Reports

  These past two week have been unusual for South Florida, with both hot and cold to cool days. Even with the change of weather, never the less the fish are biting and biting well.    In the Everglades we have been catching anywhere’s from 50- 150 Bass on  both artificial and live bait. Most of the bass are small in the 1.5 – 2.5 Lb. range.                   With some occasional big one like Russ Stringham is showing off with his sons Austin & Gavin.                                 Most of our bigger Bass right now are being caught on Lake Okeechobee on wild shiners. On a trip you can  expect 4 lb. and over and some great Top water action on the outside as long as the winds not blowing too hard.      Kaldon Johnson and friends came down for three days of some great action.  We guided them to the entire round robin . We fished The Everglades one day with each boat catching over 85 Bass On day two we had some nicer bass on The Big “O” and catching some Peacock Bass on day three to round out a Great trip. Kaldon & Klye will be joining me this fall in The Amazon for the Monster Peacock Bass.  www.amazonpeacockbasstrip.com   24 LB. topwater   We are in our busy season “NOW” so book your date’s while they are still available , especially if your are planning on Spring break.   So get out of the cold weather and Join “The Hawghunter for some fun and great Bassin’. Capt. Frank Carbone              

We are catching Bass in The Everglades. In the past three day I had three different groups that had a ball.    First was the Stomberg family from Canada. This is one fishing Family, Mom did very well even though she was in the weeds most of the time, only kidding. Her and son Asher caught the most while Kylie caught the first and her only one, she decided to sun bath and eat pretzel’s instead of fishing.   Then there was 15 year Old  Nick Agnelli  from Palm Beach Fl. Nick single handed caught 42 Bass with some quality size to show off . Nick caught all his fish on Gambler Ace , color didn’t matter.    Yesterday  was also 15 year old Lyle Dershowitz from New York as he experienced a great day on the water. Lyle is a very experienced fisherman and has a great passion for the sport.  Lyle caught most of his fish on his new Fly Rod, and boy did he break it in. Lyle caught his Bass on Poppers , clouser minnows and Ace also.   Right now you can catch  50 – 100 bass in the Florida Everglades so if your coming down for the holidays or if your just wanting to go fishing, now is the time, while the Glades is “HOT”.  The spawning season is starting to fill up so I suggest to book your date’s soon for this winter. Happy  Holiday from “The Hawghunter, Capt. Frank Carbone.

Well, I looked forward to this trip since last year, once again having my Three Amigos from Puerto Rico.   The most important thing about fishing is having fun, and that we did.   On board was Carlino, Adam & the unforgetable Petro, A.K.A. El Professional, in his own mind of course.   After having such a successful time last year the trio want to go back to the Lake Okeechobee for some of the same. The difference this time was the weather, windy , cold, and made fishing tough. I decided for the best results was to use all shiners.   We found a secluded spot out of the wind where the action start as Adam pulled in the first one about 2.5 LB – & then a 3.5 LB.   Then Pedro missed a big Bass , by setting up too soon. Adam then hit into a good .   Carlino caught his first bass , but Adam seemed to big top stick. Then the moment came where Pedro crowned himself “El Professional” with this big Catfish, and would not shut up for the next hour about his catch. That night he promised that all Beer and Rum was on him.   At the end of the day there was a lot to talk about the fishing and fun we had. When we pulled up to the hotel there were the wives waiting for their men.   These romantic guys picked up roses for their brides, I guess they were hoping their luck wasn’t over. Like I said that’s what it’s all about having fun, and of course a few fish helps. The Guys end up with about a dozen Bass and of course 1 Giant Catfish to end the wonderful day. Call now the some remaining open spots for the Holiday’s or the just if you want to get out of the cold this winter. We are approaching our main Largemouth Bass season so now is the time to catch That Lunker you have been hoping for. Happy Holiday’s From The Hawghunter, Capt. Frank Carbone

