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Hi Pier Rat,
My name is Jim and I visited Florida last year in order to do some editorial fuelled fishing for a UK angling magazine. I have just found your fishing website and I'm impressed with your results!!! I am coming back to Florida this year in order to complete more work for the angling magazine ahnd wondered if you could assist me in doing a pier and beach fishing feature with you as the lead role. What months fish best and for what? Sincerely, Jim O'Donnell Charter Skipper and Total Sea Fishing Magazine Journalist 
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Hi Bobby,
Remember me, Jim the journalist from the UK. I'm in Florida for 2 weeks in September. 1-5 in Miami, 5-11 in the keys, and 11-15 (2005) in Orlando. Any chance we could meet and do some magazine work for my magazine here in England? Shore or boat fishing would be great - perhaps I could Join you on a tournament? I would be willing to promote any US angling business that you see fit, and that would benefit from advertising in our travel fishing community. Hope you're well and catching some fish, let me know what's going on. Jim O'Donnell Charter Skipper and Total Sea Fishing Magazine Journalist HOME: +44{0}1752 668966 MOB: +44{0}7855040015 EMAIL: skipperjim@btinternet.com Extreme Fishing PO BOX 65, Plymouth, PL3 4ZJ
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Hey bud....... Love your website.......I fished the old juno pier in the 60s and early 70s and enjoyed some of the best days of my life there. One of my friends Mike Simons caught one of the biggest sawfish ever taken from florida waters at the old pier in the mid 1960s, I think it was around 14ft and 600lbs. I remember the old pier with the two story white house built in front, and 50 cents to get in, an old gentleman named BOOTS ran the tackle shop and made us hotdogs from behind the counter, between selling pyramid sinkers and swivels to the crowds. We fished on the old pier maybe a month before it was destroyed and I still have a hand scribbled note from PENNY the pier owner that let me fish there after dark for sharks. I fished the new pier just after it was built and the fishing xxx ed...no philchards or smelts as the pilings didnt even have barnacles and the tourists there were fishing with squid chunks and dead shrimp and the old experienced pier rats were no where in sight with the long rods and live bait. I knew that someday the juno pier would come back to its former glory, but I moved to the mountains of North Carolina and lost touch. Thank you so much for this wonderful website, I was actually a lake worth pier rat and literally grew up at the pier. We fished juno beach pier for the snook and mackeral runs, sebastion inlet, palm beach inlet for the legendary mullet runs and I spent hundreds of days at the old juno pier which only had about 300 ft of pier over water as the beach got so big and wide. Wow what memories!!! Again thank you for the wonderful website!!! How about some old pics if you can find some. All my best Mike Stone; Murphy NC.
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Hey Bobby,
I came across your web site when I typed in "shark fishing Jupiter Florida" on Yahoo.
I've lived in Jupiter since 1979 and knew Penny and Wally Sheltz from the old Juno
pier very well. I actually worked with Wally when he was at Pratt and I have seen
their daughter Lesa around once in a while. She's still a cute one. They used to
let me go out on the pier at night after it closed and shark fish.
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Dear Pier Rat, I have enjoyed your site and your stories. I grew up fishing Juno Pier, and the Earman river .......... a decade before your exploits. Most of mine was in the interval 1959-1968. I get back once a year or so, and will more frequently in the years to come. Eventually, I'll catch you on the pier. I have to hand it to you. I have great stories. You are a much more intense, and successful, fisherman. My stories include a spinner shark winched in and landed on the pier "green". Regulars - over the side, and touristers - ran away. Another shark story involves the use of a foam board to launch ripe bonito depth charges at night, way removed from the pier - on this particular night a shark picked up the bait as quick as it was dropped ... we did not realize it for a while ... very amusing to those of us on the pier, not so to the two on the board. I recall one moving mullet patch being beaten up by everything. Strolled in with a weighted treble, and pulled 4 snook out in short order. My personal largest snook was about 35 lbs. I scouted him from US1/Earman, stalked him, caught him, and released him. Thanks for the memories, Ted Theodore James Thomas, PE, PhD OSCAR Project Manager and Director of Fuel Cell Research and Facility Development Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio 614-292-2698
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Hey Bobby,
It's Jay Kerns, the surf rat from the ghost pier. I just got back into town about a year and a half ago and am going to school right now. I just retired from the Navy after 13 years, and started fishing again and found your web site. Man is it loaded with all kinds of good stuff. I use it as a referance site when I have any questions about any of the 5 W's. (who, what, where......) Really cool. I caught this snook (even 34") over by the Burnt bridge Easter weekend. I stay 3 streets in from pumphouse so if you ever need a place to park down here to fish, yer more then welcome. It's also good to see yer as demented as ever! Thanks and take care, Jay Kerns PBGHS 83' "Kneckbone"
