Close up of Wasp in Arch Creek Memorial Park

Great close up of a Wasp taken in Arch Creek Memorial Park, in North Miami Florida.
Go see more great pics at Hochman Photography. There are lots of great subject matter in your own backyard!

A Not So Little Piggy!

A great hog picture sent to us by Joe Leveridge and our friends at  US Hog Outfitters. If your’e interested in going after wild Hogs, then you must visti their website at UShogoutfitters.com

Deer Hunting Tips and using Scent Blocking Products

My good friends in Wisconsin, when indoctrinating me into the fine art of Bow Hunting, never taught me much about scent elimination other than telling me I smelled like my favorite Delicatessen, and go take a shower. We would arrive at a parking area about a 20 minute walk from the tree stand we would use that day, and head in. Now mind you, that a lot of the education process took place in warmer months so I didn’t carry my bow in with me, but even in Wisconsin in late August, I would be a sweaty mess by the time I took my seat. I knew little to nothing about bow hunting at that time, but my friend sure did, as there was usually some great views of deer making their way down the game trail and quite often stopping for a bit directly under the tree stands. I thought “those bastards are mocking me!”, as I rarely saw anything when I ventured out on my own.

Fast forward two years and I have now taken a few deer on my own and I have realized quite a few things that have greatly improved my chances filling my freezer.  I thought back to my scouting missions with my friend and realized that we used no scent  masking or eliminating products, my buddy who lived in the area had several tree stands set up to take advantage of the any wind conditions. One of the most important things a bow hunter can do to lessen the chance of being detected is set up on an angle so that you scent will be carried away from your position or at least will stay above the animals for some distance as it disperses and grows fainter. Many hunters do not have the ability to use multiple tree stands and may sometimes need to hunt in less than desirable stands for the current wind. Knowing the area and having the ability to use a climbing tree stand may be of great help.

In order to give you the best chance of getting Deer in close enough for a good shot, and I am one of those folks who believe that a good shot is one that you will not miss the proper placement of your arrow from a distance you can expertly handle in the current conditions.  Lucky shots should not ever come into play when hunting, Get It! To get the animal to that distance you need to do everything possible to mask your scent. There are many products on the market to assist in this process, but make sure you are using a good one,  as to you and I, a scent designed to smell like an acorn to us, may smell like a human wearing acorn underwear to a deer. You may also need to match your masking scent to the type of environment you are hunting.  REMEMBER, there is a difference between scent blocking and scent masking.

Even better than something to mask your scent is a product that will block it all together (you can use both at the same time).  Activated Carbon is widely used in scent blocking clothing due to its ability to absorb odors, (even my infamous Delicatessen smell!). Activated Carbon can absorb and hold the gas molecules that are associated with our odors. There is an article of clothing for every hunter’s need, from under layers to hats to socks and boot material. Match the clothing and layers needed to the area and time of year you will be hunting. I prefer to be a little on the cooler side as I tend to sweat a bit more walking into the woods, which is never a good thing when hunting.

Finally, once you have used your scent blocking (activated carbon) garments, make sure that you only wash them with laundry detergents specifically made for this type of material. The reason for this is that the odors in normal detergent will engage the available odor absorbing properties of the garment and fill it up with those odor molecules, making it unable to retain more odors when hunting. Heat activates the carbon so a tumble in the dryer will do very nicely, but it is vitally important to remember, once you take the clothing from the dryer, immediately place it in a scent free, air tight container or plastic storage bag, I use the zippered bag that my down comforter came in and merely sprayed it down with scent blocking spray.

Take the clothes out of the bag once you have gotten to the area you have parked before heading in to the woods. This can be tricky if you are hunting in very low temps, a freezing rain, etc., but you get the idea! Just before heading in, spray yourself down with a good scent eliminating spray and don’t forget your boots as these can lead a trail of human scents right to your stand.  Once you get used to these procedures they will become simple and part of your normal routine, and can help you greatly increase your chances of a successful hunt.

Wade, Bosh and Lebron, not such a bad DECISION!

Today I think I will make a slight departure from my customary Political of Financial diatribes and weigh in on the controversy caused by the elite basketball players joining forces for the Miami Heat. After we get by the initial “who the @#$% cares” part of this discussion lets think about some points that have been made both for and against the joining of the so called “Super Friends”.

