Captain Jason Peters stands at the helm of his airboat, sweeping the clear, shallow slough with the beam of his headlamp as his friend captain Bill Lepree wields a longbow from the bow. Suddenly, the light …
Big Sacks at the Big O Expected by Bassmaster Elites
16 Feb 201711:52 AM
The last time Lake Okeechobee hosted a Bassmaster Elite series tournament was in 2012 when California pro Ish Monroe weighed 108 pounds, five ounces of largemouth bass in four days– the fifth largest catch in the top-tier trail’s history.
On Feb. 23-26, the circuit’s more than 100 anglers will be back for the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite, and at least one local pro believes it could take even more weight than five years ago to take home the $100,000 top prize.
Captain Steve Daniel– who competed in the Elites from 2005 to 2009, won two FLW championships on the big lake, and has been guiding charter customers there since 1985–predicts that if south-central Florida’s mild weather continues, the winning angler will have to rack up at least 20 pounds per day. In the FLW circuit’s one-day T-H Marine BFL event held Feb. 11, Moore Haven, FL. winner Bryan Honnerlaw weighed 21 pounds, five ounces.
Daniel notes that lake levels have dropped into the normal range now that the region’s dry season has taken hold; bass have been spawning since November; and they are biting somewhere on the Big O every day.
“It’s not just a pitchin’/flippin’ deal like in 2012,” Daniel said, referring to the techniques of punching weighted lures under trees and through mats of vegetation on the shoreline. “Open-water fishing is going to be the best. The lake is really opening up well and guys who like throwing chatterbaits, Rat-L-Traps, and spinnerbaits will get dialed in to 100-yard stretches where big ones are hanging out.”
Daniel also predicts the event will be won on the north end of the lake, where anglers will launch each day from Scott Driver Park in Okeechobee.
The full field will fish Feb. 23 and 24, cut to 50 on the 25th, and then to the top 12 on the final day. Daily afternoon weigh-ins are free and open to the public. CLICK HERE for more information.
On Feb. 25 and 26, from noon to 6pm, Bassmaster and the Okeechobee Tourist Development Council will co-host a free, family-friendly B.A.S.S. Bash at the park featuring food trucks, children’s activities, arts and crafts vendors, community organizations and products and demonstrations by Bassmaster sponsors. Guy Harvey Outpost representatives will staff a booth (space V26) at the expo to talk to visitors about plans for the latest brand segment, Guy Harvey Outpost Club & Resort Collection, which encompasses coastal cottages and RV lots for sale/rent within a Guy Harvey lifestyle community.
The first introduction of this product will be in Tarpon Springs, with more locations to be announced. To learn more about Tarpon Springs CLICK HERE, and for future brand announcements visit the GHO web site. Also, be sure to visit the GHO booth for a chance to win a free guided fishing trip with Captain Scott Kerslake!
Besides competing for cash, all the Elite pros are vying for points toward qualifying for the 2018 Bassmaster Classic on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell. Those who have qualified for this year’s Classic March 24-26 at Texas’ Lake Conroe consider Lake O a helpful and potentially lucrative warm-up for the Super Bowl of bass fishing.
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=Guy Harvey Outpost’s Islander Resort Profiled in "Southern Boating" Magazine&body=<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/islanderbeach.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2899 alignleft" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/islanderbeach.jpg?w=300" alt="IslanderBeach" width="300" height="242" /></a>The following article appears courtesy of Southern Boating magazine.
“If it swims, I’ve caught it! How’s that for a one liner?” he chuckles. His white mustache is Tom Selleck-esque, and the sparkle in his blue eyes intimates wisdom, adventure… and a bit of trouble. Sitting in his office at the Bud N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, Florida—the walls covered with pictures of himself, friends, family, celebrities, and the fish he’s caught—Richard Stanczyk captivates me with countless tales of the sea in his 50-plus years as an angler, captain, guide, and owner of the marina. Stanczyk is a bit of a celebrity himself. He’s often credited for reinventing swordfishing and once caught seven of these gladiators in a single day.
