Capt. Chris Johnson and SeaSquared Charters have been chosen by Ph.D Student and Research Assistant, Austin Gallagher, to participate in his shark research with the RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami Rosensteil School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS).

In collaboration with Program Director, Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, Gallagher’s research focuses on these areas:

• The impact of catch-and-release fishing on sharks
• Ecosystem effects of sharks
• Analysis of behavior and migration through satellite tagging
• Applications for marine protected areas

In our outings to date, we have landed numerous lemon and blacknose sharks in waters in the vicinity of Marathon Florida Keys.  Unlike our Florida Keys Shark Fishing Adventures for anglers, the sharks were brought onto the boat for data to be gathers.  Gallagher and his assistants have inserted satellite tags, taken blood samples, measured the sharks and determined their gender. 

Naturally, all sharks were released unharmed.

As this research is ongoing and many more trips with SeaSquared Charters are scheduled, we will continue to report on Gallagher’s progress.

Excerpt from the University of Miami RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program regarding their Shark Projects:

Sharks are apex predators.  They are particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure, habitat loss, and pollution due to their inherent life history characteristics of slow growth, late maturity, long gestation, a low reproduction rate, and long life, which result in a slow rate of population increase.

The removal of these predators from an ecosystem can influence the food web dramatically by causing alterations to prey abundance and behaviors such as selection of feeding sites, temporal feeding patterns, diet, spatial habitat use, and patch selection.  The identification and study of habitats significant to the life-history and ecology of sharks has been identified as one of the highest priorities for their conservation.  The management of shark fisheries is complicated by the lack of basic data regarding their biology, population dynamics, and essential habitats for migration, foraging, and reproduction. 

In light of these issues, research is needed that evaluates the role of sharks in coastal ecosystems.  Moreover, studies examining shark biology, population dynamics, and habitat utilization are needed to ensure their conservation and improve their management.

To learn about SeaSquared Charters Florida Keys Shark Fishing Adventures

where the sharks are left in the water!

Please click below…

Florida Keys Weekly Fishing Report – Captain Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters – September 1, 2010

Dolphin

Prior to the easterly winds roughing up the seas early this week, there was a slight bump in the dolphin fishing.  I heard of some nice gaffers caught along with a couple of slammers. 

Wahoo and blackfin tuna

At the humps, anglers are catching wahoo and blackfin tuna.  Most of the wahoo have been on the small side, with the heftiest ones going 15 to 18 pounds.  Despite their diminutive size, these fish are great on the grill. 

The blackfin tuna are averaging a very respectable 8 to 10 pounds.  Trolling or deep jigging is working best for these favorites of the sushi-lovers among us.

The winds are predicted to diminish by Thursday afternoon, making the weekend prime for offshore adventures.

Snapper 

Snapper fishing on the reef remains excellent.  Anglers are finding yellowtails anywhere from 30 to 90 feet of water, with a real mix in size from just legal to 20 inches. 

The amount of predators you encounter on the reef will dictate whether you land a limit or just hook a lot of fish.  If the sharks prohibit you from catching the larger fish, move up shallower on the reef, where you’ll catch plenty of snapper for dinner.  The smaller snapper are equally as scrumptious as their more sizeable siblings are.

Although the mangrove snapper are steadily returning to the bay from their summer spawn, fishing for them on the patch reefs continues to be rewarding.  It pays to bounce around, as one patch may hold 12- to 14-inch fish while the 4-pounders are hanging on another.

Grouper 

There are also good numbers of red grouper and the occasional gag grouper on the patches.  The bait of choice for both the largest mangroves and the grouper has been pinfish, although we’re beginning to see some pilchards.

Variety in the bay 

There’s plenty of action to keep anglers busy in the bay areas.

There are abundant mangrove snapper in the 14- to 16-inch range, with a good number of fish over 18 inches to keep things interesting.  On the bay wrecks, keep the rods bent with Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, bluefish and goliath grouper.

Lobster 

Lobster hunting is off the charts this year.  What better way to enjoy the holiday weekend than by getting out on the water with family and friends to catch some tasty crustaceans.

The week with SeaSquared Charters

The SeaSquared had a mixture of reef/wreck and shark charters last week.

