Sand bream (mojarras) died today in the upper reaches of the Manatee River near Fort Hamer. With one more night of even colder weather and a hard wind gusting to 25 from the north, a lot more snook are sure to die.

If they perish in the upper Manatee River it will represent a major snook kill; probably the worst such event since the early 1960s. On Sunday afternoon there were still some snook left alive but the extremely low tide on Monday morning (caused by the north wind) could well finish off the bulk of the snook population in the Tampa to Charlotte Harbor area.

Snook are already dead in Placida and around Burnt Store south of Punta Gorda. So the freeze kill appears to extend over most of the range of Gulf Coast snook.

Many snook will not be seen for several days as they die and sink to the bottom and it takes time for them to decompose and float to the surface. By mid-week the carnage could well prove disastrous to this popular gamefish. In the event that a massive kill occurs it’s possible that the state may step in and close harvest on this already vastly restricted species. Snook harvest is already closed for most of the year.

The Christmas Eve freeze in the 1980s prompted the state to close the entire month of December to protect cold-stressed snook. The state has never had to respond to a 60s style kill. Intense scrutiny of this one-time commercially harvested gamefish only began during the late 1970s. As Florida’s most popular gamefish dies en masse there is only speculation just how bad it will get and what measures such a kill will merit from fishery managers. The freeze of 2010 could well put snook off the catch list; perhaps for many years to come.

By GB Knowles, Guest Writer

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Florida Snook Need a Break from Cold Weather

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Florida Snook Need a Break from Cold Weather

The men and women who stalk big game do so now with primitive bows and arrows, cameras and even paintball guns.They’ll be reduced to spears and slings before it’s done and the entire reason for it is to put sport back into the hunt by handicapping the modern practitioner. Fishing, on the other hand, seems to be moving the opposite direction.

We’ve all seen it or been a part of it. They advertise robotic fishing lures on television as a can’t fail technique. You and I realize this is a scam and doesn’t work. But that doesn’t keep Madison Avenue from probing the current “fish at any cost” way of thinking.
Closer to home we now have braided line that virtually can not be broken. This modern technology is the darling of the fishing guide. Few modern anglers are skillful at casting a lure or bait, hooking a fish or avoiding mistakes while fighting one. That used to be part of the game and anglers spent hours reading and learning how to tie knots, practicing casting and mentally rehearsing mistake-free battles with big game fish.

But the growing number of fishing guides and the birth of braided lines has changed that; as has our busy world. Anglers no longer need to learn to cast or become skillful at fighting fish. Any klutz can cast the super thin braided lines. Meanwhile, because of its small diameter, a guide can load heavy braided line on a reel and it will still cast like silk thread. Most guides cast for their clients so angler casting errors are negligible. Hence there is no need to practice this once-vital art. The heavy test braid fools the angler into thinking they are fishing with light tackle yet they are free to make all the mistakes they want. The braid is so strong and tough that even the biggest clown can’t screw up and break a big fish off.

In this process light line class world records have fallen by the wayside and that was long the mark true sportsmen (and women) sought to attain.It’s hard to blame the guides. A lot of them have inadvertently spoiled anglers. Consequently, clients expect to put a bunch of fish in the boat. Arming them with unbreakable line insures that. But it does diminish the sport.

“That stuff casts so well; you can drag it over things that will cut monofilament; it’s so tough it ought to be illegal,” legendary fishing guide Scott Moore said in a weaker moment.Still, he’d probably be right there in the line of protesters if a proposal to ban the braid came down.There are drawbacks to the magic braid, however. It tangles around guides and billows in the wind. Pinpoint casting that allows a bait or lure to be cast and worked to a specific fish or spot can’t be done with this line. It’s also expensive.

Braids would never work on a bonefish flat where casting the bait to one small area and keeping it there is important. The wind would blow belly into the line and taking up this slack would move the bait away from where it needed to be. Florida Keys fishing guides can’t use the stuff; nor would they. Anglers there still believe in chasing world records and catching huge fish on very light lines.
There is still hope out there as fly rod anglers are growing and these outdoors enthusiasts are using the ultimate handicap just to make things more sporting. But everything was more fun – and more sporting – when we had to practice casting and tying knots and dreaming of how we would do battle with the great fish; never knowing just who would win the game.

So what do you think?

By Guest Writer:  GB Knowles

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Where Has the Sport of Fishing Gone?

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Where Has the Sport of Fishing Gone?

With boat thefts on the rise all along the west coast of Florida and as a Florida boat dealer, Cannons Marina took a proactive approach recently to try and halt, or at least slow the problem.

Representatives from the Longboat Key Police Department and U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez came to the Marina October 29 to discuss the situation and steps owners can take to protect their boats to the greatest extent possible.

All agreed that the best deterrent is to install throttle and steering locks, which may frustrate thieves enough to make them leave the scene.
Among other suggestions were placing locking power hoist circuit breakers in a secure location and making sure the power is turned off when not in use, installing motion sensor lights around your docking area, removing keys and locking all on board compartments, and installing anti-theft alarm devices on or inside your boat.
Boat owners should also check with their home security companies on options for installing additional equipment to cover the hoist and dock area.

