Gary Anderson’s blog

TIGER ON THE BEACH

Venice, Florida

As of late, with the introduction of Discovery Channels ‘Shark Week’ and old reruns of ‘Jaws’, a larger part of the population has adopted big-game fishing as a weekend activity, focusing mainly on sharks. Sharks have become a favorite target, especially here in southwest Florida. Their fearsome and thrashing style of culinary activities incites anglers to prove themselves against this ancient man-eater of the deep. Though many a shark hunter angling on the boards of the Venice Florida City Pier have not a clue, when one looks at their equipment that they are using. The number one question on the pier is “did you catch that here?” as they continue to bait up with a large style hook, oversized bait on a piece of equipment manufactured for freshwater to light saltwater usage. I blame the booming shark sport industry in their televised tournaments and contests, of bringing to the dock many a blues, mako, tiger and bull sharks ready to be “steak cut” or filleted for a weekend barbeque, yet, most are discarded into the trash or dumped over the side after the weigh in or picture, which is the worst of travesties! Of all the sharks found in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mako and Blacktip sharks are of the best to eat and the rest should be CPR’ed (Catch, Photographed and Released).

There are of fourteen varieties of sharks caught from the boards of the Venice City Pier at Sharky’s but the most common are our Blacktips, Hammerheads, Lemon, Reef, Nurse and the verbose Bull Sharks. Big Bulls have always been the talk of the pier throughout the year with Hammerheads arriving on the tails of the migrating schools of Kings and Tarpon. A big hammer is a sight to see and always becomes the thrill to seek until this last weekend, when a new arrival showed up under the boards, just off the beach and one usually only seen in movies or on Shark Week; a Tiger shark! In my 15 years of angling the pier, a

Tiger shark has not been caught! Jesus’ while overnight angling with large sharking equipment**, floated out a wingtip of ray around four-hundred yards off the “T” to hook it up with this eight to nine foot man-eater. The Tiger was given this eloquent title during the final days of WWII when the USS Indianapolis CA-35 was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in the Philippine Sea and of 1,196 men on board, only 316 men survived with the perils of the sea and the verboseness of the Tiger. Most of those fat thin and wiggly (jagged below the point) pointed black sharks’ teeth you find at waters edge on the beach of Venice were that of tiger sharks a few million years ago. I wonder what has changed to bring them back.

** Heavy conventional, stiff rods. Conventional reels and big hooks. Bring a variety of hooks 7/0 to 14/0 Circles depending on the size of the sharks.

Angling Lemon Bay from a Hunters Boat; the Kayak

JoshandRed

Kayak Is Inuit for “Hunters Boat”

By Gary Anderson

When angling Lemon bay Florida or any body of water from a hunters boat, a hunters boat is Inuit for kayak, keeping order is but the first luxury to respond to when paddling; leaders, lines and hooks all over a cockpit is an accident waiting to happen. One must always think ‘Safety”, if any priority is first, this one is it. Paddles where they should be and leashed, equipment stowed properly, PFD is on and not stowed or used as a cushion or other stupid idea; it can save your life when needed the most, when you least expect it!  Dress for the water and always wear a PFD (personal flotation device). You have to dress for the water not the air temperature for if you fall in and are not protected you run the serious risk of hypothermia. During the spring and summer months of south Florida, shorts or a short wetsuit is fine but in the fall to winter stick with a full wetsuit or dry suit but whatever you do, can the waders. If you go under with waders, they fill with water and you will sink like a rock, so unless you breath with gills, leave the waders for the river or flats fishing in those cold days on in the water. Paddling is a physically demanding activity so you must ask yourself are you capable of the physical exertion. The buddy system is always best when yakking but if you go on your own tell someone where you are going and roughly, what time you will arrive back; a float plan. “Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink!” Think Hydration and bring enough water to last all day plus one, in case of a problem. Have a dry bag stowed with personal devices such as phone, towel, extra clothing, along with a fleece or wool sweater. Hypothermia Kills and more people become hypothermic than drowning, hands down! Just because you are paddling in warm waters does not mean it will not affect you; it will; head the warning and be prepared.  Always wear a hat, cap or a BUFF on your head for heat loss is rapid through this extremity. It can also save you from the sun and aid in glare catching you more fish along with your sunglasses. The engine to your kayak is you and your propulsion is through your paddle, which as stated above, needs to be attached to the yak or your wrist by a leash; lose the paddle lose your propulsion.  Carrying an extra is of good measure if you have the room. Communication are necessary through either a VHF radio, fixed or handheld or your cell phone. If using a cell phone you must be very careful around water for once in the brink and *all may be lost. With a cell phone choose your own brand of protection but I use Trojan Condoms. Your cell will fit easily inside, can be accessed without removing and is now waterproof if the open end is tied off. Compass or GPS, whistle around the neck, package of flares in dry bag and small first aid kit rounds out the perfect trip of just in case. A flag on the stern alerts others where you are in the day and a Cap Light on the brim of my hat works great at night to illuminate all the area in and around the kayak, while showing my presents at dusk till dark to others in the area. Now it is time to push off and catch some fish.