On this day I had Clients from my home town in New Jersey,  Will Anthony his girlfriend  Kristen and friend XXX Scott. They wanted to catch some Big Bass, so I took my chances on a Cold windy day and went North to Lake Okeechobee.    When we got there it was 45 Degrees and windier then expected, which may finding a spot to fish difficult .    After several misses with the hook set , and both Kristen & Scott complaining about how cold it was Will called it a day at 9:30.   With not wanting to leave without a fish, I convinced Will to try one more spot. This decision change the whole day around. We anchored up in a cove off the rim ditch and with the first shiner Will caught about a 2.5 lb. largemouth.   Then the moment came, 5 mins later as this “HAWG” just exploded on his shiner, and the fight was on. Will got his birthday present a nice Bass around 9LB. , well no one was cold anymore. as the sun came up and being protected by the trees it made for a nice day.    9 lb . Bass Everyone caught fish, the day went great ,and Will got his Largest Bass Ever. If your coming down to south Florida for the holiday, make your reservation now the date’s are filling up. Happy holiday’s from “The Hawghunter”, Capt. Frank Carbone

Today I had return Clients Bob Parkinson & Friends from Pennsylvania. They hammered the Everglade’s today by catching some nice BASS. The bite has been a little tough these past few week . The reason the water levels are still a bit high.The day started out beautiful until a cold front rolled in around noon and wind blowing about 25- 30 MPH , that forced us off the water. Never the less the boys put some nice Bass in the boat up to 6 lb. All the bass today were caught on shiners. and released for the next angler , “YOU” to catch. If your coming down for the holiday’s give us a call you won’t regret it.Capt. Frank Carbone 954-325-1115     

In the past couple of weeks the Peacock Bass fishing has picked up, with the exception of one day when the cold front came through. Rick Blom from Lakeland Florida proved that as he single handed caught 20 Peacock Bass most on shiners. Rick had 4 explosions on top water. Rick’s biggest was around 4 Lb. and few more in that range, this was just a great day on the water and the weather was just right.    Next next Day I had repeat Client Charlie Horworth from Chicago. He opted to fish for Largemouth on his two days in Florida. This first day was a windy one, and made worming and using sanko’s a bit tough. With only 12 small Bass in the boat things were looking kind of grim, until an 8- 10 lb. Bucket mouth hit a 10″ Gambler worm deep. This monster launched out of the water went deep again and he came off. Never the less this got our blood going , so the next day we headed back to the same waters , but this time with shiners.   Nice way to Start the Day The results were a lot different as Charlie started out the morning with a nice 6 lb. then fallowed up with a 4 LB.      Right now the water is still a bit high but the action is good as we are going into the pre-spawn  pattern. With the Holiday’s upon us , and if your coming down to Florida book your date’s now and join in on the fun. Well I wish everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving this year.  I have a lot to be thankful for, because I became a Grandpa for the first time. A 6lb 5 oz. Keeper  Stephen John born Nov. 7. See you on the Water. Capt. Frank Carbone 954-325-1115  

Well today I had the pleasure of fishing with Brad Smith # 16 Wide Receiver for the NY Jets.    The day was perfect and the bass were biting especially in the morning. I headed out to pelican bay were I have been catching some nice bass on top water and worms. Brad started thing off with a nice 3 lb. Bass on a Gambler 10 ” worm , while I was still waiting for my first bite.       We then moved to the inside where we started throwing plastic top water frog, Flappin’ Shads and skinny dippers. we continued to get action for the next hour . Then Brad setup on a nice lunker with a worm, only to find out the drag was too loose and just couldn’t get the hook in her. He then came back as he went long to catch, this nice Bass on top.   We were fishing some thick cover so we had lost almost as much as we caught , but never the less had a blast watching the explosions. If Brad and The Jets continue their success we’ll see them in the Super Bowl , then after the season is over he will be back for some “HAWG’s” during the spawning season in February.  DEC.- March is the best time of the year for Big Bass and of course is my busiest time of the year also.   So if you looking to get out of the cold weather and join in on the fun, book your date’s now while they are still available. Good Fishin’ Capt. Frank Carbone 954-325-1115      

