A great advantage of being a Florida native and living on the coast is the abundance of fishing opportunities our state offers. Whether it’s fishing on the open ocean, lake, river, or fishing from the …
Behind the Scenes Video from Ben Hicks Photo Workshop at Guy Harvey Resort St Augustine Beach!
31 Jul 201811:01 AM
South Florida Photographer, Ben Hicks, was in invited to speak to the St Augustine Camera Club on Thursday July 19th. He gave a very inspiring and well-received presentation about the progression of his photography career and his philosophy of image making.
Over the next two days, Ben taught two separate instructional Surf Photography workshops on St Augustine Beach at the newly renovated Guy Harvey Resort St Augustine Beach. The workshops were hosted by the SACC and Guy Harvey Resorts St Augustine Beach. Canon Cameras provided five Canon 5D Mk IV’s and Aqua Tech provided underwater housings for the 5D’s as well as housings for 8 smartphones for participants to use.
The workshops started with an hour of instruction on how to use the equipment followed by 2 ½ hours of in the water shooting and individual tutoring with a final hour of in-class instructions on how to edit your images.
The main response we got from workshop attendees was ‘What Fun. ” Everyone learned a lot, had a great time and got a bunch of pictures for their portfolio, said Terry Bottom, President of St Augustine Camera Club.
Enjoy our behind the scenes video from Ben Hicks Photo Workshop from videographer, Charles Dasher. Keep your eye out for the next one by visiting www.GuyHarveyResorts.com for your next photo adventure!
Pro team Member
Related Articles
Pro Team
Connect & Follow
Connect & Follow
General
Bon Appetit
Conservation Corner
Dive In
Got Photo
Get Hooked
Outdoor Adventure
SURF-UP
Travel Tips
![](mailto:?subject=Surf Fishing in the Nation’s Oldest City&body=A great advantage of being a Florida native and living on the coast is the abundance of fishing opportunities our state offers. Whether it’s fishing on the open ocean, lake, river, or fishing from the surf, Florida has a thriving ecosystem that provides anglers an array of fishing experiences. As Florida begins its summer months, I’ve already landed a few pompano, redfish, and whiting on the Atlantic side of the state. While I’ve mostly fished the intercoastal waterway, I recently had the opportunity to learn more about surf fishing alongside Guy Harvey Resorts Pro Guide, Noel Kuhn. Guy Harvey Resorts St. Augustine Beach offers an excellent surf fishing academy for anglers of all experience levels at its resort location. As a founding member of the Florida Surf Casters Club and an expert in surf fishing techniques, Noel will hook you on this sport and have you casting up to 600 feet by the end of your lesson.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LRM_EXPORT_71321871609650_20190627_163932553.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5336" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LRM_EXPORT_71321871609650_20190627_163932553.jpeg" alt="" width="779" height="778" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
The beautiful pristine coastline of St. Augustine Beach is well known as one of Florida’s premier fishing destinations, which makes it an excellent location for an early morning surf fishing excursion. I met Noel on the beach just north of Anastasia State Park before dawn and began the process of finding the prime location. After choosing our spot near the runout, Noel demonstrated the proper cutting and baiting techniques when using a fresh assortment of blue crabs, clams, sand fleas, and small fish.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LRM_EXPORT_71499200935468_20190627_164229882.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5338" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LRM_EXPORT_71499200935468_20190627_164229882.jpeg" alt="" width="1496" height="999" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
Throughout the summer months, surf anglers on Florida’s east coast can expect to catch a wide variety of species including redfish, flounder, jacks, whiting, seatrout, and sharks. Due to differences in fish species size, diets, and depths at which they feed, each pole is outfitted with specialized rigging. Noel shared factors such as hook size, test, lures, and types of sinkers that affect your probability of catching fish. Having the proper surf fishing gear combined with the knowledge of fish species migrations are essential to hooking the fish you’re targeting.
