I met FlyGirl early one recent morning at the Drop Anchor Inn in Islamorada, Florida. The Drop Anchor Inn is a quaint little resort in the Florida Keys. Obviously used by the fishing crowd because the Atlantic Ocean is at its back door. You can tie up at the docks and without having to go in or out of an inlet; you can be fishing in the Atlantic within minutes. On the east coast of Florida, you have to travel up or down the Intercoastal to an inlet and then on out into the Atlantic from there. The inlets are few and far between. Depending on where you start from, this takes time away from fishing. The beauty of the Keys is that the Atlantic is right ‘there’.
It was good to see FG again. She introduced me to her Hoosier Boy. HB is a great guy who seems to be a good fit for FG, if I may say so. Their fishing boat is a Mako w/ twin outboards. Great fishing machine! We started trolling for Dolphin after running out about 8/10 miles. After some instructions as far as compass headings and GPS readings, HB handed the controls over to FG at that time and HB and TwoDogs concentrated on catching fish. FG did an outstanding job of staying the course, all the while watching for the birds. Birds are an indication of bait fish. Bait fish attracts the bigger fish. We eventually ended up about 20 miles out and got lucky in the fact that we spotted some kind of floating structure. FG guided the boat to it and it looked like it was a large wooden gate or possibly part of a good sized crate. The good thing about this – it attracted the fish as well as us. At once, we begin to see activity all around the boat. One time, we had 3 fish ‘on’. Several times, we had 2 ‘on’ at the same time. We lost a few and had to put back a couple because of their size. We ended up with 8/10 - 10/12 ???(honestly, I lost count...) nice size dolphin in the fish box. Also brought in a small Black Fin Tuna. Not sure how we ended up with him, but, we did. We arrived back at the docks at 1600hrs. and FG and TD started cleaning the boat and rinsing off the salt from everything. HB started cleaning the fish. FG had made an 8:00 reservation at Happy Days. This is a ‘Hook and Cook’ restaurant not far from the Drop Anchor Inn. The same fish that we were at the docks with at 4:00 – we were having for dinner at 8:00. Cinders and I were staying at the Sheraton on Key Largo and I had run back to pick her up. She wouldn’t let me wear my fishing clothes to dinner so I had to shower and change into something a little more presentable. She assured me that everyone would be very appreciative of that. I think they were….
And what a dinner it was. As soon as we were seated, the Chef/Owner sent over shrimp cocktail – enough for everyone. Some of the biggest shrimp that I had ever seen. Very good, too. For dinner, we had the option to have the fish prepared several different ways. We chose Blackened, Coconut encrusted, lightly fried, and the Happy Days special - all very good. Pete and Judy, friends of FG and HB, joined us for dinner. Pete is a Charter Boat owner and Captain. He and HB have known each other a long time and thru the years, both have earned their fishing ‘wings’. Tales of men (HB) overboard and almost drowning, fishing for sails off of Palm Beach to running aground in the Marco Island area (as the tide was about to go out) to coming back in Sebastian Inlet during a raging storm as the tide was going out. Each of us had some tales to tell. Some funny and some not so funny. Respect of the ocean and the recent storms seemed to be a theme. When you are surrounded by water as you are in the Keys, you certainly better respect both the ocean and the storms.
As our long day drew to a close, it seemed a good time was had by all.
But, has it really been 40 years, FG??
One Fine Day. Wasn’t there a song by that name back in our day? 40 years ago…..
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22 comments:
TD- Great Recap of our slightly sloppy, bumpy day off shore!
HB & I just returned to Sorry-Sota and are trying to get back into the Sorry-Sota Swing of Life. I'm back in Resort Prision for at least 8 to 10 weeks...uck!
HB really got a kick out of taking you out to catch those beautiful Dolphin! We are both thrilled that you joined us for the day...your presence made the day very special!
I'll post more later...I'm late for my Cell Check In at Resort Prision!
HB wants more Vandy Kids to come aboard and troll the Atlantic with him.
More later.
You caught FISH??? WOW!
What a concept! LOL
Fly, I would LOVE to go fishing with you and HB I think this would be a fun thing several of Vandy's Kids would enjoy even if we don't catch anything.
Alas, it's seems that I have become allergic to the sun. Who even knew that was possible? Still, it's true. If I'm out very long, I look like I have cigarette burns all over. So, to avoid that lovely side effect, my sun “dress” looks like a cross between a bee-keeper’s outfit and something out of Star Wars.
