Florida Keys Outfitters
Florida Keys Outfitters Newsletter
Greetings!  

All of March and early April weather has been a carbon copy of our fantastic February as tarpon continue to be our heroes of the days. They are thick in Florida Bay and beginning to travel the Oceanside flats over the entire length of the Keys. 2010 Gold Cup champs Thane Morgan and Craig Brewer had 11 tarpon bite flies one day last week. Bonefishing has picked up a bit with 41 bones and 4 permit caught in the Jim Bokor Spring All Tackle Tournament and maybe a few more fish caught in the Spring Invitational Fly Tournament including one over 12 pounds caught by Michael Swerdlow of Islamorada guided by Capt Ted Christi. Redfishing has also been pretty good for those who target them. Below Michael Blacharczyk of Bellville, IL was fishing in considerable wind after the weekend session of our April Fly Fishing School when Capt Drew Kleine guided him to this nice redfish on the fly.

We still have some good guide availability in May and June for those who have a chance to get to the Keys. Best bet is to call (305) 664-5423 or register online @ http://www.floridakeysoutfitters.com/Guided-Fishing.html

In other action this month CJ Nelson of PA released a big snook with Capt Rob Fordyce and Kenny Biro of Miami caught a nice redfish with Capt Drew Moret

 

We have also made some dramatic changes to our website online store this month as well. More flies, tying material, accessories and apparel are now available with free regular ground shipping on orders over $100.00!  
Sandy's Angling Tip of the Month

Tarpon fishing can be hazardous to your health; fortunately Capt Dave Borras was wearing really good sunglasses that provided excellent eye protection last week. Dave was reaching for the leader on a big tarpon at boat side when the hook pulled free flying at his face and smacking the corner of his sunglass lens. This could have been tragic so no matter what your target species or rod size, remember flies, lures or jigs could become a missile in an instant. Always protect your eyes from the sun and flying objects with a good pair of polarized sunglasses and you will see more fish too!
  

Florida Keys Outfitters Online Store  

 

Some Favorite Tarpon Flies

 

Tarpon season is already here, and below are several of our favorite patterns, Tarpon Tapas and Fishalicious in chartreuse. If you prefer to tie your own we have all the tying materials you need online, we select only the finest grade materials.

 


Hardy Sintrix Rods

 

The Proaxis ranges of 1 and 4 section fly rods have been designed and developed by Hardy in conjunction with excellent angler and guide recommendations. Their development team, led by five time Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament Grand Champion Andy Mill, has pushed Hardy's new Sintrix technology to the absolute limit - and the end result is staggering in both performance and durability.

  • Manufactured with Hardy & Greys Sintrix Material - giving up to 60% increase in compressive strength.
  • Incredible strength to weight ratio
  • High performance, fast action design
  • Top of the line titanium guides from REC and Fuji

 

We are receiving more 9 foot 4 piece rods in 8 through 12 weights each week so buy now for shipment as soon as they arrive. Learn more and check them out here.

 

Tarpon/Big Game Quick Change Leaders in 3-Pack - $19.95 

 

Our leaders are tied in my shop according to proven formulas by salt water anglers. Knots are slim and tight. Materials are the best available. Quick change leaders for back country, tarpon, billfish/big game and toothy critters allow you to either blood knot the double line to butt section or tie a loop and then use loop to loop. Florida Keys Outfitters Custom Leaders will turn your fly over to deliver the best possible presentation. This all means more hook ups and fewer break-offs for you! Available in 8Kg (16#) and 10Kg (20#) with 60 to 100lb Shock.

 

 

 

Fly Lines for Tarpon

 

Having total confidence in your gear is critical to a saltwater fly angler's success, even more so when fishing for tarpon. Make sure your fly line is in good shape and ready to work this spring. If it's full of ring cracks, scuff marks and twist it's probably time for a replacement. We carry a full compliment of floating, sinking, intermediate, and clear lines from all the best brands in sizes 10-12. Nothing shoots better than a fresh new line.

 

 

Royal Wulff

RIO

Cortland

Monic

  Tournament Updates


 

March Merkin
 

Mike Dawes of Victor, Idaho, caught and released three permit totaling 78 inches to win the 2011 March Merkin Invitational Permit Tournament that ended March 17. Dawes, guided by Captain Don Gable of Key West, was named the tournament's grand champion angler. Dawes' permit measured 28, 26, and 24 inches. As well as points for his releases in the flats-and-fly-only challenge, he and Gable earned additional points for tagging the fish.
 

Left to right, Grand Champion Angler Mike Dawes and Captain Don Gable of Key West, Florida.

"I had a great angler on the bow of my boat," said Gable, who was named guide to the grand champion and praised the event's high level of competition. "This was our fourth year in the tournament, and I think angler-captain teamwork makes the difference." The tournament's first runner-up was Jon Ain of Vail, Colo., and Sugarloaf Key, Fla. Guided by Captain Doug Kilpatrick of Summerland Key, Fla., Ain released two permit with a combined length of 46 inches.
 

Doug Behrman of Tallahassee, Fla., was named second runner-up angler for his 29-inch permit and also earned honors for scoring the tournament's largest single catch. Behrman's guide was Captain Kevin Guerin of Helena, Mont., and Summerland Key. Twenty-six teams of permit enthusiasts fished the tournament, with proceeds benefiting the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and Don Hawley Foundation.

 

Islamorada SharkFly

 

Great conditions and plenty of talented anglers caught some big numbers od sharks during this years tournament. A total of 74 sharks were caught and released on fly using 20lb tippet. All five eligible species were identified, Lemon, Bull, Blacktip/Spinner, Hammerhead, and Tiger sharks over 48" were the targets.

