guilttrip25

Dead Of Winter

2012-01-25T13:42:00.003-05:00

We are struggling through the dead of winter here in the Florida Keys. Lows have been in the upper 60's and high's around 80. Life is rough, but some buddy has to do it! It has been weird fishing as we are usually looking for warm water this time of year. Water is warm everywhere so fish are not in specific areas. We have to burn a bit more gas to find where they are on any given day, but that is what makes it fun!

Still doing a lot of Bay fishing for trout, red's and black drum. It is more of a sure thing for anglers who are more interested in catching. For the more sporting clients bonefish have been around in good numbers and channels have resident tarpon, but it requires more patience.

If you are going to be in the area I would love to get you on the water. Fishing is only going to get better and better.

Tight Lines Capt. Dave

Back On The Job

2012-01-10T14:02:00.003-05:00

I had a great Christmas Holiday with my family back in Michigan, but like all good things it must come to an end. I am once again back on the job in Key Largo and ready for action!

Since my return I have focused most of my time in the Bay fishing for trout, redfish, jacks and tarpon. I had a blast catching up with many clients I have not seen for a while and watching their families grow up. We spent a lot of time making sure the kids had fun catching lots of fish!

Now it is time to spend a little more time working on target species, tarpon, redfish, bonefish and permit!

Tight lines Capt. Dave

Home For The Holidays

2011-12-17T09:18:00.004-05:00

I have taken a couple of weeks off from my "Dream Job" to spend the Holidays at home in Michigan. It is always a shock to deplane in Michigan with the 50-degree temperature change. It is great to be home and I am busy repairing stuff in house and cabins before the tribe arrives. Can't wait!!

There was no break from the wind the entire month of November. I spent a lot of the time trying to find places we could hide and fish comfortably out of the wind. We picked away at Bonefish and Snook, but Sea Trout fishing was excellent. The high point of the month was fishing "The Tournament" at Ocean Reef Club. It was a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We raised a ton of money for the kids and I had a chance to see a couple of guides I haven't seen in years. Win, win!

I will be returning to the Keys December 28th and open for business. I look forward to seeing you then!

Happy Holidays, Capt. Dave

Wind, Wind Go Away

2011-11-20T12:10:00.003-05:00

The last two weeks has been an interesting time for me. I have been all over my territory, from Flamingo to Biscayne Bay. We have caught redfish, snook, tarpon, sea trout and bonefish. The one common denominator on most trips has been lots of wind! On most days we are having to customize our fishing to work around the wind. I am hoping it is about to blow itself out!

I had a special honor on November 10th. I was invited to be involved with a fishing outing with Guides from all over the Bahamas and Cuba. They were here to participate in the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust Symposium. I fished with Lazaro Valdes from Cuba. We had a wonderful day comparing note about bonefishing and the differences between our countries. Lazaro informed me his neighbors think he is crazy because he is a fly fisherman, they are more concerned with catching dinner! It was a day I will not soon forget.

Tight Lines Capt. Dave

Back In the Keys

2011-10-31T16:13:00.002-04:00

It was a spectacular summer in Northern Michigan. Trout fishing was outstanding and the bird hunting this fall was great, but all good things must come to an end!

I have made the long journey and am again open for business at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo Florida. The Club has done some major remodeling to our dock area and it looks great. They still need to complete a few minor details it should just be a few more days and all will be perfect.

If you are going to be in the area this Fall I would love to get you out on the water!

Tight lines, Dave

Hot And Dry

2011-08-02T13:10:00.002-04:00

The last month has been one of record heat and very little rain. Water temperature has been high so we have been trying to be very careful not to stress the trout. Midday fishing has on most day's has been out of the question. We have been fishing most days early in the morning. Trico's and olive's have been the fly's of choice. When we have fished midday we were using terrestrials and attractors.

We are hoping for a little reduction in the temperature and some much needed rain. The fishing menu will remain the same until fall. Daytime fishing will get a lot better as the heat moves on. I will be here until late October if you are interested in a float.

Tight lines, Dave

Hexomania 2011

2011-07-05T10:41:00.003-04:00

I can't wait for them to come each year, but I must admit after a long hard ride, I am glad I have no more Hex trips booked!!!
Cool weather and lots of rain made this year a reel struggle, but we went out on a high note. Just like golf we forget all the slow nights and just remember the eagle on the last hole!!!

I also had some great brook trout fishing during the day while all the night insanity was going on. We caught lots of fish and some nice sized ones to boot. All the fish we have caught this year have been full to the gills and fat as little pigs! All that high water has given them lots to eat. The best night I had in the Hex was with Tony Kalbli it was his first night trip and he made the best of it. I put him on 5 nice feeding fish and he managed to catch four of them. Not to shabby for a rookie !!!

Now I am looking forward to the morning hatches which should start any day now also the terrestrials won't be far behind. Give be a call if you are interested in some great summer trout fishing.

Tight lines, Dave

Early June

2011-06-15T10:32:00.002-04:00

It has been a wild ride this June. To hot, to cold, to much rain, no rain. Well it is Michigan!! As you would expect fishing has been inconsistent. It is always beautiful to be out floating the AuSable though! We had a couple great nights on the brown drakes and caught some fine trout. We are at present waiting on " Hexomania " it shoild start any night and we are all waiting on their arrival!!!

Tight Lines Capt. Dave

Back on the AuSable

2011-05-31T08:34:00.003-04:00

The last month has flown by an I can't believe I am again in Michigan! I was quite a shock going from the 90's to the 60's! It feels great to be back in the fresh water again!

The Keys ended up on a wild note with the flats on fire! Big tarpon, bonefish and permit Oh My!!

Fishing back on the AuSable has been spotty, with high water causing some issues. I did catch a monster 26" brown on a fun fishing trip. He ate a big green streamer. We are seeing sulphurs, stoneflies and even a few march browns on the water. The table is set for some great June fishing.

Lets go!!!