These men, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James are free agents, (emphasis on the free). They were drafted in the same year and for whatever the reason they became free agents at the same time. They each fulfilled their contracts to the teams that drafted them and each I believed renewed their contracts at some time giving each team they played for 7 years of what is usually a short NBA career. They became friends before and during their careers began and solidified that friendship over the course of several years playing on behalf of their country. If you had some friends that you enjoyed working with, and an offer was made for the three of you to work together in a great environment, for a highly respected Organization, with a solid and definable corporate culture, would you not also consider making a change? Very few of us end up working in the cities we were raised. Lets us also remember they each took a bit less money to accomplish this.

Next, we here some of the great players of the past declaring how they would never join forces with another superstar in order to pursue a championship, to which I say “Give me a break!” This is very easy to say, when you already had players such as James Worthy, Kareem Abdul Jabaar, Larry Parrish or Kevin Mchale on your team, all stars or members of the 50 greats NBA players club. The pursuit of championships is based on winning attitudes, would you rather toil away for many years in mediocrity or be considered merely ”very good” when society judges you by winning, can you remember who came in 2nd in so many of the sports championships we hold so dear. Our society tells us that if you are not the lead dog, the view is the same. In the case of Lebron James, I do agree the manner in which he announced his decision and the lead up to that decision was a bit much but the choice itself was sound, both from a business standpoint and a personal one, (for him). It had also been said that his leaving will cost jobs in an already depressed Cleveland economy, but why has it not been stated that a Miami economy in which unemployment is higher than Cleveland will receive a small boost.

Lastly as I tend to ramble towards the end of my discourses, let’s investigate the corporate culture aspect of the organization these three amigos have decided to join. Dwayne Wade, the only of these three to have played for Miami had voiced his opinion on the loyalty aspect of the entire Miami Heat Organization. He backed this up with taking a little bit less than the other stars, (who will also not be the highest paid players in the NBA) to ensure that this team could recruit quality role players. Championships and high earning are built through the individuals that support the mission and vision of those at the top of the pyramid. The organization repaid this loyalty by re-signing those who had previously given their best efforts for this team and were also willing to take less money to be part of something bigger than himself.

In this day and age of high priced athletes, Politicians who value re-election above the common good, CEO’s with golden parachutes equal to the GDP of many small countries, we forget that our idols are people too. We may hold them to higher standard a bit too often, when after all they are just like us with a different skill sets, and just because one of our former heroes decides that he wouldn’t have gone a certain route during his or her career does not mean that his viewpoint is the only or correct one. Think to yourself, if you were in a certain position, what you would have done in your pursuit of not only excellence but more importantly your pursuit of happiness.

Fishing Report for Miami, FL Aboard the Blue Waters II

Typical Soth Florida Sailfish

Greetings to all my friends throughout North America! I want to thank all of you for consistently sending me fishing and hunting reports which help me tremendously decide on what trips to take. I am going to start posting some of them on my blog for others to enjoy and assist them in planning their trips and a selection of outfitters as well. Eventually I will have a sectionof this blog just for these reports but for now, they will come in the form of posts.

What better place to start than in my own backyard of Miami Beach and the fishing report for the past week as reported by Jackie G from West Marine and the charter boat Blue Waters II, (this was one of the first charter boats I fished from when I moved to Miami so many years ago!)

Jackie says that the fishing was excellent this weekend and on Saturday they enjoyed two Sailfish releases along with two good sized Blackfin Tuna, (check my blog for a great Blackfin Tuna Recipe). The Blue Waters II also had lots of action with Large Kingfish (King Mackeral) while on the troll.

Blue Waters II Bayside Marketplace, Pier 5, Slip 14 Miami, FL 33132

On Sunday they the action was all Kingfish, Barracuda and some very large Bonita taken while fishing live bait between 90 and 150 feet of water. There are still Cobia to found following big Rays and on some of the inshore wrecks.

It seems that the warmer summer weather periods have arrived and you can bet I will be out there fishing and diving a lot this summer, provided these old bones hold up a bit longer!

If you would like to offer some fishing or hunting reports (and shamelessly plug your website as well) for your area please just email me via the contact link on this site and I would love to pass along the information and your link to a preferred outfitter, guide or Charter Captain.

Bayside Marketplace, Pier 5, Slip 14  Miami, FL  33132
Phone 305 373 5016 | Fax 305 899 8567
Email: Jackie@FishingMiami.net

Wild Turkey Hunting, Yelps, purrs and decoys

Can you smell it? All across the country hunters are patterning their shotguns, checking their decoys and are driving the wife and kids crazy by constantly listening to their audio cd’s while practicing to get the tones and cadence of their favorite calls. Spring Turkey season is in full swing! Bad calling technique and decoys that couldn’t fool Wyle E. Coyote can do more harm than good on a hunt so you better get started now to have it all down pat before that first gobble is heard just before dawn on opening day. The Wild Turkey’s proclivity to let you know where he is gives the shrewd hunter an occasional advantage, but only if he or she knows what to do next.

