The last week and a half was simply filled with some outrageous catches. There was big fish after big fish landed. It seemed as if the next person who fished was able to out due the one before. I mean to tell you, there were fish that had to be over 200 pounds that were tackled the passed week and a half. It was simply remarkable. We saw hundreds of Tarpon all around us on each Tarpon Trip. They just don't eat as well as they should though. But we did manage to put a couple nice ones to the boat.
To get things started the first client was George McRobbie from the U.K.. The winds were howling a good 15 to 20 knots first thing that morning, but I knew if we could just get some bait and get back to the river before they became 20 to 30 knots we would be alright. Bait was not easy at all. We spent a good hour and a half throwing the net and searching for the bait. Eventually I was able to put enough in the well to head back up the river. The first couple of spots we hit did not produce anything. We sure saw fish all over the place. The Tarpon would roll within 10 feet of the boat. George couldn't believe it. He had never seen anything like it in his entire life. We worked hard the first hour or two without much going on. Then I made the decision that put George on the fish. We went to one of my old haunting grounds and it was the charm. First George landed a nice Snook that was close to keeper size. Then his bait was torched by a Tarpon. The Tarpon actually came from underneath the boat and ate George's bait right in front of his face. George did a great job with that Tarpon and landed it in 10 minutes or so. When I went to Boga Grip it, he shook his head and the hook pulled loose. I really hated that. I wanted George to have a great picture to take back to his friends back home. Fortunately for George we were able to get another hookup within minutes. This one took a little longer to get in but I was able to get it on the Grip for a good picture of George holding it. He sure was happy!! He landed a Snook and 2 Tarpon for the first time ever and it was all in the same day.
Next in line was Barron and Diana from New York and their good friend David from West Palm. Barron had never fished before but wanted to go after Tarpon. Tarpon are a very tough fish to go after your first time out fishing, but it was his trip so we set off. We arrived at the Tarpon hole and once I was anchored up the Tarpon started rolling all over the place. I baited David, Barron, and Diana up. What do you think happened next? Yeah that's right, Diana hooked up on the first cast. The Tarpon made a couple of mad dashes but nothing earth shattering. Diane reeled the Tarpon towards the boat and said something to the effect of, "that wasn't much of a fight." I asked her if she thought that fish was done. Not two seconds later the Tarpon screams off drag and slams Diana's knees against the gunnels. She did good to hold on. 15 minutes later Diana had completely changed her story about how hard a Tarpon fights. I do have to say one thing, Diane is one of the few pretty girls I have met that wasn't afraid to get dirty. When I hoisted the Tarpon into the boat, she wrapped both of her arms around it without hesitation. That dose not happen very often. She held that Tarpon up for picture after picture. Once Barron saw his wife's feat he just knew he was going to get him one too. However, it wasn't in the cards that day. He had to settle for some voracious 5 and 6 pound jacks which gave him all he could handle. Especially on nearly locked down drag. We all still had a blast and finished up the day at the Waterfront Restaurant with a great meal and some good laughs.
When I got back home from my trip with Barron, Diane, and David, I tossed some of my baits out tail hooked. One of the baits died so I threw it over towards the seawall to sit on the bottom. I started to was the boat and then went into grab a drink. When I returned I saw my rod was bending and I had a fish on. I automatically assumed it was a Canal Tuna on the other end. To my surprise it was a big red fish. He was one of the biggest reds I have caught. I very rarely catch Redfish much less Redfish in my own canal.
The next day was off so I gave my good friend Nelson a call to see if he wanted to do some filming for the Chew On This Saltwater Fishing Show. He obliged and off we went in search of some of the Monsters of the Shallows. I hooked into two of the biggest fish of my life. The first one was 10 feet away when the 200 pound test leader gave way. I was nearly beat to death by that fish. Not long after that I hooked up with another one in the 150 plus pound range and after an intense battle I was sure I had him coming my way and I was going to win the battle. 2 seconds later the main line pulled free from the backing and shattered 4 eyes in my Cape Fear Man O' War rod. I hated that. Next it was Nelsons turn. He hooked up with a Monster and it gave him everything he wanted and more. He fought that fish for a good 2 to 3 minutes before it finally decided to surface. What a Jewfish! It is at least 70 pounds plus. Nelson wasn't through yet either.
We continued to deep drop for Jewfish and low and behold Nelson's bait gets thumped. Nelson hunkers down on it and pumps the fish hard to get it away from the cover. Once we noticed it surfacing quickly we both knew it was a Snook. She was a beauty to. We weighed her in at a nice and fat 16 pounds.
Finally we are at the final trip. Joel one of my cameramen has yet to ever even tangle with a big Jew, much less catch one. I told him where to put his bait and he followed suit. Within 10 minutes he had the fish of his lifetime on. He pulled as hard as he could to keep that fish from running back into it's pilings. On two or three occasions it looked as if Joel might give up the fight. Each time that looked as if it was going to happen the Wrestling coach that is inside of me came out and pushed him to succeed in landing that huge Jewfish. He was able to stick it out and landed this awesome fish. It was the biggest of his lifetime. After the fight and the pictures were taken, Joel was ready to just sit down. He didn't want to fish anymore. He had his taste for the day. I was very happy for Joel. He did a great job sticking with it.
The Chew On This Saltwater Fishing Show www.chewonthis.tv will be available for sale next week on the 30th of April. The fish are on film and in the show for the most part. It is going to be one of the best fishing shows for Inshore fishing you have ever seen. You can pre order your copy now. DVD's are $20, VHS $15, and SVCD's are $12 plus $4.95 shipping and handling. Shirts, Hats, and Visors are being made up for the "Chew On This Saltwater Fishing Show." The hats will have the "Chew On This" logo on front with web address on the back. The Visors will say "Chew On This" in words. Tshirts will have logo on front and back with web address and slogan. Visors will go for $15 and hats $20. T-shirts will be $15. Email @ Captchancey@aol.com for more info.
Don't forget to check out my Pathfinder that is for sale. Just click on the link to find out more details. Make sure you tell a friend if you are not interested. It is one nice riding, quality built boat.
Click to see the Chew On This "Sharkn' It Chokolooskee Style" webpage. Once you have viewed the preview you can purchase a full featured VHS or VCD which includes scenes from the next episode to view in your VCR or DVD player. Each video is only $12 plus $4.95 shipping and handling. This is the first episode of ten. Be sure to get it while it lasts. Limited production video, get your copy today.
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