Tight lines, Capt. Dave

Flat Crazy

2011-04-26T09:46:00.005-04:00

The weather in the Florida Keys has been outstanding and so has the business!! I am sorry I have not been updating by blog , but I have not had time to eat or do laundry. What a wonderful problem to have!!

Fishing has also been insane! We have been catching Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit in great numbers. We are also still catching Snook and Redfish.

I still have three weeks left in the Keys. If you can slip away for some action, come on down!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Spring Break 2011

2011-03-21T11:16:00.002-04:00

It has been a wild and crazy ride the last couple of weeks! It is a thing of beauty to see Ocean Reef Club this busy. What a difference a year makes!

I have been fishing with mostly families as you would expect. That means lots of snappers, jacks and small groupers, but we also have been catching lots of small redfish and some huge trout! This is an unexpected but pleasant surprise. I have been fishing with my regular Monday and Friday client Don Asher and he has been on a roll of late! Don caught another beautiful permit, 31-pounds and lots of dandy bonefish.

I hope the floodgates remain open and the Club stays full of business and fish stay hungry!

Tight Lines Capt. Dave

Flats Fun

2011-03-01T13:54:00.002-05:00

Fishing the last couple of weeks has been a blast! We have been catching all the target species we love to catch, but have been in short supply lately. I have had several night tarpon trips and we caught at least one tarpon on every trip. There have been plenty of permit on the flats around Ocean Reef Club. Don Asher has the biggest so far a dandy 25-pounder. Bonefish have been on both the oceanside and bay flats around Ocean Reef. We have caught them up to 10-pounds.

Charters are really starting to book up, so if you are planning a trip this spring please let me know as soon as possible so we can work you in and have a Grand Adventure!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Fishing The Backcountry

2011-02-17T07:20:00.003-05:00

Most of the clients I have fished with lately have been interested in action and maybe dinner! To make everyone happy I have spent most of my time in the backcountry or the creeks.

I fished last week with Meg Blair out of Islamorada. We had a great day on the water and ended up all the way back to Flamingo. We caught a boatload of fish, mainly trout and ladyfish. Meg's dog Buster also had a blast checking out every fish that came aboard!

I fished with the Asher clan several days last week. I had a wonderful time fishing with them and we had a blast teaching the younger crowd the art of fishing! High line was Gabrel Asher with a monster hogfish he landed in the Angelfish Creek.

We have also had some nice catches of puppy redfish and snook mixed in with lots of ladyfish, snappers and small groupers!

Tight Lines Capt. Dave

Bonefish Action Heating Up

2011-02-03T15:04:00.003-05:00

While the rest of the nation is crippled with snow and ice we are finally having a warm up! The water was up to 74-degrees on the flats yesterday! It was May last year before we saw that temperature. With the warm water we are seeing bonefish return to the flats.

Yesterday fishing with Meg Blair and her friend Johanna Paterson, Johanna caught her first and second bonefish! It was a pleasure to be involved with her conquest! We also caught lots of jacks and other fish, it was a great all around trip.

Earlier in the week fishing with Don Asher we released three nice bones and a boatload of other species. Fishing for redfish, snook and tarpon has also been good. So all I can say is "Life Is Good" !!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Roller Coaster Ride

2011-01-23T12:32:00.003-05:00

Fishing the last couple of weeks has been a real roller coaster ride! It goes from bitter cold to above normal warmth. This is not great for the fish. They don't know where to stay and we don't know where to find them. I have had the best luck fishing in deeper water and along the deep ledges in the creeks. At these locations Snapper fishing has been very good with some small Groupers also.

Last Wednesday I took a trip over to the Everglades with my dear friend Meg Blair. We left her house and went almost all the way to Flaming. It was a beautiful calm day and we had a absolute blast. We stopped and fished at several locations and caught a boatload of fish! Lots of Jacks, Trout and Ladyfish. What a great day.

I have also been still having some luck with Redfish up around Ocean Reef Club. I am looking at another busy week and hoping by my next report I will be telling you about releasing lots of Bonefish!

Tight Lines Capt. Dave

New Year

2011-01-08T07:34:00.005-05:00

Since my return to Ocean Reef after my Christmas break I have been faced with some challenging conditions. We have had some bitter cold and windy day's. Thank God these conditions have moderated and we are again back to normal winter conditions!! You know the old adage " When the going gets tough".

I have had some outstanding trips of late and we have been having way to much fun on the water. We have been catching lots of fish, not always the clamorous verity, but fun none the less!

Top Gun so far is Sarah Asher. Fishing with her grandfather Don she released 25 Redfish! She kept both her grandfather and I busy releasing and reloading. What an outstanding trip!! The bar is set high for the rest of the season!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Headed Home For Christmas

2010-12-09T12:14:00.004-05:00

It is time for me to head back to Michigan and enjoy my family and do a little skiing. It has been a bit chilly in the Keys the last week. It is to cold to early!! I left the dock one afternoon sweating, returned in full rain gear and freezing. What a change!!

Fishing was holding up well until the last couple of days when water dipped into the fifties. It has been a real mixed bag at Ocean Reef Club of late. We have caught a couple of Permit, some nice Snook, several Bonefish and lots of Ladyfish, Jacks, Sharks and Snappers.

I hope the water has warmed into the seventies and it is sunny and warm upon my return to Ocean Reef.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T07:13:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it is the Holiday Season already! The past year is just a blur and a new one is just around the corner. Hope you all have a great time with your families this Thanksgiving!

Fishing business has slowed a bit for me , but I am still getting out a bit. Bonefishing has really picked up here at the Ocean Reef Club the last few days and the size of the fish has really increased. I will be on the water this afternoon and can't wait to get after them. We have also been seeing some monster Redfish in the Card Sound and Snook fishing remains good.

If you are at Ocean Reef this weekend I would love to get you on the water!

Tight Lines Capt. Dave

Back In The Goove

2010-11-14T16:56:00.003-05:00

I have fished every day but one this week and feel like I am back in the groove! We have been catching a lot of fish, but sometimes they are not always the target species! No one seems to be complaining. The wind made it tough for a couple of days although it has been sunny and warm! My anglers yesterday caught a couple of bonefish and were also busy with lots of Jacks, Snappers and a couple of Snook.

