June 9, 2002 -- Logan and Diane Templeton

Logan and Diane Templeton had permit as their targeted species for the day. The had caught lots of nice tarpon and snook on their previous ventures. so this trip they changed species. Conditions were not the best, however ... relatively high winds and cloud cover. We "sight-fish" for these critters so a good clear day with the sun high in the sky certainly makes things more favorable. With conditions that we were presented, we needed to know exactly where the fish would be so that we could predictably spot them. Seeing them from far away was not going to happen.

We set off for a spot about 25 miles out of Chokoloskee ... quite a run in the chop, but also a very predictable spot. When we arrived we were greeted with two large schools of jack crevalle up to 15 lbs. Drifting over the area, we spotted some nice permit. Logan made two excellent presentations, but the fish did not feed.

We had just setup for another pass, when a sport fisher on the horizon turned directly toward us!!! By the time we could drift near the structure again, the 33' Tierra pulled right into our drift. With Logan standing on the bow of the boat, rod in hand and diesels gurgling, they began doing doughnuts over our fishing spot. Needless to say, every fish spooked, crashed deep and did not come back!!! One of the persons aboard, asked us over the roar of the engines if we "had caught any yet?"!!! After about 10 minutes of clueless circling, them steamed off to wreck someone else's fishing.

A little respect, common sense and more importantly and a little common courtesy goes a long way. There is a lot of ocean and a lot of fish out there. We do not have to fish in each other's bait wells. The skipper of the Tierra should change a few letters in the name of his boat to the "Big Blooper". It would have more meaning!!!

This ended the permit for this spot. However, Logan dug out the fly-rod to tag the big jacks. However, we could not get close enough in the wind to make a good presentation, so he had to settle for 8lb spinning gear. I think Diane enjoys watching the strike of fish as much as I do. She stuck to casting a top water plug without hooks!!! Watching the wolf pack attack the bait, knocking it repeatedly into the air is a blast isn't it Diane!!

It was a tough day catching for Logan and Diane (but still a good day fishing!). Logan did not get his permit this trip, but he will next time!!.

If you would like to book a trip with Chokoloskee Charters, please call The Captain @ (239) 695-9107 or www.ChokoloskeeCharters.com