Anglers in the U.S. and around the world have their own names for different species of fish. However, while many different species having individual scientific names may belong to the same family, Cobia… scientific name (Rachycentron Canadum) are the only living species in their family (Rachycentridae) and have no close relatives. Highly migratory and living at least 10 years Cobia sometimes reach 15 years of age.

They are open-water fish and found almost worldwide in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate waters. Orienting themselves around buoys, pilings, markers, sea turtles, manatees or almost any floating object they appear attracted to noise. Ranging from inshore bays, waterways, estuaries to open seas and sometimes spotted in waters 4,000 feet deep. Their flat heads, protruding lower jaw, cylindrical brown bodies, faint dark lateral stripe and a whitish belly make them easily identifiable. Resembling a shark when viewed from above, they actually look similar to a small brown torpedo.

A Research Laboratory in Mississippi tagged and released over 10,000 Cobia to study their migratory habits. Results indicate they are highly migratory, often traveling hundreds of miles in short periods. The longest travel distance recorded was 1,300 nautical miles. A fish tagged off the Chandeleur Islands near Louisiana was recaptured 2 ½ years later off South Carolina. Two other Cobia’s traveled more than 1,200 miles. One tagged off Pensacola Beach, Florida then recaptured off South Carolina. The other tagged off Louisiana and recaptured 238 days later in Daytona Beach, Florida. One record holding sprinter tagged at Port Canaveral, Florida traveled 700 miles arriving in Aplachee Bay, Florida in only 46 days. This speedster averaged more than 15 miles a day.

Not all Cobia migrate. Verified by more research indicates some tagged in the northern Gulf of Mexico elected to stay put during the colder months but at depths to 100 feet. Others seem content stay in certain areas year round, often seeking winter warmth near power plants.

Aggressive opportunistic feeders, Cobia chase food from the surface to the bottom eating just about anything. However, in a study conducted at Chesapeake Bay researchers examining the stomachs of 78 Cobia they found 28 different species of animals. Swimming crabs were by far number one. This leads us to the conclusion while eating other things Cobia probably prefer swimming crabs as their first choice, particularly in Chesapeake Bay.

Because of their meat quality and the fact, they possess a tremendous growth rate Cobia often gain up to 13 lbs per year. This makes them an ideal species for aquaculture. Although commercial production has only recently begun in the west, it has a long history in Asia and especially Taiwan and Vietnam.

Now we know what a Cobia is and a little more about them. So, how do we catch them? The IGFA-All-Tackle world record Cobia weighed 135 lbs. 9 oz. caught on July 9, 1985 by Robert Goulding in Shark Bay, Australia. The Florida State Record is 103 lbs 12 ounces.

Indisputably a rough and ready fighter, when hooked Cobia considered by some to be one terrific sport-fish also offers excellent eating. Favorite spots are channels, deep holes in bays and the water around floating and stationary objects like buoys, pilings, and wrecks. Inshore buoys, beacons and markers are excellent places to catch cobia and an occasional Tripletail.

Unquestionably, when Cobia fishing what is working this time may not work the next. Therefore, some diversity is often the key to your success. Since Cobia will strike a variety of baits, in all shapes and sizes not sticking with one lure, bait or tactic increases, your hook-up percentages From studies, we know they prefer eating crabs, eels, shrimp and small fishes. Therefore, when using natural baits take an assortment, if using artificial lures try to match the natural forage. Nevertheless, when presented properly a hungry fish will strike almost anything tossed in its direction

You can catch Cobia year round in Florida but probably the easiest time is during the November through February migratory runs up the coast. During cold months and ranging in size from small to 85 lbs, they stack up at many power plants’ warm water discharges. Often catching a ride with other sea creatures you will see them trailing along with large rays, sea turtles, and manatees waiting for an easy meal scattered by the large creatures.

Sight fishing these guy’s makes for some very exciting time whether around warm water outflows or markers, boats, barges, floating debris, buoys, or anything that holds bait and provides shade and cover. When sight fishing, you need good polarized sunglasses like and a medium to heavy spinning combo spooled with 20-30 lb. Power Pro. These fish can wreak serious havoc on light tackle. Once located, a free lined crab, greenback, thread fin, pin fish or an artificial lure fish cast in front of them usually result in a hookup.

Another method is using a heavy jig in the place of bait. Drop it to the bottom and briskly work it in a jerking upward fashion using a stiff rod while someone maneuvers the boat at idle speed around structure.

