FlyFish10k

Snook Update – 9/3/2010
	“The Florida Wildlife Commission decided yesterday to keep the current harvest prohibition of snook in all of Florida's Gulf, Everglades National Park and Monroe County state and federal waters will remain in effect until Sept. 1, 2011.  Anglers may still catch and release snook during snook harvest closures, and the FWC encourages everyone to handle and release these fish carefully to help ensure their survival upon release.”
	This is really good news for our snook fishery here on the Gulf Coast. To read the specifics on this decision on both the Atlantic and Gulf go to: http://www.myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/10/statewide/News_10_X_SnookReopen1.htm
FYI,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – 8/31/2010
	Our hurricane season appears to be cranking up this week with two named storms and another low behind it rolling off Cape Verde.  The good news is that so far they are predicted to head north a ways out in the Atlantic. Yesterday morning you could feel fall in the air for the first time. This cooling trend should help the fishing and definitely make it more comfortable out there.
	Fishing has been spotty with a few small reds and some snook. We are seeing more bait on the shores with some clearer water than last week. We are also finding small numbers of small tarpon in the usual spots.
	On Sunday I was poling a small oyster bar in a back bay looking for some cruising fish when I spotted some jacks crashing on points in the distance. I poled over there and there were some big jacks beating up on schools of glass minnows. While my angler was fighting one of these I noticed a school of large fish off to the side of the point. After he landed the jack I told him to throw a long cast to the left, let it sink. Nothing.  As we got closer I could see it was a school of black drum, some of the fish approaching 20 pounds. We cast and cast, switched flies and cast and cast and not a look. Black drum feed primarily by scent using the small barbells on their mouth to locate crabs and small crustaceans. They can be a tough target on they fly. We have caught them before, just not today.  
We will keep you posted,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report – 8/21/2010
	Our weather is typical August conditions with beautiful sunrises here in the 10k and tarpon rolling at first light. By mid-morning you can begin feeling the heat and watch the cumulus clouds build for our regular afternoon storms.  August tides move a lot of water with very high water and some great outgoing tides later in the day. Look for both snook and reds on these outgoing tides.  The snook have been typically small but it is good to see our stocks gaining ground. 
	We should start seeing more Reds as we get closer to Fall and our water temperatures start to cool a bit.  Chartreuse and white Clousers in size 1/0 have been working on the outside grass flats on the first of the incoming for trout. 
	This is a great time of year to spend a morning looking for tarpon and sight fishing the outside bights for cruising snook and reds.
We will keep you posted,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – 8/10/2010
	We are back to work from our short trip up north to Cabbage Key. We did not get much fishing in but were able to fish Boca Grande for a few hours and check out some of the areas in Pine Island Sound. We spent a couple nights at Cabbage Key and a dinner with friends at the Collier Inn on Useppa Island. There are still a few tarpon showing at Boca Grande but things have definitely wound down for the season. We spotted a few fish roll and free jump but no runs, no hits, no errors…. Just good to see new water and get away for a bit.
	Back here in the 10k, small tarpon continue to be a steady target with early morning fishing being the best. The daytime temperatures remain hot with an afternoon shower to cool things down a bit. We have had some very high daytime tides, fish the incoming on the outside points and oyster bars and watch for reds.
	The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has extended the snook season closure through September 16 until they have a chance to review a staff report and recommendation in their Sept 1-3 meeting in Pensacola. We are hoping the Commission keeps the catch season closed until we see some signs of our stocks returning.
	We are hearing good news from the northern Gulf where the BP spill remains contained and NOAA is opening both recreational and commercial areas previously closed due to the spill. 
 We will keep you posted,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – 8/02/2010
     Fishing in the area between Goodland and Everglades City has been very spotty depending on the water clarity and tides. We are just coming off the full moon with lots of moving water. There are a fair number of small tarpon at the creek mouths and back bays. Try a white popper or gurgler for these rolling fish first thing in the morning. 
     Plan on being off the water by noon as the heat index is over 100 degrees by mid-day and the fishing pretty much shuts down as the water temperature climbs. The outside points have been producing a few reds farther south but nothing consistent.
     We are headed north near Cayo Costa this week for a few days of exploring and fishing some new water. 
We will keep you posted,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – 7/22/2010
     Just before our first tropical storm, Bonnie, arrived this week (without much effect here), Carl Angstrom and I made a trip down to Lostman’s River this week. The weather was breezy for sure with a strong east wind blowing up to 25 before the front. We found small snook on the lee shorelines willing to eat a Gartside Gurgler first thing in the morning. We caught nothing large but good to see these smaller fish in abundance after our fish kill in January. After running the outside on the way back and checking a couple of the outside bights, we were back at the dock at noon due to an afternoon appointment. We are hearing reports of some very good redfish action on these bights on the incoming and first part of the outgoing tide. We are headed back there this week and will let you know how we do.
We will keep you posted,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – 7/16/2010
     This week’s fishing has been tough with wind and dirty water conditions in the areas near the Port. Either north or south of here the water is clearer and offers a better chance for snook and reds. Marco has been fishing well with a few tarpon in the bays and some snook on the beaches near Cape Romano.  Give it a try down south past Everglades City on the outside bights.
     Early morning and evenings continue to offer the best chances for fish before the water heats up. We were out late yesterday and had some pretty clear water on the outgoing but did not spot much in the way of fish. We ended up coming into some creek mouths in the backcountry and found a few small tarpon to throw to. Hoping for a little less wind this week.
We will keep you posted,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – 7/03/2010
     It seems we have settled into our typical summer weather pattern with beautiful calm mornings and thunderstorms starting most days by mid afternoon. Early morning offers the best bet for finding rolling tarpon in the bays and creek mouths. Many of the tarpon are juvenile with the occasional big fish. Green Lanterns have been the fly of choice. We are seeing a lot of small baits along the shores and in the bays with schools of jacks and mackerel crashing on them. 
   I fished Ron Greenspan and Lisa Cole form Miami early Saturday morning and found some nice tarpon rolling in the first bay we fished. The wind had already put a chop on the water and the fish were intermittent. We had a few shots but no takers. Our second stop was the same story, a few fish but nothing consistent. The rest of the morning was spent poling the shorelines looking for snook and reds. Ron hit two snook in the back of a bay but both came unbuttoned. Before we knew it, it was time to call it a day as we watched the storms start moving in.   
     In the meantime, the oil spill remains on our minds but no signs of it anywhere along Florida’s west coast.  Also, we are working with an exclusive resort in Naples to put together a 2-day all-inclusive fly fishing package and resort stay at a great value. Look for more to come.
We will keep you posted,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – 6/24/2010
     This week found us fishing with both old friends and new ones. We fished with Jay Couture from New Hampshire on Tuesday and found a few tarpon rolling first thing in the morning. We spotted one of the biggest snook we have seen in a long time but just could not get a shot before it disappeared into the mangroves. Reds have been few and far between this week. Tarpon continue to be the most consistent fishing in this area of the 10k.
     I guided Korbin Williams and his wife Amy from San Antonio on Wednesday and we found some hungry mangrove snapper and jacks willing to eat the fly on the first shore we fished. We found a few tarpon, had shots and one short strike before the wind and incoming flood tide all but shut down the fishing. A tough day in the 10k for sure.  The best opportunities for fish are early morning or after one of our afternoon showers cool the water down a bit. 
     The oil spill is still contained to the northern part of the Gulf with no signs of it anywhere near the Everglades or 10,000 Islands. 
We will keep you posted,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – 6/12/2010
     It is hot, hot, hot…… with mid-day temperatures pushing up in the high 90s. This week’s fishing was slow for redfish and snook with tarpon being the best game in town. There are a lot of small tarpon here in the backcountry but get to them either early or late if you want them to eat. Try a Green Lantern. Most of this week's effort was spent on boat maintenance, designing some new flies and getting the gear ready for a busy week of fishing coming up. 
     We are getting a lot of calls asking if the oil has reached this part of Florida yet. We have not seen any sign of the oil and if the experts are correct, may not. We are quite a ways away from the Gulf loop current and the winds would have to be just right to push the oil into this area. We are keeping our fingers crossed and our thoughts are with our friends along the coast in the northern Gulf. 
An interactive map of the effected area is available at: www.GeoPlatform.gov/GulfResponse
We will keep you posted,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – 6/05/2010