I’ve come to visit to talk about Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts & Lodges (GHO) and their expeditions—organized trips for adventure-oriented travelers. The expeditions are a new product for the brand, created “given the time poverty prevalent in everyone’s life,” says Mark Ellert, president of GHO. There’s “Mako Mexico” to follow and tag a shark off Isla Mujeres; “Panama Trifecta Safari” for a chance to tailor your experience on three fishing machines; and “Fish Daze Islamorada,” a three-day adventure with Stanczyk to battle swordfish and tarpon. (More expeditions are available and some are in the making in Central America and the Galapagos Islands.) “I’ve had the pleasure of taking Guy Harvey fishing,” Stanczyk says. “We had a stellar day. We ended up catching four of these giant swordfish.”
Guy Harvey—marine biologist, artist, diver, and conservationist—has come to embody the ocean lifestyle. Ellert saw the opportunity to create a lodging brand that would resonate with families and the salt life, and the Guy Harvey Outpost was born. Current destinations include The Bahamas; Isla Mujeres, Mexico; Dominica and Little Cayman Island in the Caribbean; and Isabela in the Galapagos—a project on the easternmost side of the island is also underway. In the U.S., GHO locations are only in Florida so far. The first was the TradeWinds Beach Resort in St. Petersburg Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. A new spot is set to open in this fall in St. Augustine on the Atlantic Ocean. A freshwater resort with RV campground and marina on Lake Okeechobee is also planned for 2017. Then there’s the Islander Resort in Islamorada—it joined the GHO brand in 2014—with unique access to the bay and the ocean.
The Islander Resort offers two locations: on MM 82 (Oceanside) and MM 81 (Bayside). With 114 guestrooms that spread across 25 acres, the Oceanside exudes the island resort feel that one expects in the Florida Keys. Past the reception area, pristine white sand paves the way—with scattered palm trees from which hammocks hang—to rooms with a screened front porch and full kitchen. Chirping birds and conservation quotations from famous characters accompany you while the salty sea tang lures you closer to the beach. The typical Jimmy buffet melodies hint of the two pools’ proximity and Guy’s Beachside Bar & Grill—Fish Daze participants get to dine with Stanczyk right here, a “truly memorable opportunity to hear Richard some incredible fishing tales,” says Ellert. (I second that.) the restaurant will cook your catch of the day—Harvey’s words on the menu remind you of ocean preservation just like in the rooms.
The Islander Watersports (IW) by the pier has water toys galore—all the GHOs do. There, Donna Warwas and her friend, Joni Taylor, are looking for fun while their husbands are out fishing on a Bud N’ Mary’s charter boat. “What do you have for women like us in their fifties?” Warwas, a petite brunette asks Jaime sanders, a tan and toned IW attendant. They settle for kayaking from the bayside (“it’s calmer,” says sanders) and a snorkeling trip to Cheeca Rocks Reef, a shallow site less than five miles away. Wave runners, sailboats, aqua cycles, and three 18 to 29-foot powerboats are also available. Sanders says she sends boaters to the sandbar right off Whale Harbor bridge on mm 83. “It’s ankle deep, the kids can snorkel and the dogs can play,” she adds. “There’s also the Alligator [Reef] Lighthouse. It’s only six feet deep and it’s St. Thomas [U.S.V.I.]-beautiful.” She advises using Whale Harbor rather than Tea Table Channel bridge on mm 79.1 to go from the bay to the ocean because the latter is lower. Rent a mooring ball on the Oceanside for boats up to 30 feet, or dock on the bayside complete with 14 slips (for boats up to 24 feet), fish cleaning stations and shore power—guests must stay at one of the 25 bayside townhomes to use a slip. There’s no onsite ramp but plenty nearby, and trailers may be stored on the Oceanside property by the Florida Keys Conference Center.
