With spring fishing ready to "break loose," be sure your tackle doesn't "break loose!" Many anglers have been off the flats for months with rods, reels and fly lines left from the last trip. Take a little time to reassemble your rods and take them apart again to be sure the ferrules are clean and snug. A little paraffin or plain candle wax stroked along the end of the section will help. Check for salt build up around the rod guides and reel seat. Same check on your reels.  It's also a good time to check your knots and leader connections. Another important check is to make sure there are no rust spots on any flies you may have stored after use. If a rust stain shows on the material or around the hook eye, the fly should be tossed before it breaks with you hooked to the fish of a lifetime. Eliminate the possibility of equipment failure and you'll catch more fish!

FREE shipping is back on orders over $100.  See website for details.

 

Glide Dressing & Umpqua Fly Line Cleaning Box

Such a small item and so big a difference!  Apply the Glide Dressing liberally on the pads in the Umpqua line cleaning box. Leave the Glide at home and put the box in your pocket to use frequently during the day... This will make a huge difference in you fly line performance!

  

Glide Dressing $6.95

Umpqua Line Cleaning Box $5.96
Glide Dressing & Umpqua Fly Line Cleaning Box $10.95

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Patagonia - Tarpon Sun Mask

 

Sun damage is cumulative, harmful and over time life threatening and sun protection only works if you use it.

 

Patagonia Sun Mask $25.00

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New Light Duty Shock Leader

 

 

By popular request we have added a full 10 foot leader for snook, tarpon, jacks and other critters with abrasive jaws. This leader recommended for 8 to 10 weight rods is made for loop to loop connection to your fly line. The heavy butt section is joined to a taper for better presentation and then a 16# class tippet with a 40 pound fluorocarbon shock tippet.

 

Light Duty Shock Leader $10.95

Remember the Date.... March 3! It's going to be a fun filled afternoon with BBQ, tunes and refreshments to learn more about our wonderful Everglades and Florida Bay. 

 

For more information or to RSVP call 305-251-0001 or email bbassant@evergladesfoundation.org.

 

Islamorada Invitational Sailfly:  For the 12th Year twenty teams of passionate saltwater flyrod anglers converged on Islamorada to compete in the Islamorada Sailfly Championship. Excitement and anticipation levels were high as reports of huge numbers of sailfish being released on bait near Stuart, FL the week before. A slow moving front approached from the west on the first day bringing strong warm south winds resulting in very lumpy seas. The warm weather also brought an unusual lull in fishing with fewer hook ups during what is normally peak sailfish time in the Keys.

 

Bob Lodge of Tavernier aboard Yo Ho Ho with Capt Charlie Scoble and team member Al McLeod of Islamorada won the event with one sailfish billed and released. This was their second win in four years as well as Capt Scoble's fourth win in the twelve years of the tournament.  Brian Devries of Islamorada aboard Challenger II with Capt Rob Dixon took second place honors. Anglers raised almost $1300 for the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's study of Florida Bay Habitat & prey.

 

  

Yo Ho Ho Team (front row left to right ) Al McLeod Capt Charlie Scoble, Bob Lodge & Tournament Director Sandy Moret

 

 

Gordon Winfree (far right) with the first hook up of the tournament. Photo by Lisa Weygandt

 

Of course the week before the tournament, 11 year old James Klein of Islamorada was on a practice day with Capt Mel Walker on "Gotcha." They raises a sail and James cast, hooked and landed his first Atlantic Sailfish on fly. James' dad, Tim and uncle Robert won the tournament with Capt Walker in 2010.

 

 

 

Michael Criscola of New York holds an 18# redfish caught near Flamingo.... It's really a jumbo redfish for South Florida! Photo is by his friend Chris Davenport of Wyoming who will receive a $50.00 gift certificate from Florida Keys Outfitters. Great day! Great Photo! Happy Time!

 

Give us your best shot for February'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.

Tight Loops,