Dead Calm in the Keys Back Country

Dead Calm on this day

 

 

Dead calm conditions for fishing in the Everglades National Park (Florida Bay).



Speckeled Trout cooperated, the Red fish and Snook were elusive.

Two friends and myself went out in the Back Country yesterday looking to score some nice Trout, Redfish and Snook. The Trout cooperated but the other species, although there on the Flats, were elusive. We hooked up with four nice Trout, two of which made it to my dinner table, the other two were released. My fishing companions were Capt'n Dave Perkins, a Back Country Guide out of Tavernier Fl. and his friend Boris from Chicago. It is quite apparent that all three of us share the passion for fishing and always get pumped up at the prospect of catching some really nice fish. It's nice having company that shares those feelings of the chase, catch and then the release.

 

We took my boat, left about noon and after exploring several fishing locations, catching some fish, by the time we arrived back at the dock it was quite dark and the Sketters were doing their thing. Quick goodbyes were exchange and we all agreed to get together soon the repeat the process.

 

Here are a few picture and videos that depict parts of our trip.

By the way the music over on the first video was done to protect sensitive ears from some rather frustrating language from the competitive fisherman.

 

Capt'n Dave Perkins

Boris with a keeper Trout

Dave with the fish of the day

 

Calm Water Comes To The Keys...

BOATING ON A CLOUD

 

 

 

 

CALM WATER WAS THE CONDITION OF THE BAY YESTERDAY.  Every once in a while you get a day on the water like we had yesterday, not a breath of wind bringing mirror like conditions. I took advantage of this to go fishing in the Back country and while doing so captured this little bit of the experience.

DOLPHINS AT PLAY...ON THE FLORIDA BAY

PLAYFUL DOLPHINS

 

While out fishing today I encountered several Dolphins that were willing to show off their surfing skills, it was very entertaining for them and especially me.

 

 

 

This took place on the Florida Bay, where I sail or fish daily. It is not un-common to meet up with these playful creatures, it has almost become a welcome daily occurrence.



An awesome day in the keys

THE DAY STARTED OUT WITH A FISHING TRIP TO THE BACK COUNTRY, A  GOOD CATCH OF FISH FOLLOWED BY A GREAT SUNSET.

 

 

We went out to target Bluefish for the smoker, as the pictures indicate, we scored. There was also a by catch of nice Cravelle Jacks and Blue runners. My fishing buddy's were friends Wayne and Skip.

 

 

Wayne and Skip
(photo by Skip Personns)

Blue Runner
(photo by Skip)

A little nippy today, usually shorts and a Tee are enough
(photo by Skip)

 

 

 

 

After a good day of fishing, what is better than an awesome sunset.



BACKING OFF THE WATER ACTIVITIES FOR A DAY OR SO.

IMPENDING WEATHER IS CAUSING ME TO COME IN OFF THE WATER FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. A COLD FRONT IS HEADING OUR WAY, 60'S DURING THE DAY AND LOW 50'S AT NIGHT. IT WILL CERTAINLY MAKE FOR AN INTERESTING BIKE RIDE AT 5:30 IN THE MORNING.

 

 

GMZ031-152200-
FLORIDA BAY INCLUDING BARNES SOUND, BLACKWATER SOUND, AND
BUTTONWOOD SOUND-
1049 AM EST WED JAN 15 2014

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY WILL BE REQUIRED TONIGHT...

.THIS AFTERNOON...NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS INCREASING TO NEAR
15 KNOTS AND GUSTY. BAY WATERS A LIGHT TO MODERATE CHOP...BECOMING A
MODERATE CHOP. PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN.
.TONIGHT...NORTHWEST WINDS NEAR 15 KNOTS...INCREASING TO NEAR 25
KNOTS AFTER MIDNIGHT. BAY WATERS A MODERATE CHOP...BECOMING VERY
ROUGH. ISOLATED SHOWERS IN THE EVENING.
.THURSDAY...NORTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS...BECOMING NORTH AND
DECREASING TO NEAR 15 KNOTS IN THE AFTERNOON. BAY WATERS VERY
ROUGH...BECOMING A MODERATE CHOP.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...NORTH TO NORTHEAST WINDS NEAR 15 KNOTS...INCREASING
TO 15 TO 20 KNOTS. BAY WATERS A MODERATE CHOP...BECOMING CHOPPY.
.FRIDAY...NORTH WINDS NEAR 15 KNOTS...DECREASING TO NEAR 10 KNOTS IN
THE AFTERNOON. BAY WATERS A MODERATE CHOP...BECOMING A LIGHT CHOP.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...NORTH WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS...INCREASING TO 15 TO 20
KNOTS BY MIDNIGHT. BAY WATERS A LIGHT TO MODERATE CHOP...BECOMING
CHOPPY.
.SATURDAY...NORTH WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. BAY WATERS CHOPPY.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...NORTH WINDS NEAR 15 KNOTS. BAY WATERS A MODERATE
CHOP.
.SUNDAY...NORTH TO NORTHEAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. BAY WATERS A
LIGHT TO MODERATE CHOP.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...NORTH TO NORTHEAST WINDS NEAR 10 KNOTS. BAY WATERS A
LIGHT CHOP.

Time to fire up the smoker, wash clothes and clean the house, I might even try to fit in a shower for a change.

 



Smoked Salmon

After a trip to BJ's, I came back with two nice sides of Salmon, the idea was to smoke them for friends and other company. Additionally, I purchased four racks of Loin Back ribs. The Salmon was smoked with apple wood chips and the ribs will have to wait for a later date.

 

The Salmon were brined with brown sugar, salt, water and a few black pepper corns. After two hours in the smoker at 225*, the fish were done, if I can say so, to perfection. Her is what my friends and I enjoyed that night.

 

Smoked Salmon

Salmon that was smoked with Apple wood was put on slices of apple and drizzled with reduced , aged balsamic vinegar.



Nice evening sail

The other day, just before dusk I went out for a short sail. The weather was doubtful before the start, but the sail was worth the effort.  This sail was preceded by a day of fishing for dinner, success. The fish were smoked, eaten and gave me the impetus to go for a sunset sail, too many clouds so I just enjoyed being out on the water again.