It was a dreadfully slow week, and that tropical storm did develop and affect our weather with some wind and rain. Fortunately, it passed to the east south of the Keys.

Saturday, I was one of about 40 professional guides that participated in the second annual Big Brother/Big Sisters Tournament in Ft. Myers. It's a great thing, for most of the kids are from broken homes, and many of them don't have a man to take them fishing at all.

Mark and I decided to work as a team, and that the most important thing was to get the kids on as much action as possible. Kids don't care so much what they're catching, as long as they're catching. With the tropical storm passing to our south, and the cold front pushing it away from us approaching from the north, we knew it was going to be a rough day on the water.

We were up at 4:00 am, and on the water shortly after 5:00. The flags were already stanting at attention, and looked as if they'd been starched. Since this event was only scheduled for four hours of fishing, we wanted to have bait in the wells when we left the docks. We ran across the rough Sound in total darkness. Not a star shown in the sky. We anchored up at the mouth of St. James Creek, out of the wind as much as we were going to get, and started putting out a chum slick. We threw and threw our castnets into the darkness, only to bring back a few pinfish and shiners each throw. Finally, at 7:45, we took off for the Causeway where we were to pick up our kids. It was blowing so bad now, and threatening rain, that the officials were considering canceling the event, but I finally pulled away with my two young anglers, Jimmy Anderson and Edward Perez at around 8:30.

It was a tough morning, what with a 25+ mph north wind and two young boys who didn't know which end of the pole to pick up, but we managed to catch 1 nice snook, 1 big flounder, 2 ladyfish, 1 big gafftop sailcat fish, a lizard fish, a snapper, and about 15 speckled trout. The boys had never seen or caught any of these fish before, and had a great time.

Back at the docks at noon we had a great fried chicken lunch, and the awards and prizes were given out. Everyone got several items. There were no losers.

I'm looking forward to next year, and hope I get the same two young men.

TRIP INFORMATION [Site Index] [Highlights] [Capt. Butch Profile] [About the Boat] [Kayak Fishing] [Testimonials] [Booking Tips] [Weekend Policy] [Great Rates] [What to Expect] [Cheap Accomodations] [Send Email] [What to Bring] [Directions to the Ramp]

WHAT WE CATCH [Snook] [Redfish] [Tarpon] [Trout] [Jack Crevelle] [Tripletail] [Customer Tales]

THE CAPTAIN TELLS ALL [Fishing Reports] [TV Quality Video Clips] [Articles] [Newsletters] [Angler of the Month] [Angler of the Year Awards] [Manatee Zones] [Tackle Service Center] [Cool Fishing Stuff For Sale] [Hot Links to Cool Sites] [Send Email] [Back to Home]

OTHER FUN STUFF TO DO! [Shelling & Sightseeing Trips] [Dolphin/Manatee Watch Trips] [Lunch & Bar Hopping Trips]