Hide Your Honey Hole!! It's the 2019 Mini-Lobster Season! They're Out There and They Are BIG!

Tickle Stick...Check...Net ...Check...Gloves ...Check ....Secret GPS Lobster Spots (AKA Honeyholes) Check!
OK! It's time for Mini-Lobster Season!!!  Get The Butter!

Your Conchquistador With Tonight's Dinner!

For 2019 the Bugs are out and they Are Big!!

Yes it's that crazy two days in July here in The Keys where boat gas prices soar, and Johnny Law is just itching to cite violators who don't measure or exceed their catch.

Hoards of marine hunters motor down here boats in tow, like pilgrims to Mecca to hunt for our tasty crustations and catch a post dive buzz at the Tiki Bar.

Come and Get 'Em!!! Photo courtesy of Capt. Matt Bellinger of Bamboo Charters

For the uninitiated, Lobster Mini Season is always the last Wednesday and Thursday in July.  
That gives recreational harvesters an edge on the commercial guys who can't start fishing until August 6th. 

It's time to get out your gloves, masks, nets, gauges and tickle sticks....( Why does Lobster Season sound like bad porn?? Honeyholes and tickle sticks?? Go figure!)  and head out into the briny for your quota of some of the most delectable fare the ocean has to offer.


It's also a great weekend for real estate, as many people, especially mainlanders finally say, "I need a place down here!"  And that, my friends is when your Humble Conchquistador springs into action!  With all the great deals down here, there is something for everyone.

From Mobile and Manufactured homes to Oceanfront Estates, The Florida Keys offer you your own customized Island Oasis.

Everyone Is in Mini-Season Mode!

So come on down, know the rules, grab some bugs (local slang for Lobster), grab a beer, and then call me to grab a slice of paradise.

Oh yeah and since you read this far, I am going to share with you, my faithful reader, one of my favorite spots! Trust me this is a Major Gift, as Spots are super secret!!! But hey...I am a benevolent Conchquistador.
Try Hog Rocks off Key Largo GPS  N24 59.550 W80 27.440.  7-15 feet down under the rocks.

Ready to stop paying for a Hotel during Mini Season and have a place of your very own?? Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

You've Bought A Fantastic Keys Home. Now, Where Do You Go To Fish???

You know, one of the big questions I get asked by my buyer clients is, "Where do we go fish??" 

What You’ve gotta understand is,

that’s like asking, "Hey where is the Oasis in the Sahara??"

It’s a big ocean out there boys and girls, and this question is kind of an ambiguous one as well. 

A lot of factors go in to determining what’s a great fishing spot.

A just undersized Grouper caught on the Patch Reefs.

What maybe great to you isn't necessarily so great to me depending on the type of fish you like to catch, the style of fishing, and how much you can handle being rocked on a boat in "sporty " chop, before you are chumming the waters yourself.

The phenomenal thing about our Fabulous Florida Keys, is that they offer such a widdddddeeeee variety of fishing options!!

Mrs Conchquistador with a super mackerel caught in 17 ft of water!

So, if you’re looking for a constant rod pending action, where the thrill might not be so much catching that elusive big one, as much as being excited with every cast, you can’t beat the Patch Reefs. Small sets of reefs on the oceanside usually close inshore about 3.5 to 5 miles. They hold of wide variety of fish including Grouper, Snapper, Porgies, Grunts, the sooo delicious Hogfish, and sometimes Mackerel. 

Patch Reef fishing is my personal favorite, and generally what I like to do most, as damn it, I wanna put fish in my box!! 

Guess what!? I gotta fever. And the only prescription is more patch reef fishing (that said in my worst Christopher Walken voice from the infamous Cowbell SNL skit). It’s pretty close inshore, doesn’t take a lot of time to get out to, and lots of different spots,

A super Hogfish caught in some deeper water

Now, if you’re looking for that real sense of adventure, start going a little bit deeper. But know that the time between catches and bites may be a little bit longer.

When you’re looking just past the reef, in the 125 foot range, now you’re starting to talk about some of your bigger Groupers, your Mutton Snappers, and especially Kingfish and more. 

But, if you’re ready for some bad ass Hemingway action, you go deeper, and by deeper I’m talking about 600 to 2000 feet. 

Here's where you strap on your big boy, or big girl, pants and you throw your line and you’re looking for Dolphin, (No, not Flipper, but Mahi-Mahi), Tuna, and especially if you're lucky, Swordfish, each a tasty, tasty treat.

Mrs. Conchquistador with a tasty, yes tasty Jack Crevalle

Your style of fishing can also be determined by Where you are in the Keys.