It seems as though summer has arrived early with the steamy mid-day temperatures this week. Early morning or late evening offer the best bet for finding fish. There are plenty of small baits on the shores but we are not seeing the usual numbers of snook and reds. Tarpon continue to offer the most consistent action in this area of the 10k.
 Thursday I fished with Mick Moore on a photo shoot with author/guide Captain Tommy Thompson for his new book and Saltwater Sportsman photographer Richard Gibson. Captain Jack Lloyd captained the photo boat and JoNell Modys from the Collier Visitors Bureau accompanied us. 
     We found plenty of tarpon first thing in the morning. Mick placed the perfect cast to a fish we spotted against a mangrove shoreline. The fish ate on the first strip and he was connected to a 60-70 pound fish. The tarpon tail-walked as soon as Mick came tight on it and Richard was able to get a great shot before it shook the hook. 
We had plenty of shots thru the morning but the fish were just not eating. Poling down a shallow bank we found one really nice redfish moving down an oyster bar on the outgoing. Mick made the shot, the fish looked but did not eat. We ate a great shore lunch and called it a day shortly thereafter. 
We continue to watch the oil spread in the northern Gulf with no signs of any oil here in southwest Florida.
We will keep you posted,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report – 5/31/2010
     The full moon this week made for some tougher condition. We are still seeing some tarpon in the 60 to 80 pound class but the bigger fish have moved on up the coast.  
     I fished Brent Brauner from Streamworks (www.streamworks.com) on Thursday and we found a few tarpon rolling first thing in the morning but they were not in the mood to eat. There is a ton of bait around in the backcountry, mostly schools of glass minnows and pilchards. 
     Our second stop put us on a large group of oyster bars on the incoming tide looking for redfish. We had a shot at one nice fish working his way up the bank but no interest in the fly. The wind continued to build as the day went on and the incoming tide brought a flood of off-colored water. We finally found some clear water in one of the back bays. We had a nice snook follow all the way to the boat in a little cove but it would just not eat the fly.
     I switched to a Neon Knight and a little further down the shore Brent hit a nice 26” snook and fought it to the boat for a nice release. The tide was just about standing when we decided to call it a day. 
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – 5/20/2010

This week has been all about tarpon. Earlier this week the conditions were tough with lots of wind making for limited visibility along with a short window for spotting fish rolling in the morning. Tuesday the wind subsided and by Wednesday the water was much clearer and we found fish all day long – from the back bays to the outside bights. Randy Lewis of Laramie Wyoming hooked his first tarpon yesterday morning on his third cast. It made a great jump and was gone. A few casts later and a half hour fight we brought a nice 80# fish along side the boat. Congratulations Randy! Flies in both black and orange seem to be the ticket - give one of our Naturals or Jail Bait a try. 
	In the mean time we are anxiously watching the oil spill in the Gulf and hoping that this mess re-writes the regulation on offshore oil exploration. It has been a month today since the disaster occurred and it has created a slick the size of the state of Ohio on top – who knows what is going on underneath and what the long term effects of this will be. The tar balls found in the Keys have been determined that they did not come from the Deep Water Horizon. We do not expect any immediate effect here in the 10,000 Islands but local officials are prepared to deploy boom along our shores should the oil begin to show.  
Florida Department of Environmental Protection's site contains outgoing links to the federal and state agencies involved in the response with a lot of current information:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/
Here is another site that puts the size of the spill in perspective: http://paulrademacher.com/oilspill/#
We will keep you posted,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report–05/07/2010

This morning was the perfect tarpon day with calm winds, relatively clear water and incoming tide with lots of tarpon rolling in the 10k. Dr. Carl Angstrom and I fished a short day starting early and finishing by noon before the mercury climbed into the 90s. We found pods of fish in the first bay we fished but only a couple of follows and no pulls. 
     Our second stop brought us into some very shallow water with the fish laid up tight against the shore. We had a couple of shots at some big laid up fish but no takers. We switched colors to a tiger barred orange toad and Carl made the perfect long cast to a long shadow under a mangrove. The flick of the tail and all hell broke loose as this giant ate and cut a furrow down the middle of the bay as it headed toward the Gulf. Four or five jumps and the line went slack and Carl said it was gone. He was retrieving his line when all of a sudden it came tight and the tarpon exploded again in another spectacular jump. It came down hard on the leader and the hook pulled free. When we first came into the bay a huge black tip shark came toward the boat to investigate our presence. We figure that is why the tarpon changed directions and came directly back at us so suddenly. 
Capt Bill

Fishing Report–04/23/2010
	Tarpon fishing remains strong here in the 10,000 Islands. We are seeing pods of fish laid up in many of the shallow bays resting on their way up the coast. I fished Brendon McHargue and his wife Terry from Victor, Idaho yesterday and it was the perfect day for tarpon. The tides, weather and planets were all aligned. We pulled into our second bay of the morning and spotted some huge fish crashing on mullet along the shore. On his second shot of the day, he connected to a giant fish over 150 pounds that he fought for 45 minutes before we brought the fish to the boat.  Terry video taped the entire fight with some spectacular jumps. Later in the morning we found a small quiet bay with a few fish laid up in very shallow water. We had another fish eat but just could not get the hook set in time. It happens.  
	Earlier this week, Mick Brown and I found a lot of fish farther south but they just were not in the mood to eat. They would either follow or ignore the presentation all together. Some days they eat and some days......
We will keep you posted,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report–04/14/2010
     The tarpon are here and so is the wind. I just got back from a great day in the 10K with Robin and Mike. We found some big tarpon first thing in the morning but they did not show for long as the wind continued to build. We found one big snook cruising the backside of oyster bar. Robin took a parting shot into a 20mph gust as the fish cruised out of range. 
     The water was pretty clear until about mid-morning when the incoming tide all but shut down the fishing due to the dirty water. We tried some of spots that hold fish but visibility was tough and the wind made it even tougher. Just when we thought it was a wrap I pulled into a very shallow bay full of oysters thinking we may find some reds when a giant tarpon greyhounded across the back end of the bay in a deep trough.  We saw another 3 or 4 fish move in this small area just as the tide started to turn. We tried hard but just could not put the deal together.
We will keep you posted,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report–03/27/2010
	 We just got back from a short late afternoon run out into the 10,000 Islands to check out conditions prior to this weeks fishing and saw 5 large tarpon roll in one of our favorite spots. They did not show much or offer any shots but we were excited to finally see them. The water temperature is 74 and the big fish are just starting to arrive. We spotted one nice snook suspended on an oyster bar. Gretchen made a perfect cast about two feet ahead and to the left. The fish hit hard but did not stay connected.  It happens. We also found lots of bait on the shorelines and spotted some large jacks crashing on pilchards in one bay. 
     I am optimistic about this season. It is going just going to get better as our weather warms and water temperatures stabilize. We have also been working on some new tarpon patterns over the winter that we are excited to try this season.
We will keep you posted,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report–03/13/2010
	Just as it seemed we were hitting a warming trend, another cold front arrived mid-week with some very breezy conditions and rain. This week’s fishing found a few reds and snook in the backcountry but all-in-all some pretty tough fishing. There are a few tarpon here in the basin with the best bet early in the morning before the boat traffic starts. Try a sink tip or full intermediate with a Green Lantern or Neon Knight in size 2/0-3/0 cast to the roll. 
	This has been by far the coldest winter and toughest fishing I have seen here in the 10k. We really need some stable warm weather to improve the conditions. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the tarpon once the water warms. Not sure what to expect this year but we will keep you posted on the conditions and the fishing.
All the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report–03/06/2010

