Florida Keys Weekly Fishing Update – Captain Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters - September 8, 2010

Offshore

I talked to a few Captains who went to the humps over the holiday weekend.  They report scattered dolphin catches, but the blackfin tuna and wahoo are virtually nonexistent.

Wrecks 

Fishing on the wrecks has also been on the slow side.  A few mutton snapper are making their way into fish boxes along with some large jack crevalle in the 20- to 25-pound range.

I understand there’s been a cold water upwelling that has put a damper on the wreck fishery.  When this subsides, the fishing will be good again.  This occurrence has pushed the bottom-dwelling wreck species up onto the reef.  Although this makes them more accessible, it tends to spread them out, ultimately making them more difficult to target.

Reef

Many anglers fishing for yellowtail have been surprised with a good size mutton in their slick.  One of the best ways to target the larger muttons is to cast net or hair hook the ballyhoo that are showing in tremendous numbers along the reef line.  Send one to the bottom with a 20-pound class spinning rod and you’ll most likely be rewarded with a delicious mutton snapper.

There are also numerous cero mackerel attacking the ballyhoo with abandon.  Twenty-pound tackle works well for these macks.  If you prefer more sport, use your yellowtail equipment with a small treble hook and a short trace of wire.  Cast a live ballyhoo back on the surface of your slick where it will inevitably be attacked by the toothy speed demons.

I’ve seen fair numbers of good size yellowjacks among the yellowtail and cero mackerel.  They always make for a nice bonus to any fish box and are delicious on the dinner table.

Bay 

There are plenty of mangrove snapper in the bay.  Those willing to venture to a wreck or two will be rewarded with quite the variety of fun species.  Everything from medium size jack crevalle, bluefish, ladyfish, goliath grouper to Spanish mackerel, lane and mangrove snapper and even the occasional cobia and permit are waiting to bend your rods.

When targeting the snapper and grouper, be sure to use circle hooks, as they are mandatory in Gulf waters.  Live pinfish is the bait of choice, but cut chunks of ballyhoo or pinfish will also work well.  Either shrimp or crabs will attract the permit.

Sharks

Sharks are hanging at the Gulf wrecks in abundance.  You can attract them with a freshly filleted jack crevalle drifted back in your chum slick or a live blue runner hung from a kite.  The kite tactic is especially entertaining, as multiple blacktips will attempt to catch the blue runner on the surface.  We like to fish for the blacktip sharks with 20-pound spin tackle or 25-pound conventional tackle.

The week in review on the SeaSquared

The SeaSquared hit the reef for snapper and grouper charters last week.

The Eric Peavey group from Miami caught a nice mess of yellowtail and mangrove snapper, some cero mackerel and a bonus 15-pound yellowjack.

Murray Beatts and his wife, Joan Wuischpard, from Tampa caught yellowtail snapper in the 14- to 20-inch range and a big 17-inch lane snapper.  They threw back some short red and black grouper.

Until next week … Tight Lines!

Capt. Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters, Marathon Florida Keys, 305-743-5305

 JIM SALEM PAINT CLASS….

This great artist gives classes (that people I know RAVE about!) from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM every Thursday at Sugarloaf Lodge at MM17 in Sugarloaf Key! Call 744-9880 to find out details.

 KONK 1500 AM RADIO….

Michael Shields of AIRWAVES will have two stars of The Kids Are All Right…Yaya DaCosta (Tanya) and Eddie Hassell (Clay), in the studio to be interviewed. They are in town for Anne O’Shea, exec producer of this great movie at The Tropic…and who happens to be running for Fantasy Fest Queen 2010! Also…supporting Womenkind and WomanFest, which is happening in KW all week. Show on the radio is 11 AM until Noon!

 KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT VIP SCREENING….

…and Celebrity Q & A with the stunning Yaya DaCosta and Eddie Hassell who star in this superb movie! 8 PM….at the Tropic Cinema at 416 Eaton St…. Tix are $25…and there are only 75 tix on sale! After the movie and Q & A….there will be a VIP Party at Swankey Events, 623 Duval St. (over Wyland Galleries)….This is a gala ANNE O’SHEA FOR QUEEN EVENT!!!!! Thurs.. 9/9!!!!

 ST. PAUL’S CHURCH…

The daily concerts continue, from Noon until 1 PM…..Joe Lowe and Auwina Weed perform every Thursday…FREE for all!!!

 PRAYERS REQUESTED…

You all know that Prayers DO help! I am requesting prayers for Sister Phyllis McMurray, who is going through a challenging health crisis! Please remember her and her loving family in your choicest thoughts and prayers. Along with prayers for Phyllis….please continue to remember my dear Mother, Adele Stevens, who is failing every single day…..it is very difficult for all of us who love her so deeply. Thank you very very much.

 ILONA’S GARDEN CAFE…

It’s George Victory on Thurs. eves from 6 to 10 PM at this tucked away restaurant at 416 Applerouth Lane…..swell jazz and great food! Call 517-6865 to reserve!