All in all we sure cannot be complaining. Life is good!!

Tight Lines Capt. Dave

Windy and Chilly

2010-11-08T08:46:00.003-05:00

The last few days have been very windy and chilly. We have spent most of our time in the creeks trying to stay out of the wind. We have had lots of action, everything from Mangrove snappers to 50-pound Tarpon. We have had a group from UBS visiting and they have kept us busy!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Back in ther Keys

2010-11-04T17:41:00.003-04:00

Well I am happy to tell you I am back in the fabulous Florida Keys! Had a blast coming down with my daughter Jessica. We met up with my son Joshua in Raleigh, North Carolina and took in the Florida State at North Carolina State football game. A good time was had by all!!

I am back on the job now and getting back into the groove. I fished yesterday with Meg Blair. It was a rainy day so we stayed close to the Club. We had a lot of action and Megs dog Buster had a ball chasing fish, as they came aboard. I have two trips tomorrow.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Fall Update

2010-09-29T11:24:00.002-04:00

I am setting here at my desk looking out at the beautiful fall color wondering where the summer went. It is all just a blur, seems like I just returned from the Keys yesterday!

I guess it is time to touch base with you all and let you know what my plans are for this fall. I will be up and running at Ocean Reef on November 1st as usual. I will be there until December 9th when I will return to Michigan for Christmas. The 28th of December I will be back on the boat and ready to catch some bonefish!

If you are interested in making some fishing plans you can email me at guilttrip25@hotmail.com or call me at 989-390-9135. You can also call Orvis Ocean Reef at 305-367-5920 and they can book a trip. I look forward to fishing with you soon.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Beautiful Weather

2010-07-30T08:41:00.002-04:00

Last summer never happened and that makes the beautiful weather we are having now so sweet! Cool nights and 80-degree days just can't be beat!

Fishing is still in a typical summer pattern. We are having Tricos in the morning along with Olives. The rest of the day we plug along with Ants and Hoppers. We have been catching lot's of fish just nothing large most are beautiful Brookies!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Summer Action

2010-07-22T11:43:00.002-04:00

The morning rise has been good with Trico"s and Olives and midday I have been using small black Ants. We have been catching nothing large, but getting lots of action!

I also have been doing a lot of work on our house. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Fly rods are more fun in my hand than hammers!!!

Tight Lines, Dave

Back In Action

2010-07-14T16:17:00.002-04:00

It has been a while since I have left a new post, but I have been covered up with customers and family. It was a wild Fourth Of July for me with both sets of grandchildren and lots of customers! I had a blast swimming , fishing and just plain having fun with my grandchildren and made some money to boot.

On the fishing scene their have been Trico's and Olives in the morning and Terrestrials during the day. Lots of small fish action.

Tight Lines, Dave

Lots Of Action

2010-07-01T13:56:00.002-04:00

I fished last evening with Cam Jones and his father. We fished the Holy Water stretch of the AuSable. We got started around 5 and fished until 10:30. We had lots of action using a Patriot fly. The the fish were all small in the 8 to 10-inch range. It was a lot of action a a beautiful evening to be on the AuSable. Life is Good!

Tight Lines, Dave

Changing Gears

2010-06-28T16:01:00.002-04:00

It is time for me to change gears for a while. I am trying to prepare for a busy holiday weekend. Instead of fishing I have been busy mowing grass and getting canoes and trailers all set for what we hope will be a crazy crowd. We also have lots of family coming in for the holiday. It should be a lot of fun, but a lot different than what has been going on the last couple of weeks.

Tight Lines, Dave

Transition Time

2010-06-26T08:09:00.002-04:00

We have fished very hard the last couple days with very little success. I fished a half-day with a chap from Ann Arbor Thursday. We tried all layers of the stream, nymphs. streamers and dry flies and had little action. We did move a couple of nice fish on streamers, but no cigar.

Yesterday I fished with a father and son from Atlanta. Same story! I even took a spinning rod along for the boy who had never fly fished. Good news is, he liked fly fishing better! Bad new is, he only had a couple chases.

We should be getting started with Olives in the morning and terrestrials during mid day any day now.

Tight lines, Dave

More South Branch Action

2010-06-23T16:10:00.003-04:00

I fished again last night on the Lower South Branch of the AuSable River. We had good action again and ended up releasing an 18 and 23-inch Brown trout. It looks a if we may have a few showers in the area tonight. We will just have to wait and see how the fish react!

Tight Lines, Dave

Blanket Hatch

2010-06-22T15:59:00.002-04:00

I fished the Lower South Branch of the AuSable last night with Stacy Leon and his son Pablo. It was an interesting night to say the least! It started out slow with a little action on small flies. Around 11PM all hell broke loose. We had a blanket Hex hatch and large fish feeding all around us! Only one problem, it was a thousand to one shot the fish would choose our fly! Stacy did finally manage a dandy Brown, but we all had grey hair by the time we hit the landing. More madness to follow tonight!

Tight Lines, Dave

Still Hexomania

2010-06-21T17:43:00.002-04:00

I fished the Conners Flats area of the AuSable last night with a father and son from Ann Arbor. It was the son's first night fishing trip. We started out with a bit of action on small trout and as the evening progressed we had a little bit of everything. We saw Surphors, Iso's and finally a few Hex. The son boated a nice Rainbow and hooked up on three dandy trout after dark, but they managed to slip the hook. We will be back at them again tonight!

Tight Lines, Dave

Hexomania

2010-06-20T11:09:00.002-04:00

Hexomania is in full force now! I have been fishing every night and the River is loaded with boats and wading fishermen. Only problem is there is not a lot of catching going on!! With all the rain we had I am afraid most of the bugs got washed away. Every morning the phone lines are abuzz with stories, most are seeing one or two good fish. Not bad, but not great either. We fished last night and fished for three feeding trout. We released one around 18-inches. Tonight has to rock!!

