The ‘Family Boating’ Beat

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                New for 2010!

Family Boating Centers are pleased to present our monthly newsletter.  We hope you will find it informative and enjoyable.  Content is compiled from our customers’ input, pro-staff experiences, and happenings around Family Boating Center and the Tampa Bay area fishing community.

Please pass this newsletter on.  If you or someone you know would like to be added to our email list, please send a request to: sales@familyboatingcenters.com.  

We hope to add to its content as the reader base grows.  Photo contests, tournament information, “angling adventures”, etc. are all likely to appear in the future.

We welcome stories, input, photos and comments: sales@familyboatingcenters.com

Outdoor Expo is March 5-7, 2010 at the Fairgrounds in Tampa

The “Frank Sargeant” show, presented by the Tampa Tribune, is the “show of the shallows” for the West Coast of Florida.  This show will consist of flats, bay, and bass fishing products.  From new boats to new bobbers, you will surely find something that peaks your interest.  It is almost impossible to leave this show without something new in your hand.  Be sure to mark your calendar.  Stop by our booth and see what’s new at Family Boating Centers!!! Hope we see you there.

Cold Weather =”Chill” time for the snook

The recent extended cold front was undoubtedly one of the harshest weather events our ecosystem has seen in some time.  While we were able to turn our heaters on and bundle up, our fishy friends were not.  Our Bays and Beaches are littered with dead fish, many of which are snook.  Those that survived are likely hanging on by a thread.  If these fish are caught and exhausted just before the next front, they will surely die when the temps drop.  It may be best to let the linesiders relax for a few weeks.  There will be less fish to go after this spring, but if they are healthy and energetic, we should still see some good fishing.

Boat of the Month

Ripping the shallow water technology envelope wide open yet again, Maverick’s new 17 HPX Micro is the latest addition to the industry leading HPX line of technical poling skiffs. This boat draws a true 4.75 inches fully loaded and runs upwards of 35 miles per hour with a four-stroke 40 horsepower. The lightest Maverick ever, the Micro poles effortlessly and silently and tracks like an arrow. Best of all, it is backed by Maverick, the company that introduced the first technical poling skiff and has been steadily redefining the concept for twenty years.

WE HAVE ONE!! IT IS WATER READY, AND DEMO PRICED!!!  See it at the Boat Show or steal it away before someone else!!

Quote of the Month

“The ocean is a large body of water occupying 2/3 of a world made for man-who has no gills.  Thank GOD for boats!!!”                       -Anonymous Sailor

Pro-Staff Fishing Report

    Provided by Captain Brian “Redfish” Epperson

The cold weather and recurring rain has affected the bite.  The Bay is littered with fish carcasses.  It literally stinks.  Nonetheless, some fish are feeding.  We have been catching as many as 100 trout a day in Upper Tampa Bay.  The drop offs around flats and oyster bars seem to consistently hold fish.  On sunny days when the sun is high, some fish venture into shallower water to warm up.  The best approach is to work the deeper holes in the morning and head to your favorite flat after 12 noon.  Jigs, plugs, and live shrimp have all been working well.  Colors and presentation will vary depending on the weather and light.  Use a brighter color and quicker retrieve when the temps and sun are up.  Darker colors and slower action work best with low light and cooler weather.

-Capt. Brian is a native Tampa Bay fishing guide who fishes from a Hewes Tailfisher and an Aquasport.  His ‘forte’ is upper Tampa Bay in his Tailfisher, but his Aquasport allows him to also run Tarpon trips near the Skyway and Beaches.  Capt. Brian can accommodate up to 4 anglers.  He welcomes children and beginners.  Snook, Redfish, Trout, Tarpon, Cobia, FLYFISHING!!

Contact Capt. Brian @ 813-610-7899, or http://www.captainepperson.com.  

UPCOMING EVENTS -through 3/31/10-

February 11-15: Miami International Boat show.  Miami, FL.  This is the Mack daddy of all boat shows.  Everybody who is anybody in the Boat Manufacturing industry will be there.  This is the place to see every boat that has caught your attention and make comparisons in person.

March 5-7: Tampa Tribune Outdoors Expo & Boat Show.  State Fairgrounds - Tampa, FL.

Beginning in March: We are pleased to announce that the ‘Spring Seminar Series’ will continue for 2010.  We are planning now and the next newsletter will include a schedule.  We expect to have a total of 6 seminars, each focusing on a different species and/or technique.  We will conclude each event with a door prize.  Everyone in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a FREE 6hr FISHING CHARTER.  Attend all 6 seminars and you get 6 entries into the drawing.  The series will wrap up with a Fishing tournament (or 2) and a “family flotilla”.  Look for info in the next newsletter or on our website.