I planted a seed 10 years ago when my Dad retired at the age of 65. “Dad let’s plan a fishing trip down in the Florida Keys. Just Father & Son”. It is now March 2008. I get a call from my Father; “How would you like to spend a weekend down in the Keys fishing with your Dad?” O.K., so now he thinks it’s his idea. (That’s fine I’ll cut him a break)

My job was to research the premier location for our excursion. I checked the internet. I asked my friends. I did my diligence. It all filtered to Bud & Mary’s on Islamorada. I called my Dad and communicated my results. It was now crunch time approaching Memorial Day Weekend. With a little luck we were able to reserve the Cottage above the Bait Shop. If I tell you about the views, I may not get a future reservation, so you just check-it for yourself.

We arrive Friday around 11AM and have a ½ day booking for the 27’ CC “FEARLESS”. Reef fishing is the agenda for today. Yellow Tail’s are on the menu. The captain dialed in on the fish. With a good amount of Sashimi on board, let’s move on to bigger prey. The rod hits, feels like its got shoulders. Hey Dad, take the rod. No Son, you take it. Dad, just take the rod, you paid for this trip, just take the rod. I know it’s something good. I boat an 18lb. Permit. Nice fish, makes for good pictures, then back to the open sea. A few drifts for Grouper, no luck. With a great 1^st day, it’s now time to steam back to port and get cleaned up for our catch of the day dinner.

Saturday morning, 7AM with a full day scheduled back on the “FEARLESS”. Heading SE the ocean looks like a watery desert. Birds, Birds, where are the Birds? Mahi is the word of the day. Scanning the ocean for life, none to speak of. 25 miles offshore “The Hump” It’s a Blackfin Tuna orgy. Two by two we boat schoolies, approximately 3-4 pounds a piece. In my mind, I keep looping a comment my Dad made while discussing our plans. He said; “Son I’m not looking for a boat ride, I have my own boat for that, I want FISH”. Hey Cap. The Sushi’s great, but let’s get back to the Mahi hunt. While steaming slowly to the NW, I see something breach about a ½ mile away. The captain see’s birds in the same area as the breach. We get closer; a large Loggerhead Turtle is on the surface. Two lines baited with squid hit the water on either side of the turtle. Bullets of color shoot through the water, bang goes the first rod, then the second, I yell “Fish-On”. A small school of seven Dolphin, I saw one Bull in the school and I know he hit my rod. Hey Dad, take my rod. No Son, I have a fish on. Dad, I’ll switch with you, take my rod. No Son, that’s ok, I have one on. We boated 6 of the 7 fish. “Son, this is what we came for”, and I thought we were here for a Father and Son weekend.

 We currently have the senior editor for Field & Stream magazine fishing with us at Bud N' Mary's.  He is trying to catch 50 different species for his 50th birthday while here for a few days.  Today he fished with Capt. Jim Willcox and I know they caught some different snappers, groupers, houndfish, pork fish, and other various things.  They also got some good shots for the magazine.  I'll be posting more info as we get some photos and the article is published!

The Stanczyk & Company crew had a great day swordfishing on the Catch 22.  They caught 4 swords in the 80 - 150 lb range during the day!  Nice Job!  More pics to come, but here is one Richard got of one jumping.  Neat!

Here is a copy of some old Bud N' Mary's brochures from years ago.  Not in use anymore, but good history!  They sold boats at this time!  Check them out!

 

On July 4th around 6:00 pm there will be a party at Bud N' Mary's behind the storage barn (at Sparrow's Nest).  There will be food and a party for Reagan Loy (1 year old, 1st birthday!) and Ricky Stanczyk.  Come on down and check things out.  We will be having the Miss Islamorada leave the dock for fireworks!  No charge, but bring your own beer!