The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper

Vol. 10 No. 22 - March 10, 2010

reel time

Sharpen your saw for spring boating and fishing

From the March 10, 2010 Issue
Reel time

PHOTO/RUSTY CHINNIS
Captain Ray Markham prepares to release
a nice snook he caught on one of his
signature artificial lures.

Winter continues to keep a virtual stranglehold on local waters, but there’s still a lot of fishing to be done. I’ve always liked the old adage, “When it’s slow you sharpen your tools.” Anglers have a chance to do that at the upcoming event being held at Cannons Marina on Longboat Key.

Cannons Annual Open House will be held on Saturday March 27. Here’s an opportunity to get valuable information on fishing, boating and the weather that affects our favorite sport. Boaters, fishermen and all who love the outdoors will find the event fun and informative.

Once again, the crew at Cannons has assembled a team of professional Gulf Coast fishing guides, noted boating experts and their own professional staff team for a day of mini-seminars tailored to help get your boat in tip-top shape and hone your fishing skills. You’ll have a chance to preview the new 2010 Grady-White and Scout boats, and there will be free hot dogs, raffle prizes and a chance to win $50 worth of fuel to help you pull away from the dock and get out on the water.

Prominent Anna Maria guide Captain Scott Moore and the National Weather Service’s Senior Meteorologist, Rick Davis, an avid fisherman in his own right, will teach you how to read weather patterns to get the most out of your fishing expedition and stay safe off shore while reeling in the big ones. Few readers need an introduction to Moore, one of Florida’s most respected guides.

Captain Ray Markham, another celebrated local fishing guide, will offer his in-depth knowledge of fakin’ it or the art of fishing with artificial lures. I’ve had the pleasure of fishing with both Moore and Markham and can assure you these are "the"guides to provide you with fishing tips that will improve your success. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn the inside scoop from these three! Captain Scott and Rick will take the stage at noon and Captain Ray will follow at 2 p.m.

Those of you familiar with Cannons award-winning service department know they’re the best in the area. Be sure to be on hand at 11 a.m. to hear Angela Pluff, chief service writer, and Michael Currey, from Yamaha Marine, answer all your service and maintenance questions. At 3 p.m., Marina Manager, Benny Parrish, a respected Cannons mainstay for over 20 years, will present an in-depth discussion on the pros and cons of using ethanol fuel in your boat motor.

I’ve been friends with the staff at Cannons for over three decades and have had the pleasure of experiencing their excellent service on a string of boats and motors. It’s no wonder they win national awards on a regular basis. If you haven’t experienced one of Cannons excellent events, make sure you don’t miss this one. If you have, I know you’ve already saved the sate.

Cannons Marina is located at 6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key. For those coming by water, turn west at ICW Marker 33 and follow the Cannons Marina signs.


AMISUN ~ The Island's Award-Winning Newspaper