Category: Uncategorized

By Christine Patton

Family Fun at the Rod & Gun Range

When I was growing up outside of Philadelphia, November signaled the beginning of the season for bird hunting, and time to refresh or hone those skills at the trap range. It was a regular Sunday outing for my whole family, and when I was too young to shoot, I still remember collecting spent shells with their odd, cordite smell, and when I was older, being introduced to safe gun practices with a 410 that I still use today for dove shooting.

Ocean Reef is lucky to have one of the most extensive shooting facilities in south Florida — the only sporting clays range south of Vero! — and our range will be open over Thanksgiving for all levels of family activity. As Carmen Sferrazza, Rod & Gun Club Board member and Range Chairman, reported this week, the refurbishment of the Range has been completed, with new landscaping and bathroom facilities and reconditioned traps, new targets and ammo. The only thing missing is a snack bar.

The range will be open November 22, 24 and 26, 10 a.m. ‘til 3 p.m., for supervised skeet, trap and 5-stand sporting clays, plus air rifle and archery ranges. Members can bring their own or choose from a variety of guns including the popular pellet gun, and fresh ammunition and targets, to borrow for a charge. All safety equipment is available in addition to loaner guns. The range master, Corey Carr, is on premises at all times to provide assistance — no reservations required.

The Rod & Gun Club is a 25-year-old institution with over 600 members. Its activities support environmental and fishery work throughout the Keys and Florida marine. Rod and Gun holds an annual social function, hosts seminars, sponsors fishing events and manages and maintains the gun range. Membership is open to all Ocean Reef Members.

How To Get To The Range

The Range is on Card Sound Road, on the right going north to Florida City, 6.7 miles north of Alabama Jacks. 

A more accurate method is to go on your mobile phone to the Rod & Gun website (RodandGun.org), no login required, and click on “Shooting Range” located on the menu. Then see at the top of the page, “(click HERE for directions)”. Google Maps will then take you directly from ORC to the Range.

By Christine Patton, Rod & Gun Club

FISHING TALES, FAR AND NEAR

Our first fishing tale is from Mona Brewer, who this summer ventured out to fish in Spain’s Pyrenees Mountains where she caught her first Zebra!

In the remote mountains of the Basque country, where villages have a population of 35 people who speak a dialect that few understand, rivers are secluded and fishermen who have access find that they have the time to really work the water. While husband Harold was off birding (that’s another story), Mona was fishing in just such a river, casting across the water to a spot under the trees, where she could see the swirl of a big fish. Fishing dry flies in the Spanish style, with a huge, 16 foot leader, she tried fly after fly on her quarry, moving up in size from one fly to the next — Caddis, Adams, 25 different flies, everything in the box! — but unable to match the hatch.

Finally, she was rewarded with her first Zebra, pictured here.

On the other side of the Atlantic, so close that we’ll call it home, here’s a tale from Tom Davidson, Jr in his own words that’s “Unbelievable but True”:

“On October 5^th, fishing in the homeowner’s channel I had hooked 12 and landed 7 tarpon. Number 13 was just a bit different, I hooked the tarpon and got it to the boat several times, but on attempt number 4 to remove the hook from the fish (about 35 pounds) it leapt from my grasp taking my rod and reel with it. The entire thing witnessed by some delighted workers installing a new roof on a Member’s home. I cursed for a while and then decided to go back to fishing. The very next cast, with my mullet swimming on the surface, I felt tension on my line. It didn’t feel quite right — there was weight at the end of the line, but no fight. I continued to reel in, eventually to see that I had hooked the rod that I had just lost and even more to my surprise, the tarpon was still firmly hooked! I proceeded to land the fish and the rod. Number 13 turned out to be my lucky number that day.”

Have a shooting or fishing experience to share? Send details, photos and any info to pattonchristine@me.com, please.

By Jody Steele

Bonefish & Burgers

The Rod and Gun Club and the Ocean Reef Conservation Association are hosted a conservation update meeting with experts from the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust on Wednesday, April 13^th at the Cultural Center at Noon. The latest developments in research and information were shared and discussed.

