As February turns into March, the sun climbs higher in the sky and the weather gets warmer. Winter quarry is still available on the flats, but permit, cobia, bonefish and the first big tarpon begin to emerge as the water warms up to 70 degrees and above. Permit are the first, and will respond to a live crab, but are still a challenge on the fly. In February, bonefish are known to run the shorelines of Key Largo and Elliot Key to the north, once in epic numbers, but although fewer, are still larger in size on average than Bahama bones.
As winter wanes, inshore waters begin to reach 75 degrees and days with gentle winds become more common. Big tarpon make their first moves in late February and early March, usually off Key West and then appearing in the deeper channels, rolling and busting.
Fisherman need to be ready for the busy season ahead, and that means practicing casting. You want to be able to make a reasonably quick and accurate throw in different directions. You will need the basic double haul to get the fly to the target and be able to backcast without endangering your guide or your buddy in the boat. You don’t want to waste valuable time with the boat staked out and the guide giving lessons. Get instructions in person or with a good video and practice before you go. Time is flying by!
Have It Your Way — Pick Your Day, Pick Your Quarry
Here’s a new, three-day tournament flexible enough for even the busiest Ocean Reef schedule —
Fish any three days between March 1 and April 15, your choice.
Each day of the three you choose, report that you are fishing any time before you go out — send advice of your fishing by email tofishing@rodandgun.org — and follow up at the end of the day with your results.
Choose your category, Inshore or Offshore. If you chose Inshore, three fish count: bonefish, permit and tarpon on inshore flats and creeks: 300 points for fish caught on fly and 100 points for those caught on spinning tackle.
If you go Offshore, it’s sailfish with two ways to score: fly (300 points) and spin (100 points). Kites are allowed.
Inshore or Offshore, email your results the same day, fishing@rodandgun.org. Fish any three days that suit and accumulate points. Feeling lucky? Enter both and fish three days of each.
Top boat in each category takes the prize of $500.
The Rod & Gun Club and the Bonefish Bonnies joined forces again this week to go out into the shoreline and collect floating debris from the mangroves around the oceanside of Ocean Reef. Cleaning up the environment is a big challenge, but here at Ocean Reef, we are doing what we can. If you missed this week’s efforts, there will be another Shoreline Cleanup on March 13.
And for the first time at Ocean Reef, if you are a diver/snorkeler who wants to get involved, there is a reef cleanup going out of the Fishing Village. The program, known as Dive Against Debris (DAD), is sponsored by The Dive Shop and will take place on the last and second Monday of each month, starting on February 27th. If you are interested in joining in, please call or email The Dive Shop (305-367-3051 or info@thediveshoporc.com) so that you can be added to the manifest. First-time participants are requested to check in at 8 a.m. for a 30-minute presentation on the process of determining what debris can be removed from the coral without damage (lots of rope, monofilament and old lobster traps) and at 8:30 a.m. the dive boat will go out. DAD is in partnership with Reef Renewal to clean the 15 vertical towers of moving nursery, and teams of snorkelers acting as scouts and divers as collectors will be welcome.
At the Range
Attendance at the Rod & Gun Club Shooting Range is continuing to grow, up 50% from last month. Part of the interest is in the new instructor, Pablo Monteallegre, who is expanding his days to include Saturday for private lessons (call 713-303-1695 or email PabloPerazzi@gmail.com). For complete information and directions to the Sporting Clays Range, go to rodandgun.org.
Mark Your Calendar
Tuesday, March 21st will be Rod & Gun’s Men’s Night Out, at Town Hall Waterside — Sporting dress and plenty of fun awaiting you there! If you wish to attend, just send an email to Events@rodandgun.org. Guests are welcome.
In a box
Calling All Rod & Gun Members!