As an accomplished surf angler, Noel specializes in long distance casting techniques and demonstrates on multiple rigs the importance of mastering the timing, technique, and tempo of your cast. Regardless of your skill level, he will teach you how to cast long distances and effectively land within the prized sandbar location. An additional benefit of attending the Guy Harvey Outpost Angler Academy is learning from Noel’s expertise in reading the structures of waves and tides and checking for differences in surf to locate the runout and sandbars.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LRM_EXPORT_17719764501515_20190623_110901381.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5337" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LRM_EXPORT_17719764501515_20190623_110901381.jpeg" alt="" width="1003" height="1002" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
Whether you are a local or vacationing in Florida, the <a href="http://www.Guyharveyresortstaugustinebeach.com">Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts in St. Augustine Beach</a> offers you the opportunity to try your hand at surf fishing while improving your casting techniques. The Angler Academy has surf fishing spots available with Noel Kuhn on ,July 21, August 18, September 22, October 20, and November 17 and can be booked at <a href="http://www.outpostacademy.com">OutpostAcademy.com</a>. All gear and equipment will be provided and ready on site when you arrive. The only items necessary for you to bring along are your fishing license, sun protection, and a notepad. In addition to surf fishing, Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts offers many ecoadventures for the whole family that can be booked directly on the Outpost website. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/surf-fishing-in-the-nations-oldest-city/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Guy Harvey to Raise Funds for Hurricane Relief Efforts in the Bahamas&body=
Guy Harvey Enterprises is supporting hurricane relief and recovery efforts in the Bahamas by donating 100 percent of net profits from a newly designed t-shirt to <a href="https://www.convoyofhope.org/donate/anglers-for-the-bahamas/">Convoy of Hope: Anglers for the Bahamas</a>.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bAHAMAS-sTRONG-sHIRT.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5422" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bAHAMAS-sTRONG-sHIRT.jpg" alt="" width="578" height="721" /></a>The Bahamas Strong t-shirt, which features an iconic Guy Harvey sailfish design with the Bahamian flag, is priced at $25 and available at <a href="https://www.guyharvey.com/bahamas-strong/bahamas-strong-t-shirt.html">https://www.guyharvey.com/bahamas-strong/bahamas-strong-t-shirt.html</a>.
“Hurricane Dorian left an unprecedented path of destruction through the Bahamas, causing unimaginable loss of life, property and security,” said Dr. Guy Harvey, world-renowned artist, conservationist, scientist and entrepreneur. “I was born in the Caribbean and lived here all my life, so I am particularly heartbroken by the devastation in the Bahamas. We sympathize with our island neighbors and will help in any way we can.” https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/guy-harvey-to-raise-funds-for-hurricane-relief-efforts-in-the-bahamas/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Capturing Convicts: Sheepshead Rigs & Tips&body=This post covers some of the best rigs for year-round sheepshead fishing in North East Florida. Many people do not have problems catching convicts but everyone does it differently and there is always a new way to learn. They are great tasting, fun to catch, and a good option when the weather is poor and Redfishing is slow or your clients are die-hard bass fishermen that “set the hook” a little too much. If you would like to learn more about catching sheepshead or have a special way that you do it, drop a comment at the bottom.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Live-well.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5255" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Live-well-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>
The Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) are chewing right now in St. Augustine. With even some of the most novice anglers racking up double digits in a weekend, there are no secrets on how to catch them. Everyone does it a little differently even though most anglers say they do it the “right way.” Here is a little bit about what has been successful for me sheepshead fishing around St. Augustine for many years.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/SheepsheadBoy.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5256" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/SheepsheadBoy-300x295.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="295" /></a>Photo courtesy of Florida Memory “Sheepshead boy” Note: Not me…
I mainly use three different techniques for capturing convicts. The most common way is with a slip sinker rig, next is with a jig head, and last is with a speargun or gig. Usually the most successful days come from using the traditional slip sinker rig but I have racked up some serious meat with the speargun.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9946.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5257" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9946-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Mustad O’Shaughnessy live bait hook Extra Short 1/0 or 2/0
These are great hooks for tucking a fiddler crab or two on. Occasionally, I’ll use a double strength version of these hooks that is even better for fishing the nearshore wrecks and other deep water.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Hook.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5258" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Hook-300x189.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="189" /></a>
Hooks are some of the most important choices in fishing.. obviously. These hooks have rarely failed me on all kinds of fish including on sheepshead.
Leader: Following is a six to eight-inch section of 20 pound monofilament leader tied using Uni-Knots directly to the hook and swivel. Swivel strength is always a bit heavier than the heaviest line I might use.
Weight selection: I use the lightest weight I can to get to the bottom. A 1/2oz to 3oz weight. Anything heavier than 3oz will make it hard to feel the sheepsheads bite and react before they are gone.
