Martha Ann in Big Pine Key - Journal Entry #1

Hello from Big Pine Key!
Our welcoming committee was very happy to see us.  I think they remembered the hot dog buns they stole from Wayne last year!

We've had a bit of windy weather & some thunderstorms to dodge, but have been out every day on the water.  Wayne captured a few lobsters, but hasn't worked too hard at it yet.  I took a few underwater shots of Angelfish (wish they would hold still though!)

Spent a little time playing Hide-N-Go-Seek with some lobster.  Just because they can't see me doesn't mean I can't see them.

The Permit are proving they are smarter than us, as usual.  We have seen a few in the last 3 days, but either missed the shot entirely, or weren't ready when they appeared, or they weren't hungry when I did put the crab in front of them (or so I thought!).  We've also seen a few Tarpon & no better luck there either!  Taking us longer to get into our groove this year!  We have not been totally skunked, though, catching a few sharks, one BIG Barracuda, some Jacks & two nice Mangrove Snapper that became dinner for two nights.  Yum!


Off to the No Name Pub for pizza!  

Martha Ann in Big Pine Key - Journal Entry #2

Hi, again!  Finally downloaded these pics from yesterday so here they are!  Wayne is holding up my big barracuda for me because no way was I going to try to hold up that fish with those big teeth!  Just call me chicken!

These are the snappers that made two dinners for us!

Sunrise as we were heading out, No Name Key Bridge.

Had another great time at No Name Pub tonight!  Met some nice people. 

Martha Ann in Big Pine Key - Journal Entry #3

Hi everyone!  FINALLY!  Today I caught the first Permit of the trip!  The day was dead calm (be careful what you wish for) and hotter than Hades this afternoon!  We could see everything in the water, but the Permit could also see us, too.  Missed several shots at some tailers in the morning.  Also spent some time chasing what turned out to be several Spotted Eagle Rays!  Thought those tails looked a little odd!  Proud of us though for sticking it out in sweltering heat, outgoing tides & all to hook this beauty!  32" to the fork of its tail, approx. 22 lbs.

We had to head over to a few lobster holes after this fight so we could dive into the water & cool down!  Wayne then got on the hunt & caught a few lobsters.  He also speared a couple of nice Mangrove Snappers!
Left the dock today around 7:30am & came in around 6ish - long day, but really fun!  We are really whipped! 

Martha Ann in Big Pine Key - Journal Entry #4

Well, Our Keys vacation is over again too soon!  Still many more fish to catch, places to explore, but it is also nice to be home!  Here are some highlight photos of this year's adventure.