Reel Fishing
Dedication to the future of gamefish is a non-stop effort.
07 May 2013
Recreational Anglers Deliver
Recreational Fishing has a small impact on fish harvest and a relatively large affect on local economies, according to ASA's recent release.
| 18 April 2013
Additcitve Fishing producer Kevin McCabe shares insights about Addictive Fishing.Addictive Fishing producer Kevin McCabe shares his view from behind the camera.
Editor’s note: This interview is part of a series with Outdoor Hub’s featured video partners, and was originally run in the Outdoor Hub on April 5.
This week we are joined by Addictive Fishing producer Kevin McCabe in an interview about filming, fishing, and the industry in general. Kevin has been with Addictive Fishing since its inception and is the driving force behind the scenes to produce one of the longest-running and most successful shows in the business. Maintaining both a presence in online platforms like YouTube as well as television, Addictive Fishing aims to both exhilarate and educate.
Kevin or “Mr. Producerman,” as the crew calls him, continues to be a ceaseless innovator and strives to produce top-notch entertainment for anglers. We are pleased he was able to sit down with us for an interview.
Outdoor Hub: So, tell me about the Addictive Fishing story and how you got here today.
Kevin McCabe: Well, we’re in our fourteenth year. We are a saltwater fishing show based here in Florida and we’ve been streaming on the internet since before YouTube was a thing.
The show is what we’d like to call “rod bending drag screaming” television.” It’s of course hosted by Captain Blair Wiggins. He has been a fishing guide for most of his life until we started doing this TV show. What’s interesting about our partnership is that we’ve known each other since the second grade. We grew up back in the day, elementary school through high school. There is nobody better suited to host this show than Blair. We spent our early years fishing and then graduated high school. I went to Tampa for the University of South Florida. He went off to the Air Force. We came back to our home town for our ten-year high school reunion and shortly thereafter we started the show.
| 16 April 2013
Once again, River Palm
Cottages (Jensen Beach) was ground zero for a flurry of SGF activity that was
highlighted by 49 
Capt. Danny Barrow took time to discuss the importance of collecting recreational fishing data through the Angler Action Program.anglers competing in a one-of-a-kind fishing tournament.
The event supported the Angler Action Program, SGF’s recreational angler data collection system that is already giving anglers a measure of clout in the fishery science world.
TCSC anglers fished throughout the night, trying to tease snook all along the Treasure Coast using artificial lures only. Lots of good data was collected, some new faces were introduced to the program, and over 100 guests soaked in some good times, great food, and a large variety of raffle prizes.
RJ Ferraro (left) is recognized by TCSC Chairman Tom Lewis for catching the longest snook of the night, a 40-incher.Tom Lewis of First Light tackle was the tournament Chairman and the primary tackle sponsor. “I was snook
fishing with Drew (Wickstrom, Tournament Director) one night and we started
talking about throwing a tournament to introduce more anglers to First Light
Tackle,” Tom said. That very first conversation was during this past December –
not a lot of time to conceptualize and organize a fishing tournament!
Tom, Drew and a handful of very dedicated volunteer committee members got right to work, meeting weekly to discuss sponsors, rules, ideas, and how to best highlight the AAP. “All along I knew I wanted to benefit the Snook & Gamefish Foundation, so calling Rick Roberts (Executive Director, SGF) was one of our first moves.”
The entire process ended up as a model example of how different organizations can work together very effectively. Committee members worked with SGF staff and volunteers to map out the data collection process. FWC/FWRI were brought into the mix to help tag a few fish for the purpose of offering a “bounty” of $500 for 3 snook as well as educating the public on the latest snook research and ongoing programs.
| 12 April 2013
A young man who practices what he preaches: Habitat protection, best practices fish handling, and AAP logging.‘Be Smart. Be Clean.
Enjoy.”
You don’t have to be a Boy Scout to come up with a sensible
motto like
that, but for 17 year-old Kenny DiBiase of Sanibal Island it fit his Eagle
Scout project like a glove.
Kenny’s project was built around educating the local public on water quality issues, and ways us every day folk can be sure to do our part in protecting and improving the quality of our waters.
Over a span of several months, Kenny gave many live talks to community groups, and created road signs (which had to be approved and installed by the city). He spoke to the City of Sanibel Council and many other clubs as part of his plan to educate as many people as possible about his very important project.