I still think it’s a good idea and I’m going to start digging up worms tomorrow. I’ll have plenty for all of us by next Spring.
Whaddya think? Anyone else up for a day or two next Spring
Caught More than One!
I've got a photo of TD and Two Dolphins...(another TD...Ha!)to share with 'yall.
I promise to get it off my camera this week and into a "comment". I don't think that I can post it directly on VK because I'm not a Contributor. But I'll email it to GB or PT and they can do the Big Post of TD with TD in the Keys!
I'm all for a little Spring Fling Fishing Tournament. Early to mid May can be good for trolling the waters. Maybe we can get a little "Pink & Blue Competition" organized????
Pinks: don't get nervous, we can charter my friend's boat which has a cabin, a mate, and the all-important "head"!
Blues: sorry, you'll be riding with HB...no cabin and your bathroom is very convenient and very large...eh?
Forget the Worms, but bring the Bee Keeper outfit. I try to wear long sleeves and always use Baby 50 sunblock! As TD can attest, I'm also a real beauty,and oh, soooo very fashion driven when trolling off shore. Ask TD for the fashion report on me...ha!
If Tools would trailer his boat down, there's docking at the Drop Anchor Resort, and it has direct Atlantic access...
Lots of possibilities here, huh?
First things first, though. I've got to get my "One Fine Day Fishing Report" posted with the photo!!!
More Later!
A competition! What a great idea, Fly!
Let's see, Hot Lips, Ferdy, BMG, GH, Carol, Cinders, Mrs. GB, Jeanie, Jane Ann, Echo, Mrs. JT, Jaimielou, you, me (and I’ve left out at least 10) ,,,,uh, how big a boat do you have??? ;)
Does it have Cabana Boys? Gopher? Gilligan? A guy called Ishmael?
If you don't need the worms, I'll start practicing my fish calling skills. "Here Fishy Fishy Fishy" Yea, that'll get 'em.
PT- Glad you're up for a bit of competition...I sometimes think that I enjoy competition too much. Um, scary what that might say about me? It's the teamwork that I enjoy most...not the winning. Love any Ensemble Task.
HB can take 4 on the 25' Mako and Capt. Pete can take 5 or 6 on his 27' Topaz. The "Fishing Fling" could be held over a few days. That way, more VK's could participate in the event: Pinks, Blues, Mixed Doubles???
PT, I won't lie to you: there are no Cabana Boys, Martinis, Umbrella Drinks, Steel Drum/Island Music, Lipstick or Mirrors on board!
I won't scare you today with any dreaded "Boat Clean up" tales. But it's gotta be done once back on shore. Don't worry...it's not as bad as getting a pap smear...ha!
Oh, how the essence of squid & ballyhoo really excite the senses! And, when the outrigger pops, the reel "zings", and your mates yell: "fish on"... well girl, what more could you want from life? Ha!!! (Plenty)
There have been days when I'd have tried "fish calls"...if I'd have thought of it! So start working on the various species' calls. You'll be our "On-Board Expert"!
More Later!
Don't discount the "Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy" I've used that more than once - can't recall the exact dates, but I remember calling the fish! Can't remember if it worked or not, though... Really can't even remember whether or not I was fishing at the time. Oh well!
Just try to remember, PT, as you are chumming the water behind the boat, and the theme from "JAWS" is playing in your head, that the shark in the movie wasn't real!
I'm up for this competetion. Next spring will work fine. A Spring Fling in Islamorada! Then an early November trip to Paradise.
GB, We have to convince Tools to take a break from work and join us - '07 in Islamorada - '08 in Galveston?????
OHMYGOD you guys, my sides are splitting with all your comments.
Hey, next year in the Keys, sounds like a blast to me. A nice grouper sounds yummy.
I will bring out my SPF 250..
TD.....Your fishy fishy fish tale wasn't by the lake........
Something about showing your worm or something...........and it wasn't to the fish. More like a dark desolate road...
But I am still holding out for the boys and fu fu drinks.
PT I think you are on the right track with the calls.
Just got back from some island hopping and some serious hiking. Wow didn't even know the legs could do all that.
TD-I'd hoped that you'd be on board for a Spring Fling in '07! See what you can do about building the "Blue" Team. Try to pry Tools out of his comfy Galveston canal home for a trip to the Islamorada Waters! Work on GB, JT, etc.
Hey, thanks for showing me "Neutral" on the Mako! HB had recently changed out motors and the gear box, etc. and I'd not had time to be "checked out" on the new gears. So our hats off to you! HB no longer has to reach back to hit "Neutral" with one hand and reel with the other hand...Ha!