 PAINTING BOOT CAMP FOR WOMEN…

…at The Studios from 10 AM till Noon at The Studios on FRIDAY, Sept 10th. A fun 2 hour class with Key West’s darling artist, Rick Worth….being offered with Womenfest…ALL women are invited…only $20 including all materials!

 CONGRATS TO CONCH TV!!!!

ConchTV has been voted one of the TOP 3 Florida Websites….Congratulations to Craig & Gail Hollenback and everyone associated with this fabulous and informative Website. Go to www.conchtv.com, to find out EVERYTHING you EVER wanted to know about EVERYTHING in Key West and the Keys! Tell all your friends. And, visit MY Events List….just go to above website and click on Lynda’s Key West Social Calendar!!!!

 TAVERN ‘N TOWN….

It’s that darling Gordy Michael entertaining in the Lounge at Beachside Marriott from 5 to 9 PM…2 for 1 Cocktails!

 THANKFUL THURSDAY…

Melissa Penrose is “thankful that my foot surgery has been so successful and that I am walking almost normally and in normal shoes again. I am thankful that my shoulder is healing well. I am thankful for the two wonderful surgeons who are making me whole again, if not slightly bionic. Finally, I am thankful for all the support I received from my friends that ranged from e-mails of good wishes, to helping make meals, shop for groceries and do my laundry out of love and friendship. Thanks to everyone! And thank God for giving me such a wonderful support system!”

 DID YOU KNOW????

Genetically speaking, zebras are black with white stripes, not white with black stripes….they have black skin, even under the white hair!

CHRISTOPHER ELWELL FOR KING!!!!

This super Fantasy Fest King Candidate is planning some dynamite benefits for his campaign and AIDS Help! Here is one you should not miss!!!!

From Monday, Sept 6 until Sat., Sept. 18…..head for DAVID DUNCAN Master Hair Stylist at Solar Spa of Key West at 2824 N. Roosevelt Blvd…..guaranteed to make you look gorgeous and earn money for AIDS Help, too! Hair Cuts….$20 and up/Cut & Color…$75 and up….NO WALK INS….Appointments only! You must call 292-6080 in advance and mention CHRISTOPHER FOR KING when booking. Make all checks payable to AIDS HELP KEY WEST with Christopher for King in the memo line. EVERY DOLLAR goes to AIDS Help!!!!

 AZUR RESTAURANT…

As if this super Restaurant at 425 Grinnell St. hasn’t been ultra generous already with their FAB $6 Lunches…..Please know THIS! From Sept. 6 to the 10th, they will continue to offer this great Lunch Special. ALSO, after the 10th, Azur will be going on vacation, to re-open in October….and so Drew and Michael are giving you a very special GIFT! All this week, at Dinner only, their BIG special is that they will take 50% off you final bill on every single item on the menu! Warning: This deal may cause feelings of happy fullnes and slight inebriation!

AND AT THE GRAND CAFE…

on Duval St. across from the Women’s Club…..They, too, are gifting all Locals in town 1/2 off the ENTIRE Menu during the month of September….including wine! Enjoy!!!!

AQUA NIGHTCLUB….

It’s solo guitar and vocals from Michelle Dravis from 5 to 8 PM! Then… The Aquanettes perform at 9 PM at 711 Duval St…..Great Fun Always! Jill and Sandy are the Best!

NUTCRACKER TRYOUTS….

Sat. Sept. 11th from 10:30 AM until 4:00 PM….To find out when age groups should audition and to get instructions, call Marky Pierson at 619-2275. This show is looking to cast ages 4 till Adult for a number of roles. Also, call the above number if you can help with your time or donations.

 PUN OF THE DAY….

Life ain’t fair for a baby…They always get the “bum” wrap!

 COLOMBIAN GRACE….

Don’t forget about this delish restaurant! For Breakfast, they offer complimentary coffee or mimosa….and for dinner, complimentary sangria, wine or beer! And the food is fab!!!

 D’VINE WINE GALLERY….

…at 526 Angela St….The GARDENS Hotel….is open for Wine Tasting at their amazing state-of-the-art Wine Bar! 5 to 10 PM, on Wed. thru Sun. every week! Tonight from 5:30 until 9:30 PM, it’s Cabaret Night at The Gardens with Rob DiStasi entertaining at the Grand Piano!

 ON VACATION….

Louie’s Backyard….Cafe Sole…Blue Heaven….call your restaurants before going as many are on September hiatus!

 WOMENFEST EVENTS…..

Check out the daily events schedule by going online to www.womenfest.com or stop by the hospitality suite at the Southernmost Hotel on the Beach!

 BENEFIT FOR KW WILDLIFE CENTER….

