Bokeelia Trading Company
We get a lot of E-
Feel free to contact us if you’re interested in writing a column for our papers.
At the Nautical Mile office we get a lot of E-Mail about our writers and the great
stories they contribute. When the Nautical Mile started in 8-03, we had no idea where
to find people to write, but they soon came out of the woodwork, (or in this case
should I say "Teakwork") Though some actually are professional writers, most are
people that are active on the water daily doing what they do best- fishing, boating
and enjoying our Gulf Coast lifestyle. They always come through for us and we appreciate
each one of them. Feel free to contact us if you’re interested in writing a column
for our papers.
Capt. Gregg McKee
Capt. Gregg McKee is a full time fishing guide and owner of Wildfly Charters, providing full service flats
trips in both Southwest Florida and Puerto Rico. Born in central PA, (Go Steelers!) Capt. Gregg started
his fishing career after moving to Key West in 1993. He guided the Keys until 2005 when he and his wife
Amanda moved to the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Gregg started fishing the waters surrounding
Pine Island in 2001 when his parents retired to beautiful Matlacha, FL. He immediately fell in love with
the area and now spends half the year chasing snook, redfish, and tarpon from Boca Grande to South
Ft. Myers. Capt. Gregg runs a 17 foot Beavertail skiff and welcomes both experienced anglers and
total beginners. Call him (787)435-4833 www.wildflycharters.com
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"Joe Stollone"
Born in Long Island, New York, Joe relocated to Bonita Springs with his family at the age of 4, growing
up to be the only one in his family without the New York accent. He grew to love the outdoors and the
water, a love only paralleled by that of his family. He has enjoyed writing his entire life along with fishing
and boating. He works at the newly remodeled Snook Bight Marina, where he operates
boats and machinery, including forklifts. Currently he is attending Edison College
where he is pursuing his bachelors of applied science, majoring in criminal justice
technology. As of now he is focused on accomplishing one of two goals: (1) With his
bachelor's, enter the coast guard and become an officer, enabling him to fly helicopters,
captain ships, and travel exotic locales with uncrowded surf breaks, or (2) With
his bachelor's, acquire the position of crime scene photographer for the department
of law enforcement in one of many states in the U.S. bordering on or adjacent to
an uncrowded surf break. In between classes and work, he spends time trying to shorten
up his run-on sentences, woodworking in his garage, drawing, getting tattooed, fishing,
surfing, and biking. You might also find him at the bar nursing a Yuengling with
a smoke in his hand.
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Joy Hazell
Joy Hazell is a faculty member of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences
and is currently the Sea Grant Extension Agent in Lee County. She holds an undergraduate degree in
Marine and Freshwater Biology from the University of New Hampshire and a graduate degree in Marine
Affairs and Policy from the University of Miami. Joy started her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in
the Central African Republic teaching high school biology. Most recently she was the Coastal Training
Specialist at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve with a focus on providing professional
decision makers the knowledge and tools to address coastal resource issues. As the Sea Grant Agent
her job is to bring the best available science to Lee County. Joy is looking forward to getting her first
boat in August and learning how to fish.
Lee County/University of Florida IFAS 239.533.7518
hazellje@leegov.com http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu
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Merry Beth Ryan
Merry Beth was born & raised in upstate NY and has always loved the outdoors. She is
currently a columnist for “South Florida Sport Fishing” Magazine. Growing up, when she was not
on the basketball court playing Point Guard for Syracuse, she was spending her time fishing. Merry
Beth can be seen fishing the beautiful waters of Charlotte Harbor almost every opportunity she gets.
Living with a full time fishing guide definitely helps feed her passion. She can be reached at:
mbr1965@comcast.net www.merrybethryanphotography.com
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Capt. Chris Rush
Chris was raised here in Fort Myers and is the son of Scott Rush, owner of San Carlos Marine.
