The year of 2010 earmarked some great catches aboard the Lady K. Anglers fished all through many different conditions, from cold blustery winter days, into those hot and humid still summer mornings, beyond the rain-soaked choppy conditions of tropical storms – here are just a handful of memories from throughout the seasons of 2010………………………..
A mild South Florida winter day saw this 50 plus pound wahoo come aboard the Lady K during a January afternoon trip………….
Winter also brought some smoker sized King Mackerel over the reefs of Lantana, Florida – many larger than the anglers who caught them…..
The hard cold days of February and March brought resplendent smiles to those who landed large African Pompano……….
Bottom fishing during the winter always brings a unusual visitor up from the depths – who could forget Jenny’s Febuary Flying Gurnard?……
Early spring brought cool mornings and warm afternoons, but the fishing was hot with King Mackerel, Dorado (dolphin), and Cobia showing up……….
Big spring time Mutton Snapper found their way home to dinner after the mid-day sun warmed things up a little……………….
Cobia were in full force during May with the Lady K limiting out at six fish per trip and Dorado in the mix………………
The big Black-fin Tuna started showing up at the end of May and continued pushing anglers to their limit throughout June…………..
Full boxes of fish kept everyone busy, both on the rail and at the cleaning table………………………..
Summertime brought us some great night-time fishing with Mangrove snapper and King Mackerel……………………………….
along with quite a few double-digit Mutton Snapper during the afternoons……………………………
The Bull Sharks did eat quite a few nice fish before they could be brought aboard the Lady K, so remember this summer to REEL FAST – REAL FAST……………………………….
What a Snag…………. during periods of heavy rain, freshwater is flushed out through spillways to prevent flooding and during these times it’s not unusual to see fresh water fish floating in the ocean. This Largemouth Bass was barely alive when it was “snagged” by an angler using a guppy rig while fishing close to the Boynton Inlet aboard the Lady K and really surprised the entire crew.
July and August saw many anglers catching their limit of Yellow-tail Snapper aboard the Lady K……………………………
August also brought some hot Wahoo fishing to anglers fishing both “flat” lines on spinning outfits and while using boat rods…………………
Early September is when these big Mutton Snapper can be found out deep as well along the shallower reefs…………………………
October brought Black Grouper aboard the Lady K as well as a fall run of King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish…………………….
The beautiful copperish-gold color of the Schoolmaster Snapper marks Florida’s changing colors for fall………………………..
November starts the fall run of Cobia such as this 30 pound fish caught aboard the Lady K. The fish generally migrate along the beaches during the fall and winter following large stingrays but will also stray out over the areas wrecks and reefs in search of baitfish……………………
Fall Dorado average between 6 to 15 pounds and always light up the rail with excitement as they flash their colors and display wonderful acrobatics. Dorado can be caught during the winter time but will usually be smaller “peanut” sized fish…………………..
November King Mackerel will average between 8 to 10 pounds with a few fish in the 20 pound range taken by anglers using triple hooked sardines. One of the best ways to catch kings is to set your line out and leave the rod in a holder, waiting for the reel to scream……………….
November brought some big swells to the Boynton Inlet and some good fishing was to be had beyond the break……………………………………
Many colorful ornamental reef fish, such as this Queen Triggerfish, have been photographed and released by anglers fishing the waters of South Florida for the first time. There are over 200 different species and sub-species combined of reef fish found in the home waters of the Lady K but only a small fraction of them are caught on hook and line.
Rays like the Cow-nosed Ray pictured above and Southern Stingrays (below) are an uncommon catch aboard the Lady K. Large specimens are cut loose at the boat while smaller, more manageable fish may be brought aboard for a quick photo opportunity before being released.
Near freezing temperatures in December brought plenty of football sized Black-fin Tuna aboard the Lady K by anglers fishing chunk baits, small sardines and while trolling between fishing spots.
Not every day of December was cold. There were plenty of mild days filled with sunshine and offshore surprises such as this large Ocean Tally – an excellent eating member of the Triggerfish family and one worthy of a photo for the bragging board.
Winter time Mahi Mahi averaged four to six pounds but sometimes a 20 plus pound fish can be found underneath a school of smaller fish. King Mackerel and wahoo are also frequently caught under schools of small Mahi during the winter months so don’t be afraid to drop a bait 20 feet or more below a school of fish – you may be rewarded with a big surprise.
Sailfish are a winter by-catch for the Lady K and sometimes the vessel will see multiple hook-ups of this majestic gamefish both before and after a cold front moves through the area. Have a camera ready for some spectacular acrobatics during the battle or when the fish comes up to the boat flashing colors of neon blue, purple, silver and gold.
We hope you enjoyed the snap-shots of some of the great catches, both big and small, brought aboard the Lady K during the 2010 seasons. It has been a privilege for all of us at BarJack Fishing to serve all of the anglers who have fished with us this past year and we look forward to continuing the commitment of professionalism, education and safety to make everyone’s offshore fishing experience relaxing, fun and memorable.
And what would the Lady K be without some photos of our Lady anglers and junior (K)ids division?
A very good student! The young lady on the right caught her fourth fish ever after receiving instructions from the crew, what a nice Wahoo!……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
A thumbs up review for a first time King Mackerel catch, great job!……………………………………..
A Cow-nosed Ray surprised this young angler while fishing a bottom rig with cut squid…………………………………………
D is for Dolphin and Delicious and Delightful and a job well Done……………………………………
Light spinning tackle and some small Dorado were the perfect match for some hot catch and release action, great job Dillon……………
Crestwood Middle School show off their catch during a field trip they took aboard the Lady K during the fall. The Lady K is also the official vessel for the West Palm Beach Fishing Foundation “Kids Fishing Day” during the summer and we look forward to our 24th year!…………………………………………………..
Bonito (aka False Albacore) are hard fighters and sure to give any junior angler a memory of a lifetime just about any time of the year. Although the fish are generally caught during the summer, they can also give anglers a battle during the fall and winter as well……………….
Fishing is about building memories with family and friends, giving children the chance to experience achievement and opening their minds up beyond video games or other inept and inert activities. The young man above battled his first ever Mahi Mahi for 15 long minutes being encouraged by his family and the entire boat to continue when he thought he couldn’t do it, the reward was accomplishment and a great memory sure to last a lifetime!
In closing, everyone at Barjack Fishing would like to thank all of our patrons for choosing the Lady K as their vessel of choice for fishing southern Palm Beach county and allowing us to help build fond memories of quality time with family and friends alike in the old traditional Florida way – fishing. We look forward to an exciting 2011 fishing season with all of our anglers, young or elder, novice or experienced and residents or visitors; it is our pleasure to serve you and all your fishing needs.
Happy New Year!!!! May your dreams become accomplishments and your prayers be answered.