I jumped into the Maverick on Monday morning and found the bottom of the cockpit covered with ice, not frost, ice! It was cold going but as soon as the sun hit the water, it warmed up and with the clear water we were able to find some redfish on a couple bars. Many of the usual spots had no fish and very little bait. The last place we fished, we spotted three of the largest redfish I have seen in a long time milling about on the opposite side of a bar. As we got closer they moved into deeper water and we lost sight of them. We were just ready to call it a wrap for the day when we spotted them again further up a bank. My angler made a great shot but no cigar. These fish were just not looking and the clear shallow water made them all the more nervous. 
     The good news is for much warmer temperatures in the upcoming week. Hoping this will change the game for the better.
     The Tarpon Genetics Recapture newsletter just came out today and has some interesting information on tarpon migration and the genetics program (copy this URL into your browser): http://research.myfwc.com/engine/download_redirection_process.asp?file=2009_Newsletter_final.pdf&objid=31736&dltype=article
Good stuff from the Mote Marine Lab and FFWC.
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report–02/26/2010
     Fishing earlier this week was a tough go with clear water but few fish spotted and little sign of bait. The Gulf was calm but very dirty water due to the wind. Just when the water started warming up another cold front arrived on Wednesday along with winds upward of 20 knots. The effects from El Nino in the Pacific this year have been unlike anything anybody around her can remember. It is the coldest winter in Florida since 1977 according to one article where it snowed in Ft Myers. The water temperature is 64 today here in the back country. 
     Trout have been the target for most of the guides with a few mackerel thrown in here and there. The bait fishermen are catching whiting in the deeper water. Reds are here and there but not a lot of numbers. We really need a consistent pattern of warmer weather to get the temperatures back up where they belong. We have seen tarpon arrive as early as mid-February in years past but no sign so far of the big-guys.
We will keep you posted, 
Capt Bill

Fishing Report–02/09/2010
     Fishing has remained tough this week with wind, cold water and just when we thought it was over, the forecast is for another week of cold weather. This has been by far the coldest weather we have seen in our time here. 
     We will keep you posted on conditions as this weather moves through and conditions improve. In the mean-time, pour a cup of coffee, tie some flies and read a good book.
All the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report–01/29/2010
	The weather has warmed up along with the water temperature in the backcountry. We are seeing 60’s in the back bays and a few snook lying up to catch the midday sun. The effects of the cold front remain however with fewer snook to be found. There are some reds around and trout fishing is strong over the grass flats. Beach Bugs and Clousers in chartreuse or pink are a good bet for the trout.
	This last week we have been busy adding new inventory to our catalog and tying some new flies for upcoming trips this next week. We are looking forward to some warmer temperatures and some stabile weather. 
We will keep you posted,
Capt. Bill

Report 1/20/2010
     Reports of the fish kill continue to come in from around the state. I received an e-mail from the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and their preliminary research indicates that over 100,000 snook have died statewide. They estimate this as approximately 7% of the total population. The Trust is gaining some valuable biological data from the victims that hopefully will translate into better fisheries management for the long run.
     Locally we are still seeing remnants of the kill with a couple of dead manatees spotted in the Faka Union canal today. Overall I think the manatees faired pretty well around here. There were over 200 counted here in the basin during the cold front. 
     We are going to target the fish that fared better during the cold weather such as redfish, trout, drum and mackerel and give the snook a break for the time being until we know more about effects on the local population. 
We will keep you posted,
Capt. Bill

Update 01/16/10
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued executive orders to protect Florida's snook, bonefish and tarpon fisheries from further harm caused by the recent prolonged cold weather in the state, which has caused widespread saltwater fish kills. Copy this link into your browser and read the details: 
http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/10/statewide/News_10_X_ColdWeatherSaltFishKills1.htm
Hat's off to FWC for their fast response!

Update - 1/15/2010
Reports of the devastating effects of the cold keep coming in from north Florida down to the Keys. Bonefish, trout, tarpon, grouper, snook and others have taken a devastating hit with the week-long arctic front that hit the state.
 My first observations earlier this week of seeing just small fish were blown away yesterday on a trip up the Pumpkin River where the bottom was covered with large snook that succumbed to the cold.  I would estimate we saw over 50 snook, most slot size or larger laying dead along with one large tarpon and a grouper.
Here is a link to report any kill you may see: http://research.myfwc.com/fishkill/submit.asp

Update - 1/13/2010
I ran the outside and a few of the back bays yesterday and the news is not good. There were stunned and dead fish in almost every spot I went. Most of them were catfish, ladyfish and some small snook. If there is any good news it is that I did not see any large fish.
I know there are some snook that have made it so far here in our canal. Some person that knows nothing about snook was out there catching them yesterday – that is all these fish need when they are already stressed. Give them a break until the water warms up.

Update - 1/11/2010
We are seeing record cold temperatures here in Florida. This morning our dock is covered with frost, the air temperature is 29F and the water is 43F. This is the coldest weather anyone around here can remember. There are unconfirmed reports of snowflakes in Miami.
The forecast is for warmer temperatures and we will be out on the water later this week and keep you posted on the conditions and fish.
All the best,
Capt. Bill

Update - 1/06/2010
     There was frost on our windshields this morning. This does not happen here on the coast very often.  The water temperature in the back country is 51F degrees. The wind is blowing steady from the north with a forecast through the weekend of pretty much the same. It has all but shut down our fishing for the time being. 
     Research shows that 54F degree water temperature is the critical threshold for snook survival. If a cold snap arrives very suddenly and drops water temperatures below this threshold, snook in shallow water may die if they cannot reach warmer water. If the onset of the cold front is gradual, fish have a chance to migrate to deeper water to survive. Here is an interesting article from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute about the 2001 cold front that dropped water temperatures across the state to some of the coldest on record: http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=9942
     Tie some flies, clean and oil reels, check leaders and read a good book.
Stay warm.... Capt Bill

Fishing Report–01/04/2010

Brrrr….. I know it's Florida and we never shovel snow (and our friends in Montana think we are whiners) but we are seeing the longest stretch of the coldest weather I can remember.  I spent three days on the water between the holidays and the water was as low and clear as I have ever seen it here in the 10K. The wind, cold temperatures and clouds have made for some of the toughest fishing conditions possible.
   The full moon and north wind made for some extremely low tides this week. The Scandy White was the boat of choice this week. The neap tides found us skimming along in less than 6” of water to reach most bays. The good news was that we were able to get into these very shallow bays, the bad was that most of the water had few fish and the couple we saw were headed north while we were going south. 
    I wish I had a better report and wish I could change it but “it is what it is…”The forecast for the remainder of this week is more of the same. This is good week to tie flies, read, check equipment and plan for fishing soon in warmer conditions. We will be tying some new flies and adding some unique new items to our catalog.
All the best,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report–12/29/2009
	The coldest weather of the year arrived last night with temperatures dipping down in the 40’s. I just checked the water temp and it is 59 degrees here in the backcountry. This will move fish to the extreme back-bays looking for warmth on the dark mud bottoms. We are just coming onto the full moon with neap tides making for very low water conditions. Current water conditions in the back are clear making for some good sight-fishing conditions if the wind would drop down a notch. The wind chill this morning is down in the low 40’s. 
We have re-scheduled some trips and in the mean-time we are rigging rods, tying flies and adding some new products to our catalog. The forecast is for temperatures back up toward 80 by Thursday and we will be back on the water.
We will keep you posted.
All the best,
Capt. Bill

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,
     Thanks very much to our friends and partners for making this year a success and a great adventure. We really appreciate your support in getting our business off the ground. This has been a tough year for everyone and we are grateful to be able to do what we do. We could not do this without your passion for our sport. 
      As I am writing this Gretchen is packing our bags and the kitties for our holiday to Key West for a few days over Christmas. Spot and Spike are going to visit their six-toed cousins at the Hemingway Estate and we are going to relax before our season gets underway.
     I am looking forward to a good season and fishing with friends here again in the 10k.
     We wish you and yours the best for the Holidays and look forward to hearing from you and fishing together soon.
All the best,
Bill & Gretchen