Kenny’s project culminated with a flurry of activity that
included organizing educational booths at 5 different locations. This required
training and preparing 30 volunteers, who manned sites at bait and tackle
stores, grocery stores, and other high traffic areas.
| 13 March 2013
(Click Image To Enlarge) Join us for a tournament Meet-N-Greet on Saturday, March 23, 6-8PM at the Stuart Flanigan's. Talk to other snook anglers, learn more about snook data, and have a little fun!
You are invited to join in First Light Tackle's Treasure Coast SnookChallenge, to benefit the Snook & Gamefish Foundation/Angler Action Program. The captain's meeting will be held on site - at the River Palm Cottages in Jensen Beach, FL - April 6 at 3pm, and fishing begins at the close of the meeting. Tournament fishing ends at noon on April 7, and the awards party kicks off at 3pm at River Palm Cottages.
Registration and payment can be dropped off at Juno Bait & Tackle (12214 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408), or delivered to the pre-tournament Meet-N-Greet that will take place Saturday March 23 from 6-8 PM, at our sponsoring Flanigan's in Stuart (950 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994) .
Click here for downloadable PDF registration [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 2.08 MB]
Anglers are to use First Light Tackle snook jigs or FLT scorpion jig heads, which will be provided at the mandatory captain's meeting. Prize categories include largest individual snook, total length of three best snook, and most releases of slot fish. There will also be three "bounty" fish, tagged and released in the vicinity with the assistance of FWC. Finally, everyone who enters their catch data into the Angler Action Program by the dinner party will be eligible to win extra raffle prizes - even if no fish are caught.
Registration
fee of $60/angler will benefit Snook & Gamefish Foundation as well
as provide each contestant with First Light lures, T shirt, 1 raffle ticket for onsite prize drawings, and 1 dinner ticket for a delicious meal provided by Flanigans at River Palm on April 7.
Additional Rules/Info:
This is a catch/photo/release event. Tournament fish must be photographed with the official tournament measuring stick, which will be provided at the captain's meeting.
This is a rain or shine event. Minors can participate under the constant and direct supervision of their parent or legal guardian.
Registration can be phoned in to Brett Fitzgerald, 561 707 8923.
Fr Charlie Holt, with his first shad. Charlie keeps busy pastoring St. Peter's Lake Mary, but encourages taking time to recharge..story contributed by John Kumiski, Spotted Tail Charters
My fishing reports end with the admonition, “Life is short- go fishing!”
I was talking to an old friend on the telephone this week. When I first moved to Florida this guy took me under his wing and taught me how to fly fish here. He introduced me to several of the old school Florida Keys guides- Tommy Busciglio, Lee Baker, Nat Ragland. We went fishing with Tommy off Duck Key one morning and jumped a couple big tarpon. We fished in the Everglades. We fished in the lagoons. He showed me how to tie flies that would fool redfish and tarpon. He is a friend and a mentor and I owe him a lot.
Now he has neuropathy. His feet are dead and he can’t fish any more.
It’s all too easy to assume your health will last forever. It won’t. Age, disease, or a stupid accident is all it takes for your precious health to be lost forever. It can happen in a blink.
Take the time to do what you enjoy, today. Take some kids outdoors, if not fishing, then hiking, or paddling, or camping. They don’t often get the opportunity. Everyone now is too hooked on their devices.
Be spontaneous! Have fun! Enjoy yourself!
“The future’s uncertain and the end is always near.” -Jim Morrison
Life is short. Go fishing.
Click on image to view Digital Edition Flip Page
The latest (January-June) Florida Saltwater Fishing Regulations, also feature the Angler Action program
- see page 19 of the Digital Edition "Report Your Catch!" [click here to read pdf] or click on image at left for digital view of entire publication.On page, 18, there's a handy identification chart showing all the species of fish in the jack family commonly caught in Florida waters.
At the center is the list of all saltwater species regulations. As a quick check of slots and bag limits, it is mighty handy. A printable view of just these 2 pages can be found at this link. http://myfwc.com/media/2462342/2013%20Quick%20Chart.pdf
Here are a few other features in this edition:
Page ten gives a run down of the new spotted seatrout rule changes and also shows a very useful color chart of the four regions that the state designates for seatrout anglers. New regions and rules for redfish (red drum) on the same page. Pick up a free copy at the Snook & Gamefish Foundation booth at the Ft. Myers Florida Sportsman Show this weekend.
