AVERAGE JOE                                                          July 03, 2008      

The fishing adventures of the “Average Joe”. Since I am just passing on these fishing reports, stories,The fishing adventures of the “Average Joe”. Since I am just passing on these fishing reports, stories, or tales; there is no way I can validate them. I will say this though, “There is no way I would ever question the integrity of a fisherman or fishing lady. As far as I’m concerned, what ever you say . . . is gospel.”

This Independence Day we celebrate 232 years of freedom; we must never forget how privileged and blessed we are to live free in a world filled with strife and grief. While you are out there “fishin’ free” on the mighty blue ocean; take a moment to remember our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and friends who are in some far away country, a lot more dangerous and uncomfortable than we are; giving their all so we can continue to enjoy the freedom that has been bought with the blood of our ancestors. God bless the peacemakers. Pray for their safety; and may they come home soon …. so don’t catchem’ all …. leave some for our heroes. FLY OUR FLAG PROUDLY AND FREELY …. ON THE 4TH AND ALL THE TIME!!!

Andrew Jackson (any relation to our 7th president …. who knows?), he is an independent kind of guy, who likes fishin’ the Panhandle of Florida better than the “fishier” waters of the Florida Keys. Go figure …. I think he just needs to put in more time and he will change his mind.

Yes, I know up north he launches his boat off the beach (what’s easier than that?) then not far off shore he just hovers over a spot with no anchor, no chum (a lot of us wouldn’t dream of headin’ out without chum); catches lots of Red Snapper, Gag Grouper, Triggerfish, etc, …. when the bite drops off he runs from spot to spot. Say’s it a lot easier then fishin’ here. I’m not so sure that’s the case …. It sounds a lot like runnin’ and gunnin’ for Dolphin, or drifting for Mutton Snapper in 150-200 feet, or maybe fishin’ for Mangrove Snapper on the back of the pilings on the Old Seven Mile bridge with a jighead and no chum.
Vic Dunaway’s “Sport Fish of Florida” lists 231 species, of which I am quite sure we have many more than there are in the Panhandle. Not braggin’ …. just fact …. we are truly blessed and spoiled to live in an area that can boast of some of the best fishin’ in the entire world. Oh Yeah!!!

My friendly advice to Andrew is to keep flishin’ our waters, read Weekly Fisherman from cover, and maybe Florida Sportsman as well. He also might try hiring one of our very qualified local guides to get him headed in the right direction. We all have to admit that there is a certain amount of local knowledge needed to be successful catchin’ wherever you wet a line.

CATCH OF THE WEEK ---
Dolphin fishin’ was real good for young captain to be, 15 year old Morgan O’Cathey (a.k.a. “Capt. Morgan”) from up I-slam-a-door-a way. Morgan is an excellent boat handler proudly claims his father Jerry, “I don’t want to head out on the water without him”. With a safe boating license secured and driver’s license on the horizon; it is pleasantly assuring to know there are some real good kids out there to hand the future over to. Our children our only future you know. Take a kid fishin’ …. ya just never know …. he could turn out to be another Andrew Jackson, of the president kind. If a youngin’s is out on the water chasin’ fish, rather than chasin’ after trouble on the streets; they have a much better chance of makin’ it in this rough and tough world.

On a beautiful “Chamber of Commerce Day” Capt. Morgan, Jerry and their friend Robert Classmey headed off shore to the Islamorada Hump lookin’ for Mahi Mahi and friends.
In 350 feet of water they came upon some weed patches and just like it’s supposed to be …. there they were! Trolling Billy Baits and some other “smoking lures” landed a couple of real nice gaffers for Morgan on his old trusty Penn 650 (made in the good ole USA) loaded with 20lb. string. With the fish surrounding the boat it was time to bail Schoolies using Bonita chunks for cut bait. With another dozen or so 24 inch Schoolies in the fish box there was plenty of Dolphin for the Barbie, to treat friends and family back home.
And yes, I realize this will not go down in the memoirs of Capt. Morgan as one of those spectacular trophy catchin’ days; but ya know what …. it will be remembered as yes, another real fun and productive day on the water fishin’ with his father and friends. And it just doesn’t get much better than that. I heard somewhere (it’s probably not biblical though) that God doesn’t count the days we spend fishin’ against the time we have on earth …. so fish as often as you can …. I know that quality family time puts a big smile on the face of our heavenly Father.

Don’t forget the soldiers, they keep us” fishin’ free’”, God bless the peacemakers.
To support our troops go to Forgotten Soldiers Outreach:
www.forgottensoldiers.org

I welcome disagreements, corrections, or comments; along with your favorite fishin’ adventure. I’m always looking for fishin’ reports, stories, or tales. E-mail them to me at: danielsreelandrod@comcast.net, phone (305) 304-4118, or come by my shop:

Daniel’s Reel and Rod Repair,
8347 Overseas Hwy,
Marathon, Fl. 33050

God Bless and keep smilin’, even when the fish don’t bite.
Daniel K