Landing a Cobia usually requires more than a one attempt; inevitably, you will get it close to the boat only to watch it sprint away. So whenever possible use a landing net or gaff. In addition, remembering this safety tip regarding a green fish. The term “green fish” means one that is not tired and still fighting. Extremely powerful, these fish will thrash violently about often causing damage to your boat, or serious injury you or your passengers. A Cobia has 8 to 10 dangerously sharp spines located in front of the dorsal fin. At all, cost, avoid these spike-like projections when landing, handling or unhooking a Cobia. You may not see them at first because of the fish’s ability to retract them inconspicuously below the skin. Then when threatened or agitated, these dorsal spines defensively stand erect, ready to cut and gouge anything in their path. Many anglers found this out the hard way.

Prized catches in many ways, Cobia offer the excitement of a hard fought battle and a wonderful texture and taste. With its firm white flesh, it is excellent baked or cooked on the grille. When smoked it makes one of the best fish spreads you will ever eat.

If you have never fished for Cobia, you are missing some real rod bending action, fishing excitement and a great meal. Try it you will not be disappointed.

Spring is here…so dig out those rods and reels and get the boat checked out it’s time for another great summer of fishing on Tampa Bay.  Do it now… then when you’re ready to go fishing you will be ahead of the game.

The sunshine state is an excellent place to live especially in the winter! Speaking with others visiting from up north, I get a chill when told about the temperatures in their home towns. It seems like our winters are getting milder and once again, we’ve had a placid winter season with only a few days in the low thirties. Throughout the wintertime fishing been good and will continue to pick up as our water temperatures return to normal, the bait shows up on the flats and the winds begin subsiding.

Fishing the bay for over fifty years I continually marvel at the excellent opportunities the area offers anglers from all walks of life. You’ll find many people fishing from the shore bridges, or piers while others might wade, or fish from boats, kayaks, or canoes. And you’ll find them just about anywhere there is accessible water. Fishing… what a great pastime, not only does it give us the opportunity to catch a few fish, it also allows us to enjoy the wonders of our environment while marveling at the creations natures afforded us. Sometime catching fish is not important… being on the water observing the balance of nature is all that’s required to release the burdens of everyday life. So, when things begin building to a stress level one notch below inner combustion. Step back, grab your fishing gear, and spend some time relaxing with nature.

Greenbacks are at the Skyway, some markers and beginning to show up on the flats. Keep your eyes open as many species begin showing up in April. Everything should be here by April, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead, Mangrove Snapper, Mackerel.

Where to Start:

It’s not hard to find a good bite since there are over 200 species of fish all over Tampa Bay starting at the extreme north end down to past the Skyway Bridge. Just fish a respectable incoming or outgoing tide and catch fish. Many places are accessible from land for shore anglers or waders others have boat access from public launches. Here are some good starting points:

North - Howard Franklin Bridge to Safety Harbor:

>   Safety Harbor tidal flats

>  Double Branch/Rocky Creek grass flats

>     Mangroves & Oyster shoreline from Big Island to St Petersburg/Clearwater airport

>    Both sides of the Courtney Campbell Causeway (good wading-watch for deeper holes)

>      Cypress grass flats on the eastern shore north of Howard Franklin Bridge to the Courtney Campbell Causeway (good wading-watch for deeper holes).

>      Rocky Point grass flats off the point ((good wading-watch for deeper holes, rocks and oysters bars)

Central - South of Howard Franklin to St. Petersburg Pier:

>      The old Gandy Bridge has a fishing walk-way on both the Tampa and St. Petersburg side and offers some good fishing on moving water.

>      The St. Petersburg fishing pier also offers a variety of fishing.

>      The west shoreline grass flats just north of Gandy Bridge (good wading-watch for deeper holes)

>   Howard Franklin Artificial Reef, East shoreline grass flats (3-6 foot depth) north of Gandy Bridge to Howard Franklin

>    Picnic Island grass flats (good wading-watch for deeper holes) (watch for restricted zone signs at Mac Dill Air Force Base)

>      Weedon Island outside grass flats (2-3 foot depth between no motor signs and no wake signs) and outside no wake signs

>      Apollo Beach grass flats between Alafia River and Simmons Park

South – South of St. Petersburg Fishing Pier past the Skyway Bridge:   

>  The old Skyway Bridge is now proclaimed as the world longest fishing pier with access from both the north and south end. You can drive you vehicle to where you want to fish, take advantage of the bait house for tackle or bait, and enjoy a day catching fish.

