Submitted by tarpon-time on Mon, 12/14/2009 - 13:42

Scott Conrad asked :fishing on 2/19

Q: Hi Jeff, My two sons and I will be at Hawks Cay on 2/19 and we were wondering if you would guide us on the backwater to catch some permit or whatever is biting. We live in Minnesota and have fished many times before but never saltwater. Thank you, Scott

A: Hi Scott! We should have a great chance at Permit, Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, and many other species. We have had a very mild winter which have let our waters remain warm. I would love a chance to fish with you and your boys (I have a 3 year old myself)! Feel free to give me a call to book your trip or this can also be reserved through Hawks Cay. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Capt. Jeff Malone

Mark Lee asked :Best time of the year for tarpon, snook Esp baby tarpon

Q: My wife and I want to come down and spend a few days tarpon/snook fishing. Of course any type of fishing but would like to catch baby tarpon. We live on Charlotte harpon next to Boca Grande and the big ones just wear us out after 2 or 3. I just wanted to know when the best time of the year to come. When do you think its the best? Tarpon, snook, permit, or even bone fish. Regards Mark Lee

A: Hi Mark! Our prime "Tarpon season" is April and May where we have the migration of the jumbos. March, April, May, June are an excellent time to come in and catch a slam (tarpon, bonefish, permit) or a super slam (slam + snook). We have a nice residential juvenile population of Tarpon that stick around all year (but need 70+ degree water temps to get them to bite). If you are looking to stay away from the jumbos I have plenty of "secret" spots that house the juveniles in these months. Please feel free to give us a call with any additional questions. Capt. Jeff Malone 305.776.1485

Mike Ballenger asked :Fishing and fly fishing

Q: I will be at Hawks Cay in late March and I,m looking for a guide for a 1/2 day of fishing for 2 and one day of fly fishing for smally tarpon. I've been fly fishing for a couple years mostly for pike and small mouth. I have always want to try for tarpon on a fly rod. Do you have openings during the last week in March. Mike

A: Mike, I have some scattered availability at the end of March. Please email me with some exact dates or give me a call to discuss further. Thank you for the inquiry! Hope to be able to get you out fishing in March. Capt.Jeff Malone Jeff@tarpontime.com 305.776.1485

Tim Urness asked :availablity

Q: Hi Captian Jeff, My son and I had a great afternoon of shark fishing with you last year and want to see you avaiablity for a morning trip of fishing on 2/20, 2/21 or 2/22. We want to plan our trip down to the keys around your availablity so let me know if eaither of those mornings are available. My son does not want to go out with anyone other than Captian Jeff. Thanks! Tim

A: Hey Tim! I am so glad to hear he had such a great time! I bet we can repeat it! As of now I am available all 3 of those mornings. Please try to book as quickly as you can as it seems my availablity changes by the minute :) Feel free to give us a call directly @ 305-776-1485 or email jeff@tarpontime.com to schedule your dates, or it can also be booked through Hawks Cay Reservations or Marina. I look forward to some great fishing with you and your son in February. Capt. Jeff Malone

Gerry Morris a past customer asked :your boat

Q: Hello and happy new year to you ...long time no see ... You guided my wife and I on our honeymoon back in 11/09 ...and I enjoyed your boat so much that I am looking to buy one just like it ...if you would be so kind to provide with info I need to get me one ...just like you ! thanks for you help in advance and good fishing to you !

A: Hey Gerry! I have a sweet ride and unfortunately they are no longer in production and hard to find. It's a 2002 GrandSlam Silver Shadow 17'. If you can find one you won't be disappointed. good luck with your search. Capt. Jeff Malone

Frank Bain asked :Fishing Trip

Q: I would like to bring my son and sons-in-law to Florida to fish for Tarpon and also some off-shore fishing. There will be four of us and our preferred dates are May 26th and 27th. Would you please let me know if you are available those dates and a general outline of what to expect. We are planning to stay at Hawks Cay Resort(or other place you might recommend). Please indicate the costs involved. Thanks