….Sat., 9/18 at 7 PM….at Square One….$80 per person covers hors’oevres, 3 course dinner, tax, gratuity, glass of wine, a parting gift and door prizes! RSVP to the KW Wildlife Center via telephone: 305-292-1008 or e-mail keywestwildbird@hotmail.com. Pay cash at the door, or beforeheand via check made out to KW Wildlife Center. The menu is mouth-wateringly fabulous! You cannot go wrong at Square One, one of the finest establishments ANYWHERE!

 SCHOONER WHARF BAR….

From Noon until 5 PM, it’s Michael McCloud performing…From 7 to 11 PM, it’s Marty Stonely & Ken Fairbrother…from 9 PM until 1 AM, it’s the magic of Frank Everhart!

 QUESTION FOR YOU…

Would you be content with a marriage of the highest quality in all respects but one…it completely lacked sex?

 VALENTINE’S DAY IN OCTOBER…. Roses are red…Violets are blue…AIDS Help thanks you…& Christopher for King does too! Order a dozen RED Roses for just $60 with free delivery in KW on October 14th! You will be a hero with your sweetie and you’ll be helping raise $$$ for AIDS Help too! Place order before Wed., 10/6 by calling Gourmet Nibbles at 305-587-1870.

 GET THE ROYAL TREATMENT…. On Sat., Sept 11th…. Get The Royal Treatment Spa & Sidewalk Party at BATH JUNKIE, 712 Duval St..across from Aqua Nightclub! 5 to 8 PM…..Free Admission…Donations Accepted…Hand Salt Scrubs, Spa Treatments, Chair Massages, ETC! All proceeds go to AIDS Help and the Chris For King Campaign!

 KING OF COUNTRY….

Wed., Sept 15th, King of Country at The Groove Lounge at The BottleCap Lounge, 1128 Simonton St. 5 to 8:30 PM…..Food, Raffle, Country Dancing with Lucy and Leon & the Paradise Swing Dancers…with music by Cindy Lu….FREE admisssion…Donations Accepted…Campaign Tee Shirts & Merchandise on Sale!!! Y’all come down, Pahd-ner!

Contribute to Christopher’s Campaign, where all proceeds go to AIDS Help.. by going to www.christopherforking.com.

 HOT HAVANA NIGHTS EVENT!!!!

Sat. 9/11…from 6 to 11 PM….Hot Havana Nights & Orchid Auction at the Casa Marina Ballroom at 1500 Reynolds….Dance the night away with Robeto DeBourg and the Flats Band…$99 per person includes cocktails and canapes, dinners, drinks and entertainment…Also see a preview of Auction Items…all fabulous things from around the world…hand chosen by Anne O’Shea….100 tickets for sale! Call 396-7076 to reserve your spot for this HOT HOT Night!!!! ALL proceeds go to AIDS Help!

 DOG WASH ON 9/12….

Sun. Sept 12….Dog Wash at Chevron station on Whitehead and Truman….11 AM until 2 PM…$10 per dog….all proceeds go to AIDS Help! An Anne O’Shea For Queen Event!

Go to Anne’s website for further information.

 ADULT CAT NEEDS A HOME….

Please notify AmyLachatLynch@aol.com if you can give a home to a handsome, gentle, older, indoor cat…..Thank you!

 BENEFIT FOR THE FKSPCA…

Live Pole Dance Performance by Monica Matroci’s Fitness Pole Fanatics, presents NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S POLE DANCING!

8:30 PM on Thursday (tomorrow), Sept. 9th in the Crystal Room at LATEDA, 1125 Duval St….Cost is $10, with VIP seating at $30. Proceeds go to benefit the FKSPCA…. for more info call Monica Matroci at 305-731-6898.

 FUNDRAISER FOR PEOPLE’S THEATER…

Mark Sat. 9/18 and Sun. 9/19 on your calendars! This will be a Broadway Hit Parade, performed by local celebrities, Maj Johnson, Valerie Carr, Ruben Navarro, Anthony Antich, Amy Pesola, Jodyrae Campbell, Victor Lopez, Kristen Wilson and Erika Lesta on the piano. $25 per person at the door includes hors d’hoeuvres with all proceeds going to The People’s Theater. Cash Bar..Showtime is 8 PM. This new Theater, “Downstage” is at 3340 N.Roosevelt Blvd. Call Connie at 294-6813 for further info.

 BRUCE MOORE’S TAP CLASSES…

…on Fri. & Sat. at 11 AM at Body Zone South….Call Bruce at 393-2276 to sign up for beginner classes starting in the fall!

 HAPPY SEPTEMBER 9TH BIRTHDAY TO…..

….handsome Mayor, CRAIG CATES…..multi-talented RANDY THOMPSON….Pops organizer, STEPHANIE HELLSTROM…and the lovely Arts supporter, ADELINE TURNER.

 Love to YOU..and Remember…

When you have an argument with someone, the first one who says, “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings…please forgive me,” is the winner!