2022 Rod & Gun Swordfish Tournament, April 19-21

Choose any one-day to fish in the Tournament. It is your choice of lines in/lines out. Weigh in daily from 3:00-4:30 PM. Prizes for first, second and third place. Largest Swordfish weighed in over the three-day period wins. No entry fee, simply download the registration form from the Rod & Gun website at www.rodandgun.org (go to Events Calendar tab for April 19-21) and return it to reefrodandgunclub@gmail.com. You can also pick one up at the MarineMax tackle shop. For any questions, contact Ken Reda at 305 342 0658 or ken.reda@marinemax.com.

The Range

The last day  The Range is open is Thursday, April 21.

Fish of the Month

The April “Fish of the Month” is the Tuna. All fish must be weighed at the MarineMax Tackle Shop. Hours for weigh-in are 7:00 AM-5:00 PM. You could win recognition and a $100 gift certificate for the Ship Store.

Share Your Sporting Pictures

Take out your phone to catch an award-winning picture for the Ocean Reef Press. Send to jodylsteele@gmail.com with all the information including names, location, date and any other important details.

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By Jody Steele

Sportsman of the Year

The Rod and Gun Club awarded Tom Davidson, Sr. with the “Sportsman of the Year Award” this past week at the Rod & Gun Club’s wonderful Film Festival and dinner. Tom has been an active sportsman and leader in a number of organizations in the Florida Keys including the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary Advisory Board along with being a Founder and past Chairman of the Rod and Gun Club. Tom’s commitment as an outdoorsman in the Florida Keys for years is legendary and this award is well deserved.

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A BBQ Lunch at the Range

Enjoy our perfect weather at the Range with an appreciation lunch provided by the Rod and Gun Club for members and their families on Saturday, April 9^th at 10 a.m. Free instruction for new shooters of all ages with all safety gear and equipment supplied. All apparel and swag will be on sale.  

Bonefish & Burgers

The Rod and Gun Club and the Ocean Reef Conservation Association are hosting a conservation update meeting with experts from the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust on Wednesday, April 13^th at the Cultural Center at Noon. The latest developments in research and information will be shared and discussed. RSVP to reefrodandgunclub@gmail.com. $30 per person with lunch included.

2022 Rod & Gun Swordfish Tournament, April 19-21

Choose any one-day to fish in the Tournament. It is your choice of lines in/lines out. Weigh in daily from 3:00-4:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Largest Swordfish weighed in over the three-day period wins.

No entry fee, simply download the registration form from the Rod & Gun website at www.rodandgun.org (go to Events Calendar tab for April 19-21) and return it to reefrodandgunclub@gmail.com. You can also pick one up at the MarineMax tackle shop. For any questions, contact Ken Reda at 305 342 0658 or ken.reda@marinemax.com.

Fish of the Month

The April “Fish of the Month” is the Tuna. All fish must be weighed at the MarineMax Tackle Shop. Hours for weigh-in are 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. You could win recognition and a $100 gift certificate for the Ship Store.

Share Your Sporting Pictures

Take out your phone to catch an award-winning picture for the Ocean Reef Press. Send to jodylsteele@gmail.com with all the information including names, location, date and any other important details.

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By Jody Steele

There are three great activities ahead in the month of April for all Rod and Gun Club members.

A BBQ Lunch at the Range

Enjoy our perfect weather at the Range with an appreciation lunch provided by the Rod and Gun Club for members and their families on Saturday, April 9^th at 10 AM. Free instruction for new shooters of all ages with all safety gear and equipment supplied. All apparel and swag will be on sale.

Bonefish & Burgers

The Rod and Gun Club and the Ocean Reef Conservation Association are hosting a meeting with experts from the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust on April 13^th at the Cultural Center at noon. The latest developments in research and information will be shared and discussed. Lunch fee will be charged to your ORC account by emailing reefrodandgun@gmail.com.

