Written by Staff | 04 March 2014
Posted in News

 Each year the Outdoor Expo & Boat Show in Tampa is the annual meeting place for the FGA. It is a gathering of members, sponsors and recreational anglers. Here are a few photos from the show. 

Jim Estes, Deputy Director, Division of Marine Fisheries Management at FWC received the Phil Chapman Conservation Award from Capt. Pat Kelly. 

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Written by Staff | 04 March 2014
Posted in News

The Florida Guides Association held their annual meeting Sunday March 2 at the News Channel 8 Outdoors Expo and Boat Show in Tampa. 

President Pat Kelly was re-elected as president, but gave notice that it would be his last year. The organization will be searching for a replacement in the coming year.

Senior VP, Capt. Troy Sapp, East VP, Capt. Vic Tison and West VP, Capt. Dave Markett all stepped down this year and were replaced in the election. All three were presented plaques of appreciation for their service to FGA.

Back Row: Capt. Troy Sapp, Capt. Dave Markett, Capt. Pat Kelly, Capt. Gary Colecchio, Capt. Danny Guarilno. Front Row: Capt. Danny Barrow, Capt. Charlie Phillips.

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Written by Staff | 20 February 2014
Posted in News

Gulf Offshore Recreational Fishing Permit Proposal Workshops

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is holding public workshops on a proposal for recreational reef fish data collection that would better define the population of offshore reef fish anglers for survey purposes using a mandatory permit or registry system. These improvements would enhance current recreational harvest data collection efforts for Florida’s reef fish species in the Gulf of Mexico, including red snapper, gag grouper, red grouper, black grouper, greater amberjack, lesser amberjack, banded rudderfish, vermilion snapper and gray triggerfish. Stakeholders are invited to bring input and any questions about this proposal to any of the following meetings. Meeting locations and times are listed below. 

▪      Monday, March 3: Fort Myers (6:00 – 8:00 p.m. EST), Bass Pro Shop, 1004 Gulf Center Dr.

▪      Tuesday, March 4: St. Petersburg (6:00 – 8:00 p.m. EST), Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 Eighth Ave. SE

▪      Wednesday, March 5: Perry (6:00 – 8:00 p.m. EST), Perry City Council, 224 S. Jefferson St.

▪      Thursday, March 6: Destin (6:00 – 8:00 p.m. CST), Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Ave.

▪      Tuesday, March 11: Phone Conference (6:00 – 8:00 p.m. EDT), please RSVP to the Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554 to obtain instructions to join the meeting.

▪      Wednesday, March 12: Pensacola (6:00 – 8:00 p.m. CDT), Escambia County Extension Office Auditorium, 3740 Stefani Rd.

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For questions or comments, please contact the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Written by Capt. Charlie Conner | 30 January 2014
Posted in Fishing Tips

Winter weather has certainly found a resting place on the Treasure Coast this week. The latest cold front brought some nights in the 30's and 40's to the area. It appears that we are going to get our share of cooler weather this winter, along with lots of windy days. Water temperatures are going to take a big dip for several days, but there are plenty of good areas to enjoy some fishing. The incoming tides will bring warmer water in from the ocean. Try to find where the water is a few degrees warmer than the surrounding area. When the water is cold, it's not necessary to be out there at first light. Sometimes the bite is better later in the day. Just make sure you bundle up good.

 
Deeper water has been very productive for a variety of species the past several weeks. On windy days, you can find areas like the turning basin in Fort Pierce that has a large variety of fish. Lots of mackerel, snapper, sheepshead, jacks and blue runners can be caught in the channels around the inlet in 8-15 feet of water. Small shiny lures work great on all these fish. I would expect colder water this next week, so areas like this will be the most active spots. Docks will be holding black drum, sheepshead and some redfish. As the sun rises, you will find fish moving onto the flats to soak up some warmth and get active later in the day. Trout and redfish will sit in the sand holes to warm up and feed. Try artificial lures like CAL jerk baits, Deadly Combos or DOA shrimp in the sand holes of the flats as the sun is higher. Work your lures or baits very slowly for your best chance. Fish will be lethargic now and not willing to move quickly. They are trying to save energy and warmth and aren't as likely to strike. Try drop offs where the water is deeper along the channel edges. Mangroves can also be warmer than the flats. Fish those that are deeper to find fish hanging under them. Fishing in winter can be rewarding for those who are willing to work at it.  I have had some of my best redfish days in the middle of winter.

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