Lynda

 KONK 1500 AM RADIO….

It’s Word on Wednesday with Michael Shield’s AIRWAVES show and his co-host, Jennifer O’Lear! This talk will be about ALL things literary….11 AM until Noon! By the way…Congrats to KONK RADIO on being voted BEST Talk Radio Show in Florida by Florida Monthly Magazine! LOTS of Key West establishments won BEST OF in that mag! Key West Rocks!!!

 FIRST ANNUAL LESLIE LEONELLI MEMORIAL WOMEN’S GOLF CLASSIC…Wed. 9/8

This is a best ball scramble tourney…you don’t have to have a full team to play. $75 per person, and includes coffee and donuts pre tourney…your Round of Golf..

Lunch afterward…beer & water on the course as well as Jello Shots….Great Prizes for the winners, longest drive, closest to pin, etc. WOMEN ONLY! Call Babs Wade at 304-5126 to sign up!

 AT THE STUDIOS….

Wed., 9/8, it’s Emily Saliers, of the Indigo Girls, performing solo at 7 PM. Emily is a multi-talented and incredible artistic force. Her music will touch your heart and feed your soul. Opening act is Julie Clark, award winning singer. Buy tix at www.keystix.com, or call the Armory at 296-0458. Tix are $25 in advance or $30 at the door!

 CONGRATS TO CONCH TV!!!!

ConchTV has been voted one of the TOP 3 Florida Websites….Congratulations to Craig & Gail Hollenback and everyone associated with this fabulous and informative Website. Go to www.conchtv.com, to find out EVERYTHING you EVER wanted to know about EVERYTHING in Key West and the Keys! Tell all your friends. And, visit MY Events List….just go to above website and click on Lynda’s Key West Social!!!!

 TAVERN ‘N TOWN….

Gordy Michael is entertaining in the Lounge from 5 to 9 PM!

CHRISTOPHER ELWELL FOR KING!!!!

This super Fantasy Fest King Candidate is planning some dynamite benefits for his campaign and AIDS Help! Here is one you should not miss!!!!

From Monday, Sept 6 until Sat., Sept. 18…..head for DAVID DUNCAN Master Hair Stylist at Solar Spa of Key West at 2824 N. Roosevelt Blvd…..guaranteed to make you look gorgeous and earn money for AIDS Help, too! Hair Cuts….$20 and up/Cut & Color…$75 and up….NO WALK INS….Appointments only! You must call 292-6080 in advance and mention CHRISTOPHER FOR KING when booking. Make all checks payable to AIDS HELP KEY WEST with Christopher for King in the memo line. EVERY DOLLAR goes to AIDS Help!!!!

AZUR RESTAURANT…

As if this super Restaurant at 425 Grinnell St. hasn’t been ultra generous already with their FAB $6 Lunches…..Please know THIS! From Sept. 6 to the 10th, they will continue to offer this great Lunch Special. ALSO, after the 10th, Azur will be going on vacation, to re-open in October….and so Drew and Michael are giving you a very special GIFT! All this week, at Dinner only, their BIG special is that they will take 50% off you final bill on every single item on the menu! Warning: This deal may cause feelings of happy fullnes and slight inebriation!

AND AT THE GRAND CAFE…

on Duval St. across from the Women’s Club…..They, too, are gifting all Locals in town 1/2 off the ENTIRE Menu during the month of September….including wine! Enjoy!!!!

AQUA NIGHTCLUB….

The Aquanettes perform at 9 PM at 711 Duval St…..Great Fun Always! Jill and Sandy are the Best!

NUTCRACKER TRYOUTS….

Sat. Sept. 11th from 10:30 AM until 4:00 PM….To find out when age groups should audition and to get instructions, call Marky Pierson at 619-2275. This show is looking to cast ages 4 till Adult for a number of roles. Also, call the above number if you can help with your time or donations.

PUN OF THE DAY….

Trying to steel himself, Al attempted to iron out his business problems, but was a little bit rusty!

COLOMBIAN GRACE….

Don’t forget about this delish Petronia St. Restaurant! Every Wed. in Sept, they are doing 50% on all appetizers…For Breakfast, they offer complimentary coffee or mimosa….and for dinner, complimentary sangria, wine or beer! And the food is fab!!!

D’VINE WINE GALLERY….

…at 526 Angela St….The GARDENS Hotel….is open for Wine Tasting at their amazing state-of-the-art Wine Bar! 5 to 10 PM, on Wed. thru Sun. every week!

ON VACATION….

I hear Louie’s is closed for vacation!…Also, Cafe Sole…and others will be taking Sept. off too!

WOMENFEST EVENTS…..

Yes, Tuesday Sept 7 to the 12th…..Check out the daily schedule by going online to www.womenfest.com or stop by the hospitality suite at the Southernmost Hotel on the Beach!

BENEFIT FOR KW WILDLIFE CENTER….