Armed with Tarpon 120 kayaks, together with a paddle, paddle leash and PFD (personal flotation devise), Josh Zgrabik and friends, pushed off from Manasota Boat ramp in search to hunt for the fishes of the bay, Lemon Bay, in trip targeting fish; nothing unparticular, just a day on the water for fun and play. The Tarpon 120 is 12 feet long and is a perfect fit from novice to expert in angling the skinnies of any water in your back yard. Kayak is Inuit for "hunter's boat", making it the perfect and ideal vessel to go “hunting fish” from. Staying close to the Mangrove or shoreline is a good rule of thumb for it is out of the way of powerboats in the channels; they may idle down or not upon their approach, stay to the shoreline and catch more fish. As we paddled there was a slight ripple to my left, just under a branch of a black Mangrove tree, which resembled a tiny stone dropping into the water and the a massive swirl. Something in ambush mode, so Josh flipped a Petites Power head with a shrimp gulped tail to slither to the bottom. Wham, bam, “Fish ON!” No jigging action here, just a hungry hook up. It turned out being just a rat, undersized redfish, but it sure was fun in the fight. Continuing along observing the sheen across the waters edge for breaks or swirls, this action continued for about half a mile down. No Snook, just little rats and a lure change was inevitable. Switching to a Bayou Bucks Black Jig Head / Smoke Chartreuse Curly Tail under a Stealth Pop-N-Prop, answered the question as to where the big boys were. Now the reds were in the slot and a smile pronounced on Josh’s face.

When jigging, a 12/20lb class rod with braid, it is most sufficient for angling oysters to limbs as in less break offs will occur than that of monofilament lines. Seven-foot rods on a yak are the perfect combo in angling stubborn bay fishes and my favorite is that of a St. Croix outfit.  Using twenty pound fluorocarbon attached to a swivel for prevention of twists, there is nothing more exciting than to watch a six pound red coming up from the bottom of our crystal clear waters of the intercostals’ of Lemon Bay with a Bayou Bucks Lure in its mouth. Thrashing and stubbornly headshaking, all upon arrival on the surface in its retrieval to the craft, drags settings must be extremely tight but allowing for an inch at a time upon any quick burst or flow against the tidal movements. Landing nets can be cumbersome in a yak and generally are not good for the fish unless they are coated. The best course of action is that of a gilling procedure by placing your free hand up under the bottom of the gill plate to grasp the bridge between its lip and gills. Do not handle the gills themselves, as this can be a slow death to the fish if released.

When lure fishing from a yak, you will gain more control over your angling in a side saddle style; that is with your feet in the water, giving you better control and easy access to the back box for you tackle and what ever. Yak angling is but a thrill of the hunt and sportfishing at its best when using light tackle. Remembering safety first, so if the weather or those white caps look threatening to uncomfortable looks to be, head for the house for there are far many more days you can fish and not have to worry. Keeping an eye on the sky and get out quickly upon approaching weather. Practice CPR (Catch, Photograph and Release) as much as possible for green angling is necessary if we are to be responsible stewards to our marine ecosystems. 

Angling Lemon Bay or your neighborhood in a yak is the ultimate to a very green outing. No fuel costs, no pollutants such as oils or gasoline residues on the water and no engine break downs, just good old fashion paddling to the blending in with nature as one; a romantic rendezvous’ with eco-friendly angling. Another approach to going green without the use of a paddle is solar power in a green angle to propulsion when yaking your backcountry waters. Kits are manufactured by SPK (Solar Powered Kayaks) and soon available through Inshore Florida. Think Green, Think Fish, Be Responsible it is the only world we have!

