As the week draws to a close I must say we have had some excellent fishing reports. Large numbers of Mangrove snappers as well as Red fish and Snook have been reported. The Trout fishing has slacked off a lot due to the hot weather conditions resulting in very warm waters. Overall every thing looks good for a strong end to our summertime fishing here on Marco Island.

It has been over a year since I have put my Parker 25 SE into service for my Marco Island fishing charter business and I must say I have not been disappointed with the results. As a charter fishing vessel this boat get a lot of use and I have logged over a thousand hours in a year. I have not had any failures with the boat except for live well pumps, but that is par for the course. This boat will float in 15 inches and is a great platform for my family fishing excursions, where I accommodate up to 6 people. Back water or off shore it can do it all.

New snook regulations will take effect on Sept. 1 of this year. The new slot limit for snook will be 28-33 inches, one fish bag limit and open harvest in the months of March, April, September, October and November. Marco island fishing in the years to come, I am sure, will see a positive affect with these new regulations. Lets all do our best and keep up the positive attitudes towards creating these conservation measures which will benefit generations to come.

During these times of increasing environmental pressures as well as the great influx of recreational fishing to the area Marco Island fishing seems to be holding its own. I must congratulate the FWC on the fine job they are doing. It merely is not the amount of boats they stop but just their mere presence, it will make you think twice about doing something wrong before you even do it. I also want to congratulate the the citizens of Marco Island for taking a step in the right direction and looking more closely at the way their decisions will create a more Eco friendly environment for years to come. I truly believe that the steps we have taken, are in the right direction and will preserve the pristine beauty of the island for years to come. Fishing in the backwaters has been really good and I have not seen a decline over the past few years. Lets all keep up the good work and leave a place for our kids and grand kids to enjoy. Take them fishing.  

Marco Island fishing has been great and well over a year since I put my Bionic Blade fishing rods from Bass Pro Shops into service, and I must say given a rating from 1 to 5 these babies get a 6! These beauties not only have great action but their durability is beyond reproach. I figure that I have put at least 200 trips on all the rods and I have not had a single failure any where. Given the salt water environment, which they tolerate day in and day out they still look outstanding. The biggest factor I must take into consideration is all the abuse they withstand by the novice fishermen. I certainly will continuing using these rods and would highly recommend them to everyone.

Well I just came home after one of the nicest family fishing trips. We had Mom, Dad and two of the most polite children that I have ever met. “Captain may I Please have, Thank you, Would you care for?”, were just a few of the phrases that were passed my way by not only Mom and Dad but by their wonderful Kids! It not only made the trip pass with lots of fun for them, but made me feel good as well. This is a way to keep a family together for years to come and God knows there are going to be some difficult ones. I personally have friends having trouble with one of their teens and crystal meth addiction. If only they had something else to do besides nothing. Going fishing, I truly believe has kept me out of lots of trouble. Mom and Dad take your kids fishing and if you can not do this ,please try to stay as much a part of their world as possible. 

Well there seems to be a lot going on within the Marco Island community, Sewer systems. It seems that some of the good people of Marco Island believe that this island community does not need a sewer system and want to continue flushing away their problems right into the ground. I wonder if this sewage will eventually seep into the surrounding water ways, Duh! Along with all the pressures we are putting on our fisheries from loss of habitat I hope they see the light and stop polluting our waterways and estuaries. I always say to my wife, ” I am sure glade we are here now because in 20 years we certainly will have destroyed all of the natural habitat, which our fish and other animals depend on for survival.” No more fishing is an unbearable thought for me.

Gas prices are certainly hurting my competitiveness in the charter fishing market. It not only affects the fuel cost of my small 1 man operation but as well as the cost for bait, which the bait guys pass on to me for their increase in fuel. I have been holding out on a rate increase for a while now but do not know how much longer I will be able to take the pain!

Well here we are again hurricane season 2007. I hope you are not waiting for Dr. Steve Lyons from The Weather Channel to say it is time to hunker down. This time of year I get all my preparations done early. I do not want to wait in line with all the other folks, trying to get last minute supplies. Being a charter captain here in southwest Florida, being on top of this is a major priority of mine. I hope all will remain calm this season as it did last, but if not, bring it on, I am ready!

Well I think our summertime rain pattern has finally started. We certainly need it. With the influx of fresh water finally moving into the backwater estuaries we should see and increase of the Red fish and Snook populations moving in as well. Keep any eye to the sky and an ear open, always observing a potential storm moving your way. Stay safe!