I find Upper Keys fishing quite different from Lower Keys fishing especially when you talk about going on the Gulf side in the Lower Keys, and Bay side and the Back Country in the Upper Keys.

These are whole different fisheries.

And of course, there are particular habitats for other great target species like Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish. 

If you's like even more detailed fishing info and some great gps numbers, visit my GPS page.  And for even GREATER accuracy, visit www.profishingspots.com.  they have INCREDIBLE #s and I know this first hand. May cost you a few bucks, but very much worth it. Tell them my friend Heiko from The South Florida Fishing Channel on youtube sent you. ( More about him and his phenomenal channel in a later post.)

The bottom line (pardon the purposeful "line" pun) is, get a rod in your hand, get some bait, learn how to throw a cast net, be safe, and most of all ... have fun.

 
Work with an Agent who can get you a home closeest to your ideal fishing spot.  Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Today Is One of My Favorite Days of the Year, And Let Me Tell You Why ...

OK, 

Penn rods and reels ... check 

Pinfish ... check 

Boxes of Chum ... check 

Knocker Rigs... check.

So what is this laundry list, you ask?? 

It is essential gear to stalk my favorite fish to both catch and eat

.

Yes, today is May 1, and that means just one thing ...

the start of Grouper Season!!!

These denizens of the rocky bottom are my favorite prey by far. And to me personally, as table fare, they really can’t be beat. Yes, the Mahi-Mahi is fantastic, and the stats are divided that Hog Fish is on its own plane, but to me, Grouper, yes big fat, sloppy, tasty Grouper is the king of the sea.

The cool thing about Grouper is that there are so many different varieties. Gag, Nassau, Black, Red, Snowey, Hind, and Strawberry are just a few, with Reds my personal favorite.

The most important thing to remember is that there’s only a particular season where we are allowed to get out on the open water and cast our lines and catch and keep these tasty beasts.  That season runs from May 1 to December 31. 

So where am I going to go?? Well, I’ll give you a couple of insider insights.

I just found the most incredible reef off the southern tip of Islamorada, about a mile and a half off shore. It’s got about 12 good sized patches within a 1 mile diameter and lots of great rocky outcrops and corals that make for great Grouper apartments.

Note that in grouper fishing, it is that the first 10 seconds of him on your line that is really going to tell the tale of who is going to be bitch slapped, you or the grouper.  As that is when they head for their nearest whole like a cockroach who's just seen the light in the kitchen. And when the get in that hole they puff up in it, like me after I eat popcorn rice. So getting them out, is where the real challenge begins!

So whether fishing in 10 to 12 feet of water or 150,  there's  always a variety of grouper to be found, especially if you have some type of structure on the bottom.

Oh very happy day I’m ready to get my lines in the water and pull up some dinner.

Pass me some tartar sauce!

  
Work with an agent who can help your reel in the ideal property.  Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Florida Keys Staycation!

Its all about perspective really. 
Context is EVERYTHING.
You see the same things everyday, grow numb, the extraordinary becomes the mundane.
But then...with a few tweaks, the fog is lifted and you wake up, realize and imbibe the extraordinary all over again, with just a change of... perspective.

That's why I try to live like a tourist everyday down here in the Fabulous Florida Keys!  And just this week, I had the chance to really savor the flavor of our special archipelago.
My Cousin, Crystal, from the Windy City of Chicago came calling and it was our delight to enjoy a Keys Staycation and marinate her in our special tropical vibe. And in so doing, live like a tourist ourselves for  a week,

DAMN!! Do we have it good!! 

Photo used courtesy of Tim Rahn photography

From enjoying a raft up on Nest Key and encountering a playful pod of porpoise that wanted to be our new best friends, to sipping on and eating, (yes Eating) the best Bloody Marys in the Keys (Trailer Trash Bloodies at Robbie's), to marveling at he wonder of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, to falling hopelessly in love to tiny Key Deer on Big Pine, and reveling in the stunning sunset at Mallory Square in Key West and then getting our Duval Crawl on.  We ALMOST ventured (and thankfully we did not) to the Garden of Eden bar above the Bull and Whistle (those of you that know, understand our trepidation!)

Savoring a Quiet Moment at the historic Southernmost House

Enjoying a quite moment at the Southernmost House and a dip at the Southernmost Beach.  Knocking a few back at Sloppy Joes and Capt Tony's feeling the history and imagining Jimmy busting out some new tunes back in the day.  Getting out on our little skiff the "Sand $" to do some midnight bullynetting during lobster Mini-season, Late afternoon Kayaking in Key Largo catching the Sunset, and cruising aboard the "Conch - Keys - Tador" and appreciating the stunning residences along the waterways of Ocean Reef.

