Everglades City, Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park

Capt. Charles Wright
March 7, 2007
Everglades City - Saltwater Fishing Report

Everglades Kayak Fishing Third Annual Paddle-In Feb 24, 2007

This year’s event was another fun one. Things went pretty smoothly for the most part. It is a lot of work, but we enjoyed the good time and good people. We would like you all to know that we really enjoyed doing the event. For us, it is all about the people. I was told by a few that the counted, 140+ fishing kayaks were there.

The day was certainly enjoyable as was the fish fry and party Saturday evening. Our friend Kelly has threatened to email some pictures…hopefully, she will forget!

The winds picked up and the tides were a bit weak making the paddle tough on many. We ran shuttles back to Chokoloskee for many of the kids (and their kayaks)

Vickie and I could not do it without help. A special thanks to Mari and Marilyn on the food line, Nick for his loading/unloading back and his help with parking. Therese jumped in with the raffle like a champ … as expected.

We would not be able to do this without the graces and support of Lynn Smallwood who runs the Smallwood’s Museum (yes, related to Ted Smallwood), as well as, the adjacent property owners where everyone was allowed to park. We all need to thank them and continue to offer our support to the museum.

I spoke with these folks after the event. Do not expect any “No Parking” signs on the adjacent property as long as everyone is courteous and respectful. Also, please remember to make a donation to the store whenever you launch and be sure not to block the drive or the Store’s few parking spots. It is great place to launch and we want to keep it that way.

I neglected to acknowledge Chris Boland’s of Salt Water Sports as he donated the bratwurst this year. Stop by his Naples paddle shop and say thanks if you get chance. At the very last moment, he also pitched in by bringing a trailer full of rental kayaks to support those brought by Jose Gomez of Skinny Water Outfitters (Miami).

Dale and Russ, thanks for helping me shuttle in the kids.

This was the first year we did a raffle. Personally, I am not so sure that is really appropriate. It seems to put people on a schedule and that is not what this is about. (If you have any thoughts on this please email me).

We gave away some www.EvergladesKayakFishing.com hats and tee shirts, some Rod Mates by Back Country Outfitters and two DOA Lure Kits. Congrats to Bill Ward who came away with a new Surf-to-Summit kayak seat, Robert Doda who won the Buick Attack Trip and Dennis Johnston who won the ½ day charter with Capt. Nick Varello of www.EvergladesFamilyFishing.com Joe Schneider now has a brand new Heritage Redfish 14 thanks to Jimbo Meador of Heritage.

A special thanks to Wings 10,000 Islands Aero Tours and John Apte who flew over and took aerial photos of Slade Key.

Next year, it looks like Feb 23rd is the date. The tides will be a lot stronger, but earlier. Put it on your calendars.

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