Visiting from Brooklyn, Jim Beacher and his sons, Joel and Seth, put some nice 18-inch yellowtail snapper in the fish box before the sharks shut us down.  We then moved in to the patch reefs, where the guys landed a good bunch of mangrove snapper in the 5-pound class.  They also threw back a couple of small grouper.

Shark research 

SeaSquared Charters is pleased to be working with the R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami in their ongoing shark research.  A group of Ph.D. scientists and interns chartered us for a few outings to aid in one of their shark stress research projects. 

We caught lemon sharks, some of which were too large to bring into the boat.  We did manage a half dozen in the 5- to 7-foot range along with a handful of smaller blacknose sharks.  The researchers tagged and measured them, took blood samples and determined their gender.  They also got some great underwater footage.

This research will continue for many months, and the team expects to return to the Keys in September.  We’ll keep you posted on their progress. 

Until next week … Tight Lines!

Capt. Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters, Marathon Florida Keys, 305-743-5305

Florida Keys Weekly Fishing Report – Captain Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters – August 25, 2010

Tuna, wahoo and dolphin

Offshore, there’s a decent blackfin tuna bite, with the majority of fish a very respectable 8 to 10 pounds.  A couple of charter captains report losing their tuna to wahoo this week.

Wahoo are patrolling the areas around the humps in search of a tuna meal.  Attach a 5- or 6-inch trace of wire to your trolling lure with just enough length forward of the lure to fasten your swivel and mono leader.  This will make the wire invisible to the tuna, yet prevent losing the wahoo.

All reports of dolphin catches have come from captains trolling for tuna at the humps.  I’ve had numerous reports of floaters with no dolphin but plenty of wahoo, which are always worth the effort to catch, as they are great grill fare.

Snapper 

Inshore, the snapper bite is outstanding, with just one drawback.  There are massive numbers of sharks having the same attraction to a tasty snapper dinner as we have. 

To avoid or outrun the sharks, I recommend upgrading your tackle.  Switch to 20-pound fluorocarbon and swap your main line for 15- to 20-pound test.  You may be able to out-reel the sharks before they get their mouth around the hapless snapper.  Depending on the water clarity and surface conditions, quite often this is the tactic for winning the battle and putting the largest flag yellowtail in the boat.

Kingfish 

There are fair numbers of kingfish and some nice cero mackerel mixed in the yellowtail areas.  Live baits, such as ballyhoo or pinfish, will do the trick.

Grouper 

Grouper are lingering on the bottom but, again, the sharks are running interference.  It pays to leave the grouper fishing to the patch reefs where there are no toothy critters to confound you.

Patch reefs 

The patch reefs offer some excellent all-around snapper and grouper fishing right now.

There is plenty of high-quality mangrove snapper plus keeper size yellowtail snapper.  As for the grouper, you will find mostly reds, but there are also gags and the occasional black.  Cero mackerel are spicing catches as well.  Your baits of choice on these shallow reefs are live pinfish and small grunts. 

Wide variety in the bay 

It appears some of the mangrove snapper are beginning their trek back into the bay.  With each passing day, we’re seeing more and more keeper size mangroves on the grass banks and shallow water wrecks, plus a few around the bridges.

In the bay and gulf areas, there’s a plethora of fun fishing happening with snapper of all variety, goliath grouper, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish, jack crevalle and all manner of sharks.  All provide great sport on light tackle for anglers of all ages and abilities.

The week in review with SeaSquared Charters

It was all about lobster and sharks last week on the SeaSquared.

Kevin Jackson and his teenage son, Zack, from Tampa, enjoyed a combo snapper/shark charter.  After putting their limit of mangroves, a couple of yellowtail and a porgie in the fish box, we headed to the shark grounds.  They landed 7 of the 11 sharks they hooked.  All were released unharmed.  A very toothy barracuda added to the action.

Visiting from Spain, Peter Akesson treated his sons, Oliver and Alex, to their own shark fishing adventure.  We had numerous sharks swarming around the boat, and the boys went 2 for 2 on lemons up to nearly 8 feet in length.  As always, the sharks were released unharmed.