2022 Rod & Gun Swordfish Tournament, April 19-21

Choose any one-day to fish in the Tournament. It is your choice of lines in/lines out.

Weigh in daily from 3:00-4:30 PM. Prizes for first, second and third place. Largest Swordfish weighed in over the three-day period wins.

No entry fee, simply download the registration form from the Rod & Gun website at www.rodandgun.org (go to Events Calendar tab for April 19-21) and return it to reefrodandgunclub@gmail.com. You can also pick one up at the MarineMax Tackle Shop. For any questions, contact Ken Reda at 305 342 0658 or ken.reda@marinemax.com. Who will take home the trophy!

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Fish of the Month

The April “Fish of the Month” competition begins today with Tuna being the fish to go after. All fish must be weighed at the MarineMax Tackle Shop. Hours for weigh-in are 7:00 AM-5:00 PM. You could win recognition and a $100 gift certificate for the Ship Store.

Share Your Sporting Pictures

Take out that phone to catch an award-winning picture for the Ocean Reef Press. Send to jodylsteele@gmail.com with all the information including names, location, date and any other important details.

By Jody Steele

A full list of events for Rod and Gun members—get your calendar ready!

Special Rod & Gun Club Event

Join other Members at the traditional “Film Festival and Sportsman of the Year Award” on Thursday, March 31^st at the Cultural Center. The event begins at 5 p.m. with short sporting films, followed by a cocktail reception and dinner including the award ceremony. For reservations, email reefrodandgunclub@gmail.com. Tables of ten may be arranged-Members $150 per person and Non-Members $175 per person.

A BBQ Lunch at the Range

An appreciation lunch provided by the Rod and Gun Club for members and their families will be held on Saturday, April 9 at 10 a.m.. Free instruction for new shooters of all ages with all safety gear and equipment supplied. All apparel and swag will be for sale at 50% off.

Bonefish & Burgers

The Rod and Gun Club and the Ocean Reef Conservation Association are hosting a meeting with experts from the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust on Wednesday, April 13 at the Cultural Center at noon. The latest developments in research and information will be shared and discussed. Lunch fee will be charged to your ORC account by emailing reefrodandgunclub@gmail.com.

2022 Rod & Gun Swordfish Tournament, April 19-21

Choose any one day to fish in the Tournament. It is your choice of lines in/lines out. Weigh in daily from 3-4:30 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Largest Swordfish weighed in over the three-day period wins.

No entry fee, simply download the registration form from the Rod & Gun website at www.rodandgun.org (go to Events Calendar tab for April 19-21) and return it to reefrodandgunclub@gmail.com. You can also pick one up at the MarineMax tackle shop.

For any questions, contact Ken Reda at 305-342-0658 or ken.reda@marinemax.com.

Fish of the Month: Snapper

Only a week left to catch Snapper (all legal species) for the “Fish of the Month” competition. All fish must be weighed at the MarineMax Tackle Shop. Hours for weigh-in are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. You could win recognition and a $100 gift certificate for the Ship Store.

Share Your Sporting Pictures

Take out that phone to catch an award-winning picture for the Ocean Reef Press. Send to jodylsteele@gmail.com with all the information including names, location, date and any other important details.

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By Jody Steele

Bonefish & Burgers

The Rod and Gun Club and the Ocean Reef Conservation Association will be hosting a communications session with experts from the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust to share the latest developments in research and information. The event is on Wednesday, April 13 at the Cultural Center at Noon. Lunch fee will be charged to your ORC account and reservations can be made by emailing reefrodandgunclub@gmail.com.

Special Rod & Gun Club Event

Join other Members at the traditional “Film Festival and Sportsman of the Year Award” on Thursday, March 31 at the Cultural Center. The event begins at 5 p.m. with short sporting films, followed by a cocktail reception and dinner including the award ceremony. For reservations, email Phyllis Elden at reefrodandgunclub@gmail.com. Tables of ten may be arranged-Members $150 per person and Non-Members $175 per person.