The Rod & Gun Club is the biggest Club within the Club at Ocean Reef, with 623 families, and we want to keep all of our members informed of its activities, opportunities and accomplishments. We send periodic emails with news of happenings and events. If you are a Rod & Gun member and are not receiving these, and would like to, please send us an email to Contactus@rodandgun.org to be added to our list. We have many long-time members who have changed email addresses, so let us know. You may always “opt-out” if you are no longer interested in receiving our emails.
2023 – Bonefish Bonnies and Rod & Gun shoreline cleanup crew – Jan 9
Congratulations to the winner of the Rod and Gun Club’s January Fish of the Month – Fred Flippen, with an impressive 37-pound Wahoo.
Fred, an inveterate fisherman, was out on Mike Battista’s boat, the “Tracy Ann”, a 37-foot Intrepid with Capt Shawn Albury in charge and fishing pals Richard Ryon and Mike on board. They were actually after sailfish, and after loading up on yellowtail had caught a few ballyhoo and speedos for bait. He says they were in their Secret Spot, somewhere south of Ocean Reef in about 125 feet of water, when they hooked up the wahoo on a speedo. The fish gave a good run, as Wahoo are reputed to do, but the 20- pound test intended for a sail was up to the challenge.
The Rod and Gun’s new February contest is for Tuna and/or Snook, and all ORC Members and their guests are qualified to win. Just bring in your catch to the MarineMax Tackle Shop for weighing — for after hours (after 4:45) weighing for large Tuna, a photo and weight can be acceptable — and the winner gets a gift certificate to MarineMax as well as bragging rights for at least 30 days. Fred gave his certificate to his host, Mike Battista, in gratitude for taking him out — and as for the bragging rights, well, Fred is as a modest guy, so I’ll brag for him. Well done!
2023 – Fred Flippin with Capt Shawn Albury with a 37lb Wahoo caught on “Tracy Ann”.
When I think of fishing, I think of the quiet lapping of water against the bow of a flats boat, and the gentle drip, drip, drip of the water off the end of the guide’s pole as he quietly repositions it for the next thrust. By marriage, and therefore by training, I am a fly fisherman, but I know too, the pleasures of patch fishing, especially in a boat of fellow lady anglers, where the conversation is always more productive than even the best day’s catch. Standing around the gunnels, watching the line for a telltale twitch, I have shared healthcare adventures, local gossip and heartfelt confessions, all of which are, at the end of the day, as satisfying as the catch of mutton snappers and yellowtail. But what I have not experienced, and what I think is high drama at sea, is sport-fishing for marlin, sailfish and swordfish. Bigger boats, bigger quarry, bigger stakes. A recent outing by an Ocean Reef Member is a good illustration.
Seas the Day, with Larry Johnston and his captain, John Wolf aboard, went out one day this month for some deep sea fishing. Off Ocean Reef in about 1500 feet of water, they hooked a Swordfish, a big one that took them for quite a ride, the quarter-ton fish dragging the 37-foot Boston Whaler 18 miles away from where they originally hooked her up. The massive fish fought for 6 1/2 hours, giving the two fishermen plenty to do. She took out 600 feet of harpoon line, aired out 3 times, and pulled the dart on the buoy. Compare the scene on this boat to a quiet day on the flats… At some point some might have thought the monster would get off, maybe when the harpoon was lost overboard or when they had to jury rig a flying gaff by marrying a meat hook and a deck brush handle! But finally the 440-pound fish, an outstanding size if not a record (the record of 462 is held by the father/son team of Bud Copeland and Capt. Wade Copeland and recorded on the board outside of Reef Treats), was landed. It all worked out in the end, but what a fight she gave. As Larry said, “It was fun.” I think it sounds like something out of Hemingway.
Hats off to Larry Johnston and John Wolf, and here’s to the fishermen/women of Ocean Reef, who have the option to fish in so many different ways, all right out our door.
2023 – Larry Johnston and John Wolf land a 440 lb swordfish off Ocean Reef on Seas the Day!