A: Hello Mr. Bain, May is prime Tarpon season here in the Florida Keys. Due to this our schedules get filled up fairly fast. I have some limited availability on the 26th and 27th not sure if you are looking to fly fish, spin fish, or go out for an evening Tarpon trip. Tarpon trips are $500 for 2 people and $600 for 3. Unfortunatly my boat can only accommodate 3 people. There are other boats on the dock that can take 4 at a time (Capt. Derek Rust with Saltwater Experience.) Generally a morning or afternoon outting targeting the Tarpon will involve the back country and flats. The evening trips are set up specifically for staking up at the local bridges where the jumbos feed before the sun begins to drop. This is the only time of year we offer the evening trips and they are a blast! Please feel free to give me a call with any further questions. Capt. Jeff Malone Tarpon Time 305-776-1485

George Rudy asked :Possible Charter

Q: My wife and I are arriving at Hawks Cay on Jan 27th. Any chance you are available for a daily backcountry charter on the 28th or 29th? What are your rates? We both have some small stream fly fishing and spinning experience, but not salt water/flats.

A: Mr. Rudy, I am available both January 28 and 29. Full days (8am-4pm) $650, 1/2 day (8am to 12) or (12:30-4pm) $450. Experience level is not a concern. I can provide both spinning and fly fishing tackle to ensure alot of fun on your trip regardless of skill level. Feel free to give me a call directly with any additional questions or to reserve your fishing date. 305-776-1485 Happy Holidays Capt. Jeff Malone

Carol Karr asked :Fishing at Hawks Cay

Q: We are planning a trip to the Keys in July. My husband and son are experienced fishermen...they fish off the coast of NJ regulary. What do you recommend for them? And how in the fishing in your area during the month of July? Can you give me an idea on price? I tried to determine that by using the "Book Package" button, but it says there is no availability. Any info you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

A: Hi Carol, July fishing is excellent for the classic inshore species of Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit among various other species. Generally in July fishing is best in the morni g due to the cooler tempertures. Pricing for a half day is $450 for to people for a half day (4 hours). The packages of discount rooms and fishing are through hawks cay, i recommend you give them a call at 305-743-7000. They will be able to create a fishing/room package that best suits your needs. Please let me know if i can help you further. Capt. Jeff Malone 305-776-1485

Joe Brady asked :other boats

Q: Jeff when we spoke the other day about bone fishing and decided that end of Dec is not the best you recommended a friend with a larger boat i might take my grand daughters out on i lost his name can you send to me Thanks Joe

A: Hey Joe, Give Derek Rust a call at 775-267-7967. He runs a 24ft Yellowfin (4 people) out of Hawks Cay Marina and is a great guy. I think you and your grand daughters would have an awesome experience with him. Sorry we werent able to hook up for some bones in December. But, our prime time for bones in my area is Spring and Fall. Hope you and Derek can hook up! Capt. Jeff

tony tierno asked :fishing in May 2012

Q: Myself and two of my cousins are planning a trip early Mays staying at Hawks Cay, looking to fish for three days, May 10-12 would love to go for Tarpon and am asking what other fish is in then, would appreciate coat and if timing is OK, one note all three of us are fairly large guys,thanks

A: Hi Tony, May is prime Tarpon season! Its also a good time for pretty much any species that swims down here. Some examples Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Jacks, Redfish, Snook, Sharks, Snapper, Grouper and many more! Pricing for 3 people runs $550 for a normal 4 hour back country trip, and there is an additional $50 charge if we live mullet fish for Tarpon. We run 3 trips a day- 7:30am-11:30am, 12:00-4:00pm, and 4:30-8:30pm. The 4:30-8:30pm trip is set up specifically for a live mullet tarpon experience. If you are after tarpon i highly recommend the evening trip. I run a 17ft Grandslam which can be seen at www.tarpontime.com, please let me know if you have any additional questions. I look forward to having a chance to fish with your group. Capt. Jeff Malone

Ryan Kirby asked :Afternoon / Evening Fishing

Q: I am going to be at Hawk's Cay for a conference next week adn have Wednesday 10/26 and Thurs 10/27 afternoon/evenings to try and fish. Do you have anything open for two people?

A: Hey Ryan The only thing i have available is the afternoon of Oct 26. This 4 hours trip will leave the dock around 12:30. Give me a call if this works. I look forward to having a chance to fish with you. Capt Jeff Malone 305-776-1485

Burr Tupper asked :Fishing at Xmas

Q: Jeff- My wife and I will at Hawk Cay from Dec 24 to 30, and we would like to go fishing at that time. We both are experienced fly fishers and have fished for bone fish on Andros. We would be like to discuss a couple of days fishing with you. What is the best way to contact you.