The Range

A reminder that the Rod & Gun Club Sporting Clays Range is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Range will NOT be open on Friday. However, arrangements for other days or a special event for a group can be arranged by calling Carmen Sferrazza at 905-321-7261 or emailing Range@rodandgun.org.

Fish of the Month

Just a few more weeks in March to catch Snapper (all legal species) and take your catch to the MarineMax Tackle Shop to be weighed. Hours for weigh-in are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. You could win recognition and a $100 gift certificate for the Ship Store.

Share Your Sporting Pictures

Take out that phone to catch an award-winning picture for the Ocean Reef Press. Send to jodylsteele@gmail.com with all the information including names, location, date and any other important details. And please remember, the Ocean Reef Press follows the Bonefish Tarpon Trust’s stance on Keep ‘em Wet. If you do not plan to eat your fish, please leave them in the water for your photo.

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By Jody Steele

The Quest for the Crest

Rod & Gun member J.R. Adams and crew aboard his boat, Jolene, recently placed first in this challenging sailfish tournament’s first leg in Palm Beach. J.R. remarked that the first day was perfect with great conditions and they brought in 10 sails. The second day was calm and two were caught. Looking ahead two weeks, they are hoping to place again in the second part of the three-leg series.

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Fly-Tying FUN With the Best Fly Tyers in the Country

Check out the upcoming Two-Day Beginners’ Fly-Tying Workshop for Men & Women on February 24^th and 25^th from 9-5 at the Art League. ALL supplies and lunch included, plus attendees take home 10 different flies (saltwater and fresh). Call 305-367-2359 for information regarding registration. Only a few spots left!

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The Range

A reminder that the Rod & Gun Club Sporting Clays Range is now open on Friday in addition to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.  This is a trial schedule for February.

Fish of the Month

Catch your Tuna and Snook in February and take your catch to the MarineMax Tackle Shop for it to be weighed. Hours for weigh-in are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. You could win recognition and a $100 gift certificate for the Ship Store. Each fish species is treated separately.

Share Your Sporting Pictures

Take out that phone to catch an award-winning picture for the Ocean Reef Press. Send to jodylsteele@gmail.com with all the information including names, location, date and any other important details. Check out this recent catch!

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By Jody Steele

The Range

The Rod & Gun Club Sporting Clays Range is NO LONGER OPEN ON FRIDAY. Only Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Check out the great picture taken on a beautiful day at the Range.

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Fish of the Month

Catch your Tuna and Snook in February and take your catch to the MarineMax Tackle Shop for it to be weighed. Hours for weigh-in are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. You could win recognition and a $100 gift certificate for the Ship Store. Each fish species is treated separately.

Share Your Sporting Pictures

Take out that phone to catch an award-winning picture for the Ocean Reef Press. Send to jodylsteele@gmail.com with all the information including names, location, date and any other important details.

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By Jody Steele

The Range Extended February Schedule

The Rod & Gun Club Sporting Clays Range will now be open on Friday in addition to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  This is a trial schedule for February. This will help determine the best days to be open and allow for our members to enjoy the Range more often beginning on January 28^th.

A Great Fishing Adventure

An enormous pumpkin swordfish weighing in at 462 pounds was caught on Mo Cuisle on Friday, January 21^st offshore after a three-hour fight. Congratulations to angler, Bud Copeland along with Captain Wade Copeland, Christian Falk, and Chris Page. This catch set a new Ocean Reef Club official record weighed on the Orvis scale. Check out the amazing pictures.

Fish of the Month

Wrapping up the Fish of the Month for January (Kingfish and Wahoo), we are moving on to February for Tuna and Snook as the target for our competition. Catch your Tuna and Snook in February and take your catch to the MarineMax Tackle Shop for it to be weighed. You could win recognition and a $100 gift certificate for the Ship Store.

Share Your Sporting Pictures

Take out that phone to catch an award-winning picture for the Ocean Reef Press. Send to jodylsteele@gmail.com with all the information including names, location, date and any other important details.

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