Calling a Turkey to bring him closer to you, or coaxing him to give away his position is probably the most enjoyable method of Turkey hunting, and since this incredible bird is gifted with incredible eyesight, calling the Turkey is probably the best way to get into position for a shot. Combine this with proper decoy management and you have a great chance of harvesting a nice Tom. Remember, it only takes one bird to let you know what direction he is, and then you will have to judge the distance for yourself. When the birds are silent it can seem as if you are all alone in the woods as they can go completely quiet when alarmed.

Dave Sumner of Turkey Dave

Turkey’s breed primarily in the spring months of April and May, during this period they can become extremely vocal and learning the differences in each sound can tell whether your quarry is a Tom, Jake or possibly even a hen. One of the first things I was taught when using my calls was what type of sound to imitate to elicit the desired effect. Sitting in the dark an hour or so before dawn during Turkey season is very exciting and when the sound of a mature Tom breaks though the darkness it will be something you won’t ever forget!

Turkey’s can be located using a variety of calls; you can imitate a hen, or the unmistakable call of a big Gobbler or even those sounds such as crow and owls. The sounds of thunder have also been known to cause a Wild Turkey to give away his position. These locator calls are a hit and miss situation and usually work best in areas that you know Turkeys have been seen in sufficient numbers. Locator calls are used to identify position not to bring birds in.

With so many calls on the market, its hard to figure out what might work best for you, but the bottom line is know how to properly use the call before taking it into the field. I prefer the box call as it is easy for me to use since my attempts to use a mouth or diaphragm Turkey call have similar results to Roseanne Barr singing the national anthem. However, the diaphragm calls give the hunter who can properly use them, are great bit of versatility. The problem with a box call is that there is motion involved and the hunter will need to put down the call in order to lift his shotgun.

Typica Box Call

Turkeys make a number of different sounds depending on what they are doing at the time; it can range from a series of purrs, clucks, yelps or a combination of sounds. Remember on windy days your sound will be limiting in the distance it projects and trying to hard to increase volume might through off the proper sound. Cadence is also of great importance and it’s usually a good practice for novice hunters to merely try to match the sounds of birds they can hear. Combine this with some life-like decoys set out at a know distance such as 20yds and you are just about ready. In some areas, the use of decoys may actually hamper your hunt as the birds have been pressured greatly and are wise to the decoys. But all in all, 1-3 decoys depending on the circumstance should suffice, and by the end of the day you may have an incredible dinner that the whole family will enjoy and a great story to tell around the table.

Intro For Single Moms Taking Their Kids Fishing

Around this time of the year, especially up North people are emerging from their long winters, birds are singing, flowers are blooming and kids have traded their galoshes for Tennis shoes and tee shirts. About this same time, parents are now waking up on Saturday mornings to the lovely sound of “Mommy! I’m Bored!” Last year I wrote an article about Geocaching, and how it is a great way to spend time outside with your child, get a little exercise and have some fun. This year I decided to come to the aid of the many single moms I encountered last year valiantly trying to enjoy a day of fishing at some local ponds while have little idea of how to make it an enjoyable and successful affair.

Here is the skinny on how to teach your child the ins and outs of fishing; this is called fishing 101 or the sunfish academy. This is basically the easiest methods to catch small fish such as pumpkinseeds, bream other sunfish type fish. Go to your local sporting goods store such as Dick’s, Bass Pro Shops or the local bait shop, here you will see an assortment of fishing rods and tackle that you can buy all for probably under 40-50 dollars. Look for a light spinning rod and reel combo that can handle 6-10 lbs test line, it will say something like this right on the rod itself. I suggest a spinning reel because you will invariably be taking out tangles, snags and other inherent problems due to the line and reel not playing well together, and a spinning reel will probable be the easiest to deal with. The reel should be filled with 6 lb test line, 8lb test or 10 will work as well. This refers to the breaking strength of the line. This should cost in the vicinity of $30 for something that will last a season or two.