A: Mr. Tupper, Feel free to give me a call on my cell 305-776-1485. Capt. Jeff Malone

Sheryl and Mike Maniet asked :emailed address

Q: Hello Jeff, May I get your email address so that I may send you some photos of our fishing experience when we went out on a charter with you? Thanks- Sheryl and Mike

A: Hi guys! My direct email address is jeff@tarpontime.com or feel free to upload them on our facebook page - tarpon time. It was great having a chance to fish with you all. Hope to see you again in the future. Capt. Jeff Malone

Kurt Paluszcyk asked :Best time to fly fish

Q: I am looking to make a trip from Colorado to try my hand at some fly fishing, bone, red,etc, and possible permit and yes tarpon. Not sure about fly rod on tarpon? I would probably do 3 trips fishing and was wondering best time of year? I am thinking March, is availability a concern at this time?

A: Kurt, Thank you for your question about fly fishing here in the Keys. March is a great time of the year for the species you mentioned. The reality of this time of year is the wind. I would expect 20 + mph winds daily this time of year. Making the already challenging fly Game even more so. Generally by April the winds begin to subside and allow for a slightly less challenging condition. These months are Very busy for us down here and the more advanced notice on booking the better. As for gear if you chose not to travel with or do not have a large selection of gear I will be happy to provide all the necessary equipment. Thank you again and look forward to hearing from you again soon. Jeff

Jim Mcleod asked :a trip

Q: If I book w/ u, will you stock up on mountain dew for me and water orshould I bring my own? I would like to spend about 4 days there in Duck Key and at least be fishing for 2 days. Tarpon,snook, barricuda are the species I would like to target. Maybe a few shark. Lol.... my largest tarpon that I had caught had been about 8 inches. I was hoping to improve that record.

A: Hey Jim, Thanks for your questions. Generally I only provide water, any specialty drinks/food you are welcome to bring on board. As for the fishing it an excellent time of year to peruse the species you mentioned. However our tarpon fishery this time of year are general residential which normal don't exceed 50ibs. It should not be a problem locating and even hooking a tarpon in excess of 8 inches :). Please let me know if you have any further questions. Look forward to a chance to fish with you. Thanks again. Capt. Jeff

Chris asked :Rates

Q: I was wondering what kind of fishing is good in September. My wife and I are coming down for 4 days and are looking into fishing for a day. I don't want to go into big rough water as I've had two bad experiences with that but otherwise do quite well on boats. I was wondering if you could please let me know what is good and how much it costs for 1 and 2 people to go out for a day. Thank You, Chris Kozak

A: Chris, Thanks for inquiring about fishing here in September. This is a wonderful time of year for a the traditional Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit, along with a long list of others Including but not limited to Snook,Redfish,Cudas,Jacks,Sharks,Snapper and Grouper. The pricing for the inshore boats is $450 per 4 hour or half day,and $650 for and all day or 8 hr. These prices reflect up to 2 anglers. Please feel free to contact me with any other questions you might have. I hope to have a chance to fish with you. Captain Jeff Malone

Scott Petty asked :Flats Fishing

Q: I just booked a trip to Hawks Cay - interested in catching a tarpon, bonefish and permit. I will be there in mid march 2012, ii is reasonable or unreasonable to try and catch each of these three in a single full day trip.

A: Scott, Thanks for the question about catching a slam here in mid March. I will say that this is an excellent time of year to target A Florida Keys Grand Slam! However please know that the conditions this time of year are notoriously windy. The norm is 15 to 20 Mph winds. Though with some patience and a little luck all three can be caught in an all day trip. Please feel free to ask any additional questions you might have. Captain Jeff Malone

Harold Shepherd asked :Booking a morning backcountry trip

Q: Hey Jeff, My wife and I will be there July 14 thru 17. Are you available on either Friday, July 15 and/or Saturday, July 16?

A: You are all booked and ready to go for Saturday July 16. Travel safe. Look forward to fishing with you. Capt. Jeff Malone

bill lindberg asked :mounts

Q: Jeff, hope you got the photos I sent via the resort...who would you recommend for us to use for a wall mount? also, lookiing for best guess on length of fish we are holding, think you thought it in the 45 lb range. hope all si well, we look forward to fishing with you again, and yes Trevor still says, go big, or go home...peace.

