Thanks for your web site---I found it on the web when researching Clearwater. We are coming to Clearwater for a wedding on June 2 and are going to stay over a couple of days and want to go fishing all day on a party boat on Monday the 4th. I was wondering if you have recommendations for a boat for my son and myself for that time of year. My son is 26 and we look forward to a good time there. Any help would be appreciated---also, about what are the rates for an all day trip?

Thank you,

Kenneth Burnham
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Dear Kenneth:

There are a number of excellent party boats that operate within easy driving distance from Clearwater. And early June should be a very productive time for bottom fishing in the Gulf.

If you go to the Party Boats Page on our web site where you will find a generous array of excellent party boats are listed. You likely would want to consider the Double Eagle, which would be most convenient for you, as it operates out of Clearwater Beach. Or you could drive down to nearby Treasure Island and go out on the popular Hubbard's party boats. I have taken numerous trips on both and am confident you will have an enjoyable outing this party boat.

Here’s hoping you have a wonderful and "fishy" Florida visit.

Mel

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My fishing partner and I are going to Goodland which is just south of Marco Island, and is the gateway to the 10,000 Islands. We are aware of the heat and summer storms, but know the fishing can be outstanding. Would you have any bait recommendations? We will be targeting Snook, Reds, and Trout with no opposition to a Mangrove Snapper or Flounder. This is far from the first trip to this area so we know where to look for the fish but after listening to your show this morning, I would like to try something different. Any thing you can suggest would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

SourbeerB
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Well there is no doubt that the area of the 10-thousand islands is one of Florida’s most pristine fishing venues. And pristine always equals an optimum fishing environment.

It is good that you are familiar with this area, as one could very easily get lost in the endless meandering streams and canals. But each corner you turn, or cove you enter offer extraordinary fishing opportunities.

As for baits, I would highly recommend making a pit stop at one of the local bait and tackle stores, who always seem to have a handle on which species in bite what at any given time.

As for artificials, I have excellent success fishing there using ordinary jigs, either plastic or bucktail. I suspect the very popular DOA Shrimp should also yield excellent results in this unspoiled environment.

How about a fishing report when you get back?

Mel

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Captain Mel,

I want to start finding my own locations for grouper (not artificial reefs). I have heard that the limestone reefs run in north - south lines, at varying distances from shore. I fish out of Dunedin and was wondering which depths the lines run at.

Thanks,

Rich
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Dear Rich:

Eons ago, the western Florida coastline extended many miles out into the Gulf of Mexico. As erosion occurred, the heretofore-generous Suncoast line shrank into what it is today. As the coast receded, the old coastlines left a series of north/south reef structures that extend well into gulf some as far a 100-miles out. Each one is a rich fish haven, home to a great variety of species, and offering deep-water anglers an endless selection of productive fishing structures.

Unfortunately, in recent years, some profit motivated entrepreneurs, called "live rockers" began to literally dismantle these ancient structures. They sold their ill-gotten booty to willing aquarium companies at premium prices. They in turn used this precious lime rock to furnish habitat structure for aquariums around the globe.

The result was a total destruction of many of these reefs that for thousands of years provided shelter and an ideal habitat for a rich variety of Gulf species.

Thankfully, laws were recently enacted that finally put a halt to the plundering of these historical Gulf structures.

I guess this is a long-winded way of saying that there still stand many of these great reefs standing, extending way out into the Gulf of Mexico. And when fishing them, you can start with the near-shore structures and work your way out to the deep.

Mel

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Read all the articles about fishing shrimp boats for blackfins (tuna) off W. Central Florida but no one ever gives any info about locating the boats. Have any tips?

ATK
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I think that anyone who fishes the Gulf of Mexico with any regularity will always encounter anchored shrimp boats during daytime hours. Most of these vessels work at night and sleep during the day. Their trawls are almost always left extended for stability and they are quite easy to spot from great distances.

Mel

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