The bayside has more of a private property feel. Colorful two-story townhouses are lined up leading to the docks, the small saltwater pool and beach area. Standing aboard his flats boat, Daniel Brotzky, a husky red-haired man in his early 30s with an infectious laugh, is getting ready for another relaxing outing to the sandbar. It’s his fi rst time at the Islander and he’s beyond ecstatic, most likely due to his recent engagement (wedding scheduled for January 9th). “You’ve got everything you need—you’ve got your home feel with the townhome, the bay, the ocean… the markers are all right there,” Brotsky says. “It’s a beautiful dock with easy access and [the slip rental] is dirt cheap!”
Back at Bud N’ Mary’s, Stanczyk ponders the Islander. “I have a lot of respect for the owner David [Curry]. They’ve maintained what I call the ‘character’ of the Florida Keys, and when you go to the Islander… you find their own feeling of the Keys.” https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/guy-harvey-outposts-islander-resort-profiled-in-southern-boating-magazine/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Guy Harvey Talks Fisheries Symposium & Guy Harvey Outpost Grand Opening with Fishing Florida Radio&body=<a href="http://www.fishingfloridaradio.com/mp3/guy_harvey_ffr_interview.mp3"><img class="size-full wp-image-1446 alignleft" title="Guy Harvey Interview with Fishing Florida Radio" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/fishing-florida-radiologo11.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="88" /></a>Guy recently spoke with BooDreaux, Steve and Capt. Mike of <a title="FFR web site" href="http://www.fishingfloridaradio.com/" target="_blank">Fishing Florida Radio</a> to discuss the upcoming <a title="Fisheries Symposium web site" href="http://www.gulffisheriessymposium.com/" target="_blank">Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Symposium</a>, which is being held this week in conjunction with the Grand Opening of the new <a title="GHO on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.297039977030459.74495.238365306231260&type=3" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Outpost on St. Pete Beach</a>. Click <a title="Guy Harvey Interview with FFR" href="http://www.fishingfloridaradio.com/mp3/guy_harvey_ffr_interview.mp3" target="_blank">here</a> to listen to the interview. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/guy-harvey-talks-fisheries-symposium-guy-harvey-outpost-grand-opening-with-fishing-florida-radio/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Four New IGFA Records Set in Bimini&body=<a href="http://www.captbouncer.com/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-287" title="Capt. Bouncer Smith on a recent charter to Bimini" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/bouncers_dusky_evinrude.jpg?w=300" alt="" width="300" height="158" /></a>
<a title="Bimini web site" href="http://www.bahamas.com/out-islands/bimini" target="_blank">Bimini</a> continues to live up to it's reputation a the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World". The <a title="IGFA web site" href="http://www.igfa.org/" target="_blank">IGFA</a> recently announced FOUR new <a title="IGFA World Records Database" href="http://www.igfa.org/Records/Default.aspx" target="_blank">world records</a> were landed in Bimini waters - all caught by the same husband/wife team during a 2-day fishing trip with <a title="Web site for Capt. Bouncer Smith " href="http://www.captbouncer.com/" target="_blank">Capt. Bouncer Smith</a>! Angler Roberta Arostegui set three new women's records - a 3 lb., 8 oz Black Grouper on 20#, a 2 lb., 12 oz Lane Snapper and a 3 lb., 8 oz Lane Snapper - and husband Martin Arostegui set a new 8# Tippet World Record for Amaco Jack! These are not the first records the Arosteguis have caught. In fact, they have caught a number of other records in Bimini. Just goes to show - good thing happen when you go where the fish are! https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/four-new-igfa-records-set-in-bimini/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Congratulations Bouncer!&body=Capt. Bouncer Smith inducted into IGFA Legendary Captains & Crew!
