CAPTAIN TED TALKS FISHING
In Captain Ted’s spare time he enjoys writing fishing reports and stories based on his experiences in the Upper Florida Keys. He is currently writing a bi-weekly article for the Islamorada Weekly Newspaper. You can read his articles here:

2/13/2008: "Season is here "
A commonly overheard word in towns with tourist-based economies such as ours is “season.” It really is a simple way to keep track of the time of year if you think about it. Why weigh yourself down with keeping track of 12 pesky months? With this system there are only two possibilities to remember. Either it is season or it is off-season. Granted, the calendar year has its merits in regard to keeping track of holidays and birthdays. Nonetheless, these attributes pale in comparison to the simplicity and importance of whether or not it is or isn’t season down here. MORE>>

1/16/2008: "It had to happen"
Winter time is upon us. Not a big deal really, it’s kind of a nice break from the autumn heat. It’s no wonder the snow birds flock here every year. Blue skies, mild temperatures and all of the trees still have their leaves. I’ve always maintained that barring a cold front, the winter weather is the nicest time of the year to be on the water. Now, you did hear me say, “barring a cold front” didn’t you? MORE>>

1/02/2008: "In with the new "
The holiday season is officially in the books. Shopping is done and the presents are all open. Visits are all over and the miles traveled are in the rear view mirror. The holiday season is a bit like going to an amusement park or Key West. I enjoy myself while I’m there, but I take a big exhaustive sigh of relief when it’s over. It’s probably a sign I’m getting older when I look at getting back to the “old routine” as a welcomed sight. Fortunately, my routine involves going fishing every day. Considering how good the fishing is in early January, I recommend you try to do the same. Call it a New Year’s resolution if that helps. Eat right, exercise, lose weight-- quitting vices are all noble causes, but nobody ever wrote on their tombstone, “I wish I hadn’t fished quite so much.” MORE>>

12/19/2007: "Christmas in the Keys "
Christmas time in the Keys is different than in other towns. With few exceptions, life generally goes on as usual without much fanfare, barring the occasional holiday party and subsequent eggnog bender. Don’t get the wrong idea, holiday spirit certainly exists. We exchange gifts, put up lights and Christmas trees, go to church and eat and drink like Vikings. However, compared to a big northern city you might not get that typical feeling that Christmas is “in the air.” Despite our lack of Norman Rockwell Christmas ambiance, people nonetheless flock to the Keys for a different twist on the holidays. The promise of warm weather, swaying coconut palms and sandals rather than snow shoes lures people from all over the world to enjoy our little slice of paradise. Maybe it’s because there are no long lines, no road rage and certainly never any snow. Maybe it’s because we frown upon the frenzied hustle and bustle of the big city. Then again, maybe it’s the fishing. MORE>>

12/05/2007: "Shop Later "
Early to mid-December seems to be a much forgotten time of the year. It is a segment of our calender nestled between two of the major holidays that can’t really stand up on its own. Kind of like the Buick Open or Bayhill in golf. Only the hard core fans take the time to watch the whole tournament. They are actually very competitive and entertaining tournaments. The same can be said for fishing this time of year. Not many people take the time to get on the water with all the goings on of the holidays. However, for the die hards that find a way to get on the water there is some great fishing happening right now. MORE>>

11/20/2007: "Turkey Bones "
It’s Thanksgiving in the Keys. Time to give the diet a rest and loosen up the belt a notch. A time to settle in with friends and family for a parade or football game that inevitably involves the Detroit Lions. The Pilgrims and Native Americans certainly did quite a bit of fishing to support themselves and their family. What better way to remember those times and give thanks for all that we have than a nice day on the water fishing with family or friends. MORE>>

11/05/2007: "Redbone History "
Fall is a wonderful time in the Florida Keys. It signifies cooler temperatures, a slow pace around town and promise of a great season to soon begin. It also signifies Redbone time. The Redbone is the final contest in the Florida Keys’ prestigious three-tournament Redbone Celebrity Trilogy that raises funds for cystic fibrosis research. The 20 th anniversary of the Mercury Cheeca Redbone Tournament was held November 2 - 4 in Islamorada and it was again a huge success. MORE>>

10/24/2007: "Legends of the Fall "
I love fall fishing. The weather is generally nice, the crowds are thin and the fish are fat. While it may not be the fabled “best time of year to fish” for anything in particular, it is a very good time to fish for practically every fish that frequents the flats and backcountry of the Florida Keys.

Let’s start close to town with bonefish. Fall bonefishing is glorious. For one thing, water temperatures are mild so you can fish for them all day without a huge drop off in activity during the afternoon hours. Another plus is there aren’t as many people fishing for them right now. It’s kind of nice fishing half a dozen flats over the course of a day and never having to skip over a spot you had in mind because somebody beat you there. The bonefish appreciate the break. They seem to be in mixed sizes and good numbers on both ocean and bayside flats. MORE>>

10/09/2007: "Bonefish 1, 2, 3 "
Finally it’s starting to feel like autumn. Football season is pounding away and air temperatures are starting to feel down right civil. Seeing how the football teams in south Florida aren’t giving us much to cheer about, at least the fishing will put a smile on your face.