REEL ADDICTION SPORTFISHING

An Ecological Green Angling Machine!

For your next fishing adventure, come along on a fishing charter with Captain Mike Zgrabik.  Guided fishing charters out of Venice, Sarasota, Englewood, Manasota or Boca Grande, Florida.  Fish for trout, redfish, snook and tarpon.  Enjoy the beautiful scenery among the islands and mangroves and experience a day of the great fishing that Florida's Sharks Tooth Coast has to offer. 

 Experience Sharks Tooth Coastal fishing, while enjoying the wildlife and fish inhabit this area.  Chance upon a manatee or dolphin on the river and see the varied birds and fish that inhabit the islands and mangroves.  The Sun coast is not only a great area for fishing, but provides some of the best scenery of the Sharks Tooth Coast.

 Captain Mike Zgrabik has over twenty-five years experience fishing Ohio to the Venice, Florida surrounding area as a guide and tournament angler.  A licensed and insured Coast Guard Master Captain specializing in light tackle fishing along the flats, inlets and islands of the Sharks Tooth Coast.   We welcome the experienced as well as the novice angler.  We will take the time to improve your fishing skills and show you tips on fishing the waters along the Sun to Sharks Tooth Coast... 

 Captain Mike Zgrabik provides all fishing equipment and tackle for your day on the inshore.  No license is needed while fishing with Captain Charlie.  Ice and water are also included in your trip.  You only need to bring your camera, sunglasses, snacks and a smile! 

Contact Reel Addiction Sportfishing Charters & Eco-Kayak Tours for your next fishing ADVENTURE!

GIFT CERTIFICATES available! 

Call today for details

Launching from Venice, Sarasota, Englewood, Manasota or Boca Grande, Florida for your adventure on the water.

OR

GO FOR A GREEN ADVENTURE:

REEL ADDICTION SPORTFISHING ECO-KAYAK TOURS

Looking for a few good Participants

Tarpon 120’s

Equipped

Ready

CONTACT US NOW!

"FISH ON!"

My name is Lindsay Dressen and I am with Sportsman’s Best.  We have designed a must have product for avid anglers!  It is a Cleaning Station

that can easily fit in a garage, utility room or even on the stern of your boat and is used to clean the fish you catch. It is also very useful for cleaning house

hold items or washing your own dog at home!  This product has been a hit in the Midwest States, now we are trying to reach sportsmen in every state

starting with Florida because it is an angler’s paradise! Through Gary Anderson’s Inshore Florida or The Island Anglers, you too can own one of these fine units, The Cleaning Station, stainless steel with a pull out tray that works amazing for cleaning fish!  The stainless steel makes it more sanitary than a regular cutting board and the showerhead make it a breeze to clean up all fish cleanings. By attaching a garbage disposal to your Cleaning Station, you can easily grind up all unneeded parts by just washing them down the drain.  This product is a necessary have for all anglers. For more information, please contact us here at Inshore Florida or the Island Anglers for sizes to prices.

Reduced_size

The Lab in the sink shown is a full grown adult dog!

For All Your Legal Requirements, when angling Inshore Florida Saltwater, please respect the laws before throwing that fish in the box to be taken home to eat...

Pan Seared Southwestern Florida Blackened Redfish

Serve fillets with skillet vegetables, sprinkled with capers and garnished with lemon slices.

Serves four.

- Ingredients

- - Four 8oz. redfish fillets

- - Fresh asparagus

- - One tablespoon fresh chopped oregano

- - One teaspoon capers

- - One whole zucchini cut lengthwise

- - Four tablespoons olive oil

- - Four lemons sliced thick

- - Two teaspoons lemon juice

- - Salt and pepper to taste

- - Half Cup melted butter

- - Blackening Seasoning

- - Cast Iron Skillet

First catch a legal redfish, 18 to 27 inch slot limit to keep and do not fillet at boat dock or in the boat, unless you want to meet Bubba, mmm think I will go home to Momma. Fillet the red and skin it. Coat all sides in your melted butter and dredge both sides in your favorite blackening seasoning. As you are preparing the redfish with the butter seasoning mixture, place a large cast iron skillet on your stovetop or grill on the high temperature setting. Do not put anything in the pan! Heat the skillet until the empty contents are smoken and place the seasoned coated fish into the surface of the pan. Turn on the fan, call the fire dept., tell them it is a false alarm, and dawn your gas mask, if you own one! Leave on each side for about one minute and flip. Two minutes later you are done with the blackening procedure and were wondering why it is not called smokened redfish. Turn off the heat on the pan, add you fresh asparagus, oregano, capers, zucchini, and simmer until done. Squeezing the lemon wedges onto the fish or use as a garnish if you prefer. Good Eats and

“FISH ON!”