Experienced in all of Southwest Florida’s waters as a backbay and offshore guide, Chris has run
his business simply by word of mouth. Word spreads quickly when his customers are boating
20lb snook and landing 100lb tarpon on fly. With over 5 years of endorsement from Orvis, he
has a reputed talent with flyfishing for tarpon and other species. Capt. Chris can accommodate
1-6 anglers in either a 26’ Contender, 24 Ranger Bay boat, or pole you on the flats
in a
191 Ranger Cayman. www.rushcharters.com (239) 482-0193
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Capt. Lacey Rush
Born and raised here in Southwest Florida, Lacey is a 4th generation native. Lacey’s wonderful ability
as a guide to operate a boat anywhere in Southwest Florida is attributed to the thousands of hours
spent boating here locally. She is able to take parties of up to 1-6 anglers on either
a 26’ Contender,
24 Ranger bay boat, or pole you on the flats in a 191 Ranger Cayman. From May thru July Lacey
specializes in fishing for tarpon with the majority of her cliental. Sightcasting for giant tarpon is
something that still gives this 5’3” country girl a thrill. www.rushcharters.com
(239) 482-0193
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Capt. Joe Greco
Capt. Joe Greco has been been a USCG licensed captain since 1991 and currently operates
a charter fishing business in upstate, New York and in southwest Florida. He operates
"Justy-Joe Charter s" on the pristine waters of Lake George -in New York's Adirondack
region- during the summer months, targeting salmon, native lake trout and bass. From
December through May, Capt. Joe operates "Fort Myers Fishing Adventures" out of Salty
Sam's Marina, in Fort Myers Beach. Capt. Joe conducts fishing seminars on a regular
basis and has been an avid outdoor writer for nearly two decades. He is a pro-staff
for several companies, including Shimano Reels and Cannon Downriggers. Family-oriented,
back-bay/ near shore fishing excursions are his specialty. He can be contacted by
calling toll free 1-877-249-7472 or via his website, www.FortMyersSportfishing.com
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Sgt. James Erb, Lee County Sheriff Dept.
Sgt. Erb is in charge of the Lee County
Sheriff Dept. Marine Division. James grew up here in SW
Florida and is familiar with local law. He keeps us posted with current events and law changes, and
he also invites the public to send questions to the Nautical Mile for public discussion.
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Mel the Guide
Mel has been an avid kayaker most of his adult life. He has paddled
in the rivers, canals, backwaters,
estuaries, lakes and oceans from Maine to Florida on the east coast. Plus in California around Newport
and Malibu when on vacation in the Caribbean Mel could be found in his kayak almost every day diving
or snorkeling. He was a guide at Gulf Coast Kayak for four years and when the business came up for
sale it was a no brainier. Originally from the Jersey shore, Mel was on the Allenhurst Fire and First Aid
Squad and held officers positions many times and was a EMT in the thirty two years of service. He
also worked many summers on the beach rescue unit in Belmar Beach at the Jersey shore, before
coming here to southwest Florida. You can see his love and respect for the great outdoors when you
are out with him on tour on the quite, calm waters of Matlacha aquatic preserve, and the Great Calusa
Blueway at Gulf Coast Kayak in Matlacha, just behind old fish house marina at the bottom of the
bridge in Matlacha. www.gulfcoastkayak.com
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Captain Dick May
Captain Dick May is located on Pine Island in Bokeelia. He specializes
in light tackle, flats fishing in
Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor . He has fished from Alaska to South America but says this
area is the best for year-round fishing. In the summer he also fishes for sharks
and this past year a 7
ft. Hammerhead was his largest. His 22 ft. Pathfinder is comfortable, dry and still runs shallow enough
to get into the back country to fish for Snook, Redfish, Trout, and Snapper and sturdy enough to
chase Tarpon in the passes. He enjoys teaching youngsters, so bring beginners and kids. Capt. Dick
has also published a seafood recipe book, and he submits one monthly in the Nautical Mile. Contact
him at 239-283-3247. www.easyridercharters.com www.cookingwithdickmay.com
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the Snook Cowboy
Craig Timbes, aka the "Snook Cowboy", born in Orlando on December
7th, 1969, is the son of a
long line of rednecks from Mississippi. It wasn't until about eight years ago when he moved to Pine
Island that he got serious about saltwater fishing, specifically for Snook. After jumping in with a 400
pound Goliath Grouper at the Bokeelia pier to keep him from breaking his line and landing it, Craig
became known for going toe to toe with monster fish and has invented and received a patent for a
fishing system designed to be used in place of a Calcutta stir-stick that drastically
increases your
chances of landing larger fish than ever before. He shares his secrets with the public at record breaking
attendances for his Snook seminars countywide. www,.calusabackwater.com
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Capt. George Howell
Born and raised on the outer banks of North Carolina, Capt. George
Howell grew up fishing waters
very similar to the back bays, sounds, rivers and beaches southwest Florida. Before moving to Lee
County to pursue his dream of becoming a professional angler, Capt. George earned his degree in
biology, an education that provided insight into the world through the eyes of fish. Capt. George is
an active participant in C.A.S.T for Kids Foundation (www.castforkids.org) and Operation Open
Arms (www.OperationOpenArms.com) for the SWFL area. As a full time fishing guide, nothing is
more fulfilling to him than providing others with a memorable day of fishing.