The entire publication can be downloaded as an Acrobat pdf file at this link.
http://www.eregulations.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/13FLSW1_LR.pdf.
This excerpt is from Capt. Ron Presley's "Secrets from Florida's Master Anglers" click on photo to view this and other books available through Amazon..An old man on a cane was strolling along Seventh Avenue in New York City when he came upon a tourist. The old man stopped the tourist and asked, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?”
The unsuspecting tourist replied, “Sorry, I am new in town and don’t know the way to Carnegie Hall.” The old man smiled and said, “Practice, practice, practice.”
Angler’s can learn from the wise old New Yorker and improve their skills through practice. It is natural to just want to go fishing without much preparation, but if you want to be among the 10 percent of anglers that catch 90 percent of the fish you might want to consider the notion of practice. After all, the old axiom that practice makes perfect is more than just a saying.
If you are willing to practice knots you will get very good at tying them; if you are willing to practice casting you will get very good at casting. Willing may be the operative word.
If you are willing to practice when you are not fishing it’s likely to produce huge dividends when you do fish. Of course there is also plenty of time to practice when you are fishing, if you are willing to do it.
Whether fishing with a buddy, spouse, or tournament partner, anglers are often part of a team and the success of the team depends on the skills of the individuals that make up the team. No specialists here. Captain Bouncer Smith, a well known Miami Captain, says a good team is made up of individuals who can play different positions on the team. Being able to play all the positions well requires practice.
16 November 2012
(Click Image To Enlarge)This excerpt is taken from Ron Presley's award winning book, "Fishing Secrets from Florida's East Coast."
Wade Fishing with Capt. Marcia Foosaner
Capt. Marcia Foosaner is a well-known and experienced angler in the waters around St. Lucie Inlet. Her fishing is mostly on foot with fly rod in hand. In describing her fishing area she says, “Plenty of docks line the lagoon and the Saint Lucie River. They are true fish magnets.
“One of the best things about this area is the fact that there are several dozen places one can just walk into the water from the roadside and catch fish,” says Captain Marcia. “This includes the beaches.”
| 07 August 2012
(Click Image To Enlarge) Gator in Everglades National Park doing its part to control invasive burmese pythons.
Hunting Exotics
As with many exotic invasive species, the best way to get rid of them is to eat them!
While not all of the 500 fish and wildlife nonnative species in Florida are a threat to native species, some are. The Burmese python. due to it's size (may reach 26 feet), is a threat to native mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, that it preys upon. Gators, like the one to the left, are one of the few Florida predators that can successfully tackle a large python.
In the case of Lionfish, since they have no natural predators* among Florida marine species, man needs to assume that role.
A 'Quick Lift' into a horizontal display with less than 15 seconds out of the water may increase release survival for Snook, as it does for bonefish. photo credit: Trey Wheeler
SGF's Best Shots photo contest has been running since 2007, and continues in 2012 with sponsorship by StingRay Tackle.
Besides sharing the thrill of fishing, the contest encourages practices that 'increase release survival'.
Anglers release 90% of all the fish they catch, but estimates of release mortality (death of released fish due to predation, injury or other causes), are estimated to be as high as 50% in some studies.
As research progresses, verification of what increases release survival is becoming more precise. A recent study on bonefish showed that time spent out of the water is more significant than other factors, even hook location. One recommendation from this study was to keep fish out of the water less than 15 seconds. So what about taking photos now?
click here for [Derby info and to Register for Derby]
One of the first snook logged in June 1st - from Stuart, Steve Goethel.Virtual Captains Meeting for Summer's End Fishing Derby
1) [Click here] to open PDF and read rules
2) If you have not previously logged a fishing trip in AnglerAction.org, do these things:
Register as new angler action user or log in
Enter a 'practice trip'
Read the tips on Getting Started
email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
with any questions
3) Go fishing. Record your catch. Log your trips, on www.angleraction.org. Choose "Anglers Count Derby" from the affiliation dropdown on the trip record.
This puts your trip records in the running for prizes!
