All indications were we had a healthy marine environment at the start of 2006. With the catch and release of Brooks' 6-foot plus sandbar shark in mid December, our spirits and expectations were running high heading into this fresh season. The only factors that kept us in dry-dock for a while after December were the perfectly timed cold fronts that came around like clockwork -- seemingly every weekend. It wasn't necessarily the temperature that stalled us, but the stout and steady north / northwesterly winds. We eventually saw a break in the cycle around the end of January and it didn't take Captain Jim long to get the phone ringing with threats of an offshore venture. It was August of 2005 the last time his vessel, 'The Bay View' saw any action. Memory has that as a valiant, but futile attempt at shark fishing in an otherwise fertile area, due to the red tides and 95+ degree water temperatures. The rest of the year only deteriorated with the help of several hurricanes and the persistent red tide and high water temps. It's not an exaggeration to say it was like a desert out there -- everywhere in '05.

Starting with our first offshore trip in late January of this year, and proceeding through April, things couldn't have been more different. I don't use the word very often, but spectacular pretty much sums it up. Brooks had the first nice fish and shark bait of the year with a fine bonito snagged about 14 miles due west of Venice inlet. Shortly after, the mackerel run ensued with a vengeance. Some of the hottest action any of us have seen in years was had well within 2 miles of dry land. Smoker kings and some of the beefiest smacks (spanish mackerel) you could ask for were everywhere, especially during the early morning and evening time frames. Add an outgoing tide and its flush of bait from the Venice Jetties and it was, at times, impossible to keep a rod straight.

Jim's strategy takes full advantage with a 5 line spread. Typically, he runs 2 outriggers, 2 planed off the transom and a long flatline up the middle. Gold spoons and a few skirts for the big boys gets it done at around 1400 RPM. For Brooks and I, this kind of fishing ranks right up there with trolling for mahi, and when working a boat with Jim, it's tough to beat anyway you slice it. We've been pleased, but not surprised to find the three of us click as well offshore as we do on the beach. A natural team mentality where we're all thinking about what needs to be done before it happens and it all gets handled without anyone getting in each other's way results in high catch rates, safe days on the water, and plenty of stories with pictures to go with 'em. I'm sure you'll all agree it's hard to find that combination and it's not something to take for granted when you do.

So here's a quick collection of images from the past few trips. We'll admit, It's a challenge to capture the excitement of this kind of fishing with still pictures alone while you're working a spread, but we think you'll get the idea. There's also video in the editing bay to go with it we hope to air soon. Till then, here's a few good recent memories of 'Chaos In The Cockpit'.

The old & the new Florida