To all of my friends out there and to all of the new people just visiting the site, I can happily announce that we are near completion. With this being said, you should see a regular schedule of reports from here on in. Of course, I hope that I will have the time to get out on the water more than I have for the past few months but at any rate, I will at least keep you up to date with the local word.

Well!!!!, Dolphin season has truly arrived. What I can say about the fishing is that they can be had anywhere from just outside the edge of the reef an all the way out to the 20 fathom. I would recommend gassing up the boat and headin' out there though, because the size of the fish inside the big drop has been limited. I understand that some of you may not be able to venture out that far, and you need not worry you will catch plenty of fish on the inside, and also have a good time given Mother Natures cooperation. It has been a difficult year in this respect and unfortunately it continues. Now that the seas have calmed down a little, the winds still persist and here this week we are bing belted with scattered Thunder Showers. We may try out the newly installed Garmin 3010 tomorrow (full satellite weather capability); thanks to the guys at Sea Mark Electronics for an outstanding installation. I am ecstatic to be rid of the outdated Furuno 1850, garbage!!

What else is hot? The Wahoo have slowed a little but I am still hearing of some nice catches, and a group that stayed at our 1016 100th street house, lost a 30 plus at the boat the other day. The reef is teaming with Mutton, VERY LARGE GROUPER, Tails and Grey. Catch them anytime, but if you want better success, try venturing out after the sun goes down. You'll do particularly better with the Tails, but overall you'll find better size and numbers of fish.

As usual, the Gulf wrecks are hot; are they ever not? Don't miss a trip to the Gulf Side if you have the kids in the boat. You'll never get skunked over there; bring some live pins and plenty of chum. If you need some GPS numbers, try out Capt. Byron and Jack's "Big Time Bait and Tackle" right here in Marathon. They'll hook you up with some productive spots for $15 (it may be less).

The Tarpon have been ridiculous, I believe the fishery is just getting stronger every year. I can't believe the number of people that I meet each year that still tell me that they don't go after the Tarpon. I believe it's their lack of success that really keeps them away; I have a hard time believing the same old story or similar, "I just fish for those that I can eat". Hooking into a Tarpon is a thrill for anyone and every time, I can honestly say that this is the one thing that you need to do in the Keys if you've never done it. I'll address next week some tips and advice that will get you on the fish.

Finally, I am also hearing good reports of the Bones and Permit. Captain Lucas displayed a picture this week in Marathon Weekly of a 35 pounder. That's a Big Dawg, aye! You may want to take a day off from the trolling for this action as well. Maybe a it's a little more challenging, but the sport is well worth it! I can't imagine trying to drag in a 35 pound Permit on the tackle that I am normally rigged up with on the flats; it's probably comparable to a female winning the Indy 500! Get my point? Maybe you'll get it next year along with your 35 pounder.

Send you reports and photos to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Our photo gallery is up and running next week, and I don't think that all of you out there want to see my face next to all the big fella's, please send photos!!

Stay up late, crank it back up early

The Hornet (Brad)