NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums
NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports and Information => Traveling Angler- Out of State Reports => Topic started by: harbison on January 22, 2018, 04:12:34 PM
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January Winter Fishing Florida Fisherman ll Style
Thanks to Mr. John Longo, Toronto, Canada, for suggesting the title and for providing technical support.
Be sure to check out the mystery fish at the end, it's a tough one.
Our Florida is a very warm, hot, wonderland enjoyed by natives as well as hundreds of thousands of friendly visitors every year. Many live to fish in this twelve month tropical paradise. Can Florida still produce outstanding catches during the very coldest times of the year? Join us from the deck of Hubbard Marina's Florida Fisherman ll as we find out together.
These extended overnight trips to such far-off areas as the fabulous Florida Middle Grounds and vicinity are in a class by themselves. Not only does the fishing, more often than not, defy the imagination, but the interaction among real sportsmen/women is outstanding. By trips end there are no strangers. Many, such as retired colonel Mr. Roger Poulin, have been fishing together on the Florida for many years. Can this man, one of America's best, catch the mighty amber jack? Well! When Mr. Poulin gets serious
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/1_zps5klituic.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/1_zps5klituic.jpg.html)
He plays no games. A battle of epic proportions:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/2_zps3o3zjorf.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/2_zps3o3zjorf.jpg.html)
And what a battle it was. Roger was using 100 pound test equipment and a very strong 10/0 circle hook:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/3_zps7gy52jnc.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/3_zps7gy52jnc.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/4_zpsu59c8sye.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/4_zpsu59c8sye.jpg.html)
OK! And now for the rest of the story.
Our Captain for this 39 hour extreme adventure is one of the best of the best, young Captain Garett Hubbard. Captain Garett carries on the family tradition of family first:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/5_zpsmuxveczp.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/5_zpsmuxveczp.jpg.html)
Long time chef on the Florida ll, 'Jersey Girl' Tammy, welcomes one & all:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/6_zpslhewpxxc.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/6_zpslhewpxxc.jpg.html)
Let's go! Hopefully 'January Winter Fishing in Florida' will be on fire. Welcome!
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/7_zpsgnr9fowk.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/7_zpsgnr9fowk.jpg.html)
Jersey Girl knows how to get, and keep, our interest:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/8_zpsnirb4e4u.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/8_zpsnirb4e4u.jpg.html)
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That's not just ham, that's the very best spiral cut ham. Only the best is good enough for Tammy's guest. With provolone cheese, and a very special bun, this is one Friday evening meal to remember. Hold on! If you think that was special, just wait until Saturday night when we feast on the very best, cold weather, home-made chili.
OK! After a fine meal, and good days/night sleep, it's time to get down to business. Let the fights begin:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/9_zpslfi3gkum.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/9_zpslfi3gkum.jpg.html)
Regardless of how hard we try, or where we go, we just cannot get away from the 'endangered' American Red Snapper:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/10_zpsmmtm9wou.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/10_zpsmmtm9wou.jpg.html)
Even the mutton snapper are ready for battle:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/11_zpsuvqmw7x8.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/11_zpsuvqmw7x8.jpg.html)
It's tuna city:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/12_zpsx2wyxi8l.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/12_zpsx2wyxi8l.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/13_zpsuj9ufxcg.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/13_zpsuj9ufxcg.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/16_zpsgdy2e3wy.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/16_zpsgdy2e3wy.jpg.html)
The snapper battles are on-going:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/14_zps6ek0pp3w.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/14_zps6ek0pp3w.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/15_zpshuxphcnn.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/15_zpshuxphcnn.jpg.html)
As a rule we do much better on AJ's during the day light hours. Never-the-less:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/17_zpsviovbh28.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/17_zpsviovbh28.jpg.html)
Saturday morning! Jersey Girl goes to work:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/18_zpsa4r7ko0c.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/18_zpsa4r7ko0c.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/19_zpsp1myoa2g.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/19_zpsp1myoa2g.jpg.html)
With honor we welcome to the Florida ll two of Canton, North Carolina's finest, the husband, wife, team of David and Lovinna Sorrells. Wonder if this young couple from the 'Old North-Tar Heel State' can catch our Florida fish?
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/20_zps5fzxrvn9.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/20_zps5fzxrvn9.jpg.html)
Wonder no more:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/21_zpsp25jswbx.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/21_zpsp25jswbx.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/22_zps5kbpjqa4.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/22_zps5kbpjqa4.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/23_zpsmfu02dmg.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/23_zpsmfu02dmg.jpg.html)
Here is a beautiful fish we do not see too many of, the African pompano:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/24_zpstkanokm9.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/24_zpstkanokm9.jpg.html)
Looks like Roger can catch more that trophy amber jacks:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/27_zpsosp3lert.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/27_zpsosp3lert.jpg.html)
And, speaking of AJ's, let's go see what the demise of a once proud ship has to offer.