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Hey Pier Rat, Just wanted to tell you what a great job you did on that site. I have recently been hearing about this Juno pier, and how good the fishing is, especially for big jacks and sharks. And now I came across your web site, those are some monster permits! Back in my country, Costa Rica, we catch those off the beach, but I would have never imagined that was possible here in Florida too. I also had a couple of questions, if you dont mind. How far off the water is the pier? Could you use a gaff or long net to bring the fish up or would you need something like a pier gaff? Also, what tackle do you use to catch them, how heavy a line? I'm imagining that 20 to 30 would do. I myself love still fishing and although I have a boat i enjoy fighting fish from piers, only most of the piers I've gone to are filled with grunts an other trash fish. I'm really lookig forward to trying out this Juno beach pier. Also, where exactly is the pier? I live in Miami. Thanks again, An avid fisherman
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Hi Pier Rat, Your site is totally awesome. Land locked in rural PA, I have to admit that your site first drew me in with the graphic and Jimmy Buffet midi ... what happened? Well, I never meant to follow your links for the next hour! I have just forward Pier Rat's url to friends in Sarasota, they will thank me :) Continued success with your neat site. Sally Erdner, and the smartypants at some smart dogs.com
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Bobby,
I finally got a chance to finish all three video tapes that you sent me, and I have just one word - WOW! Talk about intense saltwater fishing! First off, the size and quantity of the fish you guys were catching on the Tortugas trip is just truly amazing. I really cannot wait to get on that boat. I already decided on two trips, one during my spring break and the other in the summer. My father gets seasick easily, so my friend, Uncle, and I are gonna tell him how the first one goes. Then he may or may not come on the second trip. Fishing off the coast of Australia for Black Marlin is possibly the coolest fishing video I have ever seen. Those guys look like they are having an absolute blast. Awesome. And what can I say about the tuna trips that I haven't said about the others? I have always wanted to go out on one of those long - range tuna boats from San Diego. I mean, come on, it just sounds and looks amazing. I am lucky enough to have my Uncle live in Northern California, and he has a small boat which we go Sturgeon and Salmon fishing on. Unfortunately I haven't caught a Sturgeon yet, but those Salmon are an absolute blast to catch and BIG (at least to me and what I'm used to seeing on the Great Lakes). My biggest were two 20 #'s but he has caught a 50 or so pounder out there so I can only imagine. We also went on a day - trip tuna boat for albacore (they also occasionally hook up with bluefin, but none on our boat) since they swim up the coast to N. California for late summer - fall. I had a great time, as I always do when fishing, but listening to the stories that some of those veterans were telling made our day look like crap! All of the fish caught (18 or so) were caught on the troll, so the fight was still hard but nothing compared to what it would have been on the lighter - tackle live bait rigs. Unfortunately, the live bait just wasn't producing. But I shouldn't be complaining, me and my Uncle caught two fish each and some guys didn't even catch one. Okay, and lastly I have two questions that I was wondering if you could answer, and I promise no more! The first - what type of rod/reel combo do you suggest for me to purchase? I am looking for one that is about 40 # test (or whatever you recommend), that I can use for fishing for sharks, permit, tarpon, snook, and cobia off the pier (which means it must be very castable) AND use on the Tortugas trip to live-bait for big Kingfish, troll rigs on the way out (if you guys do that on this boat....) for wahoo, and drop big bottom rigs down for grouper? This is the one question that I have been pondering a lot, and have come up with no answers even after a bunch of research! That is, even if there is such a rod/reel combo that can fit that description.....LOL, I know its a lot of requirements. Second, why do you use 100 pound mono leader instead of wire? Can't some Kings and Wahoo bite through it? This question I have only been curious about as it obviously works. Again, thank you so much for all your help. You have educated me tons about saltwater fishing. I am also sorry that it seems as though this letter will never end! I know, its huge, I get carried away with fishing if you can't tell. Paul Kossak
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Bob,