Live from Our Sun Coast here in SW Florida: "Angling on Steroids!"

Posted by: "Gary Anderson" inshoreflorida@gmail.com   g.anderson31

Thu Mar 6, 2008 8:34 am (PST)

I am Gary Anderson, part of a group of dedicated anglers, so dedicated we formed a company, The Island Angler Inc., to promote mentoring, angling, stewardship, responsibility and self-esteems with a club and a website based on Positive Mentoring through Fishing with area youth catching sharks.

We are in need of a sponsor who could provide us with 10-12K to produce a fishing based reality television production sizzle reel; a five-minute trailer, to be viewed by all the networks, as well Comcast. We currently have a production company, InTroubleZone Productions interested with a crew on standby for the next few months in hopes of us acquiring the needed funding for this shoot.

"If you can dream it, you can do it." ~Walt Disney

‘The Island Anglers’ are a group of dedicated anglers, so dedicated we formed a company, The Island Angler Inc., to promote mentoring, angling, stewardship, responsibility and self-awareness through helping out those around you on a mission of showing ‘one hand washes the other’ through the actions of Positive Mentoring through Fishing. The Island Anglers website represents all of us who care for the environment while showing direction to the youth of today for a greater tomorrow, ensuring the best there is to offer for years to come. Stories, articles and such are all about fishing the city pier located in Venice, Florida.

From the website our numbers grew, visitors from around the world view the site for constantly changing information on the happenings of the pier, as well did the number of youth involvement and sense of accomplishment of self. Anglers catches, stories and photographs of our youth in action helping each other out; mentoring themselves as well as those around them through deeds in offering advice to actual endeavors of stepping up to the plate, when needed. An example of this would be of one of The Island Anglers members saving a divers life last year as he was fishing from the pier. Taking his own life out of the picture Phillip Hansen jumped twenty feet to the water below the boards of the pier swimming to the aid of a diver in distress. Later after the event, Phillip said, “had I not learned the values and appreciation of what I have learned by fishing with other Jaime Fuentes, Mike Cavallo, Mr. Anderson and fellow Island Anglers, she might still be out there, drowning. My mom’s skills as a diving instructor and a loving parent told me it was the right thing to do, so I jumped in.”

The Island Anglers, ranging in age from 12 up and are teamed up with area professionals in a search of an investor or individual to pitch out ten to twelve thousand dollars to become the Sponsor of a Reality TV First; Real kids, Catching Real Sharks off of a Real Pier. A Sponsor to back a sizzle reel for distribution to all the affiliated stations as a trailer and then, like fishing, we will see who bites.

You as a Sponsor would be investing in the philosophy of “Positive Mentoring through Fishing.” No actors here but some real characters in kids helping kids while older youth and adults pitch in while helping out, maintaining posture and catching some really big fish!

With your help, The Island Anglers, are in need of aid to produce the first ever reality television show with real kids, catching real sharks, on a real pier in southwest Florida. Mentoring in the raw! Real baits with large rigs on gigantic reels hooking big sharks with kids half their size. Reality TV where it should be; in the real world, on a real mission to enhance the capacity of Florida’s citizens, visitors and those of our children alike to serve their responsibilities as Stewards to our Florida marine ecosystems through training-education-technical assistance-applied research and a public service with A Faith-based Community Initiative of mentoring!

If interested or need more information, please contact Chuck Ardezzone, CEO, InTroubleZone Productions, introublezone@gmail.com or myself here at inshoreflorida@gmail.com.

“Education is Freedom as Freedom is being educated in

Knowing the Rules. Educate yourself and those around you

In becoming a Responsible Stewart with the world around you, while

Joining us in practicing Positive Mentoring through Fishing with

The Island Anglers.”… Gary A. Anderson