Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report,
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
As we spin around the sun on our short ride through the universe, we are often challenged by life's hurtles. These challenges test our spirit, strength, courage, and our heart. Even though we think we are prepared, we are soon humbled by reality. Such was the case these past weeks, as we endure the loss of my wife's mother Renee Fine. Renee was the heart and strength of her loving family, which is evident by her 62 years of marriage to her husband Jack, her 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Our hearts are broken by our loss, but our tears are not only those of sorrow, but also those of pride. The love she shared with us, will always embrace our family and our hearts as we continue her legacy.
On a brighter note, my wife Sandi and I managed to slip away this past week on a four-day excursion to paradise as we attended the Florida Outdoor Writers Association Conference held at the magnificent Hawk's Cay Resort on Duck Key, www.hawkscay.com. Over the years, the beauty and slow paced adventure of the Florida Keys have drawn us south, and even though our visit this time was short, our spirits were uplifted by the hospitality of our host and the camaraderie of the FOWA membership. As an aspiring outdoor writer, I was honored to join in the celebration of FOWA's 60th anniversary, and I left the event inspired by the many world-renowned outdoor communicators in attendance.
Although our conference schedule was eventful, plenty of time was set aside for extra curricular activities like touring and fishing. On the second day of the event, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, www.fla-keys.com, organized a fun fishing tournament consisting of twenty professional Keys fishing guides and 40 anglers. During the event, I was teamed up with the famed west Florida guide Captain Tommy Thompson, and we departed from one of my all-time favorite marinas, Robbie's, around 7am. If you love fishing and marine life, Robbie's is a most see for its nostalgic old Florida appeal and its world famous school of hand fed tarpon.
Our guide for the tournament was a seasoned 15-year New Zealand transplant named, of all things, Kiwi Hughes, who traveled to the Keys for wedding of a friend, fell in love with the place and the fishing, and he never looked back. As we skimmed across the crystal clear Florida Bay waters in the direction of Flamingo, the warm breeze in my face was relaxing, and I soon found myself drifting back into the days when recreational angling was in it's incipient stage. It was as if I had traveled back into the pages of a Hemingway novel in search of world record fish on simple tackle. Although the weather was perfect, the early morning full moon high tide equated to tough catching conditions, so as professional guides who spend a lot of our time guiding and fishing, we were more than content with exploring and learning about the abundant resources before us then catching fish. Tommy and I did manage to fish a bit, landing four different species on one three-pack of nite-glow DOA Shrimp supplied to us before the tournament by Captain Mark Nickels owner and inventor of DOA Lures, www.doalures.com.
On completion of our charter, we were off to Lorelei's, www.loreleifloridakeys.com, for a cold beer, yellowtail snapper sandwich, and yes a slice of heaven, Key lime pie. Kiwi's knowledge of Key's backcountry and his uplifting spirit were both entertaining and enjoyable, and on your next adventure to the Conch Republic, I highly recommend fishing with a Key's guide.
As I reflect back on this report and my experiences these past few weeks, I find myself thankful for the many blessing I've experienced in my life. I am blessed by a wonderful family, many caring friends, my occupations, and my freedom. So if your life is spinning way too fast, my I suggest stepping back with a visit to the majestic Florida Keys.
Last but not least, let us not forget the heroes of September 11th, and the men and woman who defend our freedom, so we can enjoy a pleasant ride around the sun.
As always, if you need more information or have any questions, please contact me
Good luck and good fishing
Captain Tom Van Horn
www.irl-fishing.com
407-416-1187 on the water
407-366-8085 land line
866-790-8081 toll free
Additionally, If anyone has found a 18' G-Loomis push pole in the Indian River near Titusville, Mike Cassidy in offering a 100.00 dollar reward for its return.
Mike Cassidy
321-698-7787