It's HOT, and I'm not just talking about the weather. Yeah, yeah, everybody is complaining about the blasted heat and the humidity and lack of any appreciable rain, but for a tarpon guide and his successful angler - this is what it's all about. I would imagine that the still, oppressive early morning conditions when it feels as if your nose hairs are melting while you're waiting to cast at a hulking silver shadow is barely just a memory to Scott Finkler, wouldn't you? This season we've seen plentiful numbers of fish especially in June & July. Now in August, there aren't quite as many Big fish swimming by, but they're purely chomping on bait and flies and plugs. Last Wednesday, Laura Berringer (Woods N Water Cover Girl for August 2007-a coveted title!) landed her first tarpon on fly with Tommy as well. She & her sister Tina are now both hooked on tarpon! Best case, the weather will hold and we will keep seeing silver kings here into September. The great thing is that we've had redfish around all summer, as hot as it's been and they're biting well too. Redfishing should only improve as we move into September and then into the strong fall fishing months. Ten to 15 years ago, Bayfishing guides made the majority of their years income fishing in September to late November or early December because of the excellent fishing opportunities presented then. Oh, and the fall shrimp hatch possibly had something to do with it.

Speaking of the fall - I need to go in a couple different directions here. First, Tommy will be fishing Key West this fall (Mid-Sept. through Mid-Nov) Flats fishing for Permit, Bonefish and probably some Tarpon. He has several weekend trips still open the end of September & first of October and I would love for him to be booked while he is there. Please let me know if you have any interest in joining him in the Keys.

Second - Please don't forget how awesome our fall fishing truly is here on the Forgotten Coast. Excellent weather - Got it! Over the top fishing - Check! Crowded beaches & restaurants - No Way! Friday-Saturday trips book up first so if you are considering a company trip or a family get away in Sept-Oct-Nov let us know soon.

And third, the fall is normally when I start to get organized for the next year. As always, those of you that fished with Flats Guides here this summer have first refusal of your days. But, if you know for sure you won't be able to join us in 2008, please be sure to let me know as soon as you can - the waiting list grows!

Area News - The Water Street Hotel is opening right on schedule on Sept. 1st and they are still offering a huge discount to guests who book their stay on line before that date. Click this link to their latest update. Water Street Hotel Update . August 24-25 is the Dog Days of Summer in Apalachicola benefitting the Franklin County Humane Society kicking off with a "Yappy Hour" at 7 PM on Friday at the Dixie Theatre for you & your dogs along with other festivities on Saturday. Check with the chamber www.apalachicolabay.org or www.forgottenpets.org for more information & tickets.

The next time some one tells you the Real Estate market in our area is bad, you don't have to believe it. End users are finding reasonably priced homes and property with motivated sellers and the sellers aren't necessarily giving their property away either. Ok, so it's not great wisdom from a real estate guru or anything but if you get a minute, you can check out our local MLS through our website or check to see our featured listings. www.RobinsonRealEstateCompany.com Note: the Lanark house on Florida Ave. is under contract! (Go Me!)

If you can't stand the heat - get in the AC! Have I mentioned that 2 of the Offshore boats we book have Airconditioned Cabins?

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