Tight Lines, Dave

Chuck and Duck

2010-06-17T08:32:00.002-04:00

I floated the AuSable yesterday with a couple of dear friends. There was very little surface activity so we pounded the water with big streamers. We had a lot of fish follow the streamers, but they most were just window shopping. We did manage to land a beautiful 19-inch Brown! That made our day!!

Tight lines, Dave

Lots Of Action

2010-06-16T07:58:00.004-04:00

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I fished the "Holly Water" of the AuSable yesterday with Tom and Bill from Findlay Ohio. It was cloudy and windy and the water was still about four inches high. We didn't know what to expect , but we were pleasantly surprised! We didn't catch any monsters, but we had lots of action on Sulphur emergers. Both guys managed a Slam; one each Brook, Brown and Rainbow Trout!

Many times I prefer lots of action on smaller fish than that one monster after dark. It is all in what you like! lots of rain in the night an gloomy today so far.

Tight Lines, Dave

Hex At the House

2010-06-14T18:23:00.002-04:00

It looks like Hex are coming off pretty much every place. We had a good spinner fall at the house last night with just a few rising trout. We wait all year for this to happen and I hope a lot of friends don't miss it.

Got to get ready to do battle again tonight!

Tight Lines, Dave

Back In Action

2010-06-13T18:33:00.002-04:00

Friday night we had on hell of a storm on the AuSable! The river went from being very low to high in just a few short hours. We had a few canoeist out yesterday and it was tough sledding for them!

I was back in action fishing today and it was a pleasant surprise! We caught six nice trout fishing with large streamers. The water is still high and dirty, but some of the fish don't care.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Out Of Commission

2010-06-10T14:18:00.002-04:00

It is with much regret I have to be out of commission for a couple of days. I need to have some routine test done which require me to be out action and on the down low! It could not have come at a worse time, but who would know when you schedule that the Hex would be this early. Catch a couple for me and I will be back in action Saturday.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Lovely Float

2010-06-09T19:25:00.003-04:00

We had a great float this afternoon. The weather was a bit shaky at the start , but it turned out to be a great afternoon. We fished mainly with Isonychia Emergers and Sulphur Duns. We landed a half dozen Brown Trout and solved all the problems of the world! Must contact BP to fill them in our solutions for the well!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

All Work

2010-06-08T16:17:00.002-04:00

Working my butt off around the camp today! Between the lawn, fence repair and work on boats no time for fun today. I have to wait until tomorrow to get back on the river again. The trout better be looking out because I will be ready to show no mercy. Got word there was some hex on the Stillwater last night. We better be ready or we will miss it!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Chilly Night

2010-06-07T17:37:00.003-04:00

Fished last night with a fellow from Chicago it was a pretty evening , but it got chilly. I had 40-degrees when we got in the van at the landing. We had plenty of flies, but the fish were a bit sluggish. We did manage to catch a good brown trout. Looks like it will be cool for a couple more days.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Night Action

2010-06-04T14:59:00.004-04:00

I fished last night with Bob Zucker from Cleveland Ohio. We had a great evening and hit the brown drakes just right. We landed some dandy browns and had several give us the slip. The largest was 19-inches! All in all it was a great trip.

Tight Lines Capt. Dave

Work and Fun

2010-06-03T16:43:00.003-04:00

I have been working hard trying to get everything around our camp ready for summer. Everything from yard work to a couple of new signs. All very labor intensive. We still find time to have some fun on the river. Above is a picture of my new granddaughter Roxey balancing on the bow during a canoe outing. See seems to be fitting in well!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Back on the River

2010-06-02T17:08:00.004-04:00

It was great to be back fishing again yesterday after the crazy holiday weekend. We fished late afternoon from Wakeley Bridge to the Townline. We caught lots of brown and brook trout, but none were worthy of a photo. I did take a couple of shots of the beautiful scenery.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Deep Breath

2010-06-01T13:28:00.002-04:00

It was a wild and wooly Memorial Day weekend on the AuSable River. I was running around like a chicken with his head cut off trying to keep everyone happy. Lots of drunks and loudmouths out of course. All I could do was watch the fish rise and dream of fishing. One of our guest did catch a 17-inch Brown Trout while fishing one evening! I am putting things back together today and will be fishing tomorrow.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

First Light

2010-05-29T16:28:00.003-04:00

I fished early this morning with a couple of great guys. One was from Singapore the other was from Midland Michigan. We left early to accommodate a long return flight to Singapore. It was great to be on the water a first light, but it was 46-degrees and the fish weren't awake yet. We threw everything we had at them and only managed a few Brookies. Beautiful as they are we were hoping for more and bigger fish! Guess we can't always have what we want!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Night Time Action

2010-05-28T15:09:00.002-04:00

Busy today with fisherman coming in to enjoy Holiday Weekend on the AuSable. Cabins are filling up and boat is ready for early mission tomorrow. Big News Flash!! Brown Drake spinners on the Mainstream last night. Hang on guys things are starting to break loose!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Getting Ready

2010-05-27T19:25:00.002-04:00

Spent the day today getting supplies in for the big weekend! Trying to get all the canoes and kayaks ship shape and my fishing boat totally ready. Not much left to do on boat after yesterdays shake down trip. Weather in Northern Michigan is wonderful for this time of year! We just got off the River taking an evening canoe ride. Lots of large Stone Flies on the water and a few fish feeding.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Back In Action

2010-05-26T18:41:00.003-04:00

It was my first trip back on the Ausable today! I fished with a couple of guys from Detroit. We had lots of great action and landed lots of Browns and Brook Trout. We fished mainly with three flies Sulfur Duns, Grey Stone Flies and Mahoganies. It was wonderful to be back on the river.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Back On the AuSable

2010-05-25T13:20:00.003-04:00

I finished my return trip yesterday around 4 PM. I was in a kayak and floating the River by 5! It is wonderful to be home on the River I love. The Flats of the Keys are super but Michigan is home to me. It was a very uneventful two days on the road.