>    Western shoreline grass flats south of St. Petersburg Pier to Pinellas Point.

>    Eastern shoreline grass flats from Simmons Park to Joe Bay. Excellent grass flats from the (no wake signs) to the eastern shore including Little Manatee River, Little Cockroach Bay, Cockroach Bay, Piney Point

>  Port Manatee (new 500 yard restricted area around Manbirtee Key (Spoil Island), Bishops Harbor, and the outside grass flats of Joe Bay.

>     Grass flats along the east side of the Skyway Bridge Causeway

>      The grass flats along the west side of the Skyway Causeway to the gulf around Tarpon Key, Indian Key, Boca Ciega, Boca Ciega Bay, and Ft Desoto (some wading-watch for holes

Snook (Season’s Open until May 1^st)
The magic number for water temperatures seems to be high sixty’s and up and look for them around deep passes early then spreading out into shallower water as the day continues to warm. Live baits always work for Snook but so do artificial lures. Try a MirrOlure MirrODine, Top Dog Jr. and the 7M nad

Redfish (No closed season, one fish per person per day, within the 18” to 27” slot limit)
Like snook the Redfish should become easier to catch as the temperatures climb into the 70’s. They’ll cruise the outer flats on the deeper edges then traveling into the mangroves as the tide gets higher. As I say each month, large schools of mullet are good places to find redfish mixed in together. Try keeping the baits within casting distance, to draw the fish to you. Remember not too much if you over feed them they’ll stopping eating if they get full. Expect some good excitement when pitching soft plastics around the mangroves on high in coming tides or low water outside flats.

Spotted Sea Trout
April produces some good catches on incoming or outgoing tides, using topwater popping plugs on an early morning grass flat. Pop the lure several times let it rest until the rings are gone and do it again. If there are Trout in the area they’ll strike. When fishing topwater lures do not set the hook until you feel the fish.

As always live shrimp are the best bait for Trout. Suspend one under Paradise Popper cork with a medium split-shot about 8” about a 2/0 circle hook then find any good grass flat and catch all the trout you want this month. Remember, small pinfish under a popping cork like the Paradise Popper is an all time trout favorite.

If the winds blowing try using a Wind Tamer Drift Sock to slow down your drift. Everyone wants to catch big trout but remember these large fish lay the most eggs so fish responsibly, try putting the big ones back, besides the smaller ones eat better.

Mackerel, Sharks, Cobia, Kings and Tarpon
With the onset of Threadfins come the Mackerel, Sharks, Cobia, Kings and Tarpon. Cobia will cruise markers holding bait. Mackerel will be all over the bay feeding on bait schools and large kings and sharks will be feeding on the mackerel. Tarpon will show up on the beaches and Skyway first.

“GIVE ME A CALL & LET”S GO FISHING” Capt. Woody Gore’s been fishing in Florida for over 50 years and offers guided fishing charters in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Clearwater, and Tarpon Springs. Please contact me for more information or to book a trip call or email from my website:
Cell: 813-477-3814 <> Office: 813-982-2034 <> Email: wgore@ix.netcom.com
Website:  www.captainwoodygore.com

The sun’s first rays are cresting over the mangroves as the morning sky begins brightening. The trolling motors on low as you and your friend ease quietly across a broken-bottom flat. Expectantly, you toss that favorite MirrOLure Top-Dog, making precision cast into each pothole. You know they’re out there, like any experienced angler you can almost smell em’. With each cast, you conscientiously recall everything you know about top water lures, like not setting the hook until you feel the fish, etc. Suddenly it happens… the water explodes with the ferocity that only trophy Snook produce. You feel the pull, set the hook and shout to your friend, “Fish On”. Expectedly, you lose about 35 or 40 yards of line, your heart pounds, your pulse races… you can hardly catch you breath. “Look at her go”, you shout, trying to out guess her next move. Try to it from jumping you lower the rod tip to keep her in the water. After what seems like an eternity in an excitable voice you say, “She’s beginning to tire, I’m getting some line back… are you ready with the net?” Your mind races and you think, just a little longer… don’t horse it… keep the line tight… seems like a million things you’re trying to remember. Then as quickly as it started, she is in the net. For the first time, you relax your shoulders, catch your breath, and realize what a trophy fish you just caught.