And what's this about a worm and a dark road? Just another Valley Kids Escapade? I missed way too much living out in the boonies!
GH-come over to the mainland for a little smelly squid and shark dodging in the Key!
I promise to make you fu-fu drinks every day with lots of O.J. & cocoanut rum...Yum,Yum! I'll even include an umbrella! I can't promise you a cabana boy, but I'm sure about finding plenty of hispanics huskys out of Miami...hable espanol?
Also, plenty of grouper but lots more dolphin or mahi mahi sandwiches for you!
So, stock up on spf 250 and start practicing your "fishy" calls. Keep up your hiking, you'll need those strong, sea legs.
I better start my conditioning now for this Spring Fling competition!
Looks like the Pinks have 3 on their team so far...come on ladies!
More Later...
Ya know, the best fish calling skills happen in Margaritaville or so I'm told.
It would be a sacrifice but I am willing to give up the prize catch to be in charge of Margaritaville for the group. If there are no Cabana Boys around to wave palm fronds and keep me cool, Cabana Old Geezers will do very nicely.
Plus I can call fish for the Blues and the Pinks; being Purple has its perks
FG..
Sounds like the thing to me. Give me some notice when all are coming. Plans to stay in the keys for a few days???
Shark dodging, now that sounds like fun. Just saw some little ones under us while snorkeling. As long as they aren't bull sharks.
The drinks sound good and I am always up for some great Margaritas, Uh TD??
Just had some wonderful Mahi stuffed with crab and shrimp, what a meal. Also always up for some Sashimi, ohmigosh, I am hungry again.
I got my sea legs and I don't get sea sick, but I do think us Pinkies can take on any and all bluemen....challenge anyone??
And if fishing don't do it, maybe some volleyball.....
I feel strongly about our team girls.
PT..
You in charge of drinks sounds wonderful to me, we might need you on the team though, so stand by, we know you can kick butt.
Just put a call in to my dermatologist for tons of SPF 250.
Keep me posted on this progressing challenge we have going here.
I'd love to join the "Pink Team". I'll get the 50 sunblock and catch all I can for the "Team"!
Last time I was in a boat with FG was in the Ohio River...learning to water ski. She and her brother decided I couldn't get back in the boat until I learned to ski...I swallowed a BUNCH of refreshing Ohio River Water! HA HA! That was a great day.
Tools! Come on down and join the "Blues" they need you.
All - I love the action the Spring Fling is getting! This is looking very do-able!! Hurray!!!
PT - You would be the best fu-fu mixer available...but you better stand by for "Reel Duty" & butt kicking. Being Purple does have its advantages as does being a Colnel!! Yes Madam!
YOU CAN BE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO BE!
GH - Glad you're joining the Pinks! We'll try to do some Blue-Butt kicking down there. I'm probably better at fishing than volley ball...but I'm up for whatever is necessary to uphold the Vandy Kids Pink-ers, as long as I can keep my clothes on...
I dodge sharks with a boat... I keep out of the water whenever possible...too many things lurking out there in the deep for my likes.
BO - The Ohio River Adventure! OMG & LOL! But you got up on those skiis, didn't you? Ha!
Do try to make the Spring Fling in the Keys! You'd be a great addition to the Pinks and have some laughs too!
I'll check with the lovely Drop Anchor Resort about mid-May availability and let you know what's up there. Maybe I can convince Jackie to come down too. She looks good in Pink!
What's the reference to TD & Margaritas???? Fess Up!
You all know the saying: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?
Well....that goes for the Keys too!
Warning: Wednesday night is "Flip Night" at the lovely OV bar, which is in walking or crawling distance to the Drop Anchor. This is how it works: one orders his or her drink from the bartender (Mia), she then flips a magic coin - free or pay. Well, need I say more? I'm not a big drinker these days, and it sure doesn't take many for this Pink-ster to have a good time...
BEWARE OF FLIP NIGHT AT THE OV!
More Later!
NEWS FLASH TO ALL!
I just read a post or draft of a post from GB recaping upcoming events for VK's.
In addition to the October Roast in Edinburgh, the Annual Galveston Fiasco of '07 will be CO-ED!! No need for a Spring Fling in the Keys in May.
The Pinks & Blues can show up in Galveston for the Annual Fiasco!
Looks great to me! And it's a much closer location for everybody.
There'll still be fu-fu drinks and stinky bait for all to enjoy. So see 'ya in Galveston for a very special Fiasco and don't forget your spf 50 to 250. Hurray!