Rod and Gun Club members collaborated with the Bonefish Bonnies to spend a morning out cleaning debris from the mangroves in front of Buccaneer Island, and really brought in a haul! Almost 30 people came out and declared it a most rewarding way to spend the morning.
Ocean Reef Club provided double and single kayaks and kits for collection — water, gloves, and trash bags and, most importantly, disposal of the pile of trash — and the nimble kayaks were able to nose into the mangrove for the inevitable flotsam and jetsam that gets hung up in there. But the added assistance of bigger collection boats — garbage scows? — provided a valuable backup that enabled the kayakers to offload their findings and to keep extracting debris until a vast pile (see photo) was amassed.
Analyzing the collection, the usual objects were found: rope, netting, anchor buoys and lines, but Kathy Weiland’s toilet seat won the prize for “Most Unusual” and the wooden pallet was certainly the largest object. Two types of plastic wrapper were prevalent, and they were passed on to the Club, though it’s likely that they were washed up from the Atlantic. Participants said they were amazed at the impact of a mere 90 minutes of work. It’s a start — come and join the repeat on February 9.
Instructor at the Range is a Hit!
Activity at the recently refurbished Range is humming, with attendance at the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday open days (10am-3pm) at all-time highs. Over 100 people, 50% women, have enjoyed the wide range of techniques available — trap, skeet, five-stand — and the newly comfortable facilities. For info plus directions, go to RodandGun.org or call the Cory the Range Master at 856-491-0409. Now the Rod and Gun is pleased to offer private and group lessons with our new instructor, Paul Montealegre (better known as Pablo). Starting January 26, Pablo will have the range for coaching on Wednesdays, but can be available other times by appointment. Pablo comes by way of Houston, where he ran the Escopeta Shooting Academy, and is a world-record holder over the last ten years. He is also an enthusiastic, supportive and effective teacher, who has quickly won over a group of Rod and Gun members who swear by his ability to improve results. For private or small group lessons on Wednesday, email Carmen Sferrazza at carmen@asi-group.com and also know that Pablo will be at the range giving “impromptu” advice and lessons if requested every Thursday and Saturday for the next few weeks.
Did You Know??
The Friends of John Pennekamp have partnered with View Into The Blue to design and install an underwater camera system adjacent to a section of the coral reef system located within the park. Go to pennekampparkfriends.org and sign on for 24-hour access to a live feed of marine activity! It makes a great screen saver…
Don’t Forget – Fish of the Month — Kingfish and Wahoo for January — a $50 gift certificate to the R&G member or his guest, who brings in the largest specimen to be weighed on the MarineMax scales any day this month.
2023 – Phil French trail boat for Shoreline cleanup2023 – Bonefish Bonnies and Rod & Gun shoreline cleanup crew – Jan 9
New Year’s Eve is in our sights, and it’s time for a resolution or two. Most people I know want to feel better, look better, or be more skilled at what they like to do. Getting fit or losing weight, classic New Year’s resolution targets, can require a long, sustained effort, but improving execution of a physical activity can be as quick as Saint Nick going up the chimney.
For instance, if you want to be a better shooter, coaching from an expert might be the best way to improve your game, and the Rod & Gun Club is proud to be hosting the very distinguished instructor, Pablo Montealegre for lessons at their Range. Paul is a world-class sporting clays, trap, box bird champion for the past decade, winning national and international competitions, including the 2020 SxS National Championship. He is also a NSCA certified instructor, founder of the Escopeta Shooting Academy in Houston, Texas, and will be offering beginning, intermediate or master lessons at the Card Sound Range, open Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To book a lesson, email the Range at range@rodandgun.org. Whatever your skill or specialty, Pablo can help you move to the next level of your game.
