We have a great thing going on right now. There are giant schools of baitfish, including shiners, threadfins, sardines, and shad literally everywhere. This unprecedented supply of baitfish, has brought with it huge schools of ladyfish, jack crevalle, trout, and others. I have seen the largest schools of feeding fish that I can remember ever seeing.

I was out in the new Talon for a little fun and run on Sunday, and wanted to catch some nice trout on topwater plugs. There were so many ladyfish everywhere I went that they were all I could catch. They were fighting over the plug, and just destroying it. I decided not to fight city hall, and just enjoy the intense action. Anything is fun on a topwater plug, after all.

I had a fly trip on Thursday with Howard Salt, who hails from Scotland, originally, and now resides here in Algonquin, Illinois, and we ran into the huge schools marked by frenzied birds diving on the bait, as we were headed to the flats to look for redfish and snook. Howard and I had a ball, he with an 8 weight outfit and a chartreuse clouser minnow, and me with the Bass Assassin Crystal Minnow. We caught jacks, trout, and ladyfish galore.

Once we'd had our fill of that we went looking for reds and snook. I went to a trough at the end of a mangrove key that is usually full of snook of all sizes, and Howard managed to get one snook on fly. He missed a couple of other hits. Now, all we needed for a Slam on fly was a redfish. The tide was now reaching it's lowest point, and I had hopes of putting Howard on some tailing reds. We found them at our first stop, but with the wind blowing as hard as it was, Howard just couldn't get the fly to them. And, I might add, that Howard is probably the best fly caster I've ever been privileged to have on my boat. Very pretty to watch him work.

So, I mentioned that we could probably catch one of those reds on a topwater plug, and Howard was quick to tell me to tie one on and give it a go. I made sure Howard had plenty of shots with the fly first, and when he told me he just wouldn't be able to get to them, I fired the Mirrolure Top Pup beyond and in front of the reds. As I worked the plug close to them, one of the fish smashed it, and I passed the rod to Howard. The fish was a good one, and was stripping plenty of line from the Shimano Sustain. Suddenly, the line went limp, and the fish was gone before Howard could get her to the boat. I thought that she had just managed to twist off the hooks, but realized once I was home and rinsing everything off, that she had straightened one of the treble hooks enough that it could pull out. I guess it might be a good idea to put beefier hooks on your lures.

We had a great time, finishing the day back where we had started catching a few more jacks and ladyfish. Howard used the "A" word, which made me very happy, and told me that I had a new regular customer, which in this economic mess we're in, makes me even happier!!

Barring any unforeseen weather problems, next week should be a full report, with tales of lots of fish caught. We have great tides and there are fish everywhere.

The downturn in business because of the slow economy, and now further because of the tragedy of September 11, has had me and some of my friends brainstorming how we can generate trips, generate cash flow, and therefore stay in business through the tough times we have ahead of us. Here are the first two ideas I will put forward. First, since December and January are normally my only slow months of the year, I am fearful of just how slow they could be this year. I am going to roll back the cost of my half day trip to last year's rate of $325 for anyone booking in December and January. Further, if you would like to prepay your trip, no matter when you have it booked, either in lump sum, or in three or four installments, I will discount the trip by $25. Your trip must be paid at least a month in advance to earn the discount. With the market in such a slump and interest rates still declining, that's a much better return on your trip fee than leaving it in the bank until trip time.

So, come on folks. It's time to get out and enjoy your favorite pastime, in your favorite vacation destination. Let's show Osama Bin Lunatic that he can't beat us with economic terrorism, either.

I have now posted the final thumbnailed pictures on the Talon Page of this website, for those interested in seeing how one of these jewels goes together.

If you want to be able to continue to fish Florida waters please follow this link, "Manatee Zones: How You Can Help" and please take the time to become involved, even if you don't live in Florida. Let the politicians know WHY you come to Florida on vacation!
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