Fishing
April 14, 2025
Choose lines, leaders wisely
It might not be the sexiest part of fishing, but lines and leaders are an integral part of a successful equation. The choices of line are varied, including variations of monofilament, braid and fluo…
April 8, 2025
Practice always key to fly casting mastery
I’ve mentioned in articles recently the importance of practice for anglers who want to learn and/or improve their fly casting.
There are many sources of instruction on fly casting, and good techniqu…
April 1, 2025
Saltwater fly fishing basics: Tackle
It’s one of the fastest growing segments of the angling industry, a test of the mettle of angler and tackle. Fly fishing dates back to very early times, but its popularity has skyrocketed in recent y…
March 19, 2025
Spring fever? Go for cobia
The first day of spring is March 20, and as local water temperatures warm with the approach of spring, local anglers need to be alert for cobia in area waters.
Often mistaken for shark, whose shap…
March 11, 2025
In praise of seabirds
Seabirds are an angler’s friend. Besides being an integral part of the marine ecosystem and beautiful to behold, they help us locate fish.
An observant angler notices where birds congregate on a low…
March 3, 2025
Reel Time: The honorable harvest
While reading a chapter in “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer this morning, I came across the chapter entitled, “The Honorable Harvest.” Kimmerer, an American scientist, acclaimed author a…
February 26, 2025
Reel Time: Anatomy of a Fishing Rod
All fishing rods, whether a spinning rod, a fly rod or a casting rod, share the basic components – blank, guides, reel seats and handles. So why is one rod more expensive than another?
A rod’s bla…
February 17, 2025
Reel Time: Harbingers of spring
The signs of spring are in the air, even though the official start of the season is a month away. I heard the first whippoorwill this past week and bait is starting to school in Sarasota Bay, welcome…
February 4, 2025
Fishing for fun
When we introduce children to fishing, we should make the experience uncomplicated and as much fun as possible. Creating unrealistic expectations can discourage young anglers and be the difference be…
January 28, 2025
In praise of guides
My first experience fishing with a guide was when I moved to the Suncoast and met Bobby Lee, a neighbor and avid angler. Lee had been chartering for Capt. Scott Moore and would invite me to join him…