And the fishing, and the Snorkeling and Diving, and on , and, on and...on.  

Describing all the fun to be had in the Keys is like Bubba from Forrest Gump describing Shrimp Recipes.

That bump in perspective makes you realize WOW, the Keys are amazing, and what a cool place to call your own.  Whether a dry lot bungalow, or Oceanfront Estate, the Magic is yours to enjoy anytime...all the time, when you own your own piece of paradise here in the Fabulous Florida Keys.

Let me open YOUR eyes to the myriad of possibilities, so you can enjoy your own staycation!

Work with an Agent who lives like a tourist every day.  Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Tow Boat US and/or Sea Tow Memberships... Don't Leave Port Without Them!!

It's a Big Sea out there.   Sometimes it's Benevolent, and Majestic, and simply Wonderful.  And Sometimes.... Sometimes,  it'll make you It's Bitch.

Been There

It's THOSE times that you need to be prepared.  BOATS break down.  It's part of the ... joys having a boat.  Again, BOATS break down.  And that is why I don't let any of my Clients and Friends, go on the water in their boats without a membership to either Tow Boat Us or Sea Tow.


These are basically the AAA of the sea, providing assistance and towing when needed.  From dead batteries, to running out of gas, to my @#$&%ing engine won't start and I'm 10 *&^ing miles off shore in 600 feet of water and I need to get home, bad situations.  These Guys and Gals are the Cavalry.

Done That

For a yearly membership fee, you buy peace of mind and a WHOLE lot of Savings.

Case in point...
I have a membership with Tow Boat US, not that Sea Tow is no better or worse, just my membership has always been with Tow Boat.  Well yesterday, before I was about to go out collecting my crab traps for the end of Stone Crab season, I realized that my membership had expired.  I immediately went at 8:15am to renew at my local West Marine.  I paid my $160+/- membership fee. At 11:15 AM I am off  Key Largo cruising at about 30 knots when my prop slips off my boat into the briny.  No prop=stuck!  So here it is just 3 hours later after I renewed and I am calling for a tow back to port!  I call on my VHF and soon one of their friendly captains was there to bring us in. It took two hours to get us back.

How much did he charge me ??? $0.   How much WOULD it have cost?? $485 !!  That 1 incident paid for itself.  That was yesterday.  I am certain that over the next 364 days I will be calling them again for assistance.  And while I will be frustrated at being stuck..I will have piece of mind, that I can get back and not have a several hundred $$ towing charge.

So, Get out on the Big Sea,  Know that It may want to and may even make you, It's Bitch.  But at least come prepared with an exit strategy in the form of a Sea Tow or Tow Boat Us Membership.  Because....BOATS break down!

Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

The Times, They Are A-Changin' - Maddoxes Sell Captain Pip's Marina and Hideaway.

The times, they are a-changin'.
I have always had a fond spot for Porkey's and Captain Pip's Marina in Marathon, one of the last bastions of old time Keyzness.
Both were owned for a considerable time by the same owners who has now divested both spots to new owners.
Lets' hope they keep that same vibe that made these places such a treat.
Here is an article from KeysInfo.Net with more info on the change in ownership:

"Maddoxes sell Captain Pip's Marina and Hideaway to Crawford

By RYAN McCARTHY

rmccarthy@keynoter.com April 30, 2014 

J ust fewer than four months after selling their Porky's Bayside Restaurant, longtime owners Johnny Maddox and Barbara Maddox are turning over the reins to the other half of their Old Town Marathon business.

Ernie Crawford stands in one of the rental boats in the marina's basin. Photo by Ryan McCarthy

Stuart resident Ernie Crawford is scheduled to close today and take over Thursday as the owner of Captain Pip's Marina and Hideaway around mile marker 47.5 bayside. The Maddoxes owned the restaurant and adjacent fishing, rental boat and lodging businesses for roughly 17 years.