Fishing Report– week ending 12/05/2009
	The fishing this week started out with some calm condition and ended with another cold front and some much needed rain. We found some large schools of mackerel crashing on bait out in the Gulf on our way down south earlier in the week. If you are looking for constant hookups on a fly, try these guys on a 7 weight outfit and you will have your hands full. 
	The cold front has kept some big snook in the back bays. One creek we came to had one of these big fish cruising the sand flat at the mouth back and forth looking for bait on the outgoing. She was tough to see with the cloud cover but every once in awhile we would see the big shadow cross the flat. We must have thrown at her for a half hour and were about ready to give up before one cast intercepted her path and she ate a size 2 DNA Reducer. Just as quick as she ate, she shook her head and was off, it happens. 
	The best fishing we had this week was to small tarpon after the front came through and wind subsided a bit. I found a small bay just loaded with small tarpon anywhere from five to ten pounds. We even caught the smallest tarpon I have ever seen; it was all of 10”. A size 2 Neon Knight fished on an 8 weight outfit was the ticket. These fish are about as much fun as you can have on a fly rod. They spend more time in the air than they do in the water. 
We will keep you posted.
All the best,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report– week ending 11/28/2009
	Another cold front arrived this week dropping the water temperatures down in the 60s. Yesterday found me fishing the back bays of the 10,000 Islands late in the afternoon. The first point we fished was clear and low on the outgoing. Sure enough, in less than six inches of water a good snook lay suspended at a tiny outflow in the shore. First cast, long slow strip, and we were connected. We continued to pick up fish all along this shore in 69 degree water using a Neon Knight. I have heard many say that snook don’t feed in less than 70 degree water. I disagree and know the fishing can be good when you have a plan.
	Winter fishing requires a different strategy than we use during the warmer months. Plan your day around the best tide on the warmest water you can find. These fish are looking for two things after the onset of a cold front – warmth and food.  A cold front pushes a lot of fish to dark shallow water where they can get some warmth. If these fish are going to eat, they are going to be the most active during the warmest part of the day.  During the winter months, I plan many of my trips much later in the day to take advantage of this. 
	Also look for water moving between bays or on points where these fish can lie in shallow water, out of the main current and ambush bait following the tide. This is good advice any time of the year but during the winter months, you may find fish in shallower water than usual or at a creek mouth that is so small that most would pass it by. When poling these areas, look ahead and look close as you will need to keep your distance to not spook these skinny water fish.
All the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report– week ending 11/14/2009

Without a doubt this was a tough week. The wind from Hurricane Ida at the beginning of the week combined with a cold front that arrived on Thursday made for some brutal conditions. But the fish are around, looking to warm up and feed. 
	I put my fleece on and fished early this morning and found a couple of snook in a creek mouth, one really big. I tried three different patterns, that I know work. Not a look, not a take, not a thing. This can be tough fishing under ideal conditions; add in this weather – might as well go home and tie and watch it blow.  I did find a couple small tarpon at a creek but same thing, not interested in the fly.
	November is National Manatee Awareness Month and new seasonal speed limits are being posted on many of the waterways. These guys are looking for warmer water with our recent cold fronts; look for the tail, snout or swirl. 
	We should have some good fishing this upcoming week, when the wind drops a bit after this front. The cold fronts put the fish exactly where we know they want to be. Be on the look out for reds with the cooler water.
All the best,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report– week ending 11/07/2009
     Our second cold front of the season arrived yesterday bringing some breezy and dry weather. In the meantime we are looking over our shoulder toward the Gulf at tropical storm Ida building strength wondering if it will spin up to a hurricane and affect us here in the 10k. 
     Earlier in the week we found some nice snook on the beaches off Cape Romano crashing on pilchards. There are a few small tarpon way in the back but larger fish have moved on from their usual haunts. Schools of Spanish mackerel are spread out in Gullivan Bay feeding on schools of glass minnows.  Be on the lookout for tripletail hanging on the crab traps. These guys are a great target on the fly. 
     We have had some ideal tides for sight fishing this week. Low and clear on the outgoing. Just as the cold front arrived yesterday I was staked off at a small creek mouth watching for fish following the outgoing.  In the waves created by the current meeting the wind, I thought I saw a flash. I waited a bit and sure enough the fish fed again only this time swirled in the waves with some bait skipping ahead.  I put on a size #2 Neon Knight and on the first cast the fish ate it hard. After a good fight, the snook measured 30” and offered a lesson to pay close attention to these small areas where currents collide and fish lie waiting to ambush bait following the tide.
     These cold fronts can provide great fishing. They move fish to warmer locales with readily available food. Look for both and you will find fish.
All the best,
Bill

Fishing Report– week ending 10/31/2009
	This week had the temperatures back up in the 90s with some records set here along the coast. The wind was pretty fierce earlier in the week making for some dirty water conditions and tough fly fishing. There have been some extreme tides this week with the upcoming full moon on Monday. 
	Despite the changes in the temperature, snook are both in the back and outside points feeding on glass minnows. I have also found a few smaller tarpon in the back bays out of the wind rolling on the incoming.
	I have heard some reports from the captains up north of bonito two to three miles offshore. These fish are awesome on a 9 weight fly rod and will have you into your backing before you know it. 
	I ran about five miles out into Gullivan Bay yesterday in search of these schools but did not find much in the way of bait or birds at first. There were a few schools of mackerel here and there and we saw one school of large fish feeding on top but they went down by the time we got close.  Upon arriving near the tip of Cape Romano we found widespread birds and acres of mackerel feeding on glass minnows. The water was boiling with fish.  We watched for a bit to see if we could find tarpon or bonito, but finding no evidence of any, decided mackerel on a light fly rod are fun. 
	I have a fly that I tie especially for this: it is basically a Clouser Minnow tied all the way back on a size 2 Carlisle 2x long hook leaving as much of the bare hook shank forward as possible. Chartreuse Supreme Hair works great and is far more durable than bucktail. I don’t use a wire bite tippet with this fly, 30# hard mono.  You will get cut off occasionally but you will get more strikes with this than using wire and the bare hook shank makes it easy to release your fish. We caught fish until we said enough. The secret is to move the fly as fast as you can.

Have a great week.
All the best,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report– week ending 10/24/2009
	
      The cold front dropped the water temperature in the back country down to 68 degrees by Monday and along with the wind it all but shut down the fly fishing for much of the week. A good time to re-stock fly boxes, oil some reels and work on new patterns. 
	Most of the fish I found this week were in the back laying in the shallow bays with dark bottoms looking to warm up. Flies that land soft and imitate glass minnows like the DNA Reducer in size 2 or 4 are just the ticket for these fish laid up in this shallow water. Keep an eye out for reds as well when poling these bays. I found a couple on Thursday, one with a pretty good sized remora attached to its side.
     The tarpon I have been seeing in the outside bays seem to have moved further back as well.  I am not seeing the large fish I did a few weeks back but there are still plenty of 10-30 pound fish around. Try a Neon Knight or Green Lantern in a 2/0 on an intermediate sink line for these guys. 
     Sue Cocking posted a nice write-up of our recent fishing trip in the Miami Herald:
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/outdoors/story/1298641.html
Looking forward to some warmer weather this week and a little less wind would be nice.
All the best,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report– week ending 10/17/2009
	
     This week was spent doing some boat maintenance, rigging rods and leaders for upcoming trips and developing a couple of new patterns; the ‘Red Reaper’ and ‘Neon Knight.’ I will have pictures of these patterns under ‘our flies’ very soon. 
     Yesterday found me poling the back bays of the 10k with Al and Judy Graci under some tough conditions as our first cold front arrived in full force. The temperatures plummeted from the high 80s down to the low 50s in less than 12 hours. Cloudy skies and winds made sight fishing difficult at best but we were able to get a shot at a very large snook at a creek mouth and connect with another just down the bank that was laid up on an oyster bar. The first snook got a look at a top water popper but just was not interested. We changed to a Neon Knight and the second fish ate it on the first cast. Next bank, Al hit a big jack and we decided to move.
     I spotted a few reds on the oyster bars but the clouds and discoloration of the water made it all but impossible for Al to get a shot. 
     We found one very large tarpon, I would guess at 80 pounds plus, in a corner of a back-bay; she rolled 3 or 4 times but no good shot. Others were there but due to the conditions, we just could not see them before we were on top of them. I am guessing the cold front will send these fish packing south. By early afternoon the rain and high tide had us headed back to the Port. All in all, it was a tough day given our conditions but not a total bust. 
All the best,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report– week ending 10/10/2009

