Emails

Capt. Mel,

My husband and I have been coming to the Florida west coast, the last 2 weeks of June, for 15 years. We are landlocked but do a lot of wade fishing , beach fishing and fishing the skyway pier. We have been wading Ft. Desoto for trout for the past several years and have had good success.

This year we wanted to try some new areas, and we have heard a lot about trout and redfish in Lemon Bay. Can you tell us how to get to some areas in Lemon Bay that we can wade? I have been doing some research about the area but not knowing the location makes it hard to get an idea of where we might have luck.

Thanks for any help you can give us!!

Lilly Reeves
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Dear Lilly:

Let me recommend that you contact the expert on this area, Capt. Van Hubbard. His email address is info@captvan.com.

You might also want to schedule a trip with Capt. Van when you arrive, You'll not only have a great and productive day on the water with one of the most skilled skippers in that area, you will also learn where, when and how to fish that bountiful venue.

Welcome to Florida Lilly. I hope you have a glorious vacation here in our paradise.

Capt. Mel Berman

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Good morning Capt Mel,

Often hear you talk about your success with the Old Bayside Shadlyn, this month on the flats. Would you start with the 4" or 5" ?

Thanks for the advice...

Your show Rules.

Joe
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Hi Joe:

I do love fishing with those Old Bayside Shadlyn -- but in the 4-inch size. They seem to be the ideal size for most of the fish that I catch. Basically, I cast out, let it drop, and start reeling and twitching.
I have a couple of favorite colors -- "Avocado Gold" -- "Electric Chicken" -- but most colors, especially those that sparkle, all work well.

Now the Old Bayside Shadlyn and a somewhat softer bait than many jig tails --and they do get bitten off by the occasional pinfish or puffer. But I find that it's that softness that gives the bait its great action.

Let me know how you do with my favorite jig tail.

Mel

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Hi Capt. Mel,

Just had the good fortune to recently retire and move to Florida and now reside in Citrus County. Never got here in time to vote but we did send our absentee ballots back to the state of Kentucky and will be registering as a Floridian next election.

Anyway, Got to go fishing today with a neighbor and his wife and we caught two 20 inch Reds. Never having caught a Red before is there any special cleaning advice you could give? I cleaned their insides out and have them soaking overnight in salt water in the frig. I also removed the heads. I was curious after reading some of the great sounding recipes on your web site if there is any kind of blood veins along the sides that would need to be removed? Would appreciate any advice you could pass on to a Rookie.

I have been catching some of the biggest bass I have ever caught in my life and I can tell you now, This is One Kentucky Hillbilly that is here to stay. My Wife and I both love the area and have met a lot of great people.

Thanks for your help,

Rich & Betty
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Dear Rich and Betty:

First of all, as one who years ago worked for a couple of radio station in Kentucky, I can certainly appreciate the beautiful state that you left behind. However, I think that, as was the case with me, I quickly become an avid fan of our Sunshine State.

As for redfish cleaning and preparing, I like to cut the fillets off, wash them well – brush the meat side with melted butter and then season to taste with Cajun Magic or other favorite spice. Once done, place the fillets on a grill – skin side up and cook them until they lake easily with a fork.

Now there is some red bloodline in the meat, but you can simply eat around it.

Mel

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Hello!

A born fisherman as long as I can remember, and I learn every time I go out. I ran a Commercial Grouper Boat for 6-yrs in the 80's; and was extremely successful. Much more into the aesthetics of it all now: Just love to catch and release. I certainly only keep what I will consume within a two to three day period. REGS Always. I love Sheepshead and I'm a born fillet King. I can do Sheepshead as fast as a 20 inch Trout. Would like some up to date tips on water temp: tides: night or day.

Thanks: Your site is "OUT OF SITE"

Mark Keitel
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Dear Mark:

While I wasn't a commercial fisherman in the 80s -- as you were -- I certainly remember how great the grouper digging was in those days -- especially before the longliners took over. Many of my friends were commercial grouper fishermen who taught me a great deal about catching them.

As for sheepshead -- the best time and temperatures to catch them is as soon as we waters cool for the winter. It is then that they should be biting like crazy. Sheepshead love it when the water temps sink below the 60-degree mark.

And thanks so much for your encouraging comments about our web site. I work hard at it every day of the week to keep it fresh and current.

Best regards,

Capt. Mel Berman

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