Composure returning, you remark, “We need some pictures, no one will believe us without them, let me find the camera”. After several minutes of rummaging around, you remember, it’s in a box under the bow. “Sliding your hand into the gills you lift the fish from the net holding it vertically. After several photos, your friend says, “Let me get a photo holding it.” You lay the fish back in the net, and slid your fingers out of the gills. Your partner slides his in and again poses with the fish held vertically. After a few more photo’s he returns it to the net.

“Is it big enough to keep?” says your friend. You reply,”Looks too big but let’s measure to be sure.” Again sliding your hand into the gills, you lift the fish, lay it on the measuring board and align the front lip and the tail. “Yep! It’s too long, better put it back to fight another day.” With that statement, you toss the fish back into the water, watching as it slowly swims away toward the bottom.

“Man! That was fun, too bad it was too long to keep, but we’re about catch and release anyway” they both remark, proud of seeing it slowly swim away.

Whenever asked, these anglers, like others are quick to say they religiously practice catch and release. Actually, what these anglers released was a dead fish.

Here is the crux of the situation. Always be prepared to quickly release any fish, unless you plan to keep some for dinner. In that case, only take enough for the intended meal. Understandably, fish do not freeze well, get freezer burned and ultimately end up in the trash. If you like fish, there is nothing like a piece of fresh fish to satisfy the appetite. However, failing to preserve a wonderful resource, like fish, we could end up eating beans and calling it fish.

Fishing is a great pastime and people spend countless hours and energy learning the skills necessary to catch them. However, overlook learning how to preserve them. Every year the number of people turning to fishing for entertainment escalates, so it is important that we remember there are only so many fish and to preserve them we must educate ourselves. No one deliberately sets out to kill them unless they intend to eat a few and no one purposely set out to kill a trophy. It usually happens through ignorance of how to fight, handle and release them alive. “Alive” being the optimum word means, according to Webster’s: “being alive, not dead, still in existence”. Just because it swam away doesn’t mean it will survive.

Studies conducted at the Queen’s University in Ontario demonstrated the mortality rate rose significantly after prolonged exposure to air, especially after the stress of capture. Essentially, 28% or 3 out of 10, fish released after 60 seconds of exposure lived; the other 72% died within 12 hours. Exposure for 30 seconds increased the survival rate to 6 out of 10 and fish stressed but not exposed to air increased by a substantial margin of 9 out of 10. Their mortality relates directly to gill damage suffered from exposure to air.

This damage is avoidable by leaving fish in the water. If netting becomes necessary, leave it and the fish in the water while removing the hook. When used correctly, a fish dehooker tool is another alternative, which releases fish in only seconds.

Another contributing factor is fatigue and over-stress caused by light tackle. Using tackle, to deliberately, extend the battle is signing a death warrant for the fish. Light tackle can mean anything exerting undue stress by intentionally extending the fight. Do not assume light tackle means only fly anglers it doesn’t because most match their tackle to the target. On the other hand, don’t get the impression you need 4/0 tackle to save Snook, Redfish and Trout… some common sense and practical thinking should dictate the requirements.

Like our two anglers in the beginning, without that photograph… no one will believe you. Here’s what to do… be prepared. Have the camera ready, as the fish comes alongside have someone prepared to take the photo. If getting that special shot requires lifting the fish, do it gently, using wet hands and never holding them vertically. One or two shots should take no longer that a couple of seconds. When returning it to the water never through it back hoping for the best. Always place it in the water, revive as necessary and watch as it swims away.

There are times when good intentions and efforts for a safe release fail, especially during the warmer months. Now you face the decision of whether to keep it for dinner or return it to the food chain. If you keep, make certain it’s within the legal limits. Because it died, does not make it legal and everyone knows the reasons why.

When good fortune smiles and you catch that trophy fish… take a moment to consider how long it took to reach that size and how long it will take to replace it. It might effect how you think and handle a wonderful opportunity that came your way.

Understanding water temperature is possibly the single most significant matter between fishing and catching. Appreciation of temperature and its affect on fish can make your angling life simpler.

Fish are cold-blooded or presumed cold-blooded. Then again, like most creatures they do produce limited forms of metabolic heat derived from oxidation or burning of food. So if they produce heat why are they cold-blooded? Cold-blooded means no way of controlling the body temperature, which is dependent on surrounding environments. To clarify means knowing how their circulatory system operates. A very simple system, it circulates blood, through a two-chamber, single pump heart, carrying blood and oxygen to and from the gills. When you consider that blood passing through gills, which is open to external temperatures it is easy to grasp the cold-blooded concept. Any heat whether metabolic or otherwise rapidly dissipates as it enters and leaves the gills. This explains why fish feel cold to the touch them.