Tpical Slip Bobber rig

Next let’s deal with the tackle. I have seen many singles moms placing rubber worms on hooks that could catch world record Muskies or the biggest baddest Bass in the lake, forget it, if you are merely going out to have a good time match the tackle to the target species. Buy a small box of hooks, anywhere from size 6 to 10 should work fine. Remember 6 to 10, not 0/6 or 0/10 as these are probably as big as the fish you are trying to catch. Now that we have the hooks, let’s get a few floats or bobbers to attach about 2-3 feet above the hook. When you are fishing you can adjust this to the proper depth to keep the hook and bait off the bottom or to dangle at a depth a few feet below the surface. You can adjust this from time to time to see what depth the fish prefer, but for the Sunfish, keep it off the bottom or just a foot or two under the surface. Pick up a package of very light split shot as well, these are little lead pellets about 1/16th of an ounce in weight that will help keep the bait down, especially on a windy day. The hooks, bobbers and split shot should be about another 5-6 dollars.

Its now time for the bait, for sunfish and other small species, you can’t go wrong with worms, available at almost any bait and tackle shop. This is probable the easiest for a single mom with no experience to deal with, if you are hesitant to touch the worm, just lay it on a board cut it in half and find a way to thread it onto the hook. Other baits such as leeches, waxies and a host of others may be a bit much for the single mom to deal with without any experience. You can also try a small bit of corn meal dough the size of a pea if there is no way you will get close to live baits. But I think worms are the way to go to get enough action to keep the youngster occupied.

You are now ready to fish! Just find a likely area, you can find plenty of places via the internet or just by driving around a lake and seeing where others are fishing, but don’t forget to give other fisherman plenty of room. Now with a bit of practice you will be able to cast the line complete with bobber, hook, and bait, (split shot optional) a few yards from the bank and begin the fine art of fishing. If you see the bobber or float begin to do a little dance on the surface it could mean something is investigating your bait. If the bobber submerges or starts heading off across the lake, then gently lift your rod and twitch it back to set the hook. Your youngster will now be giddy with excitement anticipating his first catch. If you were the kind of mom who wouldn’t bait the hook you may also shy away from unhooking your child’s fish. It must be done and a great way to teach catch and release. Just lay the fish in a wet rag and wrap it up so you can get a grip and immobilize the fish, then merely pull the hook in the opposite direction that it went in. A cheap pair of pliers is especially handy at this point.

I hope this little introduction will help get you and you kids out by the lake and give you the enjoyment that I had fishing with my dad when I was a small boy. If you are a single mom with no fishing experience this article is really all you need to get started, and I’m sure you and the kids around you will begin to build some incredible memories. Please feel free to send us pictures of your adventures and any other information that will assist others in teaching their kids to fish.

Tips on Ice Fishing from a Master!

Dave Sumner, Creator of the Flirty Girty, Hard at work!

The Creator of the Flirty Girty panfish jigs, Dave Sumner, has graciously allowed us to use some of his own favorite tricks of the trade to help all those who love the sport of ice fishing. He has taught me well and I have even used the Flirty Girty in the Everglades of Florida and for Bonefish in the Bahamas.

Here are few great TIPS for catching fish….

Comfort Zones
Fish have what I call a “comfort zone,” or a certain depth range that they prefer to hold.
When you identify this zone on your locator, work the upper edge, barley dropping your jig in and raising it out as the fish nears it. Fish are more likely to hit a lure when it appears as if it is leaving their comfort zone.

The Second Hole Tactic
If a current is pulling your lure out of your locator’s viewing cone, drill another hole a short distance downstream. With any luck, you will be able to see your bait…as well as any fish about to bite! I also use the second hole tactic when I begin to lose fish at a hole. Wrapping line around your locator’s transducer sometimes gives Crappies the little slack they need to come off at the hole. Some days, I drill a few 4 inch holes; as placing your transducer in a separate hole will reduce the risk of your line catching on it-and in turn losing a fish.

The Amazing Flirty Girty!

Muddin’
When I’m fishing Perch and they are not cooperating (especially around midday), I rap my bait on the lake bottom in order to stir it up. I have caught many Perch with mud caked on their lower jaws; I believe they stir up the bottom in search of blood worms and other food.
Jumping
Over the years, I have seen slow fishing turn into madness just as soon as a vehicle passes near a hole being fished. I believe that fish begin to move when something travels over them; thus a vehicle passing overhead may cause some fish to move…in my direction! If action is slow I try jumping on the ice in a big circle around my hole; often times I am able to stir some up by doing this. Am I crazy? Maybe so…

Here are some TRICKS that I’ve used over the years….

*First ice and last ice are the two most productive times for ice fishing. Fish shallow early and late ice. Look to deeper edges in mid-winter. Crappies will stage near spawning areas near last ice.
*Keep moving, looking for active fish. Drill several holes and use a good flasher to find fish. REMEMBER: locators don’t lie, …no fish? …MOVE!! If fish are suspended, fish just above or at the level they are suspending at.