Also remember to inform your neighbors about the situation, and ask for their vigilance while offering your own. Always report suspicious activity to local authorities but do not get involved if you feel a boat theft is underway – call your local police immediately.

To learn more about things you can do today to protect your boat, click on my boat for a suggested plan of action.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Be proactive, you can help stop boat thefts.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Be proactive, you can help stop boat thefts.

Constructed to provide Fido with buoyancy, along with a cozy, secure fit, the jackets feature an advanced breathable mesh underbelly for proper draining and drying, which gives your little buddy both comfort and a sporty appearance on the bow of your new Grady White Boat. Safety features include reflective strips for maximum visibility, a bright neon-yellow color and a handle on top for sure and easy grabbing.

Other features include adjustable nylon straps, quick-release buckles, and a heavy-duty Velcro® fastening system around the belly and neck to keep your dog secure. Selecting an appropriate size of jacket depends on the weight of your dog. Come in to Cannons Marina and Angela Pluff will be happy to assist you in your selection. MSRP $23.99 to $49.99, depending on size.

While we’re talking about keeping your pet safe on the water, remember that dogs are more sensitive to the heat than we humans and they too can suffer from cramps, heat exhaustion, dehydration and sun stroke, often much more quickly than we do. Be sure to provide your dog with a protected, shady place to rest and make sure he slurps up plenty of water. And don’t forget to make sure to teach him where on the boat to get rid of all that water later on (find a spot that’s easy to clean), especially if you’re on an overnight cruise.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Dog Gone? Dogs on Board Boating Safety Tips.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Dog Gone? Dogs on Board Boating Safety Tips.

Grady White Boat Sale, Cannons Marina, Longboat Key, Florida.  Buy a new Grady-White boat and Yamaha outboard motor and receive incentives up to $17,000!

Come visit Cannons Marina and view the 2009 & 2010 model year Grady’s.  Now is the time to take advantage of this INCREDIBLE offer!  Why wait?  Offer good September 15 – November 2, 2009.

Ask Cannons Marina for more details, 941 – 383-1311

Happy Boating!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Great Grady Days are Here – Incentives Worth up to $17,000!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Great Grady Days are Here – Incentives Worth up to $17,000!

Let’s get one thing clear here, I love to fish and I am a non-professional fisher-lady, actually somewhat of a novice at the sport.  Although a novice I was taught some basic fishing rules and etiquette, as I fish with a well known local guide by the name of Captain Scott Moore.

During our trip I personally hooked the tarpon of  my lifetime! I fought the huge fish for more than 30 minutes when another angler cast into the pod that I was fishing, crossing my line. Thinking he had a fish on, he attempted to set the hook, and cut my line, I lost my tarpon. I was not happy.

I wanted to scream profanities but knowing my Captain would have not tolerated any aggression -  I actually just sat down and had a bottle of cold water. Captain Scott handled the situation with Captain grace and aplomb. It was his gentleness that made me think that perhaps the angler had no idea of what he was doing, or maybe he just didn’t care, but it made me aware that there are a few things that anyone attempting to catch a tarpon should know.

These are a few basic rules of etiquette that will increase everyone’s odds of actually catching a tarpon and keep everyone happy.

1) Running an outboard motor close to a school of tarpon will spook them and cause them to leave the area.

2) When making a presentation to the fish,  TURN OFF your motor well away from the school. Make the final approach with an electric trolling motor of just drift into the casting range of the fish.

3) When another boat is working a school of tarpon,  don’t approach them. Wait your turn, and consider that it might be a Captain who makes his living fishing.

4) If another boat hooks a tarpon close to you, give them room to fight the fish. Motor in the opposite direction slowly, or just sit still and let them move away from you. They will have a better chance of landing their fish and it may prevent a tarpon from jumping in your boat and smacking you in the head!

5) If you are just cruising an area where other anglers are fishing be mindful that it is tarpon season and give them a wide berth.

Tarpon season can be fun for everyone if we just show some simple kindness to our fellow fishers and other boaters.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Tarpon Fishing Boca Grande. Basic Etiquette.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Tarpon Fishing Boca Grande. Basic Etiquette.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Sea World and Cannons Marina loves Dolphins and this is why!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Sea World and Cannons Marina loves Dolphins and this is why!

Just a short cruise from the docks of Longboat Key’s Cannons Marina here on the west coast of Florida lies an abundance of day, evening and weekend adventures. Cannons is THE place for new Grady White and Scout boats, used boats and the best boat rentals, so finding the right craft to meet your needs will be a snap.

If you’re looking to enjoy a day on the beautiful and tranquil waters of Sarasota Bay, include a beach picnic in your plans. Nose your boat up to the sandbar on the east side of Greer Island (it’s really just a sand spit) on the very north end of Longboat Key; keep an eye on which way the tide is moving (Cannons will gladly provide you a local tide chart), secure your boat, spread out your blankets, slather on the sun screen and break out the grub. Bon appetite!