A: Bill, Sorry about the delayed response. I appreciate the photos and the insurance info. As soon as I have a few minutes I will be making it a priority to follow through with some kind of policy. As for the mount info i have found Greys Taxidermy to do a really nice job in a reasonable amount of time. The approximate length is around 50 inches. Again I'm sorry it has taken so long to respond. It was a real pleasure spending time with you and your family and look forward to time again iin the future. Please feel free to contact me any time . 305-776-1485 Jeff

Bill Lindberg asked :extra fisherman

Q: good afternoon. Can't believe we are only 2 1/2 weeks away...my daughter is now able to join us on our trip, can we fit her in the boat? She woudl love to fish with me and her brother. Thanks and hope the rods are bending. Peace.

A: Hi Bill, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Yes I can accomidate up to 3 anglers on my boat. But, please beaware there is an additional $100 fee for the third person. Look forward to fishing with you and your family. Captain Jeff Malone

The Gregory's asked :How many people can fit on your boat?

Q: Hi there. My youngest son aged 10 wants to fish. We are a family of four and wondered how many people fit on your boat? This would be a first time fishing for myself and my two boys. Husband has fished many years ago. We are coming to hawks cay mid june.

A: Hi There, The max I can take is 3 people/anglers on my boat. I run a 17ft GrandSlam flats boat. This boat runs skinny in the water so I can get my anglers up on the flats in the back country. There are a few bigger boats out of Hawks Cay if you are all looking to go at the same time. Give the Marina a call @ 305-743-9000 option 2, they can give you more options. Thank you for the question and have a wonderful day!

fsf1@pge.com asked :DInner Fish

Q: Can i take the fish home? is there a place to vacuum pack the fish put on a sealed container for airline travel? how much all this services cost?

A: All "dinner" fish you are welcome to take home with you. I will be happy to clean the fish when we return to the dock and bag it for you free of charge. Here at the resort we do not provide a packing and shipping service. But, there are a few places near by that do. There is a Publix which sells coolers and dry ice with a UPS store next door.

George Morris asked :fishing times

Q: Hey Jeff, I hope this finds you well. My father,brother and I have gone out with you a few times in the past. We normally come in June for a Tarpon trip, but we were thinking about maybe switching it up and making tarpon a secondary fish on the trip. Any thoughts on when to come if we want to do some snook fishing. Any thoughts on a time of year that is good for a wide variety of fish? thanks, George

A: Hi George, It is great to hear from you. Fishing will be excellent all the way through November, with the key component being a water temperature of at least 74 degrees. You can expect to catch Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Redfish, Snook, Cudas, Sharks, Jacks. As for snook they will bite really good June – August. Traditionally snook season opens in September, often by October November we begin to experience our first cold fronts which often slow the bite. Thanks for the questions and I look forward to seeing you soon. Captain Jeff Malone

Bob asked :bone fishing

Q: What time do you recommend to come to Florida to flyfish for bonefish? I have been a flyfisher for 40 years but never saltwater and I am anxious to try!

A: Hi Bob, My recommendation is for September and October. This time of year we have good numbers of quality sized bonefish. Thank you for the question and I hope to have a chance to fish with you. Captain Jeff Malone

bill lindberg asked :tarpon/permit/bones

Q: Jeff, we are booked with you June 11 and 13... do you think the tarpon will still be active then? if not,know in advacnce it is "captain's choice" for our trips... my son and I look forward to "bending" some rods with you...peace.

A: Hi Bill! You are in luck and the Tarpon will still be around! There will also be a good chance at some bones and permit! Look forward to fishing with you! Capt. Jeff Malone

Jim Robinson asked :A fishing trip first week of August

Q: Hello, We are coming out to Florida ( we live in England ) at the end of July and will be staying in Marathon between 31st July and 5th August. I am loooking to book at least one fishing trip during that time together with my 16 year old son. I have done an amount of fishing and he is fairly inexperienced. We have been on back country trips twice before and loved it. I think my preference would be a light tackle trip for a variety of species but would be interested to know what you think is best for that time of year. Please could you let me know if you are available and confirm your rates. many thanks Jim Robinson