….Sat., 9/18 at 7 PM….at Square One….$80 per person covers hors’oevres, 3 course dinner, tax, gratuity, glass of wine, a parting gift and door prizes! RSVP to the KW Wildlife Center via telephone: 305-292-1008 or e-mail keywestwildbird@hotmail.com. Pay cash at the door, or beforeheand via check made out to KW Wildlife Center. The menu is mouth-wateringly fabulous! You cannot go wrong at Square One, one of the finest establishments ANYWHERE!

SCHOONER WHARF BAR….

From Noon to 5 PM, it’s Michael McCloud entertaining….Gary Hempsey performs from 7 to 11 PM….and Frank Everhart works his Magic Act frrom 9 PM until 1 AM!!!!

QUESTION FOR YOU…

If you were to discover that your closest friend was a heroin dealer, what would you do?

CHRISTOPHER ELWELL FOR KING EVENTS…

1) Valentine’s Day in October!!! Roses are red…Violets are blue…AIDS Help thanks you…& Christopher for King does too! Order a dozen RED Roses for just $60 with free delivery in KW on October 14th! You will be a hero with your sweetie and you’ll be helping raise $$$ for AIDS Help too! Place order before Wed., 10/6 by calling Gourmet Nibbles at 305-587-1870.

2) On Sat., Sept 11th…. Get The Royal Treatment Spa & Sidewalk Party at BATH JUNKIE, 712 Duval St..across from Aqua Nightclub! 5 to 8 PM…..Free Admission…Donations Accepted…Hand Salt Scrubs, Spa Treatments, Chair Massages, ETC!

3) Wed., Sept 15th, King of Country at The Groove Lounge at The BottleCap Lounge, 1128 Simonton St. 5 to 8:30 PM…..Food, Raffle, Country Dancing with Lucy and Leon & the Paradise Swing Dancers…with music by Cindy Lu….FREE admisssion…Donations Accepted…Campaign Tee Shirts & Merchandise on Sale!!! Y’all come down, Pahd-ner!

Contribute to Christopher’s Campaign, where all proceeds go to AIDS Help.. by going to www.christopherforking.com.

ANNE O’SHEA FOR QUEEN EVENTS COMING UP….

1) Sept 9 at 8 PM….Movie The Kids Are All Right…a VIP Screening and celebrity Q & A at The Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St…..Only $25, with only 75 tix on sale. Q & A with Yaya DaCosta and Eddie Hassell, followed by a VIP after bash at Swanky Events at 623 Duval St., over Wyland Galleryall 396-7076 to reserve!

2) Sat. 9/11…from 6 to 11 PM….Hot Havana Nights & Orchid Auction at the Casa Marina Ballroom at 1500 Reynolds….Dance the night away with robeto DeBourg and the Flats Band…$99 per person includes cocktails and canapes, dinners, drinks and entertainment…Also see a preview of Auction Items…all fabulous things from around the world…hand chosen by Anne O’Shea….100 tickets for sale! Call 396-7076 to reserve your spot for this HOT HOT Night!!!!

3) Sun. Sept 12….Dog Wash at Chevron station on Whitehead and Truman….11 AM until 2 PM…$10 per dog….all proceeds go to AIDS Help!

Go to Anne’s website for further information.

AT THE BOTTLECAP….

…The Cool Groove Lounge….it’s Larry Smity amd Jenna Stauffer, on the Air with KONK 1500 AM Radio at 9 PM….Lots of great and controversial Talk and also Musical guests. Be a part of the Studio Audience. You could be interviewed Live on the Air!

SEND ME YOUR THANKFUL THOUGHTS!!

I hope you will be sending me some of the things you are thankful for, so I can use them in Thankful Thursday’s Column!!!!

Please send separately from this Events List….thanks!

ADULT CAT NEEDS A HOME….

Please notify AmyLachatLynch@aol.com if you can give a home to a handsome, gentle, older, indoor cat…..Thank you!

KRISTEN BUSSIERE…

I got a sweet note from singer & actress Kristen B….she is in a National TheatreWorks Tour Co. and will be getting her Equity Card through this participation. She has also told me that she has a new professional name…..Kristen Michelle! We look forward to Kristen performing in KW this season!

BENEFIT FOR THE FKSPCA…

Live Pole Dance Performance by Monica Matroci’s Fitness Pole Fanatics, presents NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S POLE DANCING!

8:30 PM on Thursday (tomorrow), Sept. 9th in the Crystal Room at LATEDA, 1125 Duval St….Cost is $10, with VIP seating at $30. Proceeds go to benefit for more info call Monica Matroci at 305-731-6898.

