By Captain John Smouse

Fish Pics 2015

Here are just a few of the great fish we have been catching on the Shadowcasterout of Key West. The Weather is great and so is the fishing. We should continue to see a strong Tarpon bite through the end of July. Summer is my favorite time to hunt Permit in the Shallows.
Remember I am owner/operator, so that means I run all the trips. I don’t hire other guides to run my trips and I don’t farm out trips to other less experienced Capts.

 

By Captain John Smouse

Fishing has been Great!!!

Fishing on the ShadowCaster has been fantastic. We have been busy everyday putting our customers on fish. Above are some of the winter species we have been catching this week. Weather has been outstanding!!! Warm and sunny most everday!!! And the forecast is for more of the same.
With this warm of a winter I am expecting the Tarpon to be showing up next month. In years past with warmer than normal winters, Tarpon tend to start showing themselves in mid February.
We are looking forward to a fish packed 2015, come on down and get some!!!
Call Capt. John 305 587 7669

By Captain John Smouse

January 2015!!!!!

2015 is starting out Great!!!! We have been catching a mixed bag of species. When the weather is right, and it has been lately, some of our resident Tarpon get hungry. A great fish anytime of year, especially in January. The migratory schools os Tarpon typically show up in mid-late February. And with this warm weather we have been having, I predict they will be here right on time.
But until they get here we have been busy catching the other winter species. Some BIG sharks have been cruising the backcountry feeding on Jacks and if you can find them they are a blast to tussle with in the shallow water.
As the rest of the country is freezing, we are still getting temps in the mid 70’s every day!!!
So come on down and enjoy the weather and catch a few fish onboard the ShadowCaster

By Captain John Smouse

Christmas in the Keys!!

The “Season” is booking up fast!!! As the temps drop all around the US, we are still having days in the mid 70’s and Sun-Sun-Sun!!!
Tarpon fishing has become a year round fisheries, IF you know when, where and how to fish for them. The huge schools of migratory fish are long gone, but there are still some stragglers out there. And if you play your cards right and the conditions are there you are going to still see Tarpon rolling in certain spots and they will eat a well presented live bait.
Our other winter species have been providing our anglers with great action and long lasting memories.
Barracuda fishing has remained strong with some really Big fish out there. Our Basin action (trout, jacks, pompano, lady fish, etc) has been consistent using artificials.
Sharks also love to lurk the same areas. We always have a Shark bait on the ready for BlackTips, Lemons, and Bull Sharks. Some of these fish have been topping the 200lb mark!!!!!
Drop Capt John an email here through the site or call 305.587.7669.
Happy Holidays to everyone and see ya in Key West!!!!

By Captain John Smouse

Christmas Tarpon!!

Usually in December we are not even thinking about Tarpon, but with all this great warm weather South Florida has been given the Resident Tarpon have been in the feeding mood. Above are a few Pictures on some of the fish we have caught this week aboard the ShadowCaster. Tarpon fishing this time of year is very fragile and our next cold front will put an end to this. But this weekend (Dec 14 & 15)looks like its going to be good and warm.

SeaTrout in the backcountry has been fantastic as well. The fish have all been nice big fatties!! Mixed in with them have been Jacks, Ladyfish, Bluefish and Big Sharks. Lots of action for fishing in calm water with light tackle.

Give me a call at 305.587.7669 or drop me an email here to get hooked up!!

 

By Captain John Smouse

Winter Fishing 2014

Our first cold fronts are hitting Key West as I write this report. It is going to get in the 70’s this week, not bad for a cold front. The fishing is going to get better and better as our water temps slowly drop. The Big Barracudas are going to start foraging on the flats looking for that warmer shallow water. I haven’t found a person that doesn’t love catching a Cuda on light tackle in the skinny water. A really amazing show by one of the oceans top predators.

The BackCountry basins are going to start filling up with our “fun” fish. These are the Jacks, SeaTrout, Sharks of all types, ladyfish, bluefish, snappers, etc. Not uncommon to catch a large variety and quantity of fish in these areas.

So call Capt John at 305.587.7669 to get in on the action!!!!

By Captain John Smouse

It’s Not Snowing in Key West

While its getting Cold up north, Key West is maintaining mid 70’s weather. That is actually a cool down for us in the Conch Republic and with those cool temps comes a new batch of fish to target.
This is the time of year that people love. Fishing in the back country basins and channels can be filled with life. Some of the target species for the coming months are going to be Sea Trout, Jacks, Pompano, Redfish, Ladyfish and of course if you find those there are going to be predators around. Blacktip, Lemon, Spinner and Bull Sharks love to hang around the edges of these schools and can make for some spectacular catches.
Barracudas are going to be showing up on the flats on these cool bluebird sky days and they are nothing short of amazing in the shallow water. If you’ve never caught one of these fish in 2 feet of water you will be shocked at their speed and power.
The ShadowCaster has gotten some new shoes!!!! 2014 115HP Yamaha 4 Stroke. In my opinion the most reliable, efficient motor on the market.
Days are booking up here so give Capt John a call at 305 587 7669 to get off the rock and experience what Key West is really all about!!

By Captain John Smouse

Great start to 2014

Here are just a few of the Fish we have been catching aboard the ShadowCaster since the first of the year. As you can see the winter months bring many surprises and varieties of fish!!
With the weather patterns always changing we have been fishing differently everyday to maximize our catches.

Call Capt John @ 305 587 7669 today to take advantage of the warm weather and the great Key West fishing.

By Captain John Smouse

Recent letter from longtime Customer

This is why I love what I do everyday:

“One thing Key West has in abundance is flats fishing guides. Here’s why I fish with John:

The short of it is: John does whatever he can to make your experience outstanding. First, John finds out what you want to do. Then he customizes your trip to meet your desires and your skill level. If you don’t know what you want, or how good you are, John will design a trip to give you a broad experience, and adjust the day as conditions and ability come clear.

Sure, John is experienced, knowledgeable and always ready early. He uses the best bait and his tackle is in pristine condition. You’d think that is a “given” for a professional fishing captain – but believe me, it is not.

My son wanted to catch barracuda. He has serious hip problems. John set up a cushioned seat on the bow – my son caught 15 ‘cudas in one day. My wife wanted to catch her first fish in the sea, and “bend a rod”. She caught eight (I think) redfish, all 24 inches plus, and a few big Jacks and a few ‘cudas. Yes, I’ve caught Tarpon – lots of them – plus Permit and ‘cudas in February and March. Even a 40+ pound Jewfish. We killed nothing – John’s preference, always.

But the key to John is this: when my wife threw her lure into the mangroves, Before she could say “oh no!”, she had a baited rod in her hand and John was pointing out fish. When I jumped a Tarpon off, John had another rod in my hand before I could say my version of “oh no!”. John runs around the boat to make sure you fish continuously. Never criticizes or rales on the client. This, too, should be a “given”, but believe me, it’s not. It’s fun to watch John coreograph the dance when both fishermen hook up at the same time. His focus is on your experience – many other guides simply don’t get this.

My wife sums up John with a simple “John is a gentleman”. Yes, he is.

Al Schultz”