HotelClub.com has named Bimini one of the “7 Iconic James Bond Destinations”. Bimini served as one of the main settings in the 1989 thriller License to Kill, and Bimini’s famous shipwreck …
Swordfish Extravaganza II a Big Hit in South Florida
18 Oct 20102:47 PM
Kudos to Capt. Skip Smith and the Swordfish Club for the record breaking attendance at the Swordfish Extravaganza II event, which was held last week at the IGFA headquarters in Dania Beach, FL. Major names in the big game tackle business showcased their latest products for hooking up these behemoths, and key organizations produced informative seminars on the fishery. NOAA and HMS gave presentations on government efforts to rebuild “trust” with recreational fishermen, and highlighted the importance of reporting your sword catch so the USA can keep a valid tally in regards to our international quota.
Congrats again to Capt. Skip and the Swordfish Club crew for a great event!
Pro team Member
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![](mailto:?subject=Swordfish Extravaganza II a Big Hit in South Florida&body=Kudos to <a title="Smith-Merritt Insurnace web site" href="http://www.smith-merritt.com/" target="_blank">Capt. Skip Smith</a> and the <a title="Swordfish Club web site" href="http://www.swordfishclub.org/" target="_blank">Swordfish Club</a> for the record breaking attendance at the <a title="Swordfish Extravaganza II info page" href="http://billfish.org/1356-swordfish-extravaganza-ii#continue_post" target="_blank">Swordfish Extravaganza II</a> event, which was held last week at the <a title="IGFA web site" href="http://www.igfa.org" target="_blank">IGFA</a> headquarters in <a title="Dania Beach, FL web site" href="http://www.ci.dania-beach.fl.us/" target="_blank">Dania Beach, FL</a>. Major names in the big game tackle business showcased their latest products for hooking up these behemoths, and key organizations produced informative seminars on the fishery. <a title="NOAA web site" href="http://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank">NOAA</a> and HMS gave presentations on government efforts to rebuild "trust" with recreational fishermen, and highlighted the importance of reporting your sword catch so the USA can keep a valid tally in regards to our international quota.
<a href="http://www.swordfishclub.org/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-162" title="Swordfish Extravaganza II" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/sfii1.jpg?w=224" alt="" width="224" height="300" /></a>
Congrats again to Capt. Skip and the Swordfish Club crew for a great event! https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/swordfish-extravaganza-ii-a-big-hit-in-south-florida/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Bow to the Silver King!&body=Any day now, long lines of large silver gamefish with glittering scales can be seen making their way along Miami Beach from Haulover Inlet to Government Cut, and throughout Florida Bay and the Atlantic side of the Florida Keys. It's Tarpon Time--that bewitching season when local anglers and those from all over flock to South Florida in hopes of engaging in glorious battle with one of the hardest-fighting and most enigmatic fish in the world.
From now through about the end of June, wherever coastal water temperatures hit that magical 75-degree mark, schools of tarpon will aggregate in the annual marine version of the singles bar, looking to hook up, and then later head off to deeper water to spawn. If tide and weather conditions are favorable, they might just hook up with you too-- tempted by your offerings of live shrimp, crabs or mullet, or maybe a realistic fly pattern or swimming plug. But catching and releasing a tarpon is NEVER a given.
"Remember-- tarpon are a mystery," said veteran light-tackle guide Captain Joe Gonzalez of Miami, who fishes customers in his 18-foot Hells Bay skiff, "Funny Bone".
According to Gonzalez, March through May is prime time for pursuing tarpon in Biscayne Bay. In early winter, he said, the fish key on shrimp migrating through passes and channels on the outgoing tide at night.
In March, he said, "they're already moving inside the bay-- in the inlets, basins, channels, and around the bridges. If the weather gets nasty, they move offshore and go south, then you get another push of fish."
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/tarpon1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4598" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/tarpon1.jpg" alt="tarpon1" width="2100" height="1358" /></a>
Daytime fishing gets better, and as the waters warm and flush swarms of swimming crabs, it's time to use those silver-dollar-sized crustaceans for bait.
Gonzalez likes to fly fish for tarpon on the ocean side of the Biscayne Bay barrier islands all the way south to Key Largo.
