Fishing - Florida Style

J

jon_bailey

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 Feb 2002
Messages
681
Location
Teignmouth, Devon
www.cerberusstorage.co.uk
Now moved on to stage 2 of the adventure and are now well esconced in a luxurious villa in Cape Coral right on the Caloosahatchee river. Went out for a quick test drive in the boat today and saw a couple of dolphins, Ospreys, pelicans, etc. Plan for an excursion to Sanibel tomorrow if the wind abates as forecast.

I've just come in from the dock after an hours fishing, freelining live shrimp. Managed to catch 3 Catfish, 3 Skate (unknown species), 2 Ladyfish (great sport) and a Grey Snapper (excellent eating). You can imagine which one is now in the fridge ready for tomorrows barbecue. for the benefit of Duncan, BarryH and Gonfishing, this can all be confirmed by Arthur Wood who I will be meeting up with tomorrow on his way back from the Miami boat show. Despite a free ticket (courtesy of Arthur) I do not consider it diplomatic or a good investment of holiday to spend 5 hours getting there and back, particularly as I already know what boat I want /forums/images/icons/smile.gif.

So far the whole family can recommend Florida, a fact that is reflected in the number of ice creams purchased (anyone who has a strop has to buy the ices) with two of us still not having to buy - yet.

Do I miss the Solent? - nah, not at the moment.

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You lucky Git ! I am not jealous NOT !
Have fun.

Ragards - Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>Play the best game you can with the cards you've been dealt ! ! !
 
I can vouch for the fact that there was a headless fish in Jon's fridge, but he could have caught it at Publix supermarket.I can also vouch for the facts that his villa is luxurious, palatial and on the water. Yesterdya, My wife, son and I spent the day with Jon's family on the included pontoon boat w/115hp Yamaha O/B (so quiet!) on a trip to Ft Myers Beach for lunch. T'was chilly at 25kt w/no protection. On way back did our good deed by towing a ~25ft boat to fuel dock. Were going to charge $400 for this help, but relented when we saw baby on board.
Miami Boat Show, well what can I say? Everything from dinghies to superyachts and we were able to board almost everything we wanted to. Even got beers on the Azimut stand.
Very few "salespeople" around as only a few - Cranchi, Mainship, Sealine- actually asked us any questions. Perhaps they are telepathic and know when people are prospects as opposed to suspects. All very pleasant, but like Ft Lauderdale, overwhelming with the sheer number of boats and other stuff.

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Arthur is correct and fish could have come Publix but wherever it was consumed last night after baking with soy sauce and shitake mushrooms and served with noodles.

I believe that yesterday was the first ever forum meet in Fort Myers. If Arthur thinks that yesterday was chilly I look forward to him coming to the UK and taking him on the Solent, even in spring.

The 4 stroke outboard performs well and considering the state of the prop, 115hp pushed 8 of us along at 30 mph.

Disappointed that I missed the Boat Show, but there is only so much I can do in three weeks and consoled myself with a visit to Boaters World and BoatUS.

Now looking forward to phase 3 of holiday - visiting Arthur and his wife in Longboat key.

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Brilliany narrative. Do both keep it up... nice taster for my Jekyll Island trip in March .. although the fishing will be somewhat different ..

Didn't think Arthur would shop at Publix

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Well, I don't shop there much, as I detest shopping, but my wife walks to Publix almost daily. It's like the corner shop, about 1/4 mi away. Actually, they are very nice and very well stocked stores. We can even get some English products in the "ethnic" aisle!

We are now preparing for the invasion of the Bailey family tomorrow - lovely, well-behaved kids, but the parents...........???? Jon does know how to do a great barbecue, so he does have at least one redeeming feature/forums/images/icons/smile.gif. He could be busy on Friday night! The beer is already cold and waiting , Jon.

Jekyll Is., GA, eh! Wot u up to there then? I hope it gets a bit warmer for you than it is this morning in SW FL: only 10C, but the wind has dropped.

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We have also been using Publix extensively, although NOT for fresh fish.

Arthur and his wife have kindly agreed to look after the boys for a few days whilst Elaine and I go to Miami to look at boats. We will pick them up on Tuesday on the way to the airport. /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

Went to view another boat yesterday and again were disappointed - even the broker suggested that we looked for another boat elsewhere!

We are all looking forward to going out with Arthur on his boat and if his boat buying plans come together, at least there will be a nice Searay on the market.

Planning trip to Cabbage Key today and have dollar bill ready to pin on wall. Wind has definately abated a little but it is likely to be a cool trip there, although much better than earlier on week.



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Maureen would love to take care of your children, but I'll come to Miami!
Be sure to take a stroll around the "woodland" path at Cabbage Key and climb the water tower for a good view of your surroundings.
Hmm, sorely tempted to buy another boat, but..........
Wrap up warm. BTW, Useppa is just across the way. Tell them you are coming to lunch. They won't check. Call them on Ch16 with your loud hailer!!!

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Arthur

We did the 'nature trail' and looked at the Osprey nest on top of the water tower. Did not realise that you could climb this but not sure that Osprey would have been too welcoming.

Did not have time for Useppa but did stop at a small (nearly deserted) island where the kids played on the beaches and parents drank beer.

We are clearing up this evening and have discovered a red and black torch - is this yours, left after we were trying to find the lights by the barbeque?

See you tomorrow.

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I shall not,will not, and totally refuse to bite!!!!!!!!!!! Good fun Innit?? Have you gone for any Barra's yet??
Bloody freezing here at the moment!! Both log fires going!! So enjoy while it lasts !!

Julian

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