July 17^th 2010 Team BookItNHookIt competed in the 11^th Annual Horizons KDW Fishing Tournament in Riviera Beach, Fl.  Targeted species were King Mackerel, Dolphin, and Wahoo.  Team BookItNHookIt, lead by Captain Chuck Hampton, brought in a 36.5 lb Kingfish to the scales, missing the board by only 1.2 lbs.

Capt. Chuck set out 3 long lines and 2 kite baits along the drift, all with live goggle eyes for bait.  The kite kept the bait right at the surface making for an irresistible temptation for any passing King’s.  Watching the baits quietly and intently, knowing that when a strike is made, the zipping of the line from the reel would create an orchestrated chaos, like fireman rushing to a fire.  Then it happened, “Fish on!” Joel yelled, as the monster king erupted from the water 6 feet into the air.  Everyone rushed to their stations.  Robert to the rod, Keith to helm, Bill and Joel to reel in other lines, and Capt. Chuck overseeing the team, issuing commands to ensure that the fish will be landed.  After an embroiled fifteen minutes, the fish was nearing the boat.  A flash of silver would appear in the water, yet as the fish would see the boat, another run would begin.  Finally, the team was able to guide the fish in to 5 feet off the port side.  Capt Chuck made a daring leap, reaching with the gaff to land the king.  Along with multiple Kingfish, Captain Chuck was able to wrangle up a Black fin Tuna.  This excitement is a rare occurrence for the average angler, though it is just another day at the office for Capt. Chuck.

Team BookItNHookIt’s members are: Capt. Chuck Hampton, Robert Chandler, Keith Ostermann, Bill Chandler, and Joel Chandler.  Go to www.bookitnhookit.com/captainchuck to book a trip with Capt. Chuck today.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is keeping all Florida waters and fisheries open.  The closures that are in effect have been issued by NOAA and only pertain to Federal waters far offshore in the immediate area of the oil spill.  Our Captains along the gulf coast have reported no effect to the fishing, in fact the bite is on down the gulf coast of Florida as the Tarpon have moved in.  The water temperature is up to the low 80’s as Snook are showing up in decent numbers. Red Drum and trout are biting in the flats.  Off shore the Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, and AmberJacks have been shredding some line.  Where ever you go in Florida, Rest assured you will find a wide selection of great fishing.

As many of us have seen the media coverage on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, we as fisherman are concerned over the ecological impact and the affect it may have on fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico.  I had the benefit of sitting in on a conference call with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) this week where we discussed the closures of marine fisheries.  Currently there is a 10 day closure off the coast of southern Louisiana.  The situation is under constant evaluation from scientists and researchers and more closures may come.  This closure area is only in the affected region of the Gulf.

Florida is likely to be impacted in the panhandle region.  Andrew Winer, Director of External Affairs for NOAA, stated that “As of now, there is no indication that the oil slick will reach the Loop Current.”  The possibility of the oil slick reaching the Loop Current could bring effects through the Florida Straits on into the Gulf Stream.  Other fisheries in the Gulf and Atlantic are deemed safe for consumption at this time.

I had the opportunity to speak with BookItNHookIt.com’s own Captain Kirk Prest who operates out of Venice, La.  His business is already feeling both the ecological and economical impacts of this man-made disaster.  Fishery closures have forced canceled some of his trips for the immediate time frame.  Capt Kirk patiently waits on call for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to aid in recovery efforts to save animals that may be impacted.

This shines a light on offshore drilling in the gulf.  Even with oil rigs being over the horizon, these catastrophe’s close that distance and force us to feel the effects on our beaches and favorite fishing holes.

So, you are planning the big fishing trip with high hopes of “The Big One”, here are some tips to help make this exciting experience as worry free as possible. Make sure to check the weather and bring weather appropriate clothing . Bring sun screen, even if it is covered, has a cabin or both, the sun can still burn you from the reflection off the water. Hat, sunglasses (polarized preferred), camera to capture that special moment, food, drinks, a cooler (to bring the catch home!), and motion sickness pills are all recommended to help make the best fishing trip even more enjoyable! Tipping the first mate and/or captain is a way of showing your appreciation for an adventure, it is customary to tip 10% to 20% of the total cost of your trip. With that being said, go to your trip with a good attitude and learn from a professional!