Captiva July 2014

Week two is flying by and the good news is….the fish are starting to bite.  We’re still fishing mostly top water plugs but using live bait as well. 

Catch of the Day.

Using  Halo Rods with  Quantum PT Smoke In Shore Reels, an absolutely unbelievable set up, we’re loving what we see.  We’ve got them spooled with Tuf-Line XP Braided Spectra line.  This rod is ultra light with good action and the reel is smooth.  The more we use the combination the more we love it.  You’ve got to try this for yourself and  let us know what you think.  It’s a little pricey to put together at about $250.00 per rod and reel, but well worth every cent.  Remember to be faithful with your saltwater maintenance and spray them down with freshwater after every use.  Proper maintenance makes all the difference in the life of your equipment.

Halo Fishing Rods with Quantum PT Smoke In Shore Reels. A beautiful thing.

Absolutely Fantastic Reels.

Mid week I decided to join the boys in the afternoon and  had a blast.  ( That’s my MO….wait until the’ve done the work and figured it out,  then join ’em). We fished from Buck Key to Boca Grande and every where in between.  We’re still fishing top water plugs across the grass flats and caught some nice trout.  Kyle finally got the Reds in the boat.  Blackened Redfish.  Another Favorite.

Ha! I caught the first keepers this trip.

4th of July we headed over to Cayo Costa, a Florida State Park directly south of Boca Grande.  You can only get there by boat, which makes it a fantastic place to go shelling.  If you don’t have a boat you can arrange for a shelling tour to take you there.  Remember you can’t take live shells, so this sand dollar we found had to be left where we found it.  In the Gulf.   I walked along the beach and found a nice variety of shells.  Sun bleached sand dollars, olives, welks, two sea urchins and a really nice tulip.  Nice additions to myCaptiva shell collection.  

Not a keeper-Live Sand Dollar.

 After a day of shelling, fishing and fun in the sun, we called R.C. Otters for a take out order of Crunchy Fried Grouper Sandwiches and took a walk over to pick it up.  (It was my turn to cook).  R.C. Otters on Andy Rosse Lane, is a great restaurant with a nice variety on the menu.  Eat in or dine out and take out orders welcome.  The food is good, the prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.  That’s a winner and sure to make everyone happy.  We love the Grouper Sandwich and Conch Fritters, but the Burgers and Vegetable Fajitas are close runner ups.

Best Fried Grouper Sandwich on the Island!!

Alas, all good things come to an end and our 2014 Summer Vacation was one of them.  It’s all over but the crying.  Don’t laugh…in thirty years I’ve only made it once without crying when we leave.  Thanks to my boys, the Jensen brothers and the wonderful group of Jensen’s regulars this was one of our best vacations ever.  

It’s all over but the cryin’.

Dave Jensen and the boys.

So long Y’all, see you next year.  350 days and counting!