Note: SeaSquared Charters practices 100% catch-and-release shark fishing using circle hooks and Baker HookOut Tools.

We spent two days lobstering with friends.  Got our limit on both outings.  This year has been nothing short of spectacular for recreational harvesting of Florida Keys spiny lobster!  The good news is … it’s been equally excellent for the commercial lobstermen.  They deserve a great year after last year’s mediocre harvest and dismal market prices.

They say hogfish are tough to catch on hook and line, but fairly easy to spear.  Alex Bell found a new way … just tickle ‘em into your lobster net!

Until next week …. Tight Lines!

Captain Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters, Marathon Florida Keys, 305-743-5305

Marathon Florida Keys Fishing Report – Captain Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters – August 24, 2010

It was all about making sure the boys had a good time, so we headed to the reef to hit on the awesome snapper action.  It took no time at all for the yellowtails to ball up in our chum slick.

We put some nice 18-inch yellowtail snapper in the fish box before the sharks shut us down.  We then moved in to the patch reefs where the guys landed a good bunch of mangrove snapper in the 5-pound class.  They also threw back a couple of small grouper.

The gang caught plenty for dinner at Lazy Days South plus some to give to the staff back at Tranquility Bay Resort.

See you next year, guys!

Little Palm Island’s Vacation of a Lifetime

There once was a man from Nantucket, whose dreams were a list for the bucket. He saved and he saved and plans he made, until it came time to toss his budget. How much did he save? $25,900. Where did he go? He left Nantucket… and headed straight down the Atlantic to Little Palm Island.

The little island that could just off the coast of the Florida Keys put together a “Carpe Diem” getaway that recognizes the empowerment of bucket lists, and offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that includes:

• Five nights in the Island Grand Suite
• Roundtrip private jet service to Marathon airport
• Sky Diving trip where guests will make a tandem skydive from two miles high over the incredible Florida Keys
• Four-hour Shark Fishing adventure where guests will primarily target lemon, blacktip, spinner and bull sharks of up to eight feet.
• In-water Madrugada massage where guests wade through the Caribbean waters to a private area where they receive a customized massage surrounded by the ocean.
• Private Island picnic where guests will be flown on a Cessna 206 Amphibious Seaplane to a private island for the ultimate three hour getaway.
• One Day SCUBA Resort Course where guests will experience a two-hour pool-side lesson with a certified SCUBA instructor followed by an underwater exploration of Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary with the instructor guiding the way.
• Private Chef’s Table dinner where Chef Luis Pous attends personally to the couple, preparing and presenting a five-course tasting menu paired with the chef’s selection of wine
• Full gourmet breakfast, up to three courses for lunch, up to four courses for dinner and non alcoholic beverages daily.

This “Carpe Diem” package is priced starting at $25,900, double occupancy, from now until December 20, 2010 and is inclusive of tax and service.

Marathon Florida Keys Shark Fishing Report – Captain Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters – August 22, 2010 

Dolphin excursion in Key West one day …. shark fishing adventure in Marathon the next.  What a great Florida Keys vacation for Peter and his boys!

I took them to one of my favorite lemon shark spots in the bay to the north of Bahia Honda.  We had plenty of sharks swarming around the boat but, for some reason, they were a tad picky today.  I’ve had this happen before following a strong thunder and lightning storm during the night.  Perhaps the weather has as much effect on the sharks as it does on us.

At any rate, Oliver and Alex landed both of the sharks they were able to hook.  And they were both a very nice size – 6 1/2 feet and 7 feet.  They brought them to the boat like pros, where we released them unharmed to fight another day.

The Akessons continued their Florida vacation in Orlando.  Upon returning home to Spain, Peter sent us an email with a few pictures from their shark fishing adventure and these comments:

“Hope you are well. We have now returned to Spain and the kids continue to talk about the shark fishing experience with all their friends.

We have a long list of friends wanting to do the same thing in the near future and you can be sure you have three active marketing resources available in Spain!”

Thank you, Peter.  We’re looking forward to hosting your friends and having you back on the SeaSquared the next time you’re in the states!