I went out with a bang in Key Largo, we won the tournament going away final tally was 7 Tarpon, 3 Snook and 2 Bonefish. Now I must get ready for the Trout!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Wild Finish

2010-05-21T20:53:00.004-04:00

I was fishing with a couple anglers in an Ocean Reef Club Flats Tournament. We had an unbelievable day on the water! It started off around 9AM with the hookup of a 100-pound Tarpon! It took over an hour to release him and head off for more adventure. Before the day would end we landed three more Tarpon and added two nice Snook. We were the High Lines for the day, but have to fish tomorrow also.

After fishing tomorrow the boat goes on the trailer and I am off for the summer in Michigan. I will be out of service while I am in route. I will fill you in upon my arrival in Michigan.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

So Close

2010-05-21T05:38:00.002-04:00

I fished with a couple of old buddies from South Florida yesterday. Our target was Permit. We got close right out of the blocks! Ten minutes into the trip we spotted a fining Permit in the slick calm water. I was warned at the start that they where not seasoned Flats Anglers. It proved to be true! After several errant cast the permit moved away. I should have brought a prozac with me!! We had shot at six Permit in all and no hookups. We all had to learn sometime and I know they would take me to school Offshore where they fish most of the time. We lowered the bar and ended up catching six sharks, which was great fun and it put a bow in the rod! Great to see all the Permit!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Tarpon Snub

2010-05-20T05:51:00.002-04:00

I fished with the Flippins last night going for Tarpon. Faze on was a success we found lots of rolling Tarpon. Faze two just never happened! We caught more huge Jacks, but Tarpon were just laughing at us. It was a beautiful evening and we had a great time. We are fishing again Friday and Saturday so I am sure we can seal the deal. They will be my last mission in Florida for the season on Saturday. The AuSable and all my Trout friends are calling!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Big Jacks

2010-05-19T12:07:00.002-04:00

I fished with a couple of guys from Pennsylvania yesterday. We were looking for Tarpon on fly. The weather got really cloudy for us and we couldn't see the fish very well. We choose to switch to live bait and head for the Creeks. We had nonstop action with big Jacks and Groupers! We had two double hookups and had a great afternoon!! I will be looking for Tarpon again tonight.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Slow Day

2010-05-18T07:38:00.002-04:00

I fished yesterday morning with a lady from Ocean Reef Club. We were looking for either Tarpon or Bonefish on fly. It was very had to see with the wind and clouds. We burned a lot of fuel and covered a lot of flats to no avail. We had one fish eat the fly and run off some line , but he spit it out and away he flew. Today is going to be better!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Another Bonefish Day

2010-05-16T19:04:00.002-04:00

I left Ocean Reef Club this morning with a couple of members. Our target species was Tarpon. We first stopped in Broad Creek and Tarpon were rolling everywhere! We stayed for an hour and never managed a bite. Next stop we tried for Bonefish. After 15 minutes we caught a nice one! Next stop we tried for Tarpon again and again no bites. We tried for Bonefish one more time and caught another dandy!! Life is good!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Bonefish Morning

2010-05-15T16:34:00.002-04:00

I fished with a couple from Vermont this morning. We left Ocean Reef Club Looking for Bonefish. We hit several flats with no luck. I than ran up to Ceasers Creek and we began to see some fish. Before we left the Creek we landed three beautiful Bonefish. Largest was 9-pounds! It was still windy but fish didn't care. Looking for tarpon in the AM.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Widy Weather

2010-05-14T18:09:00.002-04:00

It was another windy day in sunny South Florida. My mission today was canceled because the clients plane needed to leave to avoid the strong winds. I spent the day cleaning out my apartment getting ready to head back to Michigan. Next week is filling up so I have to get ready ASAP.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Sad Day

2010-05-13T18:42:00.002-04:00

It was a very sad day for me today. It was the last trip of the season for me with Fred Pape and Gail Guyton. We have fished an afternoon a week for many years. We share a passion for fly fishing and also share conservative values. It is a sad time of year when my regular customers head north for the summer! Another week and I will be heading north for the AuSable and the Trout.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Challenging Day

2010-05-12T06:02:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was cloudy and windy in Key Largo. We left the dock looking for Bonefish knowing it was going to be a struggle. I was fishing with a couple from New Jersey and we were fishing with a fly rod. We visited several flats with no luck. Finally we ended up at Ceasers Creek and we were able to seduce A Bonefish with a spawning shrimp pattern. It was tough, but we pulled it off at the end!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Boat Work

2010-05-10T19:11:00.002-04:00

I had the day off today so I used the time to catch up on lots of much needed boat work. My baby got a good cleaning from bow to stern and a little TLC for the motor. Hoping to be back on the Flats tomorrow with some good fish action!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Visual Grand Slam

2010-05-09T19:38:00.002-04:00

I fished with a couple from New York City today. I was another glorious day in the Florida Keys. We had a light north west wind when we left the Ocean Reef Club. We headed out looking for Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon on Fly. During the course of this grand day we had a shot at them all! We had more opportunities at Tarpon. We saw them in all sizes. We were able to have two eats and get lots of jumps, but nothing to the boat. We returned with our heads held high knowing we did our best!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Tarpon On Fly

2010-05-08T18:47:00.002-04:00

I fished with a nice guy from New Jersey this morning. It was slick calm a we left Ocean Reef Club. At our first stop we had had a great shot at some fining Permit. The combination of a long winter without casting and a big fly rod did us in. As the morning progressed so did the casting level. The Flats were alive with Tarpon this morning and we capped it off with a 100-pounder on a Black Death.

This afternoon I fished with a mother and daughter from Miami. We had lots of shots at both Tarpon and Permit. We were hooked up to a dandy Permit when a huge school of Tarpon came by and cut the line with their fins! Bummer!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Good Cause

2010-05-07T18:07:00.002-04:00

I fished with a group of guys representing a good cause today. The Generous Giving Org. It was a beautiful day and we had lots of fun on the water! First we caught some rod benders up in the Creeks. We then moved to the Flats looking for Bonefish. We came in contact with a Hammerhead Shark that was at least 10-feet long. It was a wonderful creature! We tried several Flats to no avail than Matt Mancinelli managed to land a nice Bone! We saw several more Bull Sharks then back to Ocean Reef. I have an early trip tomorrow lets think Big!!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Dandy Tarpon

2010-05-06T20:15:00.002-04:00

I fished this morning with two fellows from Ocean Reef. It was a beautiful morning with light wind. We started out catching a big Barracuda. Next stop we landed a 100-pound Tarpon and a dandy Jack! We finished of the morning with a couple of Groupers.

