Angler's Outlook: Capt. Everman's whale tale evokes memories from '50s

A 43-foot whale moved into the Naples Pier during the mid-'50s. My parents were running the tackle shop on the pier. My mother watched it move under the bait house -- it just did fit, taking out a bait bucket -- then it moved south to the Marco Island area and beached.

Joe Coleman, a Naples photographer, arrived with his son Buddy to take some pictures.

Thinking the whale was dead, Joe let his son climb up on its back. As Buddy was posing for a picture, the whale moved a little and startled him.

A few days after, it died and the odor became so foul a tug was dispatched from Naples to pull it off the bar. That did not work, so they used dynamite to blow it up and the sharks moved in on the high tide to finish it off. Those pictures are still around -- bet Buddy has them.

Another winter weather front is arriving as I prepare this report. It will bring some cooler northwest winds and rough offshore seas. With the water temperature holding in the lower 70s, it is a good bet it will drive kingfish, bluefish and bonita closer to our shoreline.

Spanish mackerel will be running near the surface looking for bait. They will be found along with a few bonita from the beach out to about five miles. From about five miles out, they will be joined with some kings, and from that point out these species should increase in number as you get into deeper water.

Kingfish, mackerel, cobia, amberjack, barracuda and shark will be lurking near the surface at the wrecks, towers and locations with good hard bottoms with some profile. Setting live bait out near the surface after the anchor is set could start an episode of some fast action with these species.

While small blue runner, pinfish and grunt will be the most used, don't rule out using cut mullet, jack, blue runner, ladyfish, cigar minnows and squid.

Chum will be one of the most important factors. Using both a chum bag and chum tube will cover the surface and near bot tom, but tossing additional cut- up chum overboard can attract the larger predators to the stern of the boat.

Having equipment rigged for trolling as you pull up on locations such as a wreck or fish haven while the skipper is looking for the spot could get the day off with a bang as you hook up with a fish.

Of course, if someone is already there, that game plan should be canceled. Trolling around someone anchored and fishing is bad fishing etiquette.

Red, gag and some black grouper, lane, mangrove and yellowtail snapper will be the most-targeted species for bottom fishing. Using tipped jigs with live bait should harvest the larger fish. Crab, pinfish and small blue runner tipped on a jig are just a few of the species of bait to use.

Our lineup of species for the beach, passes, flats and inland waters should include jack, blue runner, ladyfish, sheepshead, black drum, trout, pompano, snapper, snook and redfish. Watch the tides and wind direction. Fishing the midday hours will become more productive as the water temperature continues to drop. I think the magic number would be around 68 degrees.

There are days you just can't fish the way you want: The tides are wrong, the wind's blowing and water's dirty. Give it your best shot on the tide, get in behind the mangroves away from the wind, and use brighter-colored lures, jigs or spoons.

Night snook fishing could slow some. They will be there but may react slower.

Wright Taylor, president of the Naples chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association Florida, caught and released a nice-size snook using a jig head tipped with plastic tail and shrimp. He was surprised to find the snook seem to go to sleep when he turned it on its side to get the hook out.

This is a new one to me. I have known for many years that snook will do that if you hold them upside down. I think Wright might have unknowingly had it in that position for a few seconds before turning it on its side.

Another snook trivia tip: If you take one of the black scales from the black lateral line and hold it up to the light, you will find a small hole in the center of the scale. None of the other scales will have it. Many believe this is part of the snook's hearing system. Vibrations go from the backbone into the hearing center in the head.

Wright also reminds us the date for the Coastal Conservation Association's annual banquet and auction has been set for Feb. 19. It will be held at the Naples Elks Club, located on Radio Road in East Naples.

The event will kick off at 6 p.m. with a silent auction, raffle and cash bar, followed by dinner and another auction. Artwork, fishing tackle, jewelry, fishing trips and an 18-foot Hewes Redfisher rigged with a Yamaha outboard and trailer are just some of the items that will be on deck that evening.

The Hewes package is the product of Marco Island's Trapper Marine. Tickets will go on sale in mid-December, but you can call Wright at 821-9293 or Bob Bittner and Sue Lippold at 597-2244 for more information and tickets. Have a great week!

Red Stier is a weekly contributor to the Marco Island Eagle. He also produces and hosts the Anglers Outlook TV show at 7 a.m. Saturday on Comcast Channel 8. Check your TV guide for the channels in other areas. Questions or comments may be directed to redstier@aol.com or 172 Trinidad St., Naples, FL 34113.