July 29th and 30th Lobster Mini Season

Capt. Jordan, Mike Chad, and myself left for Miami on Tues night to test our skills for the opening of mini lobster season. We started off meeting some friends for the opening night at 12:00 for some bullyneting. That was interesting because I personally have never seen it done. There was not much luck on our end but seeing the large swath of boats, hundreds of them, all lit up looked like a large city on the water was a sight to behold. We snorkeled, and dove for two solid days. It was so exausting but well worth the effort. There is a limit per person per day which we accoomplished both days. No one got hurt except for the firecoral and sunburn so we were fortunate, there were casualties in the keys!

July 25, 2009 Friends Sunshine and Beaches in Naples

On July 25, 2009 we departed the Cove Inn Yacht Club on Naples Bay for a typical Saturday morning cruise with friends. We went to the back beach on Keewaydin Island where only two other boats accompanied us on our own private piece of nature. The water was crystal clear and warm and the snook were numerous in the shallows which made for some fun angeling. The girls were pretty and the dog was exhausted. The day could not have been better and there is no finer way to wind down than a cold beverage poolside at the Chickee (Cove Inn).

July 16, 2009 Offshore Three Day Fishing Charter

We departed the Naples city dock before sunset on Thursday July 16th. Our voyage to the outer depths of our fishing grounds in 200 foot of water was in search of American Red Snapper, Grouper and Cobia. The charter group and I fished aboard the Captain Marvel with Captain Mike. Here are some of the pictures that were taken during the offshore trip showing some of the excitement that was endured during the trip. Everyone had a great time and the weather was flat calm and a mild breeze kept us cool during the second night.



(top Picture): Captain Zeke (bottom Picture): Greg and a 36" Gag Grouper



(Left Picture): Captain Mike and Larry (Right Picture): American Red Snapper

July 12, 2009 Marco Island Fishing

Captain Chad and I fished the morning bite on Marco. The bait was tough to find at the head pin. Fished for tarpon in twenty foot of water for a 1 1/2 hours with no hook ups. Found bait and traveled inland to fish the deeper cuts and docks with small results. I found this jack (pictured) on the backside of Marco on a high outgoing tide. It was a great fight with a very powerful fish! The jack was revived and released. We traveled to the Marco bridge (pictured) for some well deserved shade which was 20 degrees cooler that being out in the sun! The fishing under the bridge was exciting with two hugh hook ups .... nothing boated.

Sir Buck Work In Progress

Southern Viking Charters newest addition to the fleet ... Sir Buck .... a 33 foot Chris Craft House Boat will be utilized as a camping mother ship vessel to our fishing skifs. She is a work in progress and will be available hopefully by the end of 2009. Make your reservations for 2010 now!!

July 4, 2009 Sunset and Fireworks Cruise

The manatees that swam under the boat at sun down were just a bonus for an extremely fun and eventful night on the Barabara Jane. This 1 minute video highlights us leaving the Cove Yacht Club Chickee. Overall the night was a great success and the boat's head received a 4 star rating from the girls! Visit a short video by clicking here.