Photo Gallery below shows the June Angler's Count! Derby
Ray Base, Anglers Count! Derby contestant, receives award for Dedication in logging trips
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More about the [Derby] [FAQ about] using AnglerAction
Press Releases:
[Palm Beach Post]
[Examiner.com ]
ALEXANDRIA, Va.
Ethanol; Boater's Friend or Foe
Ever since E10 gasoline (gas containing 10% ethanol) became widely available several years ago, the nation's largest recreational boat owners group, BoatUS, has received hundreds of calls and emails complaining about boat engine problems. The majority of complaints concern older outboard motors, those made before about 1990. BoatUS' Seaworthy magazine asked Mercury Marine's Ed Alyanak and Frank Kelley, who between them have over 60 years of experience, to find out what's made these decades-old outboards more susceptible to ethanol's well-known problems and what owners can do.
Technology sure has change things these days for the fisherman. I’m not even going to bring up all the new fancy 3d/hd/gps/depth finder, gear, lure etc that are on the boats when you’re fishing. I’m talking about all the things you look up in you phone these days are quite amazing compared to a couple years ago.
Capt. John Kumiski, Spotted Tail Adventures
Clearly personal preference is at work here.
"The habitat where I usually fish affects my lure choices. The point to take, however, is that a large number of different baits are not necessary. If you can cover the water column effectively you will catch your share of fish."
For some reason, the clear shallows of Tampa Bay don't get the fanfare of other stellar flats fishing destinations, such as
Capt. Jon Brett, Fishbuzz TV Everglades National Park. But some of the best inshore fishing in the world is hidden in plane sight of this major metropolitan area. You can stay and dine in style in St. Petersburg, Tampa proper or Clearwater, just a few minutes from flats teeming with redfish, speckled trout and snook, among many other species.
March is prime freshwater fishing
season for many species of fish, because bass and bream are getting geared up
to 
Spawning habitats are a precious natural resource; One that needs protecting hit the shallows. During spring, sunfish such as bass and bluegill move close
to shore to find suitable spawning habitat. Shallow areas (ideally 2 to 6 feet
deep), with sandy or firm soils and nearby vegetation, tend to attract sunfish.
Often the same areas are used year after year, because sunfish do best when
they construct beds in sheltered areas without too much current, such as in
coves, and away from prevailing winds (often on the north shores of lakes).
Just 10 years ago, mentioning the word conservation during a fishing conversation either cleared the room or put everyone to sleep. 
AAP Recorded Major Species Breakdown for Jan. 2012.
Not anymore.
Florida’s inshore anglers are at the cusp of a culture shift, and not a moment too soon. Increased fishing pressure, dwindling functional habitat, and other derogatory influences have taken their toll on our most prized fish species.
Many anglers have a very grim outlook for the future of fishing. Indeed, discussions of fishery conservation now frequently stir very emotional debates.
17 January 2012
This week we fish with Capt. Chris Myers and learn his pro tips on how to manage your line. Want fewer wind knots? Capt. Chris has the secrets
How to tie the Reverse Albright Knot
One thing you can’t buy is a good knot.
Rigging expert Larry Mastry, of Mastry’s Bait and Tackle located in St. Petersburg FL, demonstrates how to tie the reverse albright knot.
Reverse Albright Fishing Knot from FishbuzzTV on Vimeo.
14 December 2011
How to tie the famous Gartside Gurgler Fly
with Chris Hargiss from Fishbuzz TV
Gartside Gurgler Instructional Video Click HereThis fly is a versatile top water pattern that can be used on almost any fish (saltwater or fresh). The gurgler can be tied with many different color schemes and materials. Thin foam makes for a better diving fly while thick foam is excellent for creating bugs that push lots of water. A weed guard is always good to have when tying this fly.
10 December 2011
Question: Is Capt. Danny Barrow the top Snook Angler in Florida?
Capt. Danny Barrow with one of the many thousands of snook he's had the pleasure of catching.
He just might be. This week we go Spillway Snook Fishing with Capt. Jon Brett of Fish Buzz TV, fishing the Lake Worth area with Capt. Danny. Both Jon and Danny are on the board of Directors of the Snook and Gamefish Foundation.