Since my last email, the crew has managed to pull in 2 Sharks. We caught a bull and a black tip. The bull was 5 ft. exactly weighing close to 115 lbs. The Black Tip was also 5 ft. and weighed 125 lbs. (we ate the black tip and man was it good!). We are using 100-lb. power pro with a 10-ft. leader. The bimini twist knot has been working quite well. I've been keeping the fish on the line longer, although I will still get cut sometimes. Is there any explanation why my line is still getting snagged even with the 10-ft. leader on? I would be surprised if I'm getting tail cut because the leader should be long enough. Sometimes I will get a hit and hardly pull before the line snaps. Does that sound familiar? I think if I bought a wind on leader it would solve the problem, but I really don't want to spend any more money. Do you know of any sites that sell tackle for good prices? I live next to a bass pro shop and a local fishing store and they charge about $1.50 per hook almost for a 9-10 size. I think I spent about $250 in equipment and I think I reached my limit. I'm at work and the computer here won't allow me to send pictures from the firewalls, but I will e-mail you some pics of the bull and black tip tonight for your web site if you chose to post them. Thanks again. Greg Fisher
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Hey Rat,
Not only a nicely designed website (I'm in awe, so much to learn) but an incredible network of fishing friends and small personal web pages, that allows me to see a little better into the real heart and humor of folk around this world. I'm going to have to add a guestbook and link sign up page to my site to be a little more interactive with the rest of you fellow fishing maniacs. Pier Rats rule! Mike Chambers Homestead, Florida www.flatlinesinflorida.com
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Hi Bobby, My family originates from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. (Martin's) You mentioned Captain Laddie Martin as a charter boat fisher-captain. He is my uncle. He is now living in California in a nursing home. From the 1920's to the late 1960's, the Martin's have been captains of fishing boats from Sheepshead Bay. The following are their names and boats: Jacob Martin 'Sachem' and 'Geralda' Jacob "Chubby" Martin, jr 'Geralda' David "Laddie" Martin,jr. "Glory," "Rocket I" and "Rocket II" David Martin, Sr. "Roaring Forty" and "Geralda" I would love to hear from you concerning Laddie and any more stories you can pass along; also, if you know of anyone or any story you can relate concerning my other relatives mentioned above. Thanks so much! I have passed along your story about Laddie to my father, (Laddie's brother)and was very pleased to read it. Thanks for your post. I am really impressed with your web page on Captain Laddie Martin! It is really wonderful that you did this- and please tell Howie thanks, as well. It sounds like he and I are of the same generation. ( I was 13 in 1959, and he was 15. I moved to Florida with my family just as he started to work with Laddie. You mentioned he went into the army- and I went into the navy.) The stories are also great! I sent on the link to my father and other relatives here in Florida; and it will be sent on to Laddie's family in California. I will let you know their comments. As of now, both of our families are somewhat out of contact for a number of years. We just drifted apart. But, Laddie and my father still talk over the phone, but a bit less lately since Laddie entered a nursing home. I'm sure, though, that Laddie's family will be extremely pleased and thankful, just like we are. Sorry, but I have no pictures of tuna or other fish caught by Laddie or on his boat. I will be sending you a few pictures of Laddie taken in the 1970's-1990's. I'm sure Howie will appreciate them. Please be on the look out for them!! Again, thanks so much Bobby. A very attractive site, too!! Sincerely, Bryant Martin
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Dear Bobby, I am Laddie Martin's youngest daughter, Georgia (aka Georgi or "Cookie" (that name given to me by Capt. Mike Scarpati!). I live in San Diego, close to Dad. I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the beautiful tribute to my Dad. Your webpage is wonderful! I cannot express the gratitude I and the rest of the family feel for the time, effort and care you have put forth to capture the history and essence of a one-of-a-kind fisherman, captain, and father. Howie's stories are so familiar and bring back great memories. Please pass along my many thanks to him as well. Dad will be celebrating his 91st birthday this weekend (July24th)! He is physically very well (still ocassionally gets down on the floor and uses the stomach roller to stay fit!). Unfortunately, he is dealing with Alzheimer's disease and is a bit confused at times. But he rarely forgets fishing stories and loves to reminisce about Sheepshead Bay, the boats he and his family owned, and the fishing. It is who he is. I would like to stay in touch with you and help you and Howie chronicle more information and pictures. We've got a lot of pictures in storage. Given some time, I bet I could locate some great ones for you! (That prize tuna picture is one I think we could find.) Again, my heartfelt thanks for Dad's dedicated webpage. It's awesome!!! Sincerely, Georgia Taft
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Hey Bobby,