So much for the cold front or so it seems. This week was hot and steamy with some record highs in the 90’s for October, but fishing remains good early before it gets warm. I fished Thursday morning and found some tarpon at first light but not showing regularly. Most of the fish were 40-60 pounds with a couple of big guys showing every so often. They were just not rolling regular enough to get a good shot. Look for these fish in the passes at first light.
      The tides have been very low this week coming off the full moon, giving some great sight fishing for both snook and reds on the oyster bars. I have found a fair number of reds on these low tides - give a POI Shrimp a try when sightfishing these guys. I am hoping they will stick around for awhile. Yesterdays fishing found most of the reds toward the outside. We found some fish in the back-bays but the water was very dirty, making them tough to see. Most of the bays we fished had small bunches of glass minnows balled up here and there along the shore. Had one very nice snook on but came unbuttoned after the first run.
     There have been a few tarpon off-shore feeding on schools of glass minnows. We found a school of mackerel on Thursday and a few tarpon under them feeding. Look for birds and fish breaking early in the day when the Gulf is calm. 
     The forecast for the upcoming week is for more of the same warm weather, with a cold front approaching towards the weekend. Everybody is looking for a reprieve from this midday heat – including the fish. 
All the best,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report– week ending 10/03/2009

I am watching the first blue crab traps being set behind my place as I am writing this – a sure sign of fall.  The days are still warm but you can feel the change of season. The rain has tapered off and the water temperature has dropped and the reds are here. I had another captain tell me of a school of reds down south that was over a quarter of an acre in size with most of the fish over the slot. Fish the incoming on the outside points and oyster bars. 
     Snook fishing remains good with fish on the beach and some bigger fish in the back bays cruising the shores looking for bait. Bait is scattered with some bigger baits on the outside and small baits in the back. I fished one small bay where the shoreline was absolutely full of glass minnows; I know the snook were there but they were so keyed in on these small minnows, they wouldn’t touch a fly.
     Tarpon are still around with a few showing in the back and some larger fish offshore feeding on balls of glass minnows. These guys can get pretty selective on the glass minnow and tough to catch on anything larger. 
     My week was spent mostly on land this week; tying some new flies, custom fly orders and a little boat maintenance for some upcoming trips.  Take a look at the Alien and POI Shrimp – these flies have been just the ticket for reds and snook.
All the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report– week ending 9/26/2009

Over the last few months, my reports mentioned how dry it has been and how badly we need rain – be careful what you wish for! It has been raining most afternoons and the fishing conditions have been a bit tough with the outfall of fresh water from recent storms along with the unusually high tides. The good news is that we are still finding fish. We just have to work a little harder to see them. A short trip north near Rookery earlier in the week found some tarpon in the Gulf and snook in the back but all in all, not a lot of bait and dirty water.
     On Thursday, I fished Susan Cocking, outdoor writer for the Miami Herald. We planned our day on the outgoing and pulled up to the first bay to find a small pod of tarpon rolling here and there. We had maybe five or six good shots but no takers. Susan said it: “They just don’t seem happy.” 
     On our next stop we saw a big push against the lee of a small key. I poled over to it, waited and waited, but never saw the fish. I decided to follow a deeper trough along the shore into a small bay. Just as I came around the corner, a big snook blew out and ran across the bow to give us a look. No shot.
Just around the corner we poled a very shallow oyster bank where we could see better and found some bait moving. We found two nice reds cruising the bank but just couldn’t put the deal together. It happens.
     We ran towards the outside keys to fish the backside out of the wind and the bottom of the low. The incoming was just starting and was very dirty as we poled along a shallow shelf trying to see fish. There should be fish here, I thought. About 75 yards down the shore Susan struck hard. The snook broke water and shook her head violently and I knew she was into a good fish. The first couple runs were weak but once it realized it was hooked the fish ran hard to the bank and wrapped around a bunch of mangrove roots. Luckily I was able to pole over and untangle the line and land the fish. After a few quick pictures we revived a 30” snook and released her against the bank. Congratulations Susan on your biggest snook on a fly so far!
All the best,
Bill

Fishing Report– week ending 9/19/2009

We have been seeing a good number of tarpon here in the 10k this week.  I was on the water Monday and Wednesday and found tarpon with plenty of shots on both days, catching was another story. Many of the fish we threw to had lockjaw. One day a dark fly seemed to get their attention, the next day a light fly worked.
     Carl Angstrom hit a nice 40 lb fish on Wednesday. He came tight, strip-struck hard a number of times and the fish threw the hook on a spectacular jump. We both couldn’t believe it, the fish was hooked and Carl did everything right. Carl called me the next day and said when he looked at the Tiemco 3/0 hook, the point was rolled over. It may have happened hitting the pole on the back-cast when I was trying to position the boat. This was a good lesson for me in checking the point anytime you touch it to the bottom, a fish or in this case the boat. It is easy to forget these details when you have fish in your sights.
     There are also reds around the outside points and oyster bars. Seeing them can be tough with the extreme high tides we have been experiencing. Another captain told me he had heard these are the highest tides in recent history (other than hurricanes) and nobody is sure why. I found an article from NOAA that suggests an unusual combination of winds and currents along the coast is the cause but nobody is sure. NOAA is actively studying the data to understand this phenomenon. The inflow of water in Everglades City has water going over the roads. It is without a doubt the highest water I have seen in some of the bays we fish with tides up to 2 feet above normal.
All the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report/Busman’s Holiday – week ending 9/12/2009

On Monday I was hooking the Scandy to the back of the Jeep for a bonefish trip to the Keys when the phone rang. My neighbor Ron called and I could tell he was excited. The tarpon are here in the 10K, he said; big fish and lots of them!  I told him of my plans and said I would be back here by the weekend to put the run on them. 
     Marshall DeMott and I arrived in the Keys on Tuesday and explored some beautiful flats just outside Key West despite some unsettled weather. I was poling a cut along a shallow flat when we spotted a bonefish of no less than 10# working its way into the outgoing tide. We just could not get there in time to intercept the fish. I pushed hard against the current and wind just in time to see another fish following the same path. This fish was not so lucky. Marshall put his crab six feet ahead of the fish, waited a couple seconds, stripped once, and as the fish sped up Marsh was connected. After some smoking runs he brought a beautiful 7# bone to the boat. Congratulations Marshall!  Before long an ominous storm had us running back to port. 
     Day 2 brought a forecast of 70% chance of storms and rain but we decided to give it a go anyhow. The wind was blowing a steady 10 knots when we hit the first flat. Spotted some fish but decided we may have a better chance wading the lee of a small key where we had spotted fish the day before. We both grabbed a rod and waded carefully while trying to spot fish between the cloud-shadows ripping across the flats. I was headed towards a clear spot in the turtle grass when I heard a shout off to my right, turned around and Marsh was hard and fast to another big bone. I waded over, snapped some pictures and helped revive her before releasing another great fish. 
     As I got to the opening in the grass, a very large fish lazily worked its way along the edge. I put the crab just ahead, stripped and was connected. The backing was just hitting the tip of the rod when everything went slack. Broke off? No. I looked at the fly and the hook had straightened – a good lesson in “bring enough gun!” 
     I tied on a new fly and had just stripped out some line when another single cruised into the opening. This fish hit the crab almost as soon as it settled and I was connected.  I heard a shout and Marshall was fast to a fish as well – Keys double-header! We both landed our fish at about the same time it became apparent we were not the only ones working this flat. The excitement had brought a heard of big bull sharks along with a 5’ cuda looking for an opportunity. Time to go.  
     Back in the boat we spotted four 20-25# permit working their way into the bight on the incoming. Try as I wanted, I just could not catch up with these guys before they hit some deep water and disappeared.  
     Great to fish different waters and explore all that Florida has to offer the fly fisher.
All the best,
Captain Bill

I will be reporting the upcoming week's fishing report this Saturday morning at 9:00 AM on ESPN REEL Talk Radio with host Captain Rob Modys. You can catch Rob every Saturday morning from 7 – 10 AM on 770 AM – see you there… Captain Bill

Fishing Report – week ending 9/05/2009

This week has been off to slow start for me with some off-color water and slack tides but as the full moon approaches it should pick up. Snook opened on the 1st but angling pressure has been light down this way. The water up towards Marco and Naples has been clearer than down here near the Park offering some better sight fishing opportunities.