If it’s a fight your looking for, go no further than your nearest large channel. The fall run of mullet is in full swing and the predators are right on their heels. As schools of mullet get flushed back and forth through the major inlets, big jack crevalle, sharks and tarpon have been terrorizing them with reckless abandon. Mornings are the best to time to witness the frenzy. Just keep your eyes open for fish busting through schools of mullet like there’s no tomorrow and run over to the fray. Any offering will do when the fish are in a frenzy, but it never hurts to throw the real thing. If you can catch some of the mullet they are eating use those. Large plugs will work well if live bait isn’t an option. MORE>>

9/26/2007: "Bye Bye Summer "
The fall is upon us. I thought I might actually get out and mow the lawn but then it rained . . . for a week straight. My lawn (more accurately a combination of pea rock and weeds) is happy. It is enjoying a temporary reprieve from the reaper and all the water it can drink, but what about the fishermen? When the weather has been stable enough for fishermen to get out, the fish have welcomed the company. MORE>>

9/12/2007: "Are you ready? "
I love September. Fishing is outstanding, football season is back and Mother Nature takes the edge off of the heat index. Not to say it’s sweater weather, but at least you won’t burst into flames when walking to your car at lunch time. It is the rainy season, however, and armed with some disposable time and a sense of adventure, you can turn rain clouds into some of the best fishing days of the year. MORE>>

8/29/2007: "Summer Schools "
The flats and backcountry of the Florida Keys are a lonely place in the late summer. Unless, of course, you are a shrimp, crab or baitfish. If reincarnation exists, I hope to never come back as one of these poor critters. To have to endure a life on the edge as forage for hungry denizens of the shallows would be a short life of constantly looking over your shoulder. Assuming of course that you have shoulders. While the fishermen are taking time out to get kids back to school, repair tired boats or just relax for a while, the fish are taking advantage of the lack of pressure. For those few who are getting out on the water, they are reaping the benefits of calm seas, no competition and happy fish. MORE>>

8/15/2007: "My how things have changed "
It feels good to get back to the old typewriter. Actually it’s a P.C. to be correct. Change takes time. I’m still struggling with the transition from video to DVD and I maintain that musicians produce “albums.” My absence is due to the recent arrival of a new little bundle of joy in my family. While I try not to manipulate this column for my personal use, it’s tough not to mention something as life changing as the birth of your first child. The weather channel may not have mentioned any hurricanes in the Keys, but one showed up in my living room a few weeks ago. Her name is Ali Beth, and I think she likes to fish. MORE>>

7/15/2007: "Lobster Mobsters"
Lobster season is upon us. The locals in the Keys have a “love/hate” relationship with the two-day Sport Season (July 25th - 26th) affectionately known as “mini-season”. Many appreciate the financial shot-in-the-arm during a typically slow month, while others go hide until the dust settles. Many locals participate in the mini-season and who can blame them, it’s pretty fun. Time to dust off the old mask and fins and take the plunge with all the crazies. MORE>>

6/20/2007: "Summer time Reds "
“Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do, there ain’t no cure for the summer time blues.” So, the Eddie Cochran classic goes. June 21 st marks the first day of summer also known as the solstice. It is also the day with the most daylight hours of the year. With all these extra hours of light to burn, there might just be a cure for Cochran’s warm weather malady. Try fishing for summer time reds. MORE>>

6/06/2007: "June Classic "
Let’s review the weather so far this Spring–relentless, depressing, honking wind with an occasional driving rain thrown in for added discomfort. The wind blew so hard the last half of May that I’m pretty sure I saw a Kansas girl with a little dog soaring over Channel #5 Bridge.

Now it’s June. What does Mother Nature have in store for us now, locusts? Currently, things are pretty good and thank goodness, because June is a monster fishing month. We’re over due to catch a break at least one month this Spring. MORE>>

5/23/2007: "The truth about tarpon "
Memorial Day weekend marks a transition in the Keys. Spring Break crowds are a distant memory. Snowbirds have flown North to spend the rest of the year “back home.” The people, traffic and general bustle of season is starting to wane. Memorial Day weekend is the final “shot in the arm” for local businesses that rely heavily on tourism before the doldrums of summer. It is at this point the Keys start to show their best side. MORE>>

5/10/2007: "No need to argue"
Whenever my anglers ask me when is the best time to fish in the Keys, I usually beat around the bush. I can painstakingly debate the pro’s and con’s of various months or seasons. From there I can label each time frame with the particular species of fish that present themselves better during each period because of this reason or that reason. In addition, seasonal weather patterns are entered into the equation to further one point or another. After an exhaustive explanation of why each month should be given consideration when deciding the best time to fish in the Keys, my final answer usually is . . . May. MORE>>

4/25/2007: "Pick your battle"
“Season is here.” It’s a common phrase that one might hear any place that caters to tourism. The Keys are no exception. The notion of “season” certainly carries undertones of sunburned, freckled-face children wearing sandals and socks. Unlike every other place that our friends to the North tend to visit, “season” in the Keys also means fishing, and the fishing season is definitely here. MORE>>

