Destination: Little Torch Key, FL
Fishing Style: Offshore/Fly
Guide: Captain Jason Gabriel - Boneafide Fishing Charter
Species targeted: Mahi Mahi/Mutton Snapper
Hello to the Florida Keys! I have returned!
The best part about fishing is how it connects me with people and places. My birthday falls on Memorial Weekend and we took an impromptu trip with Honson Lau and Sam Root.
As we pulled up to the Gabriel's waterfront residence, Debi Gabriel was standing on the porch ready to welcome us in and Captain Jason was loaded up out back and ready to go. I had never met the Gabriel's' and our trip, like others was just an last minute invite. Debi had a surprise waiting for us to fuel our day.
Lionfish and eggs, talk about being spolt! I quickly learned that Mrs. Gabriel, was not just Captain's better half. She is a mover, a shaker, a gourmet chef! Our day was just getting started and already felt like my day was made.
Rolling out of Little Torch Key!
Honson hooked up on a sweet keys bull! It was non stop action once we found them.
I've never had a trip with Honson Lau that didn't leave a piece of my heart back in Florida. Epic adventures of sight-casting and this one was pelagics on fly!
One of the phenomenons about the Mahi hunt is, you can usually fill a box once you them. Keeping one hooked and swimming in the water attracts the schools and we spent the afternoon slinging bugs and catching dinner for days!
Playing with dollies the best way I know how!
Little cow on the fly for this Texas girl!
After wearing out the mahi, Capt. Gabriel moved us on to the next species. There's truly an art to free-lining for these mutts.
After observing Honson catch them one after another, I hooked into what I thought was a "rockfish" boy was I wrong.
Sashimi for days, all I could think of is how many different dishes I could get out of this amazing fish.
Capt. Jason Gabriel showed us how he cleans his catch and I learned that he does not rinse the fillets after he cleans them. I have to say a few months later my fillets are still fresh and ready to cook. After all these years! I love learning best practices from my experiences. Thank you Captain!
We got back and Capt. Gabriel cleaned each fish for us as we helped him pack them away. Meanwhile, Debi was back in the kitchen...
It was getting late and we had to get back to Miami, but Debi did not let us go without one more delightful treat. Fresh bowl of Coconut Panko Mahi over cilantro lime rice.
Thank you to my fran Honson Lau for another epic trip in the Florida Keys, Capt. Jason Gabriel delivered an outstanding experience, I can't wait to return. Boneafide Charters
My filets of mahi and mutton came back to Texas with me and I had to try Debi's recipes out for myself! Key lime and jalapeno relish was simple and delicious! This is now one of my favorite hooked and cooked dishes to prepare. I can't wait to go back to the Keys, this was a weekend for the books!