A: Hi Jim I have a few spots available in early August. We do two 1/2 day trips 7 to 11 trip or a 12 to 4 ($450) or a full day ($650) in August. I recommend the early morning as it gets quite hot on the water in August. We typically catch Snappers, Jacks, Permit, Mackeral,Grouper, Bonefish, Redfish, Snook, small tarpon. We can go out and target something specific or we can go out for variety. Fishing is game on in August and you wont be disappointed! Hope to get a chance to fish with you. Cpt. Jeff Malone

Chris Hoffner asked :Tarpon fishing

Q: I wanted to see if you were advailable for a tarpon trip on May 17th I would prefer afternoon to evening if possible.And would like to know your rate for this trip. Thanks Chris

A: Hi Chris! Thank you for the question. I myself am not available but my other boat is "Tarpon Time 2" with Capt. Chris Omer. Pricing is $500 for a "live bait" Tarpon trip (typically the 4:30pm to 8:30pm sunset trip), we have to charge an extra $50 for the bait "mullet" fee. But we can also do a Tarpon targeted trip for $450 in the 12pm to 4pm or 7:30am to 11:30am time frame, we just wont be using mullet. If you wish to book my other boat please feel free to give us a call. 305-776-1485 Capt. Jeff Malone

warren stidolph and randy ashley asked :boat

Q: hey buddy,whats up.well see you again memorial day weekend,have the tarpon ready,and this year we want a back water trip.how many can fish in your boat,and not be crowed,thanks warren.

A: Hey Warren, I can take up to 3 anglers, if you are fly fishing 2 anglers is ideal. It will be game on for Tarpon when you are in town! I will have the "monsters" ready! Capt. Jeff Malone

Rich Staneski asked :Fishing in May

Q: I will be in Marathon during the week of May 21-28 and would like to go out for tarpon, perhaps other species at least twice during that time. I will be staying at the Hawk's Nest resort and will have two other friends with me. We are all reasonably seasoned fishermen but at least two of us has a tendancy toward sea-sickness. Can you accommodate us? Thanks, Rich

A: Rich, Thank you for your inquiry about fishing with me. The shallow water fishing here in the keys is generally very calm. Seasickness is not something to be concerned about. Most often we are fishing very near shore. The Tarpon fishing this time of year is fantastic. The evening bite is generally the most productive. In order to maximize your oportunity for tarpon I suggest a couple of evening tarpon trips. As for accomodating the 3 of you I regularly fish 3 people. The other species we target this time of year are Bonefish,Permit,Snook,Jacks,Barricuda, Sharks and many others. All of which can be a target any time of the day. To inquire about availablity or booking a trip please contact Hawks Cay @ 305-743-7000 Thank you and hope to see you soon, Jeff

mike varano asked :availability on april 6

Q: jeff- i have 3 boys ages 9,12 and 13 and they love to fish and have been out on a boat alot. we are in hawks cay the week of april 5 and was wonder if we could do a morning trip let me know when you can mike varano 908-487-0588

A: Mike, Thank you for your interest in fishing with me. Unfortunatly i do not have any availability for the time you will be visiting. I might suggest the 24 foot bayboat that Captain Derek runs for this is the only inshore boat that can accomodate 4. I hope you enjoy your stay and again thank you for your question.

Chad Langley asked :Fishing in July

Q: I am coming to Hawks Cay in July and was wondering how the backcountry and flats fishing is that time of year.

A: Chad, July is a great time to be fishing here. We do adjust our fishing time due to the heat. Generally we offer an early am trip from 6am till around 10am or 7am till 11am then another trip begining around 4 pm . This way we avoid the heat of the mid day. The Bonefish,Tarpon and Permit are still options, along with Sharks,Snook,and other species. I hope to have a chance to fish with you in July. Thank you for your question.

Mark Rangitsch asked :November

Q: What options do we have around Thanksgiving? Permit? Cuda? Sharks?

A: Mark, Thank you for the opportunity to fish with you in November. As for the fishing some of the species are very weather dependent. We often are still catching Tarpon and Bonefish along with the typical fall catch of Redfish Trout,Spanish Mackeral,Mangrove Snapper,along with the Cudas and Sharks. Please feel free to call if you have any further questions. 305-776-1485 Thank you Jeff