Reel Fishing: How to tie the essential leader to braid and Leader to Lure knots 
See Capt. Chris Myers at Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka regularly. Chris shares his experience fishing the famous Mosquito Lagoon for the past twenty years. Book a sight fishing trip with Chris at http://floridafishinglessons.com/
with Capt. Chris Myers of Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
See how to Tie the Double UNI and Canoeman Loop here!
| 22 November 2011
You are the answer.
Is this you? --It should be. Join today. Be a part of the next level of fisheries conservation. Photo credit: Capt. Jason Stock, Sarasota FL.
It’s been a wild few years in the world of fisheries management. At the national level, there is a paranoia that our government wants to eliminate recreational fishing. At the state level, our species-specific management seems to frequently chop from the recreational angler’s slice in order to keep the pie from imploding. And locally, habitat degradation continues to confound the entire mess.
What’s the everyday angler to do? How can one become part of the solution?
Simple.
There are two easy steps you can take right now, today, that will improve the future of fishing.
First, go Fishing.
Reel Fishing; Three of Florida's best tell where and how to slam your way to a trio of local gamefish.
Capt. Rick Murphy, Capt. Ed Zyak and Capt. Jay Withers share tips on targeting slams in their respective regions.
Each region of the state has its own definition of what a Slam is, the parameters being defined by the types of fish that generally inhabit that area. The East Coast Slam and the Everglades Slam, for example, both include snook, trout and redfish. Those three species are most available all year long along the East Coast and throughout Everglades National Park, though still difficult to catch in one day. The West Coast Slam, on the other hand, includes snook, redfish and tarpon. West Coast anglers who catch a seatrout, in addition to the three Slam species, can boast a Grand Slam
The trick to all three Slams is finding the areas that have good seagrass, mangroves and a ready supply of small fish, crabs, and shrimp. Find some snook and cover the area sufficiently with your baits. Snook are the bell weather fish. If an inshore area is healthy enough to support juvenile snook, it will be healthy enough to sustain more than 200 other species of game and forage fish, marine animals, plants and sea grasses.
More Articles...
- Decision Keeps Seine Nets Out
- FWC Commission Votes on Trout
- Trout Fishery Poll
- Wildlife management areas are also safe, natural havens for the public.
- Florida is a Red (fish) State
- July 1 - Bonefish become 'Catch & Release' in FL
- Keeping Cool at the Ramp
- Catching & Releasing Tarpon
- Angler Action
- Snook Season Poll Results
- Matlacha Update
- Spring Time Fish & Flowers Bloom
- Why Hire a Guide?
- Science Shows Planned Area Closure off Georgia and North Florida Not Necessary
- Reel Fishing: NE Florida Redfish
- Red Drum Poll - Your Final Results
- Reel Fishing - Winter Species
- Reel Fishing - Targeting Flounder
- Fishbusters Report on Bass Stocking
- Reel Fishing - East Coast Pompano are Back
- Reel Fishing - West Coast
- Baitfish Basics
- Kinda Creepy
- Why We're Different
- The Doodle Fly
- On the Rebound
- How to catch Snook in the Mangroves
- Good News During Tough Times
- Prayers and Promises
- Love is in the air
- Oil Hits the Ground in Louisiana
- Snook Watch - Angler Action Program
- JJ Grey wows auction winners in Captiva
- Why Snook are 'Right' on a Fly
- The Formula for Success D.O.A.
- How to Target an Inshore Slam
- Catching the Winning Slam With Minutes to Spare!
- Ok then I'll try out that Kayak Fishing!
- Spoil Island Camping & Fishing
- The Facts on Handling & Releasing Tarpon
- Ted Williams and the Origins of Sport Fishing
- Fishing for Lines
- What's Cooking?
- Peacock Plunger
- Beach Snooking
- Record Snook
- Bridge and Pier Tackle
- Urban Night Fishing
- Tournaments - Help or Hindrance?
- Fishing the Twitch Bait
- On The Line With Aaron Adams Ph.D.
- The MirrOlure Knot
- Hunting Texas Style with Capt Mark Gore!
- Gas Pains
- Freshwater Turtles under new rules October 23
- What Gamefish are Actually Eating
- Savory Swimming Crabs
- Fishing Weedon Island Preserve - Tampa Bay
- Trolling from Kayaks
- Snook Fishing - How each trip gives back to your community.
- Catching the Lowly Mullet
- Skip Casting to Snook