I am still seeing small tarpon in the creeks and using chartreuse flies such as the Green Lantern to hook these acrobats. Also try a white popper or gurgler thrown right on the roll. This can be really exciting to catch these guys on top-water. Fish early to escape the heat as most of the fishing tapers off by 10:00AM. 
Most of these fish will run 10 to 15 pounds and spend as much time in the air as the do in the water. Great fun on a on fly rod. 
I have heard some reports of bigger tarpon showing and cruising the beaches but have been scarce for me.

Snook continue to patrol the beaches looking for a well placed fly. Some fish are showing in the back bays as the spawn winds down. I have been throwing thread fins or greenback imitations as I am seeing bigger baits on the beaches. In the off color water use a darker pattern that pushes water. Try a Jurassic Tarpon in size 2/0 for these snook in the back.

Still reds on the outside points and oyster bars, sometime difficult to spot in the off-color water but go slow and look for any push or fish tipping to feed.  A good fly for these guys is a small Tom’s Redfish Candy.

Fishing Report – week ending 8/29/2009

There has been a steady increase in our rainfall over the last week and we are seeing a definite outfall of water in the canals and rivers feeding into the Gulf.  These afternoon rains provide a welcome cooling to both the air and water. Just watch out for the lightning. Between storms, much of my time this week has been at the bench tying some new patterns along with some flies for an upcoming trip to the Keys for bonefish and permit. 
     There are a fair number of snook on the outside points and clear beaches crashing on bait. I have been seeing some larger baits and have been using larger flies over the last week. The Silver Jenny is a great pattern to imitate these greenbacks. Small tarpon continue to be around the creeks and canals early and late. As I am writing this there are a couple of fish rolling in our canal behind the house just waiting for a fly. I have heard a few reports of bigger fish showing up but not in any numbers, yet. There continue to be redfish cruising the oyster bars and points. Some of these guys are big and spook easily so put it in stealth mode when sight fishing this shallow water.
All the best,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report – week ending 8/22/2009

Luckily hurricane Bill took a turn for the north and headed up the middle of the Atlantic and Ana fizzled out without the much needed rain they predicted. The wind has made for some dirty water conditions but there are fish to be caught.
     I fished with fellow captain Bill Faulkner and Marshall DeMott this week. The wind blew steady at 20 plus all day making for some tough conditions and off color water. The fish were there though. Top water flies such as Gartside Gurglers brought some strikes early in the morning. We saw a bunch of snook and reds crashing on small baits in a bay just as the sun was coming up but could not see them laying up due to the water conditions and light. Capt Bill slid his new WhipRay into a bay pushing a bunch of bait against the shore. We saw no less than twenty snook and reds crashing and free jumping as these baits hit the shore. After things settled down we managed a big red and a small snook on this shore. A great day in the Glades with good friends. 
     Dark patterns that sink a bit continue to be a good bet in these off color water conditions. Throw a top water fly or popper at the creek mouths early or late. There are still lots of snook on the beaches just waiting for small glass minnow imitation. 
     I have heard a few reports of some big tarpon here and there. A friend put a big fish in the boat last week and I spooked a fish over 100 pounds laid up on the bottom when coming into a bay this week. Keep your eyes open for more of these big fish as fall gets closer.
All the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – week ending 8/15/2009

As I am writing this NOAA is keeping their eyes on Ana and Bill, the first named storms of the season. It seems that our hurricane season is starting with a number of tropical depressions rolling off Cape Verde. Knock on wood and hope these things will not amount to much.
     In the mean time, fishing has remained consistent this week with lots of small glass minnows off the outside points and creeks in the back. DNA Reducers are a great fly when the fish are keyed in on small baits.  I have not seen the schools of the larger green backs that are typical here during the summer.
     We are seeing some very large snook coming off the beaches and into the back to fill up on these baits. Small tarpon remain a great target early and late. These fish run 10 to 20 pounds and spend as much time in the air as they do in the water. The Green Lantern has been my favorite lately but late yesterday in low-light conditions, the Natural was producing better – “dark day-dark fly.”  Sight fishing for reds on the oyster bars and points remains good, especially south of here. 
     On another note, it seems the 8 year stalemate between the federal government and state of Florida on the Everglades restoration is over. This is good news for continuing the largest single environmental project in US history, almost $11 billion dollars. One of the first projects to be started is right out our backdoor, a 55,000 acre wetland restoration in the Picayune Strand. Here is a link to their website with details about the agreement and individual projects: www.evergladesplan.org/index.aspx
All the best,
Captain Bill Baldus

Fishing Report – week ending 8/08/2009

There continue to be a fair number of redfish around this week. Check out the oyster bars and points on the beginning of the incoming and you will find fish. The water clarity has been poor making it difficult to spot fish. Go slow and watch for any type of push or flash when these fish tip up to feed. We blew out a fish yesterday and figured he was gone. He went around the point, settled down and we were able to get him on the first cast. Redfish sliders and small Naturals are consistently working. 
     Tarpon fishing has remained consistent with good numbers of juveniles in the creeks and canals. Found a creek mouth full of glass minnows with fish crashing on them. Jumped one and put a nice fish in the boat on the first two casts with the Green Lantern before they figured out we were there.
     Snook reports from the beaches in Marco and Naples are great. I was on Marco last Sunday and walked down to South Beach to look at the water. There were a lot of people in the water yet we spotted three large snook swimming in the first trough unbeknownst to the swimmers.     
     It is hot and steamy during the day for sure. A few afternoon showers continue to cool it down a bit. The good news is that the bugs have not been bad - knock on wood.
     There are some tripletail near shore if you can find floating structure. Crab traps are great but not out there now since the season is closed. These guys will hide under a floating cigarette pack – I have seen it. They take a fly readily and are a great fight on a fly rod. Someone said “they are just like fighting a manhole cover.” Supreme hair shrimp and DNA Reducers cast right in front of them will hook these guys. 
All the best,
Capt Bill Baldus

Fishing Report – week ending 7/31/2009

The water has cooled down a bit and we are seeing an occasional afternoon storm to give us some much needed rain. Water temperatures in a couple bays were around 85 earlier this week. 
     The week started out with some outstanding sight fishing for redfish on Sunday. We had a great outgoing all afternoon with some pretty clear water making it easy to spot these fish cruising the oyster bars and points. We had tails showing on a couple occasions, not something you see a lot here in the 10,000 islands. The fly of choice was a small Natural tied on a size 2.  
     There have been pods of juvenile tarpon around rolling early and late. The fish are in the 10-25 pound range and great fun on an 8 or 9 weight rod. On Monday I found a small pod of maybe 10-15 fish actively rolling in a small cove in about 4 feet of water. The Green Lantern was just the ticket, two fish on the first two casts. Second fish was bigger than expected and went through the shock like butter on the first jump – should have had 40# on. Hit another 3 fish before they decided they had enough. 
	Snook continue to be stacked on the beaches with good reports up and down the coast. Just a reminder, if you are on foot and fishing from the beach, starting this Saturday you now need a shore fishing license. If you already have a saltwater license, you are covered.
All the best,
Capt Bill Baldus