Fish of the Month — Kingfish and Wahoo
January’s quarry are each delicious eating as well as a challenge to catch. The Wahoo, which can be over 150 lb., is one of the fastest fish in the sea, especially appreciated for the strength and speed of their first run. The Kingfish, or King Mackerel, generally 10 to 30 lb. (but can be larger) is also known for its speed and fight. Catch a good-sized example of either and bring it to the MarineMax Weigh Station for an official weigh-in and you are instantly a contender for the $50 MarineMax gift certificate First Prize.
Reminder — Kayak Cleanupwith the Bonefish Bonnies Monday, January 9, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Buccaneer Island Contact Phil French, RGC Events Chair, events@rodandgun.org.
Rod & Gun Club Men’s Night Returns!
A fun evening with great food and high spirits, joke telling and tall tales. Dress code: Hunting or Fishing attire Annual Sportsman of the Year Award Wednesday, March 22, 2023 Tarpon Hall Cocktails and Dinner Details to follow
Want to get to know your grandchild better? Take him or her out fishing and talk to them. That was the advice of Ed Hajim at his Cultural Center talk, “Talk To Me”, and it works for every parent, grandparent and in-law — nothing like the quiet hours between fish with nowhere else to go for hearing about a young person’s plans and ideas. There will be some good excuses to get out on the water in the last week of the year — both the Fish of the Month contest, and the Holiday Tournament offer chances for fishing action and confidences, and we’ll be happy to post photos of the results, or at least of the fish caught.
Sign up with Ken Reda at MarineMax (ken.reda@marinemax.com or 305-342-0658) for the one-day Holiday Fishing Tournament, no entry fee required and on December 28, take out a team of four — members and guests — and unlimited spectators. The goal is to catch as many fish as possible — most every species counts, and points are graded by size — but the prize is a day with family and friends and a delicious haul for dinner. All the details are on the website, RodandGun.org, and there is a Captain’s Meeting in the Fishing Village at 5 p.m. the 27th. Catch a really big Mutton Snapper and/or Kingfish, and maybe you will win the Fish of the Month for December, also determined by a weigh-in at the Fishing Village Weigh Station, where the prize is a $50 gift certificate for shopping at MarineMax.
The Shooting Range is a good place for private conversations as well. Time between rounds can lend themselves to open-ended discussions that reveal hopes and likes; bring the next generation to the range and I assure you, more will come up than a clay pigeon. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for skeet, sporting clays, trap and air rifle, bow and pellet gun practice at a fully-stocked range with a resident Range Manager. For info plus directions, go to RodandGun.org.
Co-ed Clean-up on January 9
The Rod and Gun Club members are joining forces with the Bonefish Bonnies to help clean the mangroves of debris, with the first outing on January 9th, 9 a.m. to noon, meeting at Buccaneer Island. Ocean Reef Club will provide kayaks, garbage bags, gloves and water and we are looking for volunteers to come out and help. Contact Phil French, RGC Events Chair (events@rodandgun.org) if you are interested in taking care of your environment with like-minded friends.
And don’t forget to send your pictures to me at pattonchristine@me.com. Like this one! Bill McGuire caught this nice bull red fish this fall fishing out of Venice, Louisiana… one of many.
2022 – Bill McGuire caught this nice redfish in Venice, LA. Released.
Want some gift suggestions for the sportsperson on your holiday shopping list? The Rod and Gun Club can offer you a few ideas…
For the marksman (or woman), how about a shooting vest and cap with the Rod & Gun logo? A snappy look in keeping with the newly refurbished and landscaped range. The best in eye protection is also available, with changeable lenses to match the weather. If the shooter is dedicated in his or her practice, maybe a gift certificate for the Rod & Gun range, to pre-buy rounds or rent a gun for the season would be a nice surprise in their stocking — see Carmen Sferrazza (carmen@asi-group.com) for details. The Shooting Range is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10am to 3 pm, (click HERE for directions).