Man, you never cease to amaze me with your enthusiasm! I knew I liked you for some reason other than the product testimonials. I always wanted to be a cop. I failed the psyche evaluation. A buddy of mine who made it through told me years later they did a sting on the psychologists doing the tests because of the high number of failures in the psyche evaluation, and busted him. I was bummed to hear that. I'd be a detective now. It's all I ever wanted to do. Kudos to you my man! Keep up the good work. Those lenses are awesome aren't they? We didn't pay the thousands of $$$ to have the lens ANSI certified. But, we did do the tests and they do meet the standards. They can withstand a round of 400 ft per second 300 is the standard. I have never heard of that paintball round you use? That sounds pretty sweet!! That is good to know as well. I can reference this now when people ask me if it is good for paintball! Little Freddie's mom called in and told us how excited he was to get him mask, and how when he got it he tried it out in the shower. That was really cute. You've been so awesome promoting our product. We can't thank you enough. We normally only send out our colored decals to our level II and above pro staff, but I will get some for you for sure. They will stand out pretty good on the Contender. Wow!! SWAT training with the Fish Hedz mask. That is incredible!! We will actually be having some all purpose masks made up very soon. It will have our Save Phace logo(dude with the black eye) in place of the Fish Hedz. Love the k-9 website!! That is awesome!! Very touching 9-11 tribute. I'll get those decals out to you. Have a great day. Jim Neal Regional Sales Manager 18155 C Vintage Ct Middletown, CA 9546 Phone: 707-671-1374 Toll Free: 866-783-3223 (ext. 1374) Cell: 707-484-0751 Fax: 707-671-1390 E-mail: Jim@SavePhace.com www.SavePhace.com www.FishHedz.net
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Dear Mr. Pier Rat: I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed viewing your tarpon web site. It is refreshing and informative, and I especially like the stories and poetry. I find it incredible that you actually stand on the beach and catch tarpon. I have seen it done, and from piers as well, and it never ceases to amaze me what an incredible feat that is to accomplish. I once saw a man on a pier fight and land a tarpon from his wheelchair. Now that was inspiring. I have caught a number of tarpon along the beach but always from a boat. When fighting tarpon very close to shore, I have been tempted to leap out of my vessel and land the fish on the beach, but have yet to find my nerve to try it. When I consider some of the battles I have endured, sometimes being towed by hooked tarpon for miles into the Gulf while using stout tackle, it seems nearly impossible that such a fish could be landed from shore. At any rate, you are to be envied for your persistence and stamina. And just think, in a few weeks, tarpon will be showing near the coast again. My blood pressure is rising just from the thought of it.... Best regards, Dino
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Hello Pier Rat, I was searching for some answers about catching bull sharks, when I came across your web site. I have been fishing these past few weeks in the bay just north of Destin, FLorida. The water is brackish and not very deep, probably 7 feet at the max. I'm more of an off-shore fisherman just because the bugs aren't as bad and the docks around my house are overfished. Well, one night me and my buddies got tired of catching these annoying "brack cats" and decided to cut one up and throw it on a line. We had no idea what was going to bite at it, we waited about 10 minutes and BAM, my line was spooled 100 yards! I quickly set my reel and it wasn't long until my line snapped. I was curious to whether this was a shark, tarpon, or even a gator. One of the guys knew it was a bull shark and suggested some things to try and nab one. I went out to the tackle store and bought 80lb braided line (20lb diamter) and a 15 foot prepared shark rig with a #12 hook. I tied a good strong knot from the line to the leader and thought there was no way this shark had a chance to keep up with this....I went out there the next night and nabbed another one. I adjusted my drag accordingly, but the shark was taking my line out too fast and the next thing i know I had about 20 yards of line left. The shark made an inward turn so I reeled in about 30 yards before he went on another run. I adjusted the drag a little higher to prevent me from losing all my string and SNAP( I may have adjusted it too high). The shark won again and now im looking for more answers to my problems. I think it's either one or all of three things: 1) My line isn't strong enough. 2) My knot from the line to the leader wasn't strong enough. 3) I need a new reel that supports more line and has a more discrete drag setting. My reel is a $70 shakespear model I bought at the bass pro shop and it's probably not the best reel for the job (considering the ones on your website are quite large). It can hold up to 300 yards (20lb diameter) but the line im currently using will only spool about 175 yards. I don't have the money to upgrade at this point, but im sure this rod and reel can do the job. From your experience, where should I go from here? Any info would be helpful. Thanks, Greg
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Hey there Mr. Pier Rat, I have seen you in action at the Juno pier. You truly are a pier rat. I live in New York and come down to Florida about twice a year. I am looking forward to seeing you at the Juno pier again. WICKED AWESOME SITE!!! P.S Has the Pier Rat ever been skunked? Carl New York |