FUNDRAISER FOR PEOPLE’S THEATER…

Mark Sat. 9/18 and Sun. 9/19 on your calendars! This will be a Broadway Hit Parade, performed by local celebrities, Maj Johnson, Valerie Carr, Ruben Navarro, Anthony Antich, Amy Pesola, Jodyrae Campbell, Victor Lopez, Kristen Wilson and Erika Lesta on the piano. $25 per person at the door includes hors d’hoeuvres with all proceeds going to T he People’s Theater. Cash Bar…Showtime is 8 PM. This new Theater, “Downstage” is at 3340 N.Roosevelt Blvd. Call Connie at 294-6813 for further info.

HAPPY SEPTEMBER 8TH BIRTHDAY TO….

…..that very dear fellow and friend, ED DOZIER!!!! AND…..to singer/songwriter, BEN HARRISON! Thanks to both of you who do so much to make Key West so very special!

Love to YOU..and Remember…

You cannot change the past…but you can let it go!

Lynda

And, SeaSquared Charters offers multiple discounts to make the most of your vacation budget!

The Fishing

There’s never a bad time to fish in the Florida Keys! 

In late August and September, SeaSquared Charters spends a lot of time fishing the reef off Marathon.  All variety of snapper and grouper are abundant and provide tasty rewards at the end of the day.  There are good numbers of amberjack lingering on the wrecks.  AJ’s are a ton of fun on light tackle and excellent fare for the smoker.

We also fish in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay quite a bit this time of year.  The mangrove snapper are thick, and it’s an easy task to put together a limit of nice size fish.  Permit are in these waters as well, and are always a prized catch. 

The warm, calm waters of the bay area are shark central during this time.  SeaSquared Charters Florida Keys Shark Fishing Adventures provide excellent catch-and-release sport fishing ideal for anglers of all ages and abilities.

Save with Charter Discounts

SeaSquared Charters is offering a 10% discount now through September 30, 2010.  All NEW bookings of two or more CONSECUTIVE charters will receive a 10% discount off the total.  That’s a saving of $150 off two full-day trips, $130 off two three-quarter day trips or $100 off two half-day trips.  You can combine any number of trips of any length and SAVE 10% on the total.

Please note: Standard gratuity of 20% to the crew still applies.  Not valid September 3-5, 2010.

Save on Your Accommodations Too

SeaSquared Charters is pleased to partner with two Marathon resorts to provide preferred rates for those fishing with us.
Located within walking distance of the 7 Mile Marina, Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway is known for its spotless accommodations and friendly atmosphere.  It is also home to Porky’s Bayside BBQ, famous for its good food and Keysy style.
Banana Bay Resort & Marina, located on 10 lush tropical acres, is quiet, intimate and romantic.  Comfortable accommodations are accented by a poolside Tiki bar, huge freshwater pool, outdoor whirlpool, two garden tennis courts, BBQ grills and horse shoe pits.

Call either of these fine resorts TODAY and ask for their preferred rates for SeaSquared Charters!

Save on Cook-Your-Catch

At the end of your trip on the SeaSquared, you will receive our special “Cook~Your~Catch” card.  Take it to one of the restaurants below and present it to your server.  Not only will you have an outstanding meal of fresh Florida Keys fish that you caught yourself, but you will receive something special as a thank-you for fishing with SeaSquared Charters.

Save on a Sunset Cruise

Capt. Chris and Christy Johnson invite you to join them on a Florida Keys Sunset Cruise! 

We offer a 90-minute cruise in the calm bay waters with views of historic Pigeon Key and the Seven Mile Bridge.  And, of course, the world-famous Florida Keys sunset!  Keysy background music and some nibblers are included.  You are welcome to bring whatever you’d like to drink (BYOB).

There’s no better way to celebrate the end of another day in Paradise!  Take advantage of our offer of $10 off parties of 6.

Marathon Florida Keys Activities and Events

There’s lots to do while you’re not fishing!  Click for more information …

Key West Brewfest – September 3-5

First Annual Conchtoberfest – September 17-19

38th Annual Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run - September 16-19

12th Annual Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival – September 22-26

Guided Walk at the National Key Deer Refuge – September 24

Conch Life Scramble On-the-Water Golf Tournament – September 24-25

Call TODAY to Book Your Charters!

Take advantage of these great savings and treat yourself to a Florida Keys Getaway!

Call Christy today at 305-743-5305!

Florida Keys Weekly Fishing Report – Captain Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters – September 1, 2010

Dolphin

Prior to the easterly winds roughing up the seas early this week, there was a slight bump in the dolphin fishing.  I heard of some nice gaffers caught along with a couple of slammers. 

Wahoo and blackfin tuna

At the humps, anglers are catching wahoo and blackfin tuna.  Most of the wahoo have been on the small side, with the heftiest ones going 15 to 18 pounds.  Despite their diminutive size, these fish are great on the grill. 

The blackfin tuna are averaging a very respectable 8 to 10 pounds.  Trolling or deep jigging is working best for these favorites of the sushi-lovers among us.

The winds are predicted to diminish by Thursday afternoon, making the weekend prime for offshore adventures.