For the fisher person, probably the newest essential is the “hoodie” shirt, which has found popularity because of its cover-up potential as well as its comfort. Orvis has a nice version, called the Horseshoe Hills quarter-zip, which comes in three colors. Another good idea for the stocking of an angler is a new neck gaiter, since you can never have enough protection. Let them know at the checkout counter that you are a Rod & Gun member and get an additional 10% off clothing purchased at Orvis!
MarineMax is another great place for last-minute shopping — while the serious sportsman might be excited about the new, exclusively offered Penn Slammer DX Spinning reels, or the latest in Yeti gear, dedicated shoppers know that the rows and rows of shelves of useful gear and gadgets is a stocking stuffer’s heaven, and the same 10% member discount goes at checkout.
Coming Up! Holiday Fishing Tournament
Meanwhile, get the team together to participate in the Holiday Fishing Tournament on Wednesday, December 28. Our one-day event is family and friends oriented, with four anglers (and unlimited spectators) in the boat. Scoring varies by species and size, but since so many fish are on the list, points mount up fast. Just contact Ken Reda at ken.reda@marinemax.com or 305-342-0658 to enter. Info is also available on the Rod and Gun website calendar.
Whatever your gift intentions, however, make sure that your recipient is a member of the Rod & Gun Club — because membership supports the many significant environmental and educational activities provided by the club, as well as enjoying the shooting facilities and fishing events, discounts at MarineMax and Orvis, and social events. You can find the application at RodandGun.org.
December is just the start to the fishing season at Ocean Reef, but the Rod & Gun Club is going full speed.
Grand Masters You still have time to enter the Grand Masters, a golf and sail fishing tourney held on December 6 & 7 (contact membersevents@oceanreef.com). Entry forms and rules are also available by clicking HERE.
Fish of the Month The Fish of the Month contest started December 1 and goes until New Year’s, with prizes for the biggest Mutton Snapper and/or Kingfish, as weighed in at MarineMax’s scales. The Rod & Gun website Events Calendar shows all the rules and monthly species through August 2023 — no entry fee or registration required.
Competitors in this contest get the benefit of some very good eating, varying monthly — Mutton Snapper is a delicious fish, its white flesh perfect for grilling, sautéing or steaming. It appears in a range of beautiful colors, pink to green to red, and varies in size as well as color, from 5 to 25 pounds.
The Kingfish is a member of the mackerel family. It is one of the most sought-after gamefish, known in the sports fishing world for their blistering runs, often confused with a Wahoo. They are taken mostly by trolling, using various baitfish, spoons and jigs, and come in a range of sizes, 10 to 80 lbs. The oily flesh is excellent for smoking, but also good as sashimi or freshly grilled. Mutton Snapper or Kingfish, even if yours is not the winning catch, you will still have a delicious dinner for yourselves and your neighbors.
Holiday Fishing Tournament Also on the calendar — The Holiday Fishing Tournament is an annual one-day family outing organized by the Rod & Gun Club, and will be held this year on December 28. Open to all members and guests (only four anglers to a boat, but unlimited spectators) with a laundry list of eligible species awarded points by weight. All the details can be found on the website, rodandgun.org (Click HERE for details), including the rules and entry forms (no entry fee, thanks), or contact Ken Reda at ken.reda@marinemax.com or 305-342-0658. Lots of fun and good eating, too!
Last year 14 boats competed, with the overall winner being the “Sandrita” with 1109 points, anglers Barrett Ersk, Kristina Ersk, Sandra Fish and Jodi Zifferer (see picture below).
2021 Holiday Fishing Tournament Champions – Sandrita. Anglers, from l to r, are Barrett Ersk, Kristina Ersk, Sandra Fish and Jodi Zifferer.
And if you prefer to stay on dry land, the Card Sound Shooting Range is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10am-3pm. All the details are on rodandgun.org, including Google directions to the range.
Share Your Sporting Pictures
Share your sporting pictures — email photos of Rod and Gun adventures to pattonchristine@me.com with pertinent information and read about yourself in the Ocean Reef Press!