Fly - Try your best to get Jackie to come...she's beautiful in pink! AND she might repeat her famous "Longacre Pool Dive".
Yes Fly, I learned to ski but had Ohio River oil slick body and gasoline breath for months...what a River adventure that was!
Fly,
Spring Fling in Islamorada or
The 2nd Annual Galveston Fiasco
I'm ready for either.
OR - Both maybe????
We need Tools to chime in here. I'll help build the 'Blue Team'(or maybe it should be called the ‘Red Team’) . What do you think, GB? We just need to name the time and place. Wherever it is for ’07, let’s plan at least 3/4 days or longer if possible.
GG,
Oh, Those dark and desolate roads. As I’ve said before - It was always something that they didn't like. "It's so dark, It’s scary!" - "It's too light, somebody may see us!" - "What's that? That's scary looking!" That’s the reason I gave up 'dating' and took up calling fish. Here Fishy,Fishy,Fishy..
I gotta tell you, GG, that PT was mixing something (I forget what she called that drink) that night at her Mother's after the mini. It was mighty good! But, Tequila and a little Grand Marnier floating on top is hard to beat... Where was it that we split that one Grand Margarita not long ago?? We enjoy that one Margarita so well that we shared another one the very next night, Didn’t we? I am ready for another.
Now for that Fashion Report on Flygirl Offshore. Always Beautiful and always very fashionable, offshore as well as onshore. Very good Boat Handler and fishfinder as well. Watches the birds for signs of bait fish and even knows how to spot a dirty bird.
With the numbers that I am seeing here – whatever happens, it will be another great one..
Bo, Come join us in ’07…
Hope to see everyone in October..
GB
I am with you on whatever, when it comes to when and where, told hubby tonight to plan for next spring. Just need some warning to get it all together.
As for the fishy fishy fishy, I think we traveled the same dark scary roads. Oh what fun we had back then. There are hardly any dark scary roads nowadays for our kids to experience, gosh, what they must be feeling missing all that. I hope it doesn't damage them for life. LOL.
That last Margarita with you was at Cheesburger in Paradise, I
think. But I seem to remember a few more, (actually several more) in other places over the years. I also barely remember writing your wife a note on a napkin for you late one night to save your hide for coming home late. But, alas, Oh well, she knew I was harmless. Besides that one time, hubby was taking care of us and laughing his butt off. I never knew you could do those imitations and get into those positions.
I can't imagine FG being anything but a fashion statement in her garb. I am so jealous.
She does us proud with all this fishing lingo and knowledge.
BMG for some reason I can see you and the Ohio River fiasco, I hope it didn't do permanent damage.
Actually, I think I saw that same scene on a Brady Bunch Episode.
Maybe it was I Love Lucy, anyways, they both fit.
Take care and hope to see you all in the Spring.
PT
Take any and all refresher courses for bartending that you might need for all these thirsty fisherpeople. The Pinks will triump over all. If not, we will build sand castles.
Ya know,,, there are several ways to have a fishing contest... the Most Fish, the Biggest Fish, the Ugliest Fish, the Smallest Fish, the Most Man-Eating Fish caught, the Fish Most Likely on the Endangered Species List, etc.
Extra points for finding Nemo, Jimmy Hoffa, or Aruban tourists. Triple coupons for most creative Fishing Fashion outfit.
And, of course, there is the ever popular Least Fish Caught award – current reigning champions being the Blue Team ;))))
Maybe I need to stop testing margarita recipes for breakfast,,, until next Spring
PT
Good thinking there on the categories.
We could even have boobie prizes for the least caught, that being the Red team lol.
I think the Pinkies will prevail.
As for Margaritas at breakfast, well that might help us with getting our sealegs.
Boobie Prizes???? Count me in!!!!
AAAAAAAAwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww TD!!!
That was really BAAAAAAAD!!!! LOL
Yeah, I know... We have to talk!
So what else is new? LOL!
I may be old, but, My eyesight seems to be holding up pretty well.
Seriously, I'm up for this fishing trip - wherever it ends up at. Boobie prizes or not!
GB & Tools - I need some help here......
TD
I knew if anyone would pick up on that...It would be you. You naughty boy. You are only as old as you feel. Or act.
PT.. I think TD got off the correct subject here.
We actually have red footed boobies here. LOL LOL not the kind you think.
Do you think Tools is ready for such an invasion to southern Texas?
This might send him to the outer reaches.
Anyway wherever, whenever.
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