Although we consider fish as cold-blooded, there are some exceptions. Tuna, billfish, and some sharks use a system of parallel blood vessels named countercurrent heat exchange, which operates with remarkable efficiency. Because veins run close together, it allows the transfer of heat from one to the other. In other words, veins carrying warm blood to the gills, transfer heat to veins returning with cool blood. This remarkable system allows otherwise lost heat to remain within the body. Large muscles like those of Tuna require heat to function effectively. Tuna are a prime example of countercurrent heat exchange used so effectively you could refer to them as warm-blooded. Their semi-constant body temperature allows faster muscle contraction, which increases speed thus enabling them to catch food, and escape danger.

Bodily functions in cold-blooded fish are temperature dependent and being unable to control temperature, any changes, especially sudden affect their appetite, heart rate and respiration. To control unbearable water temperatures fish have but one alternative move to more comfortable surroundings.

Temperature changes normally take place gradually allowing fish time to adapt. However, severe fronts can force rapid drops or rises, thereby initiating uncomfortable and stressful conditions. Humans are no exception as uncomfortable circumstances often influence our activities or patterns of behavior. Subsequently when fish become uncomfortable, they too change and may stop eating until acclimatized, move to tolerable temperatures, or become lethargic transitioning into a survival mode.

The metabolic processes increase as water warms and decreases as it cools. A 10 to 18 degree rise in water temperature causes metabolic rates to double often affecting feeding and digestion processes. However, extremes on either side can be devastating. Water that is too cold or too hot has a direct correlation to oxygen levels. In most cases, cold water slows them down and warm water speeds them up but only to a point. Rapidly fluctuating water temperatures frequently impair breathing consequently; oxygen rich waters with steady temperatures are more comfortable. Occasionally they instinctively move away from a comfort zone to feed provided they can return. Clearly, fish are appreciably in touch with their surrounding especially temperature. In addition, the more you learn about their preferences, the more success you enjoy.

Most creatures hot or cold-blooded have comfort ranges for the simple reason… temperature affects everything. Since improving your catch ratio which is often the discussion among anglers it’s important you become skilled at reading the water; along with understanding temperature, habitats, and how they affect behavior patterns, that is all it is, just discussion.

Today’s electronic packages usually include provisions to monitor horizontal surface and often vertical temperature readings. Understandably, many anglers cannot afford these pricey tools. Here is an easy solution if you are not equipped with electronics, a simple everyday thermometer will suffice simply attach it to a string or secure it inside your live well.

Highly regarded lines of attack to becoming a better catcher are research and understanding. Gain knowledge of your preferred species temperature ranges, habitat, then study their feeding patterns. Remember, education should consist of a desire for knowledge raising an individual to a higher level of consciousness and comprehension for those things desired.

Here are a couple of closing thoughts to ponder when the fish are not biting.

1. They call it “fishing not catching,” becoming a better catcher means research, study, and practice. There are no free rides.
2. Temperature has a direct influence on the comfort level of fish and “Happy Fish… Make Happy Anglers.”

An old Chinese Proverb once read, “A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study, so take time to learn something new.

Knowledge to the mind is what exercise is to the body. Generally, people underestimate their capacity to think, learn, and shape their own futures while others still determine their lives by chance and circumstance. Living in democratic society with the ability to make our own choices we are free to choose our own direction and must believe our futures are in our own hands. Consequently, we must accept responsibility for our lives, achievements, and failures. Those applying dedication, determination, and perseverance to their life will ultimately determine their own successes and failures.

Recreational anglers, tournament anglers, hunters and outdoors men interested in attaining the pinnacle of success must set goals and devote enough time researching, reading, and learning new techniques to obtain those goals. Failure to or the unwillingness to educate ourselves often prevent people from reaching higher levels of achievement.

Many seasoned anglers get the idea they know everything especially when it comes to fishing. They have the boat, tackle and plenty of experience but when it comes to knowing everything remember, there’s always room for improvement.

Here’s a story of how learned and gained knowledge from my experience with a stranger at the Clearwater, Florida boat ramp. The experience started on a negative note but ended very positive, this story and conversation with an old angler was worth gold, and something I’ve remembered forever.