Florida Keys Fishing Lobstering Report – Captain Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters – August 21, 2010

Six friends, some Dion’s fried chicken, a slew of tickle sticks, nets, fins and  masks  – plus a pair of spearguns – packed on the boat and we were off to the great bug hunting grounds of the Florida Keys!

This year has been nothing short of spectacular for recreational harvesting of Florida Keys spiny lobster!  The good news is … it’s been equally excellent for the commercial lobstermen.  They deserve a great year after last year’s mediocre harvest and dismal market prices.

We averaged about 6 lobster an hour and put our limit of 36 in the boat in no time at all.  Bonuses to the cooler were a nice red grouper shot on a speargun and a delicious hogfish that made the wrong move into a lobster net!

(Note: it is illegal to spear lobster, but it’s quite all right to spear any species of fish within regulations.)

Along for the fun were teenage Marathon home-towners Alex and Jason Bell.  We call them “the ducks.”  They have the distinct honor of jumping in the water to inspect each hole we stop on.  If they deliver a thumbs-up, the rest of us hop in and the tickling ensues.   

Also on the boat were dear friends Gigi and John Harrison, owners of Dot Palm Landscaping in Marathon.  Gigi made the faux pas of wearing a bathing suit that had the potential to deliver quite the show to “the ducks.”  Luckily, John had a dive shirt along and allowed her to wear it over her suit.

It was a great day …. with great friends …. and great Florida Keys weather.  The lobster were merely the icing on the cake. 

John sat next to me on the quick ride back to the dock.  As we enjoyed the scenery of the Seven Mile Bridge and little mangrove islands, he turned and said to me, “This is why we live here.” 

Indeed it is.

And, SeaSquared Charters offers multiple discounts to make the most of your vacation budget!

The Fishing

There’s never a bad time to fish in the Florida Keys! 

In late August and September, SeaSquared Charters spends a lot of time fishing the reef off Marathon.  All variety of snapper and grouper are abundant and provide tasty rewards at the end of the day.  There are good numbers of amberjack lingering on the wrecks.  AJ’s are a ton of fun on light tackle and excellent fare for the smoker.

We also fish in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay quite a bit this time of year.  The mangrove snapper are thick, and it’s an easy task to put together a limit of nice size fish.  Permit are in these waters as well, and are always a prized catch. 

The warm, calm waters of the bay area are shark central during this time.  SeaSquared Charters Florida Keys Shark Fishing Adventures provide excellent catch-and-release sport fishing ideal for anglers of all ages and abilities.

Save with Charter Discounts

SeaSquared Charters is offering a 10% discount now through September 30, 2010.  All NEW bookings of two or more CONSECUTIVE charters will receive a 10% discount off the total.  That’s a saving of $150 off two full-day trips, $130 off two three-quarter day trips or $100 off two half-day trips.  You can combine any number of trips of any length and SAVE 10% on the total.

Please note: Standard gratuity of 20% to the crew still applies.  Not valid September 3-5, 2010.

Save on Your Accommodations Too

SeaSquared Charters is pleased to partner with two Marathon resorts to provide preferred rates for those fishing with us. 

Located within walking distance of the 7 Mile Marina, Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway is known for its spotless accommodations and friendly atmosphere.  It is also home to Porky’s Bayside BBQ, famous for its good food and Keysy style.

Banana Bay Resort & Marina, located on 10 lush tropical acres, is quiet, intimate and romantic.  Comfortable accommodations are accented by a poolside Tiki bar, huge freshwater pool, outdoor whirlpool, two garden tennis courts, BBQ grills and horse shoe pits.

Call either of these fine resorts TODAY and ask for their preferred rates for SeaSquared Charters!

Save on Cook-Your-Catch

At the end of your trip on the SeaSquared, you will receive our special “Cook~Your~Catch” card.  Take it to one of the restaurants below and present it to your server.  Not only will you have an outstanding meal of fresh Florida Keys fish that you caught yourself, but you will receive something special as a thank-you for fishing with SeaSquared Charters.

Save on a Sunset Cruise

Capt. Chris and Christy Johnson invite you to join them on a Florida Keys Sunset Cruise! 