On the afternoon trip we started out hot! We had four shots at Permit on fly! Our afternoon mission was interrupted with some boat issues. Back at it tomorrow!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Life Is Good

2010-05-04T19:25:00.002-04:00

I fished with a group of guys from the New York City area today. We headed out from Ocean Reef Club looking for anything that swims. We ended up In Card Sound and had good luck right off the bat. We Landed three nice Snook and jumped a dandy Tarpon. Weather was wonderful and we enjoyed every second. We headed back across the Sound and ended up on the edge of a channel. We had a couple of big hits, but failed to keep them on the line. It was time to head back to the dock so away we went. Day off tomorrow, lot's to catch up on!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Super Day

2010-05-03T19:15:00.002-04:00

I had an outstanding day on the Flats today. This morning I fished with Cris Watkins and a friend from Palm Beach. We headed for the far side of Card Sound and the fun started. Cris started out catching a couple of Snook. New angler same results, before it was over we had three Snook and four Tarpon!! What a great morning!

This afternoon we left Ocean Reef looking for Oceanside Tarpon. First stop bingo! We had a plug and a crab in front of them, but no bites. We traveled to several other spots before we hooked a monster Barracuda, he gave us a great fight and finally took us around an island and away he went. What a great day!

Tight lines, Capt. Dave

Fun Fishing

2010-05-02T19:24:00.002-04:00

I fished today with a couple of great guys from Seattle. We fished with both spin and fly rods. I burned a lot of gas today and we saw lots of different fish. We even managed to catch a couple of Sharks. The most excitement for the day came at the very end. We ran into a huge school of Tarpon! At least a hundred fish! It was wild. We were taking waves over the bow , but it was fun just to watch the fish! It would have been great to catch one , but it was lots of fun to be in their space!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

May Day

2010-05-01T19:13:00.003-04:00

May got off to a weird start in Key Largo today. It was totally cloudy this morning, sunny midday and totally cloudy late this afternoon. I fished out of Ocean Reef Club with a group from the Dairy Industry. We had a busy trip. I started out in Midnight Pass looking for Bonefish. There we caught a couple of Sharks. We moved back across Card Sound and fished a Creek where we landed 20 Mangrove Snappers. Last stop was on a Flat where we caught a Bonefish! Fun Day!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Rod Benders

2010-04-29T19:26:00.002-04:00

It was a cloudy windy day in Key Largo today. I had two half-day trips. We tried to fish the Flats on both charters, but It made more sense to head for the Creeks and go for some action. We caught lots of big Jacks and Mangrove Snappers. On the morning trip we hooked into something big, but he finally slipped the hook. Tomorrow is supposed to be more of the same!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Monster Permit

2010-04-28T19:15:00.003-04:00

I had a wonderful day on the water today! Had a nice morning trip with two guys from Vero Beach. We had some great shots at Bonefish, then stopped at the Creeks for some super action on Jacks. We caught them up to 6-pounds. We then went back to the Flats where we had four shots at big Tarpon, no eats.

This afternoon I fished with old friend Tom Meyers and his guest from Mississippi. We started things off with a bang! Tom hooked up on a 30-pound Permit! It has been his quest for some time so it was a HUGE thing! Then we went looking for Bonefish , which we found but could not make eat. It was an all around great day.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Back To Normal

2010-04-27T19:30:00.002-04:00

Today was back to normal after yesterdays storms. Lots of puddles and some downed trees. We had tornado warnings but no touchdowns.

I fished this afternoon with Mona Brewer from Ocean Reef Club. We were fly fishing for Tarpon and Bonefish. Had no luck with Tarpon , but had some great shots at Bonefish. Discovered they don't like fly line on their heads! We had lot's of laughs!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Stormy Weather

2010-04-26T16:42:00.003-04:00

It was a windy stormy day in Key Largo today. I had huge plans to catch Permit, Bonefish and a giant Tarpon today! All those plans had to be placed on hold until tomorrow. We had lots of wind, lightning and driving rain. It was a good day to tie flies and catch up on paper work. Look out tomorrow

Tight Lines, Cap. Dave

Nice Tarpon

2010-04-25T13:34:00.002-04:00

I had two fun trips yesterday. In the afternoon I fish with people from Michigan and Connecticut. We Looked on the Flats for Bonefish, but it was quite windy. We opted for the Creeks and had a blast catching lots of Jacks, Snappers and Porgies.

In the evening I went out with Andrew the Tennis Pro at the Club and his future brother in law. We went so several spots and saw nothing. At our last stop first cast we hooked up on a dandy Tarpon! After about a half hour fight we brought the Silver King up along the boat and snapped several photos. It ended up being a great night.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Scary Day

2010-04-24T08:28:00.004-04:00

I was fishing yesterday with a father and son from Maryland. We were heading out to the flats for some Bonefishing. We were running through a small creek when a Spotted Eagle Ray jumped right beside the boat. Scary! We fished a couple of spots and were heading up to Ceasars Creek when a Spinner Shark jumped out of the water in our path. It luckily just brushed my passenger on the shoulder!! Real Scary!! It could have been serious! I guess we could say they were "Jumping In The Boat" Hoping for less drama today.

