By Captain John Smouse

Jack’s Shark

Without a doubt one of the best parts about my job is watching kids catch a fish of a lifetime. Seeing the joy and enthusiasm on a young childs face when they finally see the fish they have dreamt about catching is what fishing is all about. Here is a pic of Jack and his full size BlackTip Shark. He fought this fish to the boat without any assistance and he was sure glad he did. He also caught Jacks, Trout, LadyFish and an assortment of others.
Barracudas are loving the cooler waters of the shallows. They will be a prime target for the next couple months. Schools of these big jacks are prowling the flats and are ready to eat anything in their path.
Give Capt John a call 305.587.7669 or drop me an email to get out on the water.

By Captain John Smouse

All The Winter Species are Showing Up

Winter Time fishing in Key West has Started. We are seeing some great action in the backcountry, getting multi-species trips quite often. This is the time of year you can catch a different type of fish each cast. You just never know what it might be.
Sharks, Trout, SkipJacks, Bluefish, Pompano, Jack Crevalle, Etc are all on the menu.
Lets not forget about the Big Barracudas that frequent the flats in the winter. I am really looking forward to catching these speed demons this year, they can provide some of the best light tackle action of any fish around.
So Give Capt John a shout at
305.587.7669 or Drop me an email to take advantage of some great winter time fishing under Blue Bird Skies

By Captain John Smouse

October 2016

We got really lucky earlier this month when Hurricane Matthew came towards Florida. Key West was spared completely, above is a picture of a bonefish we caught on the day Matthew was pounding other parts of Florida. Not very often Key West is the Safest place in Florida to be during a Hurricane. Also Pictured is The Royal Bahamian Navy Ships that were seeking shelter in the Key West Harbor.

Fishing has been loads of fun so far this month. October can be somewhat of a transition time on the flats. There are still a few stray Tarpon around on some of the calmer mornings. Last week we caught a few “resident” tarpon. As the water temps cool these fish will start to get lock jaw. But the other winter species will fire up. The basin fishing (trout, jacks, pompano, ladyfish, sharks, etc) has been showing signs of life and this should just get better and better as the temps drop. Barracuda fishing on the flats will also heat up as we approach the winter months.

So, you just never know what you might encounter in the back country this time of year. Give me a shout to get out there under these blue bird skies and take advantage of what Key West Fishing has the offer.

By Captain John Smouse

Summer 2016

Here are just a few pictures of some of the fishing aboard the ShadowCaster this past Spring. Thanks again to all the anglers that fished with me this past season!!!!
Key West is warming up, School is back is session and the tourist crowds have thinned out. Fishing is still great here in the Summer, so come on down and take advantage of the “slow” season. Fewer boats on the water means more fish for us!!!!!
I, Capt John, am the Owner and Operator of the ShadowCaster, so you fish with me, no hired captains here.
305.587.7669

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!!!!