Tag: fishing

Shrimper to return as Courtney Jean after successful campaign

Fans support new shrimp boat; old C.J. served until 2022 After nearly two years, Capt. Mike Bigler has purchased a new shrimping boat with a slight rebrand from the original Capt. C.J. “The...

Florida population at 23 million makes waterway challenge

BY VAN HUBBARD I understand that with our increased numbers fishing will not be as easy ever again. Millions of new participants, fewer fish and numerous regulations, plus habitat devastation...

Florida bass now named Micropterus nigricans

Genetics studies confirmed what many anglers and biologists have believed for a long time. Florida’s most popular freshwater game fish has a new name. The American Fisheries Society established...

Analysis: Marine heritage, Little Gasparilla access important for Eldred’s

The big story on our local waterfront currently is the pending Eldred’s Marina sale. Whether this deal goes through or not, the property will change ownership soon. The next generation has a dozen...

SW Florida Fishing: Water temps up and so is fishin’

BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE The summer heat has started to really bring water temperatures up making the inshore shallow water fishing a little finicky. Lots of snook are still being caught but...

SW Florida Fishing: On Team Red…

The red snapper bite was good that day. Photos provided by Capt. Brad Capt. Brad Hickman can be reached at 941-716-3757 or OffshoreBocaGrande.com p23-1Download

Still in paradise: We just share less fish, with more people

I’ve always been concerned about preserving our fisheries, their heritage, our traditions and the ways of the watermen that live from them. My grandparents, especially Guy Lewis, instilled the...

SW Florida Fishing: Tarpon still around

BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE Lots of tarpon are still being caught in Boca Grande Pass, Little Gasparilla Pass, and out on the beaches. If you are looking to back bay fish, target the snook with...

Van Hubbard: Memories of mackerel, and a trout show with Santa Claus

Somewhere in the intense mid- ‘80s, I took videographer Gary Sullivan tarpon fishing. It was 1985 when I met Gary, aka Sully, when he came along on a trip. He was in the production business and,...

Tarpon season roundup for 2024 season

This year’s tarpon season ended on a rainy note, with many female tarpon heading out of the Boca Grande Pass early to spawn; however, there was plenty of fishing in May and June to occupy...