There's a time and a fish to whack with the rod on the strike! - Most salty situations call for a long firm and steady strip to set the hook once a saltwater fish has engulfed the fly. This works especially well on bonefish and permit that generally accelerate away when they feel the hook. Their departure speed and the tension you create will move the hook enough to seat it in the lip or jaw of these rubber mouthed fish. Other fish with hard boney mouths such as snook, tarpon or redfish often require an additional step. If one of those critters shuts his mouth on a fly and you come tight with a long steady strip, the power of the jaws often hold the line in a viselike grip not allowing the hook to penetrate. A good whack is in order! Look for the opportunity to use the whack when the fish is not accelerating away or the tippet will snap. Use good timing and the right amount of pressure and you'll catch more fish! 

Big savings on a limited numbers of close out models of the Sage BASS Rods at a very special price of $295 (30% off regular price of $420), The Bluegill, Smallmouth and Largemouth models are super revolutionary designs that easily cast large flies in tight quarters or strong wind with minimal false casting. They work well in both fresh and saltwater for everything from bluegills and bass to large snook and redfish in the mangroves. These 7' 10" 4 piece travel rods come with a special custom taper fly line and reel on rod case.

 Capt Steve Huff ready to release a nice tarpon on the Sage BASS Largemouth Model and a Tibor Light Fly Reel. 

2 remaining of the Sage Z-Axis model on close out special as well, a 7wt or a 9 wt @ $395. To see more and buy now click http://www.floridakeysoutfitters.com/Sage-Z-Axis-Series-Fly-Rods.html

The Right Angle: Tales from a Sporting Life, by Bob Rich

Fishing and sports fans rejoice, Bob "Bubba" Rich delivers yet another wonderful and humorous book filled with highlights from his life as a sportsman. The Right Angle: Tales from a Sporting Life, chronicles three of Rich's greatest loves - Buffalo, baseball, and of course fishing.  The reader is taken along on his adventures across the seas. He shares the solace of Islamorada, his dangers in Matanilla Reef, trout fishing with the President of the United States, and his quest to catch the elusive grander.  Find out more about The Right Angle and buy your copy here.

Florida Bay redfish were pouncing on the chartreuse, yellow and grizzly Seaducer last week. I find these flies work very well in shallow water with grassy bottom because they land softly, have a slow sink rate and weed guard!

Don Hawley Foundation changes name to "Guides Trust Foundation"

Established in 1974 to provide financial relief to Florida Keys inshore fishing guides during times of sickness or injury, announces that during its June 3, 2011 annual meeting, the foundation board of directors approved a change in the name of the foundation and has been renamed the "Guides Trust Foundation."

Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament

Prolific writer Carl Hiaasen of Vero Beach, FL was Brand Champion of the 35th Annual Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament.  This win marks the 6th time Hiaasen has won the event, an all-time record among angling competitors.  He was guided by Islamorada bonefish master Capt. Tim Klein.  Klein has now been Guide to the Grand Champion a record eight times, six with Hiaasen, and over three decades. 

The team amassed three weight fish of 8 pounds 12 ounces, 10 pounds 2 ounces and 12 pounds 13 ounces along with 10 releases over three days. Finishing Second with 9 releases was last year's winner from Islamorada, Paul Nute poled by Capt. Bou Bosso.  Best New Angler was awarded to Roger Fernandez of Pinecrest guided by Capt. Mike Hutchinsson.  The Best Other Fish was a permit captured by Greg Smith fishing with Capt. Scott Collins.The 16 boat field caught and released an impressive 55 bonefish.  For information on next year's Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish tournament, contact Charlotte Ambrogio at csasun@aol.com.

Herman Lucerne Memorial September 23-25th

Set against the backdrop of Everglades National Park, the Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Fishing Championship is to hold its 10th annual event Sept. 23-25th in Islamorada. 
For more information visit www.hermanlucerne.com. 

Women's Fall Fly Classic Invitational Fall Fly Tournament Oct. 4-7

Formerly called the Women's World Invitational Fly Championship Bonefish Series, the revamped three-day challenge invites elite lady anglers to compete for points and implement their strategies for landing an elusive backcountry slam (tarpon, snook and redfish) or a flats slam (tarpon, permit and bonefish) to secure a tournament win.  Tournament information: Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at 305-942-0428 or csasun@aol.com

The Islamorada Invitational Sailfly is scheduled for January 11 & 12, 2012

2012 Sailfly invitations went out in August to 2011 Sailfly participants offering first opportunity to compete once again. This is an all release sailfish fly tournament using 8kg (16 pound class) tippet provided by the tournament. 2012 will be the 12th year of this fun and challenging event. For information Contact: Sandy Moret (305) 664-5423 at

sandy@floridakeysoutfitters.com

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. 

Congratulations to Collin Ross of Aventura for submitting September's Photo of the Month.  A great bonefish shot with Juan Joseph Valdez of Coral Gables! Collin will receive a $50.00 gift certificate from Florida Keys Outfitters. Great day! Great Photo! Happy Time! 

Give us your best shot for September'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.