pounds 8 ounces. State biologists who confirmed the catch indicated it as the biggest blue cat ever caught on hook and line in Florida.

He says that the river is “way down right now” which is both good and bad. It’s bad because it’s hard to get into and navigate the river, but fortunately he uses a small boat. The good part is the low water forces the catfish to seek refuge in the deeper holes.

An avid cat fisher Mitchell has several large cats to his credit. Just a week before the record Blue Catfish, he landed a couple of Channel Catfish over 40 pounds each.

The blue catfish is not indigenous to Florida waters. Their range is the Mississippi River and no one knows how or when they ended up in Florida. Blue catfish are often mistaken for channel cats.

Capt. Woody Gore – Tampa Fishing Charters

USCG Boat Stability Rule Upgraded

United States Coast Guard Stability Rule That Will Affect Number of Passengers on Boats – The Coast Guard proposes to amend its regulations governing the stability of passenger vessels and the maximum number of passengers that may safely be permitted on board a vessel. The average American weighs significantly more than the assumed average weight per person utilized in current regulations, and the maximum number of persons permitted on a vessel is determined by several factors, including an assumed average weight for each passenger.

Updating regulations to more accurately reflect today’s average weight per person will maintain intended safety levels by taking this weight increase into account. The Coast Guard is also taking this opportunity to clarify and update intact stability and subdivision and damage stability regulations.

Captain Woody Gore Tampa Fishing Charters