"I saw a magazine article that Captain Pip's was for sale and I called and here I am," Crawford said.
Crawford said Captain Pip's is his first foray into the marina or hotel business, but he's a veteran business owner at just 45 years old.
 Crawford said he owned 25 Arrow Mart convenience stores and 16 Subway sandwich shops in upstate New York before selling them all seven years ago. He said he later bought a golf course in Perry, N.Y., and owned it for three years before moving to Stuart.
Crawford said he plans to upgrade engines on all 15 rental boats and upgrade the property's 15 rental units.
"I'm going to be painting all the buildings to make it more of a tropical setting and doing some remodeling inside," he said. "We're also bringing in kayak and paddleboard rentals and we're restructuring our room rates."
Rooms would be available without a boat rental, or with a rental at 50 percent off. "That's going to put our room rates much more competitive," Crawford said.
Crawford said Ellie Cote, Captain Pip's manager for 13 years, is staying with the company and that the business would remain open while repairs take place.
The only part of the operation Crawford did not purchase was the charter boat portion, which Johnny Maddox is retaining.
"I'm going to keep Captain Pip's charters, which is now going to be Johnny Maddox Charters. We'll be in conjunction with Ernie because the Capt. Pip's package, the whole genre of it all, revolves around fishing and lodging," he said.

Maddox said he and Barbara take pride in what they accomplished at Porky's and Captain Pip's.
"We're proud to say we were able to take it from what it was known in town back in the '90s as, Capt. Pip's rent-a-junk, up to a premier fishing and lodging, boat-rental business," he said. "We know [Crawford is] going to take it and make it even bigger and better than what we've done."

In January, the Maddoxes sold Porky's to longtime employees Sean Johnson and Magdalena Jedrzejewska. Terms of that deal and the latest one were disclosed".

Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

City Council Approves $77M for 7-Mile Bridge

The 7-Mile Bridge.
The stuff of legend.  An Engineering marvel.
Blood, Sweat, Tears, and Lives were all lost to mete out the ability to cross the multi-hued waters of Moser Channel
But what an AMAZING creation!
She's taken a beating, the Original has.  And now, the sensible powers that be, have earmarked funds for maintenance of this Local, National, and International Treasure.

Check out the Article published in KeysNews.com.

"City council approves $77M for 7-Mile bridge

BY TIMOTHY O'HARA Citizen Staff
tohara@keysnews.com

Florida Keys local governments have begun to give their formal blessings to a funding plan to renovate the

Photo Courtesy of Keysnews.com

Old Seven Mile Bridge.
On Tuesday night, the Marathon City Council approved the roughly $77 million plan between itself, the Monroe County Commission and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The agreement calls for 30 years worth of repairs and upgrades to the 100 year-old bridge that once carried Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad, with FDOT paying for the lion's share of it.
Under the terms of the agreement, FDOT would maintain ownership of the bridge. FDOT would pay $57 million of the projected $77 million in repair and maintenance costs over the next 30 years. Monroe County would pay $14.2 million, and Marathon would pay $5.3 million to help cover the cost of repairs. The county would have to pay an additional $720,000 up front to repair the Pigeon Key ramp, according to the agreement.
The Marathon City Council voted unanimously in favor of the agreement.
"The enthusiasm was unbelievable," Mayor Dick Ramsay said.
The Monroe County Commission tentatively approved the funding plan in December. Commissioner Danny Kolhage was the only one on the dais to vote against funding the project. He said he would like to see the county's share of the funding go to bridges and roads that residents drive on daily.
Kolhage again plans to vote against the project, he said.
FDOT District 6 Superintendent Gus Pego is in full support of the funding plan. If the plan is approved by the County Commission, FDOT would start the design work this year and hopefully construction next year, Pego said.
"We have made this a priority for Monroe County," Pego said. "I am confident we will be able to find the money for it."

The commission meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Marathon Government Center."
  Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Captain Matt Bellinger's Fishing Report for the Last Day of February... Go Fish!!

Get your slickers on, cause it's time to fish!!
Even on a potentially rainy day in the Florida keys, the fishing is great!
Take a listen to Captain Matt Bellinger, of Bamboo Charters, give us a great fishing report for the last day of February.

Click on the image below.

Talking about Blacking Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish, and today's opening of Snook Season.

As Captain Matt says..."Get out on the water...Go Fish!"

Captain Matt Bellinger of Bamboo Charters

Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Captain Matt Bellinger's Upper Keys Fishing Report for November 18.

Get Captain Matt Bellinger's Upper Keys Fishing Report for the Eighteenth Day of November.

Redfish in very skinny water

Get Today's Report  Here

Today, talking about Redfish,  Sailfish, and a really hot Reef Bite, all in MUCH better conditions than we had last week.

As Captain Matt says:
"Get Out on the Water...Go Fish!!"

Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Captain Matt Bellinger's Upper Keys Fishing Report for November 1

Get Captain Matt Bellinger's Upper Keys Fishing Report for the First Day of November.

Bonefish

Get Today's Report  Here

Today, talking about Redfish, Bonefish, Sailfish, and Blue Water fishing.