The Belle of The Amazon a 100 Luxury YachtWell the bite is still on and the water levels are perfect. The Belle and it’s Guides,with this small group of only 10 anglers they managed to catch 1440 Peacock Bass , the largest being 23.5 LB. There were 7 caught over 20 Lb. and 71 over 10 LB.I still have choice date’s available for Dec. 10 – 17, Jan 14- 21 , Jan. 28 – Feb. 5 & Feb. 11 – 19.This could be you holding the next 20 LB. Monster Amazon Peacock Bass.    Call now before the date’s book up and you to can go on a Fishing Experiance of a Life time.Capt. Frank Carbone954-325-1115http://www.amazonpeacockbasstrip.com

Last weekend I had two Texan’s,  Darrell Norrid & Ken Hubbard. These two party animals had three great days of fishing & fun. I think they rock the Hard Rock, along with the fishing.    Day one we hit Lake Okeechobee, boy was the wind blowing that day. Never the less we boated over 60 Bass up to 4 lb.  The day started out throwing Flappin’ Shad’s & Skinny Dipper, over the heavy cover. Also Darrell caught the first fish of the day on a Gambler 10 ” worm to seart thing off. Going into the Afternoon we hit a big school of Bass coming off the lake. They caught countless Bass on rattle traps.  We then finished of the day in Bay bottom.    The highlight of the trip was day Two, especially for Ken, he is still talking about those Peacock Bass. Once again Darrell started thing off with the first catch of the day, then Ken answered with 4 in a row all in the 2-4 LB. range. Then about 12:30 , it happened , Ken’s love for fishing changed, as he hooked into this trophy Florida Peacock Bass . Ken experienced a fight of his life,like no other Largemouth before, stating that he has caught some monster on Lake Fork , but nothing compared to this 6 lb. Peacock Bass. It took about 5 mins. to wear this “HAWG” down before I could put a net under him 6 LB. Trophy At the end of the day the guys boated 17 Peacock Bass and had a ball.  Needless to say the boys will be back again, and will be joining me in The Amazon next year for a 20 LB monster.   Day three wasn’t as productive as the water levels are still high in the Everglade’s only catching 8 small bass , but taking a lot on Gator and scenery picture’s.   The boy’s will be bring back to Texas some nice memories of their Florida fishing experience with “The Hawghunter”, Capt. Frank Carbone.   If you are looking to get away for a weekend our post spawning season is coming...

WOW!  2,361 Peacock Bass up to 24.5 LB.    What away to start off the 2010 Season in The Amazon onboard “The Belle”. As always the service and hospitality is second to none. My clients scored the most peacock Bass ever caught in my 11 trips to the mother land. That’s right , Two Thousand – Three hundred and Sixty – One Peacock alone. Plus there were several other species caught , like Piranha, Giant Catfish, Barracuda, and much more.   One boat in one day caught another record amount 147  Peacock Bass. Here are the stats.     Numbers:    2361Size:             10 lb.’ers – 21,    11 lb.’ers – 10,     12 lb.’ers – 11,    13 lb.’ers – 7,                         14 lb.’ers – 6,      15 lb.’ers – 7,       16 lb.’ers – 5,     17 lb.’ers – 5,                        18 lb.’ers – 6,      19 lb.’ers – 6,       20 lb.’ers – 5,      21 lb.’ers – 4,                         22 lb.’ers – 2,     23 lb.’ers – 1,        and  24.5 lb.’ers – 1!                    (non-published were under 10#)Baits Used:     Lures of choice for this trip were Woodchoppers, High Rollers and Jigs. A Jig caught the 24.5 Lb. by John Keefe from NC.The New Fishing boats were very stable and roomy to fish out of, as always the guides were excellent, which enabled us to catch the numbers we did.As my clients send in more picture’s I will enter another report.Here are the open spots for 2010 . I also have date’s in January & Feb.November 5 – 13 ( 2 spots)December 10 – 18 ( 14 spots)December 31 (10 spots)So if your looking to join in on the fun while the action is “HOT”, Give me a call.With Delta Airlines stopping their flights to Manaus in Jan. TAM will be the only direct carrier other then Copa that stops in Panama first. So the seats are booking up fast being those a peak months.Join me in The Amazon for a Trip of a life time.Capt. Frank Carbone954-325-1115