"They're rolling and you can sight-fish for them in the basins and areas where they stage," he said.
There is nothing quite like sight-fishing for tarpon-- especially with a fly rod, since it's always a challenge to entice a wild animal to eat a man-made creation of fur and feathers.
You have to cast your bait very near the tarpon's mouth because it doesn't want to work very hard to catch a meal. Once the fish engulfs the offering, you must set the hook before it can spit it out-- a tricky business that goes wrong more than it goes right. When the tarpon realizes it has a hook in its jaw, it almost always jumps out of the water, and you have to see it coming and perform the maneuver of 'bowing to the silver king'-- pointing the rod down and toward the fish. If all goes well and you are still connected, you'll probably be engaged in battle for quite some time--either until you bring the fish up to the gunwales to be released or it breaks your line. Good luck.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tarpon1-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4599" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tarpon1-1.jpg" alt="Tarpon1 (1)" width="4320" height="3240" /></a>
Biscayne Bay doesn't harbor as many tarpon during the spring as the Keys, Gonzalez says, because the waters of the island chain are a convergence zone for tarpon migrating from both the Gulf and Atlantic. But you might find Biscayne Bay to be less crowded with anglers than the busy flats of the Keys, and the fish tend to hang out in the bay into July-- after they've gone AWOL in the Keys.
In the Keys, you'll find tarpon in the channels beneath the U.S. 1 bridges; on the flats and channels in the vast back country; along the edges of ocean side flats; and there's usually big school right in busy Key West Harbor. Baits include pilchards, mullet, crabs, and pinfish.
One phenomenon peculiar to the Keys is the palolo worm hatch which usually occurs on the full and new moons of May and June during a falling tide in late afternoon.
When these magenta-colored marine worms start popping to the surface, tarpon gobble them to the exclusion of everything else. One Key West guide describes the fish as acting like they're on LSD. Double-digit releases on fly patterns that imitate the worms are common. Even if you miss all your strikes, it's a marvel to observe.
Tarpon charter openings are filling up fast. To book a trip with any Outfitter <a href="http://guyharveyoutpost.com/expeditions/expedition-adventures/tarpon-tango/">Click Here</a> or call the Travel Desk at 800-513-5257. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/bow-to-the-silver-king/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Symposium Announced for September 14-15 in St. Pete Beach, FL&body=<a href="http://www.gulffisheriessymposium.com/"><img class="aligncenter" title="Gulf of Mexico Symposium" src="http://guyharvey.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/gulf-of-mexico-symposium.jpg" alt="" width="405" height="515" /></a>
Health of Gulf Seafood, Fishery Analysis and Habitat Restoration on Agenda
ST. PETE BEACH, FL—AUGUST 20, 2012— Two years after the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon oil well was finally capped, the largest gathering of scientists, fishery experts and government officials are gathering in St. Pete Beach to share the findings of their research, and to offer direction for further study.
The <a title="Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Symposium web site" href="http://www.gulffisheriessymposium.com/" target="_blank">Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Symposium</a>, on Sept. 14-15, is the first summit to bring together the various stakeholders in the Gulf's fishery, an annual multi-billion-dollar industry for Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
The oil gusher and the clear environmental damage in 2010 captivated international attention and raised doubts about the safety of eating Gulf of Mexico seafood. It also raised concerns about short- and long-term damage to fish stocks. Research to be presented at the symposium will begin to definitively address these issues.
The symposium will also present the results of research funded by the <a title="GHOF web site" href="http://www.guyharveyoceanfoundation.org" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation</a>'s 2010 <a title="About the "Save Our Gulf" campaign" href="http://guyharvey.wordpress.com/2010/08/30/727/" target="_blank">"Save Our Gulf" campaign</a>, which raised $500,000 to fund gulf fisheries research related to the oil spill. It will bring together representatives from all sectors of the marine world - recreational and commercial fishermen, non-governmental and governmental agencies, politicians, fishing authorities and marine scientists - to explore vital issues facing the Gulf through presentations and panel discussions. More than 200 are expected to attend and participate.
The recommendations offered by the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Symposium will also involve requesting funding from the $20 billion trust established by BP to respond to claims from individuals, businesses and government entities.