Fishing Report – week ending 7/25/2009
	We have had a very dry and hot week with some hope for rain toward the weekend. The water temperature in the bays is in the 90s and has slowed the fishing down during the day. Usually this time of year we get some afternoon rains that cool it down a bit for some evening fishing, not happening yet. 
     This is a great time to do a half-day trip with mornings being the best bet with some nice juvenile tarpon in the creek mouths and rivers. There have been some redfish around but get there early on the incoming or first outgoing before it heats up. 
     Since the wind has laid down a bit, it is also a good time to run out into the Gulf and look for birds and fish crashing bait. You never know what you may have a shot at – mackerel, cobia, tripletail, kingfish, permit? I heard this week about a Naples captain that caught two bonefish over 10 miles offshore while bottom fishing – what the heck? 
     The beaches continue to hold a bunch of nice snook cruising the shoreline, just looking for a fly. Try Naples, Keewaydin, Tiger Tail or Hideaway beaches early with DNA Reducers, DTs or Tsunamis in size 2. These fish are spooky in this shallow water so go slow and lead them with your cast, let the fly settle and a couple of short strips. 
All the best,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report – week ending 7/18/2009

The wind has subsided and the water is much clearer than in the past few weeks. There are small glass minnows on the outside and snook both on the beaches and back bays. Tarpon are around; fish in the 30-60 pound range can be found rolling early and late.  This is a great time to fish the Everglades at first light before the heat slows the fishing down. The Green Lantern is just the ticket for these early morning rolling fish – see it under “our flies.”
     It is dry, really dry. The water table is very low for this time of the year. We have received some localized storms but not the usual afternoon storms that give us the water that carries us through the rest of the year. The folks at NOAA are saying we are in an “El Nino” period where the Pacific is warmer than the Atlantic. The good news is they expect a less severe hurricane season for the Atlantic coast but drier summer conditions and a wetter winter. They expect this pattern to last about 12 months. 
     When not fishing this week I spent some time at the Rookery Bay Estuarine Research Center learning about the anthropology of the 10,000 Islands along with the flora and fauna of the islands. These guys do a great job. Whether you live here or are just visiting, it is worth stopping in and learning about all the research they do here in the 10,000 Islands.
All the best,
Capt. Bill

Fishing Report – week ending 7/11/2009

The full moon has the fish feeding at night this week making for some tougher fishing during the heat of the day. I went out at midnight Wednesday and there were snook and tarpon crashing across the bay under the light of the moon. Had three tarpon hit but no cigar. I did manage to put a nice tarpon in the boat later this week, unfortunately I broke the tip on a Sage Xi2 when she got a last burst of energy and ran around the front of the boat. It happens! 
     This time of the year you can usually set your watch by the afternoon thunderstorms. Not this year, so far. We are way behind on our annual rainfall and the water table is low.  
     The prevailing west wind has brought some clear water and weeds in close to shore from the Gulf. Capt. Rob Walczak reported a fair number of tripletail hanging around the edges of the weed lines. These fish eat a fly readily and are a great fight on a fly rod. I use a small minnow imitation such as a DNA Reducer or Supreme Shrimp with a 30lb hard nylon bite tippet. 
All the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – week ending 7/04/2009

We have had a West wind most days this week making for some off-colored water and pretty much shutting down the snook fishing on the beaches.  It was windy enough that the surfers were out along the Naples beach this week. As tough as the outside has been, you can always find spots in the backcountry of the 10,000 Islands to get some protection from the wind and find fish. 
     We are in our summer tropical pattern of afternoon thunderstorms and rain to cool off the water a bit.  Snook and tarpon fishing have been good with the best fishing early in the morning and evenings. Redfish have been tough to find, at least for me this week. 
     I have been using both the Tsunami and Jurassic Tarpon depending on water color and light conditions. Top water patterns have also been working well before the wind comes up. There is nothing better than watching the sun come up in one of the backwater bays in the islands, casting a big deer hair fly at a creek mouth and watching a tarpon or snook slam it for all she’s worth. 
All the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – week ending 6/27/2009

I was on the water only two days this week but found some nice tarpon on Wednesday and snook yesterday. There has been a bit of wind and dirty water to contend with but all in all, some pretty good fishing. A size 1 Jurassic Tarpon with the blue/red/black eyes and blue Angel Hair highlights has been outstanding for both the snook and tarpon in the backcountry. This fly tracks just below the surface and triggers some awesome strikes. 
     During the winter months I have observed a small baitfish with striking blue mottling on the fins and tail. Most likely they are sailfinned mollies.  They are very prevalent in the shallow creeks of the back country and most likely a food source for these fish. Maybe this is a factor in the success of this color combination?
     On another note, I just heard that the new administration is pushing the United Nations to re-list Everglades National Park as an “endangered world heritage site.” The Park was removed from this status in June 2007 under the Bush administration. The Park is slated to receive 279 million federal dollars this year in the ongoing efforts to restore the “River of Grass.” This change of status should help in putting this project back on a faster track for restoration efforts. I will keep you posted as I hear more information.
All the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – week ending 6/19/2009
	
     Our weather continues to be very tropical with regular afternoon thunderstorms but not a ton of rain – yet! Tarpon continue to be the best game in town this week – at least for me. I landed one 1 nice fish and had two others on Tuesday after only a couple of hours fishing. 
     Here is a little sidebar for those interested in knowing more about tarpon and their migratory patterns. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute have a volunteer-based program called the Florida Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study. The study is designed to answer questions on survival rates, health, migration, and movement of individual fish within the fishery. For such an important species, not a lot is really known about these fish. 
To learn more: http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=26602 or to participate and receive a DNA sampling kit call FWC at 1-800-367-4461. I have been participating for two years and believe that this type of research will help us answer many of the outstanding questions on these magnificent fish. The samples are taken by a swab on outer jaw of the tarpon using a small sponge that picks up skin cells. 
     The snook continue to cruise the beaches in good numbers. I have been hearing some reports that the fish are getting some pressure and a little difficult along Naples and Tigertail beaches. Now is the time to fish early or late and escape the mid-day heat. 
All the best,
Captain Bill

Fishing Report – week 6/14/2009

The tarpon are still around. I fished yesterday evening for only a couple of hours and found tarpon in one bay with two good shots but no takes. One large fish and another smaller while sight fishing for reds. 
     The rain has subsided a bit and so have the winds. Perfect conditions for locating rolling tarpon. Now is the time to fish early or late as the days are pretty steamy.
     Another captain told me when I first moved to the Glades that “when the Royal Poincianas are in full bloom, the snook are on the beach.” It works every year! The challenge can be the wind and water conditions. But when it is clear, it’s just like stalking bonefish on a flat. Big, wary fish, long casts and nothing like it when it all comes together.
     I have been busy between trips procuring some new and exciting fly tying materials and tying some new flies. Take a look at the 3-D Jurassic laser eyes on “our flies. Look for more to come….

All the best,
Captain Bill

Fishing Report – week 6/07/2009

The weather continues on our typical summer pattern of afternoon showers along with a few unexpected morning storms. Tarpon have been my primary target this week with some mixed results. I fished Saturday and Sunday with Jay Couture and Paul Anderson from New Hampshire and Maine. We found a number of large tarpon early Saturday, had shots, but we just could not put the deal together. I am sure you know how that goes.
 Late Saturday morning the wind started blowing 15-20 knots from the southeast and a tide of muddy Gulf water came in pretty much shutting it down.
     We stopped on White Horse Key on our way back to eat lunch and while we were sitting on the beach we spotted a fish pushing water and working its way along the beach.  Good size fish, three fins out of the water? Shark? Nope, Sawfish, maybe five foot long. This is a rare sight and the first one I have seen since living here. 
     Sunday was a different story: First light, calm, silver shoulders, 10 fish in the bay, guessing 50 to 80. Jay, on-deck, roll, third cast, sets... 60-80 lbs, parted ways after almost jumping in the boat. Next move put us on another pod of 6-10 fish. We had shots at a couple rollers and one laid up fish but no takes. All-in-all a great trip given the tough conditions.

