As I wrote to you here, fishing isn't always about catching. If it was, they'd call it "catching." But, if it's the catching you're after, "just sit right back, and you'll hear a tale" worthy of Gilligan's Island. It's funny because, in my conversations with you, you said to me, "Uh, Survival Guy, nice story about fishing. Just one thing. Did you catch the fish?" Which made me laugh because I guess I left out the most important part. Sorry. Yes, we caught the fish. But, before we caught "the fish," Your Survival Guy hooked on to a good size Wahoo, 20-pounds I'm guessing, and had the … [Read more...]
Dream On! Fishing the Double Down in Key West
“Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after,” wrote Henry David Thoreau. But if it’s fish you’re after, then get yourself aboard the Double Down out of charter boat row in Key West and go fishing with captain Bryce Barr and first mate Shawn. You can tell them Your Survival Guy sent you, and you can thank me later. I promise. Aboard the Double Down is exactly where you could find us in mid-March at what I refer to as Summer Camp in Key West for our second trip in two years. We caught sailfish and an assortment of pelagic on both trips. But let’s get … [Read more...]
Spearing Northern Pike in a Darkhouse
Here’s a picture from a client of a large northern pike speared in a darkhouse this winter. “We pickle them,” he writes. Watch the video below from UnReel Minnesota on darkhouse spearing northern pike. … [Read more...]
Your Survival Guy Fishes the Flats Off Key West
When we arrived at the Stock Island marina, just north of Key West, we were anxious. Like the feeling you get when you’re driving to a ski mountain. You’re excited. You’re listening to music. Talking. Then, out of nowhere, you see the steep slopes, the crowds, and you get that feeling in your stomach where it’s too late to turn around. A week earlier, I called Captain Ryan Erickson (referred to me by a client) and asked if he would take us fishing. “Yeah,” he said. “You’re timing is good. Just got in town from my season guiding in Colombia. I’ll have the boat set up by Thursday. See you … [Read more...]
Your Survival Guy’s Key West Summer Camp in MARCH
OK, Your Survival Guy just got back from a Key West summer camp in March, and it was awesome. Look, it’s been a crazy couple of years for all of us with this Covid debacle, and we all need to step back and ask, “what the heck just happened?” We all need a break. I hope you’re with me. But vacations can be a tricky thing, especially if you’re not the only one taking one or have a full schedule. It’s why one day during our trip, I referred to it as summer camp. But first, my idea of a perfect Key West day starts by getting up without an alarm. That’s followed by walking barefoot to the … [Read more...]
Your Survival Guy’s Fishing Stories: From Key West to Newport
One special night in Key West, dining at the fabulous Café Marquesa, I was told actor Michael Keaton was seated behind me. Turning around, I instantly recognized that he was, sidled my chair next to his, put my arm around his shoulders, ordered a round of drinks, and told him he was, hands down, my favorite Batman. Kidding. I’m Your Survival Guy, not The Joker, thank you. But, I will admit, leaving the Marquesa, we took a left on to Simonton Street to confirm the sighting. And as I casually glanced into the dining room, sure enough, there was Batman. Fast forward two years now, and here I … [Read more...]
30th Annual MidAtlantic Fishing Tournament: Record Blue Marlin
My friends at the MidAtlantic tell me this has been a record tournament. Here’s one of ‘em: … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Catching Giant Fluke on Low-Profile Baitcasting Reels
Here the On The Water staff explain how low-profile baitcasters are ideal for fluke fishing with jigs and Berkley Gulp while fishing on Nantucket Shoals off the coast of Cape Cod. Action Line: Make sure your retirement life has plenty of time for you to do what you love. … [Read more...]
Petrified Snow/Ice Fishing? How about a Boat? and More
One of the greatest things about winter is you can dream about summer. After a few days of warm(er) temps here in New England, we’re seeing some of the snow melt. Quite a bit, actually, has already melted in Newport, RI, except for those stubborn piles of petrified snow—not very pretty. I’m not sure it can be called snow. It’s more like groups of fossils. In speaking with you, most of you are between rounds one and two of the vaccine, not getting it at all, or already done with two rounds—and you’re all itchin’ to get out. It’s a common theme where you’re looking to move freely about your … [Read more...]
Your Retirement Life: Albies on the Fly
From On the Water: "Photographer Sergio Diaz shot and edited this beautiful video about false albacore fishing at the end of Long Island. The waters of Montauk host some of the best albie fishing in the Northeast in September and October, and fishermen from around the world travel there to experience it." … [Read more...]