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/bouncer-smith-photo.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image" id="i-1878" alt="Image" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/bouncer-smith-photo.jpg?w=570" /></a>
Infectious enthusiasm could easily be the catch phrase for fishing on <a title="Bouncer's Dusky" href="http://www.captbouncer.com/">Bouncer's Dusky</a>. For a big and energetic guy Bouncer always manages to convey the best of humanity. He is known for always treating people with kindness and dignity. On top of that he is a fabulous fisherman. His clients have caught a long list of World Record fish. He is just as proud of all the families who fish with him and all the kids who can say they caught their "First ________ (fish in the blank)" fishing with Bouncer.
Congratulations Bouncer on an honor well deserved! Check out Fishing with Bouncer on the web at: <a title="www.captbouncer.com" href="http://www.captbouncer.com/charter.htm">http://www.captbouncer.com/charter.htm</a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/congratulations-bouncer/){kind=link}
 these late winter reds are somewhat persnickety and a little spooky by nature. So picking the right artificial lure to get a positive reaction (we call that a bite) is very difficult. But during these warm up periods with rising temps the redfish typically get a bit reckless. That's when an experienced angler can take advantage of what I call the perfect scenario .
So what lure is ideal for this situation? Well the truth is several offerings will get the job done including spoons, jigs, plugs and even flies. Because when redfish are actively hunting and devouring food... all lures are in play. But still I have a few favorites that allow for accurate casting in spite of windy conditions like the BTB Jig (root beer) with a split tail trailer. Or the Mirrolure Catch Jr (finger mullet look) with single inline hooks, which plays well in cloudy or windy scenarios. And lastly the trusty Aqua Dream Spoons (black color) it gets the call for many anglers including me. Remember spoons are great choices if the clarity of the water is somewhat turbid (dirty/stained). But again if the redfish are fired up, any lure could be the answer... even top water plugs!
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/alure-image-for-redfish-red-hot-blog.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5007" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/alure-image-for-redfish-red-hot-blog-263x300.jpeg" alt="" width="263" height="300" /></a>
Additionally, don't use a long heavy leaders. Shorter leaders in the 20" to 24" lengths are adequate. Too much leader destroys the action on light weight plugs or pulls the jig down into the grass... creating a fouling issue. And unless your fishing an area inundated with lots of Oyster a 20lb. leader weight should do just fine in most cases.
Also consider, a small skiff or kayak is a huge advantage when targeting these low water redfish. The ability to be ahead of the grazing reds will allow you dozens of shots in comparison to the larger heavier boats more reliant on trolling motors getting to the feed zone a little later. I know it's more work to push pole or paddle into the skinny water (shallow) but that extra 45 minutes to an hour of fishing when the water is low, really pays off.
Here's what you really need to know and that is to focus your efforts on the warming trends later this month and the low incoming tides of course. It may be freezing in some parts of the U.S. this time of year but the light tackle action on redfish in Florida is "red hot"! https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/redfish-in-florida-is-red-hot/){kind=link}
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/billfish-invitational-auction-spotlight-abaco-turtle-bones-bahamas-bonefishing-adventure/&media=https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/billfish-invitational-auction-spotlight.jpg&description=Billfish Invitational Auction Spotlight – "Abaco Turtle Bones" Bahamas Bonefishing Adventure){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Billfish Invitational Auction Spotlight – "Abaco Turtle Bones" Bahamas Bonefishing Adventure&body=<a title="Billfish Invitational web site" href="http://www.billfishinvitational.com/" target="_blank">BILLFISH INVITATIONAL</a> AUCTION ITEM: “Abaco Turtle Bones" Bahamas Bonefishing Adventure
Everyone knows the <a title="About the Abacos" href="http://www.bahamas.com/out-islands/abacos" target="_blank">Abacos</a> are a long chain of islands that stretch across the Northern Bahamas - a lot of rock outcroppings, some infrequent settlements, miles of powder white beaches and a whole lot of world class bonefish flats. Welcome to the Abacos! This special vacation package offers four nights of dockage, five nights of luxurious accommodations and two days on some of the best bonefish flats to be found in the world.