Tight lines, Capt. Dave

Big Tarpon

2010-04-23T05:52:00.003-04:00

I fished yesterday afternoon with Gayle Guyton from Ocean Reef Club. It was another beautiful day on the water. We started out looking for Bonefish and had two good shots but they did not eat the fly. We looked for Permit for a while with no luck. Then we were off to the Oceanside flats looking for tarpon. We had several shots at nice schools of Tarpon but no one was interested. Tomorrow its a shotgun!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Another Nice Day

2010-04-21T18:50:00.003-04:00

I fished this morning with Ken Karl from Ocean Reef Club. We headed across Card Sound and began looking for some rolling Tarpon. It didn't take long for us to find some, but they were just having fun and not eating! We made two more stops and had the same results. Away we headed for the Ocean. We spent the rest of the morning looking for Bonefish. It clouded up a bit but we still saw a few fish, but failed to make them eat!

This afternoon I fished with a grandfather, father and young son. We started out looking for Bonefish and found a couple schools. Same story as this morning! We changed out theory and focused on finding my young client some action. He ended up his trip with ten feisty Snappers and an angry Needle fish! A good time was had by all!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Glorious Day

2010-04-20T19:23:00.002-04:00

Today was the best day in six weeks! Bright sun and no wind made it perfect. I fished this morning with Ocean Reef Tennis Pro Andrew. We had some great shots at rolling Tarpon. He had four eat the top water plug and got some great jumps out of one! We also had shots at some big Bull Sharks and Barracuda.

This afternoon I fished with a couple of guys from Michigan. They were just learning but managed to land four Sharks. We had a great time and they caught me up on Michigan gossip! Hope tomorrow is a pretty!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Another Yucky Day

2010-04-19T18:23:00.002-04:00

It was cloudy and windy again today but we managed to get the day in. It was tough to sight fish today so we opted for blind casting shrimp. It is not what we like to do, but it beats setting on the couch! We did manage to land a nice Bonefish along with lots of rod benders. It looks as if the weather is about to change for the better so let's keep our fingers crossed!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Day Off

2010-04-18T17:54:00.004-04:00

It was a stormy morning in the Florida Keys. I met my party at Ocean Reef Club and decided it was best to call off our mission. It kills me to lose a trip with the winter we have had here , but common sense prevailed! I have just come off a crazy week with three tournaments and all that goes with them. It is a lot of fun, but you need to sleep sometime. I have caught up on all my chores and will be ready to fish in the morning. Look out fish!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Scary Wind

2010-04-16T04:52:00.002-04:00

On the first day of the Anglers Club Tournament the wind was howling! It was hard to move from spot to spot and even harder to make a presentation to a fish! We had a chance at a school of Permit and not much else. Maybe we can catch a break today.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

More Wind

2010-04-15T06:01:00.002-04:00

I fished yesterday morning with a mother and daughter from New Jersey. We left Ocean Reef Club in a stiff 30- knot wind! The first flat we tried we tried we caught two Sharks. We moved several times and ended up the morning with another Shark, two Triggerfish and a fat Grouper. Not bad for a windy day!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Rod Benders

2010-04-14T05:45:00.002-04:00

I fished yesterday with Andy Hays and a friend from the Chicago area. We left Ocean Reef Club in some real windy conditions. We tried our best to sight fish for Bonefish and Permit. After a morning of very little action we gave in and went to the " All Else Has Failed" spot and finished the day with some rod benders. We used both shrimp and fly and finished the day with some action. The catch for the day included Sharks, Groupers and Snappers.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Rainy Day

2010-04-13T05:42:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a total washout! We tried to take kids out, but not a chance. It is supposed to be windy today but sunny today.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Cloudy Day

2010-04-12T07:19:00.002-04:00

I was a cloudy windy day in key Largo yesterday. I fished in the morning with a couple from New Jersey. We Had a mixed style with one fishing bait the other fly. With the conditions we had the bait team won with a Shark a Flounder and some Snappers.

On the Afternoon mission I fished with Don Asher. Conditions got worse as the day went on! It was our last trip for the season so we spent most of out cloudy windy time going over shutdown of Dons Ocean Reef operation for season.

VIP trip today! My grandchildren from Cleveland. No pressure!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Ocean Reef Flats Tournament

2010-04-11T05:49:00.003-04:00

I fished yesterday with Don Asher and Matt Forelli In the Ocean Reef Flats tournament. It was a cloudy windy day on the flats. We fished hard and had some good shots at both Bonefish and Tarpon. We only managed to catch a 10-pound Bar Jack, great fight but wrong species! A Bonefish and Permit won. I am sure we had more fun on the boat and fixed all the problems of the world!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Big Tarpon

2010-04-10T05:51:00.002-04:00

I fished yesterday with Don Asher. We were mainly looking for Permit. It was a slow go on the Permit front. Where did they go after yesterday? That is what they do, make us crazy. Last hour of the day was insane for us with giant Tarpon. Saw over a hundred fish. They were just resting and hanging out, not eating! We will prevail today!!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Permit Crazy

2010-04-09T06:13:00.002-04:00

I left the dock at Ocean Reef yesterday morning with a couple fellows from the D.C. area. They just wanted to catch some fish! We started out catching a couple of Sharks. Then we went to a flat on the edge of a channel and our luck changed we ended up catching two small Permit!!

On the afternoon trip we were fly fishing for Bonefish and Permit. We had four great shots at large Permit, but they would only window shop. We had really good looks but no takers. Today we are going to resort to live Crabs!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Bonefish Bonnies Tournament

2010-04-08T05:58:00.002-04:00

I fished in a flats tournament yesterday with Mona Brewer and Sandy Rule. It was a beautiful day and we had some good shots at both Bonefish and Permit. Mona was fly fishing and Sandy was using bait. We had no hookups sorry to admit. It was a fun time and a wonderful dinner following.

Tight lines, Capt. Dave

Bonefish Day

2010-04-06T20:25:00.004-04:00

It was a Sunny breezy day In the Florida Keys. On my Morning trip I fished with a father and son from both Coast. We were fly fishing for Bonefish and Tarpon. We had some great shots but were unable to manage a hookup.

On the afternoon mission I was fishing with a trio from all over also. We left Ocean Reef and headed for Card Sound we caught a mess of Snappers and Jacks then we headed for the flats. That is when things heated up! We ended up with three Bonefish and two Sharks. What a great afternoon!! Tomorrow I have a tournament to fish.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Fun ,Fun, Fun.