Now for an evening cruise, maybe just you and your honey, there’s nothing like a Longboat sunset. Whether you beach your boat and tickle the sand with your toes or enjoy a gentle drift in the Gulf waters, watching our shimmering sunsets light up the western sky is the best way to set a romantic tone for the rest of the evening. The elusive green flash really happens, but only very occasionally. Watch for it. And if you see it, hoot, holler and do the Flash Dance.

For a weekend getaway there are literally endless possibilities. To the north lies Anna Maria Island, Tampa Bay and the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach. They’re all conveniently close and have marinas to accommodate you as well as great restaurants and entertainment. To the south lies Sarasota, the cultural hub of Florida, with its laid back attitude, a burgeoning nightlife and several good anchorages.

Happy and safe boating!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Are you on Spring Break and want to experience our local waters? We have boat rentals available in every size and for every budget.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Are you on Spring Break and want to experience our local waters? We have boat rentals available in every size and for every budget.

If you’re one of those fishermen who think of wade fishing as a summertime activity, you may be missing the boat. Winter wading can be extremely productive and will often give you an advantage over boat-bound anglers.

When you get out of the boat and in the fish’s domain in the winter, you gain the same advantages you do in the spring, summer or fall. When the water is cold it is often very clear, and the fish can be very wary. Getting in the water allows you to keep a low profile and make a stealthy approach.

When the fish are spooky and hard to see, I employ one of my favorite winter wading techniques, standing still! If you find that the fish see you, just before you see them, try this method. Start by locating an area that is holding your quarry.

Anchor well away from the action, get out of the boat, and stake out a pothole or sand area. By staying a long cast away, you can easily see the fish when they enter a hole or pass across the white sand bottom. Position yourself off to the side in the grass where you’re less visible, keep a low profile and be still. By just waiting them out, you can target reds, trout and snook as they wander the flat. Don’t make any quick moves, and make your casts low and slow. It takes patience, but can be very productive.

If the visibility isn’t great, or you’re fishing early or late, target the edges where grass and sand meet. These sandy areas (the seams) and pot holes are perfect ambush spots for the predators you’re targeting. Start with presentations about two feet outside the sandy area.

Make sure you target the deep grassy ends of the potholes. These areas can be very productive and always warrant a couple of casts. After working the edges of the holes and the seams, begin casting into the sandy areas. When fly fishing, try a clear sink tip line with a relatively (6-8 foot) short leader. The clear tip allows you to fish the far side of a hole without spooking the fish.

Over the last two winters we have been having some excellent success with big trout on cold, low tide mornings. The fish will come into some extremely shallow water to feed, so start shallow and work your way towards the deeper edges. As with other times of the year, stay vigilant for surface action, wakes or feeding birds.

The key to productive and comfortable winter wading is, of course, staying warm. A good pair of waders, wading boots, sweat pants and insulating socks will do the trick. Add a pair of polarized glasses, a hat with a dark under-brim, a wade vest or pack, and you’re in business. Give winter wade fishing a try. It gets you out of the boat, provides some exercise, and some excellent angling opportunities.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Fishing Florida, winter wading yields hot action in Tampa and Sarasota Bay.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Fishing Florida, winter wading yields hot action in Tampa and Sarasota Bay.

Matt Royal, Longboat Key author Terry Griffin’s fictitious, fun-loving protagonist in each of his three novels, Murder Key, Longboat Blues and his latest and best selling, Blood Island, captains his Grady-White for the same reasons Griffin owns the identical boat – reliability, comfort and Yamaha-induced speed. And both bought their boats and motors at Cannons Marina, a bona fide family-owned marina on the very authentic island of Longboat Key Florida.

“Grady Whites are the Mercedes of boats,” says Griffin. “They’re comfy on the water, they never let you down and no matter how long that boat sits (sometimes weeks due to his busy schedule) those twin Yamahas start right up. That’s especially important to a guy like Matt Royal because adventures literally fall on him and he has to be ready to roll at a moment’s notice.”

Griffin and Royal could buy their boats and motors anywhere, but they chose Cannons Marina for several reasons. “Well first, Cannons is literally within walking distance,” Terry says with a chuckle, “but really, I wouldn’t buy anywhere else. The sales team understood our needs, David Miller was fantastic to work with and the service department takes very good care of us.”

The Griffins regularly take trips to Egmont Key and Sarasota, have lunch at the Twin Dolphin, perhaps scout out the location for a new book or just enjoy the wonderful weather cruising the waters of Sarasota and Tampa Bay. Royal is more of a fisherman than his alter ego, which makes the 28-footer perfect for pulling in the day’s catch or chasing the bad guys at top speed.

In 2009 Terry and Jean plan trips to the Bahamas with the Suncoast Grady White Club, Cannons Marina’s Grady Club.

H. Terrell Griffin is the author of three novels, Murder Key, Longboat Blues and Blood Island. Each features his main character, Matt Royal. Terry, a former Army medic and retired attorney, splits his time between Maitland and Longboat Key, Florida. Blood Island was a Fiction & Literature: Mystery/Suspense finalist in The National Best Books 2008 awards. Visit his website at www.hterellgriffin.com.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Florida Writer, Grady White Boats and Cannons Marina?

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Florida Writer, Grady White Boats and Cannons Marina?