Snapper 

Snapper fishing on the reef remains excellent.  Anglers are finding yellowtails anywhere from 30 to 90 feet of water, with a real mix in size from just legal to 20 inches. 

The amount of predators you encounter on the reef will dictate whether you land a limit or just hook a lot of fish.  If the sharks prohibit you from catching the larger fish, move up shallower on the reef, where you’ll catch plenty of snapper for dinner.  The smaller snapper are equally as scrumptious as their more sizeable siblings are.

Although the mangrove snapper are steadily returning to the bay from their summer spawn, fishing for them on the patch reefs continues to be rewarding.  It pays to bounce around, as one patch may hold 12- to 14-inch fish while the 4-pounders are hanging on another.

Grouper 

There are also good numbers of red grouper and the occasional gag grouper on the patches.  The bait of choice for both the largest mangroves and the grouper has been pinfish, although we’re beginning to see some pilchards.

Variety in the bay 

There’s plenty of action to keep anglers busy in the bay areas.

There are abundant mangrove snapper in the 14- to 16-inch range, with a good number of fish over 18 inches to keep things interesting.  On the bay wrecks, keep the rods bent with Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, bluefish and goliath grouper.

Lobster 

Lobster hunting is off the charts this year.  What better way to enjoy the holiday weekend than by getting out on the water with family and friends to catch some tasty crustaceans.

The week with SeaSquared Charters

The SeaSquared had a mixture of reef/wreck and shark charters last week.

Visiting from Brooklyn, Jim Beacher and his sons, Joel and Seth, put some nice 18-inch yellowtail snapper in the fish box before the sharks shut us down.  We then moved in to the patch reefs, where the guys landed a good bunch of mangrove snapper in the 5-pound class.  They also threw back a couple of small grouper.

Shark research 

SeaSquared Charters is pleased to be working with the R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami in their ongoing shark research.  A group of Ph.D. scientists and interns chartered us for a few outings to aid in one of their shark stress research projects. 

We caught lemon sharks, some of which were too large to bring into the boat.  We did manage a half dozen in the 5- to 7-foot range along with a handful of smaller blacknose sharks.  The researchers tagged and measured them, took blood samples and determined their gender.  They also got some great underwater footage.

This research will continue for many months, and the team expects to return to the Keys in September.  We’ll keep you posted on their progress. 

Until next week … Tight Lines!

Capt. Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters, Marathon Florida Keys, 305-743-5305

Exclusive Report

Marathon Florida Keys Shark Fishing Report - August 22, 2010

Peter Akesson and his sons, Oliver (14) and Alex (10) enjoyed a Florida Keys Shark Fishing Adventure during their extended vacation in Florida and the Keys. 

Dolphin excursion in Key West one day .. shark fishing adventure in Marathon the next. What a great Florida Keys vacation for Peter and his boys!

I took them to one of my favorite lemon shark spots in the bay to the north of Bahia Honda. We had plenty of sharks swarming around the boat but, for some reason, they were a tad picky today. I’ve had this happen before following a strong thunder and lightning storm during the night. Perhaps the weather has as much effect on the sharks as it does on us. At any rate, Oliver and Alex landed both of the sharks they were able to hook. And they were both a very nice size – 6 1/2 feet and 7 feet. They brought them to the boat like pros, where we released them unharmed to fight another day.

The Akessons continued their Florida vacation in Orlando. Upon returning home to Spain, Peter sent us an email with a few pictures from their shark fishing adventure and these comments:

“Hope you are well. We have now returned to Spain and the kids continue to talk about the shark fishing experience with all their friends. The fishing tour scored much higher than Mouse land, Universal, Epcot and all the theme parks combined! We have a long list of friends wanting to do the same thing in the near future and you can be sure you have three active marketing resources available in Spain!”

Thank you, Peter. We’re looking forward to hosting your friends and having you back on the SeaSquared the next time you’re in the states!

For more pictures, click below or copy and paste the link:

http://fishingreportsfloridakeys.com/2010/08/22/florida-keys-shark-adventure-for-family-from-spain/

Capt. Chris & Christy Johnson, SeaSquared Charters, Marathon Florida Keys, 305.743.5305.   Please visit FishingReportsFloridaKeys.com FloridaKeysSharkAdventures.com FloridaKeysSunsetCruise.com FloridaKeysVacationMagazine.com

SeaSquared Charters
http://www.SeaSquaredCharters.com

LATEDA….
Mon. thru Fri., from 11:30 to 3 PM….lunch for Locals…only $8.50…includes soda or iced tea!