2010-04-05T05:52:00.003-04:00

It was a wonderful day on the water yesterday! I had three charters and we caught some scrappy fish. Finally some weather you would expect in the Florida Keys. Morning trip was a bit slow , but we made up for it on the last two trips. Highlights of the day was a afternoon Bonefish that launched himself back into the bay as we tried for a photo and a dandy Snook which I was able to get a photo of on the evening trip.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Shark Day

2010-04-04T05:48:00.002-04:00

I fished with Don Asher and the Bowens from Chicago yesterday. We were looking for Bonefish and Tarpon. Saw a few of each , but we were only able to capture Bonnet Head Sharks. It was a lovely day and the Sharks gave us a great fight. We were also able to solve most of the worlds problems!

Tight Lines Capt. Dave

Tailing Bonefish

2010-04-03T06:07:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a glorious day. It was sunny and warm with a light breeze. I fished the morning trip with a father and daughter from long Island. We left Ocean Reef and headed west looking for some rod benders. They had a lot of action and caught lots of Snappers, Jacks and even a Blowfish. The daughter won round one, but round two is tomorrow evening.

On the afternoon trip I fished with a father and son from Indianapolis. We spit our time between fishing for dad and son. Dad had some great shot at both laid up Tarpon and tailing Bonefish.He was a bit rusty from a long winter and only managed to spook the targets. We went to the secret spot for the son and managed to release a mess of Mangrove Snappers, a less wary quarry. Tomorrow looks great!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Big Tarpon

2010-04-02T05:36:00.002-04:00

I headed out from Ocean Reef yesterday with Tee Rowe fly rod in hand looking for Tarpon. At the first stop we found several schools of rolling residents. Tee got the fly close but we did not make contact. We had bright sun and no clouds so the fish were spooky all day. We headed out to the ocean in the afternoon. After about an hour we encountered our target, several 100-pound Tarpon coming down the shore. It was a thing of beauty. Tee got various shots , but never got the fly in the wheelhouse. All we could do was watch them slide away! Tomorrow is another day!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Wonderful Day

2010-03-31T18:34:00.003-04:00

I had a wonderful on the water today! On the morning trip I fished with a father and son from the D.C. area. It was a crisp sunny morning. We had a great time fishing and caught lots of fish. Everything from Snappers to Ladyfish and everything in between.

On the afternoon mission I was joined by a father and son from Delaware. We headed to the north looking for Bonefish. They were really hiding this afternoon so we decided to just catch some fish, We caught lots of Snappers a Black Drum and a Jack. It was a beautiful smooth ride back to Ocean Reef Club.

Tomorrow looks great!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Stormy Weather

2010-03-30T05:43:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a weather shortened day. We left Ocean Reef Club early to beat some oncoming weather. I was fishing with part of a group from Delaware. We fished for a couple of hours and caught two Sharks and lost a Bonefish after a good run. Then I got a call from the Charter Desk telling me of a Tornado Warning!! We raced back to the dock , but still got caught in a nasty squall. We had gust up to 45kts and driving rain. I was ten minutes to late getting back to the dock, wet but safe!!! Better weather today.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Shark Day

2010-03-29T06:43:00.004-04:00

I fished two trips yesterday and both were cloudy and windy. In the morning I was fishing with a father and daughter from New York City. We usually fly fish but thought with conditions bait would be better. They managed to coral three Bonnet Head Sharks and release a small Bonefish at the boat.

On the Afternoon mission I left Ocean Reef Club with a young Couple from Traverse City Michigan. We headed out with fly rod in hand. It became very windy but we kept plugging away with the fly rod. We had two Sharks eat the fly, but never got the hook set. At the last stop we had a shot at a school of big Snook, but caught a Mangrove instead!

Looks like a rainy day today. Yuck!!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Yucky Day

2010-03-27T05:41:00.003-04:00

I fished with Don Asher Friday. We left his house at Ocean Reef Club and headed to the flats looking for Permit and Bonefish. It was very cloudy and we had a stiff south west breeze. We looked in several places to no avail and finally decided sight fishing was out for the day. The highlight of the day was Don trying out his new Orvis fly rod! It worked like a champ even in stiff breeze.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

75-Degree Water

2010-03-26T06:41:00.002-04:00

We hit a milestone on the flats yesterday, the water reached 75-degrees! Tarpon and all else good should be just around the corner!

I fished with Fred Pape yesterday afternoon. We headed out from Ocean Reef Club looking for Permit on fly. First stop first minute and we sighted a big Permit. Fred made two presentations, but no cigar!! It went downhill from there. We had very little action for the rest of the trip.

I am ready to head out again and Hope Springs Eternal!

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

More Family Fun

2010-03-24T16:46:00.002-04:00

Last evening I fished with a family from Long Island. We headed out From Ocean Reef Club around 5 and headed to the flats. While fishing on the flats we landed 3 Sharks. Then we were off to the creeks. We hit a slow time for about an hour, but finished with a flurry!
We jumped 3 Tarpon and got one to the boat! We got back to Ocean Reef in the dark.

This morning I left ocean Reef with a nice family from Boulder Colorado. Again we headed to the flats and had great luck with the Sharks. We than ran north to Old Rhodes Key and worked the Oceanside flats. We only saw several Boxfish . Than we headed to the creeks and ended up with a mess of Snappers and a Porgy. We were back at Ocean Reef by noon.

Above are some pictures of other family catches.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave

Sunny Skies

2010-03-23T14:06:00.002-04:00

It was a beautiful morning at the Ocean Reef Club We fished both the Ocean and Bay side of the Club and had a wonderful trip. We were fly fishing for Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit this morning and we had a visual on two of the three. It was almost as if we were throwing hand grenades at the fish! One cast and away the would race.

I am taking a break and will be departing on an evening Tarpon trip at 5 P.M. It will be fun as I am fishing with a group from Long Island I have fished for years. More to follow tomorrow.

Tight Lines, Capt. Dave