*When fish are biting light… go to 1 pound line, …try smaller jigs, …bend barbs in, …use a spring bobber and watch for slight lifts, those are BITES!
*If fish are fussy… try going to smaller grubs or minnows. Sometimes, small plastics work with fussy fish.

*Change colors often. Bluegills and perch seem to like fluorescent colors more so than crappies. Chartreuse is a great all-around color.

*Flip your knots UP after tying on your jig.
*Moving the knot to the side makes a FLIRTY GIRTY swim in a circle. This can be effective.
*Black FLIRTY GIRTYS can be deadly on crappies early and late in the day.
*Ripping the jig up violently and letting it fall back down, has worked for me to trigger fish.
*Experiment with live bait and scents. I knew of a fisherman who used grape jelly smeared on his jig. I knew of another who used cooked barley when he ran out of waxies. I tried it, and it worked!

The Outdoors guy learning the mean of cold in Wisconsin!

South Florida Sailfish Tales

How to Catch Golden Tilefish off South Florida

The Tasty Golden Tilefish

 I remember as a boy fishing on the charter boats out of Sheepshead bay, NY that a tile fishing trip meant at the least an overnight adventure. I am very lucky to now live in South Florida where I can enjoy Golden Tilefish fishing a mere 3-4 miles off of Miami Beach.   Although the fishing grounds in the north east have a much greater population of these tasty denizens of the deep, you have to travel more than 100 miles offshore to the various canyons and deep water trenches to reach them.  Fishing for Golden tilefish usually begins at a depth of a bit over 500’ to over 750 foot of water. 

 

I have many friends who cry and whine like school girls just bringing up a big Amberjack from a 200’ wreck so these depths usually require the use of electric reels.  With calm seas and a moderate current its possible to use a smaller reel that can handle a substantial amount of say 50lb test spectra line on a 4/0 size reel and a stout standup rod such as a Tuna stick. We found that a small Electra mate motor on this set up does the job quite nicely. Many anglers still prefer to use wire line with massive reels and electric motors that can life a small car! Remember the size of the fish you are trying to catch, as Golden Tilefish only average about 7-10lbs. Bringing back a Golden Tile of over 20lbs will surely bring plenty of onlookers and questions back at the dock, but more commonly expect fish in the 3-15lb range.

 

The depth makes electric reels necessary

There are many Fishermen who fish for Golden Tilefish with a simple deep drop “chicken rig” commonly used for snappers and deep water groupers but many Anglers have been switching over to a strip rig.  Similar to what Fisherman in the North East have used for ages, a 3 way swivel with a hefty weight  tied to the bottom of the swivel with a few feet of mono with the main line to the top of the swivel. From the middle of the swivel a few feet of mono with a circle or J-hook will do just fine. If you are using expensive terminal tackle and lights on this rig, remember to set it up so a snagged weight on the bottom won’t end up costing you the next car payment.

 

Golden Tilefish prefer muddy bottoms and live in holes that they dig.  It is said that a Tilefish will never occupy a hole dug by another Tilefish.  Finding the right soft bottom that is in proximity to other structure or hard bottom is the key to finding fish. Of course this bottom needs to be located in the proper depth range to hold Golden Tilefish.

 

Fresh chunks of Ballyhoo or squid work very well for Golden Tilefish as well as a number of other species that inhabit the deep dark waters over 500 feet down. Many fish that inhabit the dark waters rely on scent to a large degree so making sure the bait is fresh is extremely important for success. A moderate Northerly current is needed for this type of fishing, too slow of a current and Golden Tilefish will not feed, too quick of a current and you may need to deploy a sea anchor to slow you down or bump your vessel in and out of gear to slow down the drift.

 

Be sure to check catch limits

Fishing for Golden Tilefish is more than merely dropping a line deep into the ocean and drifting for a while. You must know where to look, and prepare your gear and bait properly. Having said that, there is nothing more fun than drifting a few miles off the coast of Miami, sharing fish stories with friends and waiting to come across the extremely tasty Golden Tilefish. Regulations are constantly changing so do not forget to check your catch and size limits for the Golden Tilefish, and don’t be surprised if a Swordfish, Grouper or deepwater shark may pay you a visit as well!

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Tags: Florida Tilefish, Golden Tilefish, Miami Tilefishing, Tilefish, tilefish rig, where to catch tilefish

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