Rod & Reel: A bait caster reel thrives when fishing for sheepshead. I stick to the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur series. Either the S, C3, or C4 models are great choices depending on budget.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/AbuGarcia.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5259" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/AbuGarcia-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>
Choosing the right rod for sheepshead should be based on strength, longevity, and length. A shorter rod with more back bone will help you tremendously when wrenching that convict out of the pilings. Save your money on buying super high-end fishing rods while sheepshead fishing because if you go enough, you will break a tip, bust an eye, or scratch it up on the barnacles around pilings.
Shoreline / Shell bottom fishing for Sheepshead
This is a very fun way to get into the convicts. Sometimes they are really chewing on the shell banks and other rock bottoms around this area. The traditional sheepshead rig will not be very effective in this situation because you will miss many bites.
Try using a jighead combo on spin tackle with a fiddler crab or shrimp.
Here is how:
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9938.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5260" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9938-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>
An 1/8th oz head with a 2/0 hook is just the right size for keeping a crab on the bottom long enough to get the bite. Following that is about a 2 foot piece of 20lb or 30lb Monofilament tied line to line to the main line using a double Uni-Knot. If you have the crabs to spare, using two fiddlers on one hook with a jighead will catch more fish.
As a disclaimer, you should always adjust your tackle to your fishing conditions regardless of what you are fishing for. Tides, wind, water clarity, and bait all play a factor in line choices and hook sizes. Sometimes Sheepshead are wide open and others they are very picky and need a little bit of encouragement.
Bring a shovel to crush up chum, like oysters, and to scrape barnacles off of pilings. The investment of time collecting a full bucket of chum will go a long way.
Remember to be respectful when fishing around docks and scraping peoples pilings, they paid a lot of money for their docks and sometimes forget that they do not “own” the water underneath it.
Be safe and Catch fish!!
By Guy Harvey Resort Pro Team
Captain Jakob Hardy
<a href="http://www.Fishardy.com">www.Fishardy.com</a>
https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/capturing-convicts-sheepshead-rigs-tips/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Celebrate Independence Day by Looking after your Environment&body=
Help Save our Seas with a Community Clean Up with Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Fill a bag or bucket with trash from your local exercise route, neighborhood, lake, or beach.
Take a picture and post it between July 4th and July 11th.
Tag us @DrGuyHarvey and hashtag #GHCleanup2020 #GHOF
Automatically enter to win raffle prizes
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/GHOF-4th-of-July.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5565" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/GHOF-4th-of-July.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="1080" /></a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/celebrate-independence-day-by-looking-after-your-environment/){kind=link}
 and <a href="https://guyharveyoutpost.com/lodging/beach-resorts/st-augustine-beach/">Guy Harvey Resort St Augustine Beach</a> are sponsoring two Waterworld Photo Workshops with Ben Hicks, Florida’s premier surf photographer. The workshops, on July 20 and 21, will be from 7:30 – 11:30 am at the Guy Harvey Resort in St Augustine Beach.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BenHicks-002.jpg"><img src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BenHicks-002-227x300.jpg" alt="" width="227" height="300" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5080" /></a>Based in Boca Raton, Ben is a renowned fine-arts photographer who has traveled to exotic locales to capture the beauty of nature, striving to portray the familiar in original ways, but also taking risks to capture the complex, often dangerous, situations including big waves and precarious animal encounters. Many of his photographic works are centered on ocean subjects, and Ben is particularly focused on using his photography to raise environmental awareness, especially the importance of sea turtle conservation since the turtles are one of the most important indicators of the health of the world’s marine and coastal ecosystems. His work can be seen at <a href="http://www.benjhicks.com">www.benjhicks.com</a>
Ben will speak to the July meeting of the camera club on Thursday, July 19, and teach the workshops the following two days. In the workshop, he will be discussing camera techniques, gear, lighting and post-processing. He welcomes photographers of all skills, and says to bring any camera (including smartphones) that you would like to use for the workshop. Ben will also have some waterproof covers to loan registrants. Many of the techniques discussed can be applied to any camera. Attendees can plan to get wet if they have a proper housing or camera, but others can shoot beach and wave photography from the shore line. After the beach photo session, registrants will move inside to hear Ben’s basic editing methods and advanced post-processing tips.
The cost of the workshop is $50 for SACC members, $75 for non-members. To register, go to http://www.saintaugustinecameraclub.com/workshops--fieldtrips.html. To book rooms visit
<a href="http://www.GuyHarveyResorts.com">www.GuyHarveyResorts.com</a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/waterworld-photo-workshop-with-ben-hicks-at-guy-harvey-resort-st-augustine-beach-july-20-21st/){kind=link}
TRAVEL DESK : 800.513.5257
Connect & Follow