All forms of fishing questions to be answered at forum

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - There’s more than one poor soul walking around out there who would love nothing more than to go out on a boat with a fishing pole, some bait and tackle and a cooler and just fish the day away. That same soul, though, may be held back by one thing: They has no clue how to fish. Lucky for them, that’s what fishing guides are for.

Even the most experienced anglers will enjoy the  “Local Captain’s Forum,” which will be held at Temptation Restaurant on Thursday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.

It will be an open forum with a question and answer session about the area’s fishing, and will give everyone time to socialize and gather a few fishing tips.

Everything from the oft-asked questions like where do you go to the bathroom when you’re on the water to the difference between using live bait and lures is open for discussion.

No question is too silly, or too controversial. Women are particularly encouraged to participate in the discussion, in the hopes of getting more female anglers out on the water.

Captains Sandy Melvin, Tommy Locke and Eddie Potter will be on hand to field questions and give advice. Melvin and Locke have been guiding in this area for more than 25 years. Potter, who was born in Key West, has spent most of his life on the water as well and started guiding in the Boca Grande area in 1997.

Melvin will also be speaking on traditional Pass fishing, Locke will cover fly fishing and Potter will talk about fishing with live bait.

“We know that there are a lot of new people in the area, residents and guests,” said Melvin. “We want to give everyone an opportunity to ask questions and become informed.”

The evening is a joint effort by Gasparilla Outfitters and The Temptation, and will include cocktails and dinner. Tickets are $37.50 plus tax and gratuity.

On the menu for the evening are appetizers such as atomic buffalo bites and jerk grilled chicken satay with cucumber sauce and mint dipping sauce, and dinner entree choices such as petite filet mignon and bronzed grouper.

The Temp is known far and wide as one of the most popular post-fishing spots to head for to quench hunger and thirst, as well as to tell a good fish tale. They will also cook your catch if you bring it in.

Kevin Stockdale, the executive chef of the restaurant, said this cause is dear to his heart.

“It’s important to educate people and make them aware of what size fish to catch and how to catch them,” he said. “There’s lots of people who don’t know how to properly handle or de-hook a fish. Those things are very important to know, as well as other things.”

For more information, contact the Temptation at 964-2610 or Gasparilla Outfitters at 964-0907.