4/11/2007: "What's it gonna be, hon? "
The weather in mid-April is always a guessing game. Recently we’ve had rain, wind, cold, hot, calm and drought. I think the only thing we’ve missed out on is hail. The fish are a little confused. One day they act like spring has sprung, the next day they’re holed up like Punxsutawney Phil. The good news is we can probably scratch cold off of the list of weather possibilities for the next seven months. Here’s what we can expect for the near future. MORE>>

3/28/2007: "Spring Broke "
The weather man catches a lot of flack throughout the year, but he’s been spot on the last few weeks. “It’s gonna be windy folks!!” You got that right, pal, and we’re not just talking about a little breeze. We’re talking about a plan changing, fishing trip cancelling, vacation curtailing, and relentless, honking wind. With so many fishermen praying for a little less wind, it makes me wonder if God is just doing this to make sure we’re paying attention. Nearly every party I’ve fished with this month have asked the same question before departure. “Is it worth going out on a day like this, Captain?” This is a good question. It is a question that needs to be answered carefully and with some diplomacy to give all parties involved a fair shake. However, the better question would be what can we do, on a day like this. There is always something you can go catch out there. That’s the beauty of our fishery. You just need to have an open mind and be prepared for the conditions. MORE>>

3/14/2007: "Handle with care "
In the Keys March madness is the “tip off” for tarpon season. The silver kings have been hanging around the outskirts of town for a few months now, just waiting for the water temperature to hit that magical 75 degrees to move in. It is still early, but now that we’re starting to see rising water temperatures we’re starting to see fishable numbers of tarpon around town. Local bridges are always hot spots. Bait fishing while floating live mullet, pinfish, blue runners, even grunts with 5-10 feet of 80-100# leader on sturdy hooks is a time proven technique. MORE>>

1/31/2007: "Lucky Lonnie "
The 17 th Annual Swamp Guides Ball was held January 27 th and once again was a huge success. “The Swamp” is a fishing tournament for guides put on by guides and fished by guides, along with some very talented angler friends. The Swamp Guides Ball is essentially the largest block party for backcountry anglers on earth, with over 500 people attending the kick-off festivities on the spectacular Lor-e-lei beach. All proceeds are donated to the Don Hawley Foundation which primarily exists to help Monroe County fishing guides during times of need. MORE>>

11/22/2006: "What’s it gonna be?"
"This month we’ve seen a little bit of everything. For fishermen it’s been a bit of a meteorological Russian roulette. The weather started windy and rainy, layed down to gloriously calm and perfect, and then went to full-throttle frostbite. It makes me wonder what the poor fish are going through? Let’s think through it?"...READ MORE...

11/8/2006: "Huffing and Puffing…"
November sure came in like a lion. High winds, lightning storms and driving rain, oh my! Windy days are pretty common this time of year but if history repeats itself, we should be out of the rainy season. Despite the crappy weather fish were to be had for the courageous (or stupid) souls who braved the elements. What can you do when the weather is not perfect but you still want to go fishing?.......The answer might not be what you expect. Go bonefishing! Not bonefishing in the classic poling quietly through the flats in search of signs of fish – I’m talking about dead boating...READ MORE...

9/27/2006: "Bonefish 1, 2, 3…"
Welcome to “la-la” land. Early Fall is one of the best times of year to fish the flats and backcountry of the Florida Keys. Not necessarily because there are more fish out there than any other time of year, but because there are so few fishermen. I’m pretty sure tumbleweeds outnumber the fishermen in Florida Bay right now and I LOVE IT. Can I say it any louder? Bonefishing has been spectacular…READ MORE...

06/05/06: "Not So Depressing"
“Our first brush with hurricane season has come and gone. What eventually became tropical storm Alberto, grazed the Keys as a depression, leaving us and the fish none for the worse. Conditions were difficult to say the least, with most captains taking a few unscheduled days off to lick the wounds of a now winding down season.” READ MORE...

7/8/06: "Explosive"
Fourth of July came and went with a bang. Falling mid-week seemed to spread the masses over a large number of days which made for a more enjoyable holiday for all involved. Fireworks awed the crowds by both land and sea. READ MORE...

7/12/06: "Rain, Rain...Go Away"
With summer in full swing, the Keys are enjoying some of the best fishing of the year. Unfortunately, summer also means volatile and sometimes dangerous weather conditions. Most anglers will have to postpone or cancel many fishing trips due to unsafe weather conditions. Not to worry, that just means more plentiful and less pressured fish when the skies clear. READ MORE...

7/31/06: "Tame Is Good"
A great mini-season has come to pass. It wasn't great because of the huge numbers of lobsters, actually the numbers were down for most. It was great because it seemed to come and go without much fanfare.
READ MORE...

8/2/06: "Worm Food for Thought"
The Keys are slowing down for the summer. Traffic on the road and water have dwindled to tolerable levels. Hotels have some vacancy and you can actually walk in and get a table at the restaurants in town that we all know and love. READ MORE...