Two Deep Sea Fishing Trips In The Keys

Key West, Florida (78 degrees, clear blue skies, windy)

 

Gulf Stream IV

 

 

We watched the weather carefully and signed up for a deep sea fishing trip in Key West aboard the Gulf Stream IV.  Our blogging friends Pam and Randy Warner had recommended it to us and the Navy Base gave us a great discount on the price.  It's been windy since our arrival and the day of this trip was no exception.  Seas were supposed to be slightly choppy but once we got out there it definitely started to roll.  And so did the boys stomachs.  Girls rule in this case.  Bev and I did just fine but our guys looked rather green despite swallowing several Dramamine. 

 

 

Crew member going over the basics

Pelican in flight

The ride out took about an hour and was very picturesque.  A guy sitting next to me said the captain really knew where to find fish and had top notch equipment.  Most of the folks on board went out with this crew often and were very experienced.  It was the first time I've ever tried it and it was lots of fun.  My Dad would have been proud to see me baiting my hook with squid.  Not for the squeamish at heart. 

The crew provided all equipment and bait although most folks had their own.  They were kept very busy helping all of us and storing  the fish. They also determined which were keepers or ones who got to live another day.  For example, grouper is not in season and had to be tossed back if caught.  They also cleaned your fish at the end of the trip.  Tips were appreciated and well deserved.

John JC, & Bev

We caught mostly yellow fin.  The trip lasted about five hours and the captain moved the boat three times.  John suffered the most and we were not sure he would ever go fishing  again. More about that later. 

 

The picture below is of all the fish caught on the trip/

The picture below is our catch (JC, Bev, John, and me)

Lazy "fishermen" hoping for a handout

So, that would have been the end of John's deep sea fishing experience except our friends Fran and Randy called a few days later and offered to take us out on their son's boat.  John and JC were not going ...period.  Randy suggested we try taking Bonine the night before (essential and also less sedating) and in the morning.  Plus, the bait would be fresh and smell less offensive than on our other trip.  We also were going to try trolling which means the boat moves all the time and is less likely to cause seasickness.  Randy said he'd never had anyone get sick and convinced the boys to try it again. 
 

 

Fran, John, Scot, Bev, and me

 

 

We met Randy and Fran a couple of years ago at a NOMADS project in Eustis Flroida and it was great to see them again.  Their son and his family recently moved to the keys and purchased a great boat.  This family loves fishing and we ALL had a great time without a  hint of seasickness. 

 

 

 

We tried to go trolling but the seas were too rough.  So we took off for another area on the bay side and  caught lots of fish.  They sure had a lot of patience with us and taught us a few tricks about casting and baiting our hooks.  These folks know fishing!

 

 

 

 

Bev enjoying the ride

 

 

John is smiling today

 

 

We stopped at an island for a little while.  It was cool and a favorite stop for their family over the years. 

 

 

 

 

 

I caught some strange puffer fish and some beautiful groupers.  JC caught a nice mackerel.  Most of our fish were tossed back but we managed to catch some good keepers.  Lots of smiles all around.  

 

Puffer

 

 

My beautiful Grouper

 

JC in action

 

A beautiful mackerel

 

 

 

Everyone had a fun time and we really appreciate all their efforts to give us a great fishing experience.  Be sure to stop back tomorrow to read about our visit to see dolphins and turtles.