All the best,
Captain Bill

Fishing Report – week 5/29/2009

The fishing this week has been spotty with pockets of tarpon here and there and plenty of snook on the beach, when you can see them. There have been prevailing westerly winds that have kept the beaches churned up making spotting the fish difficult. DTs, DNA Reducers and small white Tantrums continue to be the choice for the snook on the beach. Stop in Mangrove Outfitters to pick up some flies and head to the beaches at Naples or Marco. 
I think a lot of the large tarpon schools have moved through and we will be fishing the local fish until these big fish return in six weeks or so. I have seen a number of juveniles here in the Faka Union canal.
	We have received some welcome rain over the last few weeks. The downside was a localized fish kill in the canals along US 41 and state road 29 down here near Everglades City. The theory is that the ground was so dry that when it started to rain, it swept the fine top soil into the canals making for unlivable conditions for these fish. There were hundreds of fish floating in the canals after this first hard rain. It is something I have not seen since living here.
All the best,
Captain Bill

Fishing Report – week 5/22/2009

As I am writing this the clouds are starting to build for our afternoon showers and I just saw a small tarpon roll right next to our dock. We have been seeing some badly needed rain most days this week but not enough to change the salinity of the water down here. There was been some wind in the afternoons making for some dirty water conditions in places. There continue to be pockets of tarpon here in the islands and lots of snook staging on the clear beaches. 
DTs, DNA Reducers and small white Tantrums are a good choice for the snook on the beach. Naples Beach, Keewaydin Island and Tiger Tail on Marco are all good choices for poling or walking along the beach. These fish offer a great challenge much like stalking bonefish. 
For both snook and tarpon, I have been having success using darker flies in the off-colored water and cloudy afternoons. Flies such as muddlers or EPs tied with black and olive color variations have been working for me.
I continue to see less and less boats on my travels through the islands even though the fishing continues to improve. I just came back from Port of the Islands Marina and a few fishermen are showing up for the Memorial Day weekend. It should be good this weekend between a few showers. These afternoon showers offer both the fish and the angler a little welcome cool. Have a safe weekend.
All the best,
Captain Bill

Fishing Report – week 5/15/2009

Finally, the smoke is gone and the wind has subsided. The weather pattern has definitely changed to summer conditions with afternoon rains and warmer water. As I am writing this, a huge cloud is moving over the Port and the frogs are chirping as the rain starts to fall. 
The fish love it. The big tarpon are all over with lots of snook on the beach. 
I had a chance to put an angler on a very big snook this week – we guessed her at over 20 pounds. We must have thrown six different patterns at this gal for over a half hour as she worked her way down the shore. She would turn on each pattern but no take. I think she had other things on her mind!
The guides coming into Mangrove Outfitters are all reporting great fishing. John Stark was in yesterday and said his fishing has been outstanding with lots of shots at giant tarpon. Marshall DeMott fought a huge fish for over an hour this week with John – congratulations Marsh!
When you are out, pack your 12 weight but have a snook rod ready at-hand and be on the lookout for these big gals staging in the bays and cruising the beach. Now is the time to catch an awesome snook.
When not fishing this week, I have been working on tying some new patterns with some cool new materials – look for more to come here over the next few weeks.

All the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – week 5/09/2009

The smoke has subsided but the wind continues to blow making for some dirty water and tough conditions. There are patches of clear water and fish to be caught. Fished on Monday with Captain Tom and saw 6-8 tarpon first thing in the morning but no steady rollers. Spotted a fish while I was on-deck and had a swipe on Enrico’s Tarpon Bunny in purple/red but no hookup. First cast with a Seaducer, Tom connected and had three jumps with a nice 40-50 pound fish before it came undone – it happens. Shortly thereafter we moved to a shallow bay just as the tide was turning and Tom connected with a very nice snook and brought her to the boat.  We poled a bunch of shoreline without seeing much. Just before we left the bay, we spotted a little oyster bar out in the middle. We hit three nice snook on this little oasis within a few casts. 
Fished Tuesday with Marshall and Bruce, two friends of the classic rivers in the state of Maine. We found a bunch of reds pushing in very shallow water just as the sun was coming up. It was tough to see these guys in such low light – casting to wakes! Bruce had a hookup right off but disconnected after the set – it happens. We went to a few spots that have been holding tarpon over the last few weeks and saw nothing. Fished some beaches and only saw one good snook cruising. Got a jack, couple mangroves and finally Marsh put a nice snook in the boat before licking our wounds and calling it a day. 
The water is starting to warm with temps moving upward due to warmer nights. When is it going to start to rain? It is so dry down here. Sure as heck I say this and it will start raining to the point I will consider building an Ark.
All the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – week 5/02/2009
The Big Cypress fire has grown to over 24,000 acres since last week. It has been windy and smoky most of this week with tough conditions on the water. I fished on Wednesday and found a few tarpon here and there but none willing to play.  Did see one very large snook cruising a shoreline but my angler was unable to spot her – it happens. Water temperatures continue to be in the low 70s due to the cool nights. 
Captain Shadley and I fished out of Naples on Friday morning for a few hours looking for tarpon. There was a light chop in Rookery Bay when we pulled in to a small cove. No sooner than we got there a fish of about 80 pounds greyhounded right in front of us. We poled the bay expecting to see more but did not see another fish. I think this gal slept in and was in a big hurry to catch up with her friends on their way to Boca Grande.  
I was on the platform in a small bay and spotted a large fish pushing about 100 yards ahead. While I was looking at this, Tom hit a big snook and fought her almost to the boat when the hook pulled out – long distance release. That was about it for a couple hours of fishing. 
Hoping to see more tarpon show up and the wind subside a bit.  There are snook on the beach. Get some beach flies such as shminnows, tantrums or small light bulbs at Mangrove Outfitters and head out to Tigertail or Naples. Plan your trip on an incoming tide when the sun is high enough to spot these cruising fish in the first trough. 
All the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – week 4/24/2009
I was on the water three days this week and it was tough fishing for me. I fished with Captain Bruce Benson in the new Scandy on Sunday for a couple of hours. He put a nice redfish in the boat on his third or fourth cast. Fished with Joe Binova yesterday and it was a tough go, spotted a few tarpon but nothing like it was over the last couple of weeks. Spotted one large snook in a small bay but a gust of wind blew over where she was laying and I lost site of her and never saw her again. The water was very dirty in most spots we fished making it difficult to sight fish. The water is still not as warm as I would like it. The cool nights have kept the water temperature down in the low 70s. 
There is a major fire burning north of here in the Everglades and the smoke is everywhere. The lack of rain and the wind continue to fan this fire to over 10,000 acres.
The wind continues to blow most days but there has been some relief. Looking forward to some rain and better fishing conditions.
Alll the best,
Capt Bill

Fishing Report – week ending April 18, 2009

It seems that the trade winds have arrived. It has been blowing most days and usually there is some chop on the bays even at first light. 
     I was talking to another guide this week from Montana, Kyle Giampole, over a beer and we decided that this was a lot like the wind on the Yellowstone; you just got to work with it. If you wait for it to quit, you may not get out until August! 
     The good news is that there are a bunch of tarpon around right now. I put one in the boat Monday morning at 150lbs and there was a pretty good chop on the bay she came from. Blew up a 9’, 12 weight on the final lift. I grabbed the leader and was able to take a couple pictures before I sent her on her way to Boca Grande.
     Everybody is seeing fish but it has been a bit tough to get them to eat some days. You can tell when the guides are coming into the Mangrove Outfitters fly shop and buying all sorts of color combinations trying to put together something new and sexy.
Tarpon toads were all the rage and now, it seems the honeymoon is over and now small and dark seems to be the tool of choice.
	Big snook are in the bays and looking to fill up before the spawn. Start looking to the beaches as the water warms and May approaches. The water temperatures have been warming slowly but cold-fronts continue to arrive.
	We are seeing the end of the annual spring snowbird migration north. I have noticed fewer boats on my travels through the islands and looking forward to another week of great fishing. 
All the best,
Capt. Bill