FANTASY FEST CANDIDATES…. Two of our very dear friends have thrown in their hats to run for Fantasy Fest King and Queen this year, CHRISTOPHER ELWELL and ANNE O’SHEA QUATTRINI!  They both have amazing events planned and I will be letting you know all about them when they send me the info!  To find out how you can Help these wonderful and giving candidates, go to their websites.  Christopher’s is  www.christopherforking.com.  If you cannot attend a Christopher event and want to send a donation….send checks, made payable to AIDS Help….at Christopher for King, 3326 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, FL 33040.  For Anne’s Event Lineup and Info, go to www.anneforqueen.com.  You will want to attend her fabulous events!  Chris and Anne are going to work VERY hard to earn badly needed funds for AIDS Help!   PUN OF THE DAY… The lights were too bright at the Chinese Restaurant, so the manager decided to DIM SUM!   AZUR LUNCH SPECIALS… …continue with 6 delish choices at $6 each…if you want me to send you the menu for this week, let me know!  425 Grinnell St. Note…a Beverage must be purchased to receive this special meal price! On WEDNESDAYS for dinner, get 50% off on all wines by the Bottle with two entree orders!    VANMOOF BIKE SALE…. …These sleek and sexy bicycles are being sold for $498, $100 less than their original price…..They can bee seen at JanGeorgeInteriors at 600 Frances St……You will be the envy of all atop the seat of this wow of a bike!  Call 509-8449 for further details.   AQUA NIGHTCLUB…. The Aquanettes perform at 9 PM!  That dreamboat, Bobby Nesbitt, is sure missed on Wednesdays at Aqua!    SATURDAY, SEPT. 4TH… CHRIS ELWELL FOR KING event….All You Can Eat Fish Fry with ALL the fixuns….at the home of Dena & Bob Badgerow, 14 Bougainvillea Dr., Key Haven…..6 to 8:00 PM….Limited to 50 People….Win a chance for a Day of Fishing with Capt. Bob Badge aboard the “Key-Nos ha”…..Minimum donation $25….All proceeds go to AIDS Help!!!!  RSVP by calling 305-304-6893.  Mark Your Calendars!!!!!   ST. PAUL’S CHURCH… From Noon till 1 PM, it’s Joe Lowe performing is Free classic concert for your afternoon enjoyment!   TAVERN ‘N TOWN… Gordy Michael performs from 5 to 9 PM in the Lounge at Beach side Marriott…2 for 1 cocktails from 5 to 7 PM!!!    COLOMBIAN GRACE RESTAURANT… ….at 223 Petronia St….continues to offer great specials at this new restaurant…..owner Zulma Segura offers free coffee or mimosa with lunch or breakfast and free wine, beer, or sangria with dinner order.  Call 240-1281 for reservations.  On WEDNESDAYS all appetizers are offered at HALF PRICE!  This great restaurant will be the only restaurant opened for breakfast on Petronia in Sept. & Oct.   QUESTION TO PONDER… Were you able to wake up tomorrow in the body of someone else, would you do so?  Whom would you pick?   PEOPLE’S THEATER AUDITION… A casting call for Wed., Sept 1 and 2nd at Downstage Theater located at 3340 N. Roosevelt Blvd.  Auditions are from 6 to 8 PM…come at 5 PM for script perusal….Callbacks will be Sat. Sept 4 at 2 PM….The show will be cast on Sun., Sept. 5.  Rehearsals will then run, Mon. thru Thurs. beginning Sept. 20th.  The show will be previewed on Thurs., 11/11 and open on Nov. 12.  Needed are 3 women and 2 men, and all ages and types are encouraged to audition…all levels of experience welcome.  The show is APOCALYPTIC BUTTERFLIES, by Wendy MacLeod and directed by Tammy Shanley.  For further details call Connie Hurst at 294-6813.   PRAYER CHAIN… Please remember the following in your thoughts and prayers for various reasons…..Emily Lowe (I hear she is recovering very well!  Prayers work!)… Katherine Raney…Adele Stevens…. Alicia Metzler…Marilyn Thompson…Cindy Lu and Vicki Gordon…..(Yesterday, I wrote the name of the glorious Vicki Roush, in error….and she wanted to know why we were praying for her!  Love that Vicki Roush!  But, hey Vicki, aren’t prayers and good vibes always welcome?)   CORK & STOGIE….. …at 1218 Duval St…..5 to 7:00 PM….Taste wines from Cork & Stogie and tasy treats from Franko’s Deli…50/50 raffle and silent auction…only $15 for 15 Tasting Tickets…..All proceeds go to AIDS Help…A Surrey For Fantasy Fest Queen Event!   DINNER/CONCERT/GALLERY TOUR…. Every Wednesday…Dinner at 6 PM at Banana Cafe with wine Pairings!  Afterward, at 8 PM it’s the classical guitar concert by Matthew Jampol at the Alan Maltz Gallery  Call for tickets and reservations at 304-1437!   TOMORROW…. …is Thankful Thursday, and I am still waiting for you to send me those things you are thankful for… could be a person (s), events, something esthetic, a moment…something that made you laugh or feel.  Please send me these thoughts of yours so I can share them with my many readers!   Love to YOU…and Remember… If you depend on others to make you happy, you will be endlessly disappointed! Lynda