Headliners appearing at the symposium are <a title="About Dr. Bill Hogarth" href="http://www.gulffisheriessymposium.com/2012/06/15/dr-bill-hogarth-2/" target="_blank">Dr. Bill Hogarth</a>, director of the <a title="About the FIO" href="http://fio.usf.edu/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Florida Institute of Oceanography</a> and a former Assistant Administrator for Fisheries at <a title="NOAA web site" href="http://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank">NOAA</a>, and <a title="Guy Harvey Inc. web site" href="http://www.guyharvey.com" target="_blank">Dr. Guy Harvey</a>, celebrated artist, fisheries scientist and conservationist. The symposium's line-up includes <a title="About Eric Schwaab" href="http://www.gulffisheriessymposium.com/2012/06/15/eric-schwaab/" target="_blank">Eric Schwaab</a>, Acting Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management, <a title="About Gil McRae" href="http://www.gulffisheriessymposium.com/2012/06/15/gil-mcrae/" target="_blank">Gil McRae</a>, Director, <a title="About the FWRI" href="http://myfwc.com/research/" target="_blank">Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)</a>, <a title="About Donald Kent" href="http://www.hswri.org/index.php?pr=Donald_B_Kent" target="_blank">Donald Kent</a>, President of the <a title="HSWI web site" href="http://www.hswri.org/" target="_blank">Hubbs-Seaworld Institute</a>, <a title="About Dr. Bob Hueter" href="http://www.gulffisheriessymposium.com/2012/06/15/dr-robert-e-hueter/" target="_blank">Dr. Bob Hueter</a> from <a title="MML web site" href="http://www.mote.org/" target="_blank">Mote Marine Laboratory</a>, <a title="About Dr. Mahmood Shivji" href="http://www.gulffisheriessymposium.com/2012/06/15/dr-mahmood-shivji-2/" target="_blank">Dr. Mahmood Shivji</a>, Director of the <a title="About the GHRI" href="http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ghri/" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Research Institute</a> at <a title="NSU web site" href="http://www.nova.edu/" target="_blank">Nova Southeastern University</a>.
The ultimate mission of the symposium is to provide a platform where all stakeholder groups can share knowledge and move forward with a unified mission of a sustainable and healthy fishery in the Gulf of Mexico.
For a final agenda and listing of speakers and panelists, please go to <a href="http://www.gulffisheriessymposium.com/">www.gulffisheriessymposium.com</a>.
The symposium will be held at the <a title="About Guy Harvey Outpost on St. Pete Beach" href="http://www.tradewindsresort.com/guy_harvey_outpost.aspx" target="_blank">TradeWinds Islands Resort</a> on St. Pete Beach. The Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Symposium is sponsored by NOAA, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the <a title="USF web site" href="http://www.usf.edu/" target="_blank">University of South Florida</a>, the Florida Institute of Oceanography, Mote Marine Laboratory, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and <a title="GHM web site" href="http://www.guyharveymagazine.com" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Magazine</a>. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/gulf-of-mexico-fisheries-symposium-announced-for-september-14-15-in-st-pete-beach-fl/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Guy Harvey Outpost Club to Open on Rum Cay, Bahamas&body=<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/rum-cay-aerial-lr1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-949" title="Rum Cay, Bahamas" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/rum-cay-aerial-lr1.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="412" /></a>
Second Location for Guy Harvey Outpost Properties Program
Fort Lauderdale, FL - November 28, 2011 - <a title="GHO web site" href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts LTD</a> announced today plans to open its second boutique resort property on <a title="About Rum Cay" href="http://guyharveyoutpost.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=80&Itemid=87" target="_blank">Rum Cay</a> in the southern Bahamas. The popular <a title="Sumner Point M&V web site" href="http://www.rumcaymarina.com/" target="_blank">Sumner Point Marina & Villas </a>property is undergoing renovations and reopens this spring as the Guy Harvey Outpost Resort & Marina, Rum Cay.
