Still no oil!! Flats and tarpon fishing on fire!

Posted By: Capt. Tom | 2010-06-19

We are still oil free in the Santa Rosa Beach/Panama City Beach area!  The water temps are higher than I've ever seen during June (90 degrees!)  The redfish and trout are crushing top water lures on the flats!  Jack Hager (12 years old) caught this nice 6-7lb redfish in 10" of water!  The tarpon fishing is starting to really come into shape.  The fish are becoming more organized and following a more predictable line.  This means more quality shots and more hooked fish.  I hooked the largest tarpon of my life a few days ago.  She threw my fly, but put on great show!  She was easily in the 150-160lb category.  Her head was as big as my outboard!  A head's up about the fishing closures to the west of us in Pensacola, the fishing is closed to harvesting fish, but you can still go out and catch and release!  I think this is a good indicator that even if restrictions are put on our area, we'll still be able to go fishing!!

No oil here!! yet....

Posted By: Capt. Tom | 2010-06-11

Lots of people are asking if the fishing is still open, and if I'm still running trips.  The answer is "Yes" to both questions.  The beaches and bays are clear of oil sheen (which is my main concern).  I think that fishing will eventually get closed down.  However, I think that may be weeks away.  If you are interested in booking a trip, especially in the next couple weeks, DO IT!!  THe fishing is great right now and the fish have no idea that there is a major disaster is going on to the West.  Having said that my thoughts and prayers go out everyone in Louisiana who's lives have been ruined.  Not to mention the marshes and redfish habitat that could take who knows how long to come back.  So, I'm trying to live in the moment.  Right now, everything is fine in Santa Rosa Beach.  I will keep posting updates on what's going on here.  Thanks for all the emails expressing your concern!