Last week I received a call from a gentleman in the fishing industry , by the name of Kil Song from NJ. He asked to come down to Florida to film a Show on Lake Okeechobee with Korean Pro Angler and TV celebrity Shin Dong Man A.K.A. “Shark”.    Well, four days later we were casting on the “Lake” for top water Largemouth bass. With a strong wind blowing out of the east, I couldn’t go to my fish, so I went way inside Ritter Island for some great action and to get out of the wind.    I think the biggest Shock to Shark was when I re-spooled his reel with 60 lb. braid, instead of his 12 lb. mono. With some doubts I had asked him to make a long cast into the cover while waiting for the camera to get set up. Well, on his first cast and three cranks of the reel he busted and land a nice 2 lb. to start off the day.    The bait of choice was Gambler’s Big Easy , Flappin’ Shads and skinny dippers. Most of the bass that we were catching were in the 2-3 lb. range until I busted this beauty.       Around noon we had to out run a storm and ended up in Bay Bottom, once there Shark started throwing spinners baits in the cut and landed three in a row. I had lost a big bass that was chasing shad in the middle that had gotten wrapped around a stick. Next thing I knew I heard yell and he hooked into this “HAWG”, which put a smile one his face , as this was the biggest Bass of his life.    Needless to say we had a great day, and made a new friend. I have to say this is the first time I had ever fished with a Korean Angler , and it was a true pleasure.    After talking so much about Peacock Bass the film crew and Shark decided to make another show in Miami so on Sunday we were back on...

What a nice day I had today with repeat clients The Stewart’s from New Jersey. I have taken out several family members in the past and always enjoyed their company. In a half a day trip they managed to put 15 Peacock Bass in the boat including this Beautiful 6 LB. Trophy .      This was a duel effort as both husband & wife each took turns reeling it in, “What a nice husband Billy is”. The Peacock Bass fishing is still good even with the freeze we had back in Jan. Right now you can catch Snook and occasional Tarpon and some Big Carp while fishing in Miami for Peacock Bass. So give us a call the next time you want get away and come on down to South Florida. I guide 7 Days a week. Capt. Frank Carbone 954-325-1115

Last week myself & Steve Pressman took a few days off and decided to go to Alberta for some Trout & Northern Pike. It was nice to get out of the hot weather and cool down a bit. The scenery  is absolutely beautiful Ram river and there was wild life all over , we saw Both Whitetail & Mule Deer, Big Horn Sheep & Elk.                                 While fishing for Trout we saw Sheep on the hillside   We tried our luck with Trout fishing , but didn’t have too much success, so we headed down to the southern part of Alberta for Northern’s.           We had done much better catching over 80 Pike up to 28 ” .                                    Next year we are going to plan a fly – in Trip if anyone is interested, probably around June. I hope everyone had a nice summer and looking forward to seeing most you this winter. I have some group trips coming up for The Amazon, Panama  for Deep sea Action and Mexico for largemouth, join us if you can. Capt. Frank Carbone 954-325-1115

Well it was nice to have return Clients Kim Swiggart from Oklahoma, his son Parker and business client Carlo out for another Good day on the water.    The boys had a good time catching all kinds of fish. peacock Bass Mylan  Cichla’s, Oscar, largemouth Gar, and a few other tropical fish.          The peacock Bass today were caught on small shiners jigs, and top water lures. This was Carlo first time ever catching Peacock Bass and as beginners luck would have it he caught the most. The peacock Bass is the most explosive , hardest fighting freshwater fish you will ever have on the end of your line. Just come on down and let me show you, you won’t regret it.   Capt. Frank Carbone

Last week I had a great guy by the name of Marc Carlette from Switzerland. Marc and I spent a nice out on the water catching over 30 Bass up to 5.5 lb.  Most of Marc’s fish were caught on Shiners until he ran out . The rest of the Bass were caught on Frogs, jerk baits, Zara Spooks,10 – 12″ worms down deep and of course Gambler Ace.    The best time has been first thing in the morning , not that we weren’t catching in the heat of the day, but it’s hot out there. By 1:00 PM you are ready for the swimming pool.      5.5lb. caught on a shiner The action is good so come on down to South Florida for some top water action in The Florida Everglade’s with Capt. Frank Carbone, “The Hawghunter