Rum is the southern gateway in and out of the Bahamas, just like <a title="About Bimini" href="http://www.bahamas.com/out-islands/bimini" target="_blank">Bimini</a> is to the north, so this is a great complement to our system and certainly will be a welcome Outpost for any of our customers spending time further down the island chain," notes company President, Mark Ellert. The Rum Cay project follows the reopening of the <a title="BBGC web site" href="http://www.biggameclubbimini.com" target="_blank">Bimini Big Game Club</a> last year as a Guy Harvey Outpost. Rum Cay is an out-island destination known for its rugged and unspoiled beauty, and daily life on Rum is little changed over the past hundred years.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/rum-cay-bluffs-lr1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-952" title="The unspoiled bluffs at Rum Cay" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/rum-cay-bluffs-lr1.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="366" /></a>
"Every serious angler or diver has the Southern Bahamas on his or her bucket list, every mariner knows it’s where you put in for fuel and shore leave and with a lack of crowds or development, Rum Cay enthusiasts consider it their own private island retreat," adds Ellert, who oversees location selection for the firm. "For all these adventure travelers, we intend the Outpost Club & Marina to be the destination of choice in the Southern Bahamas."
The island has approximately 60 permanent residents and is roughly 50 miles southeast of Georgetown in <a title="About The Exumas" href="http://www.bahamas.com/out-islands/exumas" target="_blank">the Exumas</a>. Conception Island, which is part of the <a title="About the Land and Sea Park" href="http://www.bnt.bs/parks_exuma.php" target="_blank">Bahamas National Land and Sea Park</a> sanctuary, figures prominently in the company’s interest.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/rum-cay-marina-lr1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-954" title="Rum Cay Marina" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/rum-cay-marina-lr1.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="366" /></a>
"Conception is just 10 miles from Rum," said the company’s chairman, <a title="Guy Harvey Inc. web site" href="http://www.guyharvey.com" target="_blank">Dr. Guy Harvey</a>, who holds a Ph.D in marine fisheries management. " In addition to the fantastic diving there, we intend to work with government in expanding the coral and shark research work of the <a title="GHRI web site" href="http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ghri/" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Research Institute</a> which is a cornerstone of our Outpost program in the Bahamas."
Named Santa Maria de La Concepcion by Columbus who visited the island on his first voyage to the New World, Rum Cay is believed to have acquired its modern name from a shipwrecked cargo of rum. The island’s most famous shipwreck is that of the 101-gun <a title="About the HMS Conqueror" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Conqueror_(1855)" target="_blank">HMS Conqueror </a>which sank off Sumner Point in 1861, and is now preserved and protected as the Bahamas Underwater Museum.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/snorkling-off-rum-cay-lr1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-956" title="Snorkeling off Rum Cay" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/snorkling-off-rum-cay-lr1.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="828" /></a>
Widely recognized for its outstanding diving and fishing, Rum Cay is also popular with surfing and kite-boarding enthusiasts, and sky diving over the island is quickly gaining in popularity. This December the resort hosts its second "Jump Boogie", a weeklong skydiving and kite-surfing event.
"Rum Cay has always interested us because of its unquestionable natural beauty and its top-of-class sporting activities, including extreme sports that appeal to a new generation of Guy Harvey friends and fans," emphasizes Ned Stone, who leads the company’s "Outpost Pursuits" program. "Surf, kite and paddle boards are the new beach sports, and we intend to bring our top-of-class DNA to these as we’ve done for fishing and diving."
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/rum-cay-surfing1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-957" title="Surfing Rum Cay" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/rum-cay-surfing1.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="367" /></a>
The Sumner Point Marina is situated on the southeast tip of Rum Cay. The marina and adjoining club facilities have been owned and operated by the Little family since 1960. Known for its protected marina, picturesque beachside cottages and gourmet dining, the property exudes the bohemian flair of its owner and artist-in-residence, Bobby Little.
"It’s time for our family to take this incredible property to the next level", remarked Bobby Little in announcing the conversion of his boutique resort. "I was raised on Rum, as has my son. With our renovations and the support of the Guy Harvey Outpost brand and management, I expect our property to become a beacon for sustainable tourism in the Southern Bahamas. I can’t think of a better legacy for our family, for the Bahamas or for anyone who has come to call us their island home."
For more information, visit <a title="GHO web site" href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Outpost</a>. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/guy-harvey-outpost-club-to-open-on-rum-cay-bahamas/){kind=link}
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