Running a charter one winter morning my clients had caught some nice trout and a couple of redfish and where keeping a few for a good fish fry later that evening. As I approached the cleaning station an old man, maybe in his 80’s was cleaning a Sheepshead. He wore an old denim shirt, jeans, tennis shoes, and floppy straw hat, and his skin looked like leather under his patchy gray beard. Approaching the table I said, “How you doing.” Never looking up he replied, “Do you really care”? Taken back momentarily by his curt answer I responded, No, not really, was just being friendly.”

Not easily intimidated, I continued, “Looks like you really got on them today.” Seeming to warm a degree or two and realizing that I was not going away, he replied, “Fish only for Sheep’s this time of year, and do ok”.

I got him going now I thought to myself and continued pressing the conversation in hopes of picking up a tip or two about catching whoppers like those in his bucket. “Never target Sheepshead, I said. Most of my clients are interested in other species like Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, or Trout.” Knowing I was about to venture onto some soft ground I asked, “Got any tips on catching nice ones like those.

For the first time in the conversation, he looked in my direction with a slight grin saying, “You’re a guide you should know everything.” Smiling, I said, “Yea sure.” “I have a good understanding about catching fish but it looks like you got me skunked on Sheepshead.” He continued cleaning his fish without replying.

Finishing up, and at a seemingly loss for something else to say, I turned toward my clients, handed them their dinner and thanked them for their business. As we started walking away, I heard him say, “Boy,” if you got some time, stick around… I’ll tell you how I do it.” Not believing my ears, I replied. “That would be great I would appreciate anything you can teach me.”

By the time I loaded my boat the old man was finishing up. Grabbing a couple of cokes and some boiled peanuts from the cooler, I walked toward him and introduced myself, he replied, “names Gus, let’s sit here on the bench cause my old legs get tired standing.” Sitting down, I handed him a coke and offered some peanuts. For almost an hour, we sat there drinking coke, eating boiled nuts… him talking and me listening like a school boy.

“These little bait stealer’s” are great eating…. hard to clean but great eating never the less. Their fins are hard as nails and sharp as tacks and if you’re not careful they can really do some damage. Sneaky and quick these guy’s they can nibble away your bait and never move your float.” He explained.

“The secrets in the bait, you need something hard to get off the hook. Lots, of folks use fiddler crabs and shrimp and others use mussels or oysters. They all catch fish but you spend a lot of the time baiting your hook.” “So what do you use?” I wanted to know. Reaching into his shirt pocket, he handed me a piece of cheesecloth about 3 inches square. “Take this, and wrap a couple oysters or mussels inside then put it on the hook. When they start nibbling, they begin getting the flavor and when they can’t get small pieces they grab it like they stole something. Now you got em.” He smiled.

“Do you use light tackle of something larger?” I asked. “I got a couple of cheap spinning rods and reels with braid line. These new braids are great stuff for feeling em bite.” I use about a foot of thirty-pound leader, a #1 hook and a sliding sinker. Not too heavy on that sinker, he emphasized, only enough to hold against the current.”

“I use a float and small shot weight around shallow-water oyster bars, pot holes, and rock piles, “he said. “Keep an eye on that float because the slightest movement could be a bite. Sometimes it goes down just a little or moves off to one side. When it does set the hook, if you feel him… set it again they got hard mouths.” “That’s about all there is too it, hope it helps.” Oh, he said, “Just one more thing, no matter what you’re trying to catch, remember slack line is not your friend, you can’t hook em if you can’t feel em so keep that line tight.”
 

“Thanks for the coke, son.” he said. With that, he slowly walked off toward the parking lot, got into an old red Chevy pickup with a small boat in tow and disappeared down the road. I have never seen Gus since that day and often wonder what he’s up to or if he’s still around catching Sheep’s.

For several minutes sitting in my vehicle I reflected back on how it all started. That old man’s probably forgot more about fishing than I will ever know, I thought. Makes you wish you could pour his years of knowledge into your brain before he departs for a better fishing hole.

Since that day Sheepshead are on my list of fish to catch. In addition, my encounter with that old man, taught me well and I am catching plenty. Clients seem to enjoy something out of the ordinary often remarking, “These fish really fight.”

If you’re looking for some new angling excitement and think sight fishing for Reds is tough, test your sight fishing skills against open water Sheepshead.

Never pass up the opportunity to learn something new and when a conversation starts out negative take the challenge to turn it around. Always remember, the best rule in any conversation is never saying anything, you later wish was left unsaid.