As Captain Matt says:
"Get Out on the Water...Go Fish!!"

Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Captain Matt Bellinger's Columbus Day Fishing Report...."Get Out on the Water... Go Fish!"

Get Captain Matt Bellinger's October 14, fishing report here!

Captain Matt Bellinger of Bamboo Charters is THE Voice of what's going on. He has been featured on National Geographic Television and his daily reports put you on the fish, with the where when and who of the day's catch

Entertaining and Insightful, Captain Matt always has his line in the water for fresh Intel to help you catch the big ones.
 
Be sure to visit Bamboo Charters to book a trip with Captain Matt.

Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

"Yes, I Am A Pirate...200 Years Too Late" Your Conchquistador Was Part of This week's Flotilla Protest!

Like Jimmy Buffet sang about being a Pirate too late, your Conchquistador still has a bit of Buccaneer in him!!

As most of you are aware, this crazy Government shutdown has forced the closure of Everglades National Park, the source of livelihood for many of our local fishing guides.
These poor guys are taking it in the proverbial shorts!!
And if the Guides aren't making money, they don't go to restaurants, spend money, and so on and on it goes with the financial ripple, that can even, eventually affect real estate in the long run.

So, what is a Pirate like me supposed to do??? Protest!!!  Along with about 200 of my Keys Brethren.
Yes, about 200 boats, including my vessel the Conch-Keys-Tador, took part this Wednesday, in a peaceful, but very vocal protest of the Park's closure, that certainly got the "Powers That Be's" ear.
Perched at the Park's Border at Cowpen's Cut off Islamorda, we let our sentiments be KNOWN!

Just some of the Many Boats that Took Part in The Flotilla Protest.

Below is a written statement from my friend Captain Bill Kelly,
" Approximately 150 boats carrying more than 500 people assembled Wednesday, October 9th, at the Cowpen's Cut just off Plantation Key in Islamorada to peacefully protest the closure of Everglades National Park to all user activity.  All of the national park closures are having significant, negative, economic impacts on the communities that surround them, not just on fishermen but lodging establishments, restaurants and support services that enhance the park experiences through various outdoor activities.

Although members of Congress and furloughed government workers continue to receive their paychecks, fishing guides are  experiencing a major loss of income due to the closures with no relief in sight.  Our congressman, Rep. Joe Garcia, has voted for and continues to push legislation to open the parks.  Rep. Garcia steadfastly supports our position that citizens and visitors to our national parks should not be penalized by our government's inability to come up with a balanced budget and appropriately address the Nation's financial affairs.

Well-known Capt. Randy Towe of Islamorada, the primary organizer of the rally, deserves a debt of gratitude for his efforts in creating national awareness on the importance of keeping our national parks in full operation to benefit our local economies and in respect for our citizens and international visitors to these venues.

Capt. Bill Kelly, Executive Director
Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen's Association'

Below is a response from Congressman Joe Garcia:
 “To everyone gathered in peaceful protest against the closing of Everglades National Park, I stand with you today. As you make your plight – and those of your families, communities and local economies – known in Washington and across the county, I regret my absence. But know that I support your efforts and will be your advocate in Washington. Know that I, like you, will spread the messages of those affected by the shutdown, and fight for its resolution, until these needless and dangerous games being played with the livelihoods of the American people have been put to a stop. It is time to get the country back to work,” 


Let's Hope our this ridiculousness comes to and end quickly and that our honest, hard working, friends can get back to making a living!!!

Though the canons don't thunder and there's nothing to plunder, I don't just want to sit around and wait.

Work with an Agent who gets involved with their Community!  Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

"Get Out On The Water...Go Fish!!!" Tune in here for Captain Matt Bellinger's Daily Keys Fishing Reports!!

If you are down here in The Fabulous Florida Keys and you are itching to fish, there in one person to turn to

Captain Matt Bellinger of  Bamboo Charters

for the BEST in what's happening on the Briny.

Captain Matt Bellinger of Bamboo Charters is THE Voice of what's going on. He has been featured on National Geographic Television and his daily reports put you on the fish, with the where when and who of the day's catch.
Captain Matt can be heard daily at local radio stations Sun 103.1 and 100.3 FM and now right here at this very Blog.

Entertaining and Insightful, Captain Matt always has his line in the water for fresh Intel to help you catch the big ones.

As Captain Matt always says..." Get out On The Water....Go Fish!"

Visit Captain Matt's Bamboo Charters here.

Click Here to hear Captain Matt's  Report from Today

Work with an agent who will help you fish for the perfect Keys property! Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.