We offer a 90-minute cruise in the calm bay waters with views of historic Pigeon Key and the Seven Mile Bridge.  And, of course, the world-famous Florida Keys sunset!  Keysy background music and some nibblers are included.  You are welcome to bring whatever you’d like to drink (BYOB).

There’s no better way to celebrate the end of another day in Paradise!  Take advantage of our offer of $10 off parties of 6.

Marathon Florida Keys Activities and Events

There’s lots to do while you’re not fishing!  Click for more information …

Key West Brewfest – September 3-5

First Annual Conchtoberfest – September 17-19

38th Annual Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run - September 16-19

12th Annual Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival – September 22-26

Guided Walk at the National Key Deer Refuge – September 24

Conch Life Scramble On-the-Water Golf Tournament – September 24-25

Call TODAY to Book Your Charters!

Take advantage of these great savings and treat yourself to a Florida Keys Getaway!

Call Christy today at 305-743-5305!

I took advantage of a day off and hot, calm weather to get in on the awesome lobstering we’re having this season.  Four of us popped out for a couple of hours and got our limit of nice size bugs with next to no effort at all.

Photos courtesy of our friend and fellow bug-hunter, Jennifer Mosel.

Marathon & Florida Keys Weekly Fishing Report – Capt. Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters – August 18, 2010

With water temperatures nearing the highest marks of the year, fishing is generally more productive during the early morning, late afternoon and evening hours.  Avoid the midday intense sun and calm conditions, if you can.

Dolphin and tuna

From all reports received this week, the dolphin and tuna bite has been pretty slow.  Any bit of a breeze from the southeast should spur the action, so keep your eye on the weather forecast for your opportunity to go offshore.

The wrecks 

Although not as consistent as in weeks past, the wrecks are still holding some very respectable size mutton snapper.  The deeper wrecks – 180-plus feet of water – contain amberjack and some very large jack crevalle, which provide excellent sport on light tackle and are perfectly suited for the smoker.

Reef action 

The reef action continues to be good during the day, although the night bite seems to have waned some. 

The yellowtail and mangrove snapper are biting well, with some decent size muttons spicing the catches on occasion.  Judging from the fish I cleaned this week, it looks like we can anticipate at least one more spawn from the ‘tails and mangroves with the next full moon.

There are respectable numbers of cero mackerel on the reef.  For a shot at the macks, net up some ballyhoo that show in your slick.  They will also work well for the large mangroves and muttons that are lingering close to the bottom in your chum slick.

On the patch reefs in the Marathon area, the mangrove snapper bite is excellent.   “Patch yellowtails” (13- to 15-inch fish) plus cero mackerel are here as well. 

Bay and gulf 

The bay and gulf venues are providing plenty of rod-bending action from a variety of species.

There are lots of jack crevalle, bluefish, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, goliath grouper and good size mangrove snapper to keep anglers entertained for hours.  An assortment of sharks add to the excitement, with blacktips, spinners and lemons as the main players right now.

SeaSquared Charters week in review

The SeaSquared also had a mixed bag of trips last week.

Faron and Kathy Campbell and their 14-year-old son, Brandon, from Bumpass VA, enjoyed a Florida Keys shark adventure where they hooked and released 6 large lemon sharks.

Steve Benson, from Boca Raton, treated his son Kobe, 6, and nephew Jake, 9, to 2 trips on the SeaSquared before they head back to school.  On the first outing, we went to the bay and they put a mess of mangrove snapper in the cooler.  The second trip was a full day in the Gulf, where we hit 3 wrecks.  The guys caught their limit of mangroves plus bluefish, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, goliath grouper and sharks.

Three trips to the reef rounded out the week on the SeaSquared. 

Don Clamon and his sons, Donny and Austin, from Seffner FL, caught yellowtail snapper up to 22 inches.  Scott Douglas and his son, Christopher, from Naples, also landed nice size ‘tails.  Mike Melgarejo and Debbie Carnevale, from Hialeah, enjoyed a weekend getaway at the Hammocks with a little reef fishing for mangroves and yellowtails to have for dinner at Lazy Days.

Until next week … Tight Lines!

Capt. Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters, Marathon Florida Keys, 305-743-5305