Start and end your sojourn with two nights free dockage at the beautiful <a title="Old Bahama Bay web site" href="http://www.oldbahamabay.com/" target="_blank">Old Bahama Bay</a>, located at West End, <a title="About Grand Bahama Island " href="http://www.bahamas.com/grand-bahama-island/grand-bahama-island" target="_blank">Grand Bahama Island</a>, your main waypoint of entry to the Abacos, and a legendary bonefish destination. Break out the fly rod and practice up for the adventure ahead.....
From Old Bahama Bay, head east towards at the renowned <a title="Green Turtle Club web site" href="http://www.greenturtleclub.com/" target="_blank">Green Turtle Club</a>, established in 1964 on picturesque Green Turtle Cay, enjoying a two night stay in a Superior Deluxe room. Honoring the tradition of old English-Bahamian hospitality, the Club offers a quality of service and attention to detail that is no longer commonplace, finding a perfect combination of Out Island relaxation and sophisticated comfort. While in residence, you’ll enjoy a complimentary candlelight dinner overlooking White Sound Harbour , or if you prefer, inside in the elegant formal dining room.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/bonefish1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-691" title="Bonefishing with Black Fly Bonefish Club" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/bonefish1.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="345" /></a>
From the Green Turtle ferry dock, make your way by cab from Treasure Cay to Marsh Harbour, where you’ll be met by <a title="Capt. Clint Kemp's web site" href="http://www.secret-soul.com/" target="_blank">Captain Clint Kemp</a>, partner, manager and chef extraordinaire of the <a title="Black Fly Bonefish Club web site" href="http://www.blackflybonefishclub.com/" target="_blank">Black Fly Bonefish Club</a>, who will escort you and a companion to the southern reaches of Great Abaco Island for a three night, two day bonefishing bonanza. Spend two nights at the Black Fly Bonefish Club, the newest bonefishing lodging venture of flyfishing guru and Bonefish Bimini partner, <a title="Vaughn Cochran's web site" href="http://www.vaughncochranart.com/" target="_blank">Vaughn Conchran</a>, and your third night at the<a title="About Abaco Lodge" href="http://www.nervouswaters.com/LodgeDetail.aspx?ItemId=6" target="_blank">Abaco Lodge</a>, the newest property owned and managed by the luxury Argentine flyfishing operator, <a title="About Nervous Waters" href="http://www.nervouswaters.com/TheCompany.aspx" target="_blank">Nervous Waters</a>.
Your relaxing evenings will be punctuated by two days of world class backcountry fishing in the prized fishing grounds of Abaco, including Moore's Island and Gorda Key, with a half dozen distinct zones for non-stop, weather proof fishing action. Vaughn Cochran’s come a long way from his days playing bass guitar for Jimmy Buffet at night and fishing the flats of Key West by days. He’ll tell you hands down this area of the Abacos is second to none for great bonefishing and permit action, although famed outdoor angler and photographer <a title="Pat Ford Photography web site" href="http://www.patfordphotos.com/" target="_blank">Pat Ford</a> will tell you Bimini is without question the best for taking permit on fly...Sounds like Vaughn’s a winner either way.
Donated by Old Bahama Bay Resort, Green Turtle Club, Vaughn Cochran/Clint Kemp of Black Fly Bonefish Club and Nervous Waters/Abaco Lodge
AUCTION INFORMATION:
Tickets to nightly events of the inaugural 2011 Billfish Invitational are available for $150/pp. Price includes cocktails, dinner and participation in the auction and award presentations.
On-site auction is Thursday, May 19th at the Bimini Big Game Club. Online bids accepted through Midnight, Wednesday, May 18.
Please contact Capt. Ned Stone (<a href="mailto:nstone@guyharveyoutpost.com">nstone@guyharveyoutpost.com</a>) for details.
https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/billfish-invitational-auction-spotlight-abaco-turtle-bones-bahamas-bonefishing-adventure/){kind=link}
TRAVEL DESK : 800.513.5257
Connect & Follow