Southbound Blog
What’s biting and the random ramblings of a local boat Captain.
The Road to the Florida Keys
The road to the Florida Keys will be opening on June 1st. There has been a roadblock in place for Southbound traffic since late March. Since then, if you were not a resident or homeowner or you worked in the Keys, you were not allowed in. Now, I have some serious...
I like being the early bird
When I bought the Southbound in 1992, most of the charter boats would leave the dock at 8 am. That is much later than boats in most areas. Key West has the advantage of being able to catch fish relatively close. I've caught Sailfish within 5 miles of the beach. Most...
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Today the Southbound will remain in its slip. We work a lot. At times we will work 7,8 or even 14 days in a row. We don't have weekends. Being a charter fishing boat owner/operator really is a dream job. I have said many times I know how...
We need some cold weather
While most of the country is somewhat dreading the onset of winter and the cold weather it brings. I am actually looking forward to it. Fishing, or more accurately, catching fish can depend on the conditions. The fact that we tend to catch certain fish at certain...
A Day Off!
I have said many times that I know how lucky I am. Going fishing is a great job in a wonderful place. I get to go have fun with people and get paid for it. But I do have other things I need to do in my life that I can't do on the boat. Every once in awhile, I need a...
The weather is changing
Most people around the country look forward to the first warm day of spring. The sun feels like a long lost friend warming your back after a long cold winter. You can go outside with out putting on a jacket and boots. in Key West, it is the exact opposite. We look...
Fishing Karma
Some people seem to always catch fish. Call it luck, good timing or maybe it's just "Fishing Karma". It seems that I have certain customers that come back year after year and always seem to have a good day. Now, part of it is their timing. I can't tell you how many...
Tough Day Fishing
Yesterday was a very tough day fishing. Probably not the "best" business move to say on the internet that we didn't catch a lot of fish. But it's the truth and one of the reasons I started my website. I got tired of the BS I was seeing on the ads and websites of...
Taking a break
Taking a few days off To go up to my hunting camp with some friends and go hog hunting. Fishing has been tough and the weather, while spectacular with calm seas and no rain, has been hot. So I'm taking a break to get away for a few days. I know I have a great job, But...
Fishing with Vikings
We have had good conditions for fishing the last 4-5 days, but not good conditions for the fishermen. The current has been in close and running hard to the east while the wind has been blowing 15-20mph out of the east. This means the waves are big and the boat does...
Boat Yard Blues
Every boat owner has to deal with the Boat Yard Blues. Charter boats such as mine or any "working" boat usually go every year or two. It's never fun. When you are a boat owner, always feels good to get your boat fixed up. There is always a sense of accomplishment...
Summer in the Keys is starting early
Summer in the Keys usually starts right at the beginning of June. I know the "official" first day of Summer is June 21st. Usually, it is dry and not so humid until the beginning of June. But this year, Summer in the Keys is starting early. Being in the tropics, and...