Capt. Steve Friedman with his dad Greg from Chicago was Grand Champions team releasing 17 sharks. Lemons, Bulls, and Spinners filled their score-sheet. Capt. Rusty Albury with John Kazanjian from Ontario finished 1st Runner Up with 11 sharks and Capt. Drew Moret with Milt Weinberg from Illinois was the 2nd Runners Up team with 12 sharks.

SharkFly tournament founder Capt. Mark Johnson said "After last years brutal cold winter and only a handful of fish caught, it was nice to see the weather, fishery, and talent level come together to have a great tournament with an extremely high energy level among the teams. All proceeds benefit the We Fish for Kids Foundation, which in helps kids thru sports and education in the Monroe County Public School system. A sea monster size thank you goes out to all that donated, participated, and sponsored this event, without your help we couldn't do it."

Next year's dates have been set for March 21st & 22nd, 2012 to let the FIN begin. For information on next year's tournament contact Capt Mark Johnson @ (305) 393-0900 or tailspincharters@hotmail.com.


Angler Armen Minasian of Miami, FL with a fine blacktip shark in photo by Capt Raul Montoro

 

Jim Bokor Bonefish Tournament

 

World class anglers competed April 6 - 8, 2011 in Islamorada for the elusive bonefish. First time angler Jim Bokor, Jr. from Buffalo, NY guided by Captain Jared Raskob were victorious with 1704 points. This team also caught the largest bonefish 11.12 pounds, and released 10 bonefish. Runner-up angler was Troy Pruitt of Naples, FL guided by Captain Brian Helms with 1021 points. The anglers enjoyed 3 days of terrific conditions to catch and release 41 bonefish & 4 permit. The largest permit, 36", was caught by Frank Delucas guided by Captain Mark Krowka. This ties the tournament record. Honorable mention goes to Chris Buckley who caught his first permit on fly with Captain Paul Tejera.

Points are awarded by the weight of the fish ranging from 1 point per ounce for a 7 pound bonefish caught on bait to 7 points per ounce to a 13 pound bonefish caught on fly. Bonefish must be a minimum of 7 pounds to be awarded points, release points are earned only if you have a weight fish. Anglers can fish with bait, fly or artificial, with more points awarded on fly and artificial than bait. This was the 15th year of this Islamorada event hosted at Islamorada Fishing Club and Lorelei. The awards were original art by Joe Suroviec of Palm City and Jorge Martinez of Miami. The dates for next year will be April 10 - 13, 2012. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio csasun@aol.com for more information on this and the Jim Bokor Spring All Tackle Bonefish Tournament set for April 6 - 8, 2011.

Captain Jared Raskob releasing the 11.12 pound bonefish

 

Chairman Jim Bokor, Sr., Captain Jared Raskob, Grand Champion Jim Bokor, Jr., Director Charlotte Ambrogio

 

View a complete listing of the 2011 qualifying events for the Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championships.

  

For more tournament information see www.inshoreworldchampionships.com. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florida Keys Fly Fishing School  

 

The Florida Keys Fly Fishing School is now in our 22nd year of classes. For those who have not attended, the school maintains a unique blend of focus while not losing sight of the fact that fly fishing is all about having a good time. From beginners to seasoned anglers there is something for everyone.

I am proud that one of the schools greatest attributes is the outstanding group of instructors that take the time to personally connect with each student and offer their own unique flavor of world class instruction and encouragement. Their passion for the sport is evident and we're fortunate to have each of them. 

Mastering the Double Haul @ The Florida Keys Fly Fishing School

 

Ashley & Barb from Colorado and Hugh Bailey of Raleigh know for sure how to put 10 solid pounds of pressure to whip a big fish fast!

 

 

Sage Rod Company's master rod designer, Jerry Siem not only knows how to roll graphite but also how a bonefish should react when I cast and of course Diana Rudolph helps me with the release and a quick photo! (This poor dumb bonefish has been caught about 200 times in 20 years)

 

Class Act of April 2011

 

Next session is the weekend of May 20th - 22nd and a space is available. If you've never attended a session of the Florida Keys Fly Fishing School, please make plans to do so today. We look forward to seeing you there. For more information call (305) 664-5423 or email. A complete listing of 2011 school sessions is available.
Monthly Photo Contest
 

Congratulations to Paul Gray of Homestead for submitting March's Photo of the Month. Guide Andy Thompson also from Homestead got an opportunity to be on the bow and land one. The angry tarpon soaked Andy with a mouthful of water and jumped free just as Paul got the shot. Paul will receive a $100.00 gift certificate from Florida Keys Outfitters. Great day! Great Photo! Happy Time!

Give us your best shot for April's photo of the month! Entries must be received via email, no later than 6:00pm EST the last day of the month.  Please include full name and mailing address.   Photos must be at least 300 dpi with minimum dimension of 3" x 5" (900 x 1500) and a maximum dimension of 8" x 10" (2400 x 3000) and submitted in JPG format.  
 
The staff of Florida Keys Outfitters will review all entries and determine the monthly winner. Consideration will be given to originality, composition and image quality. Their decision shall be final.  Photos submitted will become the property of Florida Keys Outfitters and used at its discretion.  Winners receive a $50.00 gift card from Florida Keys Outfitters.

 
April is flying by with more great springtime Florida Keys fishing to come. We look forward to seeing you here soon. If we can help in any way please call or visit our online store for your angling needs.


Tight Loops,