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/25_zps9yqei5a9.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/25_zps9yqei5a9.jpg.html)
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Roger leads us into battle. John Martin, the Florida's fishing coach, is hooked-up also:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/28_zpsfbubm9e4.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/28_zpsfbubm9e4.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/29_zpshdfdrjnx.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/29_zpshdfdrjnx.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/31_zpspdnb4fv9.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/31_zpspdnb4fv9.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/32_zpssw2q0mxt.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/32_zpssw2q0mxt.jpg.html)
Many AJ fights are lost, some are won:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/30_zpslrvrolye.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/30_zpslrvrolye.jpg.html)
We try our best to stay away from gags until June, regardless:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/33_zpsjbgwrkz3.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/33_zpsjbgwrkz3.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/35_zpsbdy3oagh.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/35_zpsbdy3oagh.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/36_zpspeltx55a.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/36_zpspeltx55a.jpg.html)
The day time mangrove snapper bite continues:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/37_zpsxegbubki.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/37_zpsxegbubki.jpg.html)
It's mutton time:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/34_zpsmvgkdh9h.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/34_zpsmvgkdh9h.jpg.html)
Another military man, retired Marine, Mr. Leo Smith:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/38_zpsg0dqcc3u.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/38_zpsg0dqcc3u.jpg.html)
Our Marine catches the cornetfish:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/39_zpsc9hybfs4.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/39_zpsc9hybfs4.jpg.html)
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'January Winter Fishing Florida Fisherman ll Style' is proving, once again, why Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World. The variety and staggering amount of fish being caught defies the imagination. The fights are on-going:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/41_zpszn8cbedu.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/41_zpszn8cbedu.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/42_zpsmkhjg9ch.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/42_zpsmkhjg9ch.jpg.html)
It's been a very productive, hard fought, night & day. As evening approaches we remember that very special home-made chili Tammy promised us. Our own Jersey Girl has been working hours on end for the opportunity to serve her guest the very best:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/43_zpsoe4oytpi.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/43_zpsoe4oytpi.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/44_zpshrnzrlnh.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/44_zpshrnzrlnh.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/45_zpsgrtjynb8.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/45_zpsgrtjynb8.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/46_zpsumqyi1pa.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/46_zpsumqyi1pa.jpg.html)
Our new fishing team from Canton, North Carolina, catches the last AJ of the day. Mrs. Lovinna Sorrells showed husband David how it's done:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/47_zpspik1tcij.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/47_zpspik1tcij.jpg.html)
Jon, long time professional mate on the Florida, is all smiles. And for good reason!
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/48_zpsb5odlkqu.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/48_zpsb5odlkqu.jpg.html)
Bed time. The mighty purr of the Florida's two massive Cats is music to our ears. Our great adventure ends with a fantastic night's sleep. Sunday morning...Already!
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/49_zps4nzggvot.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/49_zps4nzggvot.jpg.html)
Talk about proud:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/50_zpscpxkbtii.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/50_zpscpxkbtii.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/51_zps0twb3boc.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/51_zps0twb3boc.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/52_zps3gyf9dix.jpg)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/53_zpsgeqlfgcs.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/52_zps3gyf9dix.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/55_zps2kqcxoxo.jpg)
The jack pot winning snapper hit the scales at 7.9 pounds, AJ 100.6, and grouper 7.0 pounds. Grouper would have been a great deal different had gags been in season:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/54_zpsnjahkf6h.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/54_zpsnjahkf6h.jpg.html)
And now for the mystery fish. Mr. John Martin's mystery fish is seldom seen in Central Florida waters. It's front teeth are similar to a cubera snapper, but it's not a juvenile cubera. Our mystery fish, thanks to Mr. John longo for pointing this out, has two very distinctive markings that give it's identity away, one is immediately below the eye, the other near the gills. What kind of snapper is it? And what are the 'distinctive markings?'
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/56_zps1qwz4ogv.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/56_zps1qwz4ogv.jpg.html)
Catch all the action in this short, action packed, on-board video of our trip:
https://youtu.be/mbbMf99hhj4 (https://youtu.be/mbbMf99hhj4)
Please join with me as I dedicate this trip, and a recent wild Florida boar hunting trip, to the memory of my late wife and daughter. Thelma & Betty both enjoyed the woods & waters of our great state. Thank you Captains Mark & Dylan Hubbard, Hubbard's Marina, and Ralph & Francisco of Perry, Florida's, Two Guys And A Hog, for helping me to honor these two wonderful ladies who will be with me, us, until the end of time:
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/57_zpsen2bhmf2.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/57_zpsen2bhmf2.jpg.html)
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/58_zpscshrsenv.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/58_zpscshrsenv.jpg.html)
Bob Harbison Florida Outdoor Writers Association
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t^ ... Thanks for the awesome read Capt. Bob. ... chrz
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Thanks again to you Bob for another awesome fishing report and great pictures. slt clp I read the report wile I was eating my supper and it was very enjoyable.
I felt sad looking at the pics that the people were wearing sweatshirts, wool hats and other cold weather gear. What did the temps get down to 60 degrees or something close? thud rofla
Tight Lines,
Bob G chrz slt
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;D t^
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slt Thanks guys & gals. What an honor sharing our Florida with you.
COLD: "What did the temps get down to 60 degrees or something close"
An Arctic Blast took us very close to a ridiculous 60 degrees. But we were ready for it!
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/January%2019%20-%202018/61_zps7eonv5sp.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/January%2019%20-%202018/61_zps7eonv5sp.jpg.html)
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Thsnks Bob. slt
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Thanks! 'jersey Girl' Tammy comes from the great state of NJ. We are so proud of her. We feel like NJ is our sister state. What an honor sharing with the peoples of the Garden State.
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/Two%20Guys%20and%20A%20Hog%2012-20-17/IMG_1691_zps1p2hrsjh.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/Two%20Guys%20and%20A%20Hog%2012-20-17/IMG_1691_zps1p2hrsjh.jpg.html)
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t^
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Thanks! We have a full moon 44 hour snapper trip coming up 2/2. Our 'Jersey Girl' will be there for all of us.
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu162/harbisonphoto/5%20-%207%20-%202015/1_zpsnntqazqu.jpg) (http://s644.photobucket.com/user/harbisonphoto/media/5%20-%207%20-%202015/1_zpsnntqazqu.jpg.html)