www.Capt-George.com 239.770.5166
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Rhea Jennings
Rhea Jennings,16, has lived on Pine Island for the last decade. She
attend Ida S Baker and is going
into her junior year. Last year she entered a essay contest (nation wide) and was lucky enough to
be one of the few who had their essay published in a literature book. “The thought of my paper being
used to teach others how to write correctly is phenomenal”. Though lots of her writing in school take
place in her journalism classes, Rhea has very strong intentions on using her creative writing skills to
take her through life. I took the "Creature Feature" assignment with hopes to learn more about the
many diverse species that live on this planet.
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Capt. Rob Modys
Capt. Rob writes "Reflections on the Water", one of the most popular
columns we have. They are
stories from his day-to-day adventures in our local waters, with a little touch of
personality. He is a
full time back-country guide who's been fishing the waters of South West Florida
since boyhood.
He specializes in both light tackle spin and fly-fishing and supplies all the necessary
gear for your
charter. You'll spend your day aboard SoulMate, an 22 foot Skeeter that can navigate the shallow
waters of Pine Island Sound and Estero Bay while searching for snook, redfish, trout and tarpon.
Capt. Rob not only welcomes the accomplished angler, he encourages families with youngsters to
join him for a day on the water. www.soulmatecharters.com
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John Paeno
John Paeno owner/operator of Calusa Ghost Tours and Calusa Backwater Adventures
is also a local artist, naturalist, and guide. Before moving to Pine Island John
worked as Operations Manager for Fort Ontario NY State Historic Site (40 acre site
on Lake Ontario in NY). Since moving to Pine Island John has volunteered for and
then worked as Operations Manager for the Randell Research Center. He also does volunteer
work for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Preservation Department working with staff
to net, measure, identify, and count local marine species. This year Calusa Ghost
Tours added two 16’ canoes to the fleet and will be able to handle tours from 2-20
people, plus they offer kayak rentals/sales and camping trips to nearby islands.
www.calusaghosttours.com
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Capt Chick Melfi
Captain Chick Melfi enjoys taking people fishing on his 30 foot Pursuit
Center Console, powered
by twin 250hp Yamaha four stroke outboard engines and giving them a positive experience catching
fish. The vessel is equipped with all high quality electronics and tackle. Capt. Chick has fished S.W.
Florida waters for over twenty years and continues to have a passion for being on the water &
catching quality fish like Grouper, Snapper, Kings, Cobia, as well as any other of the many species
that come his way. The bigger the better. He also enjoys cooking and eating fresh fish.
"IN HOT PURSUIT" ! 239-415-0246
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Ron Brooks
Ron, an experienced fisherman and award winning outdoor writer, is also
a member of the Georgia
Outdoor Writers Association (GOWA), Florida Outdoor Writers Association (FOWA), and the
Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) Ron was born in Miami and spent his childhood
there and in Key West. He has fished from Maine to California, and most points in between. If it swims
in saltwater, he has probably fished for it or written about it at some point during his career. Ron is an
experienced fisherman, an award-winning outdoor writer and a Coast Guard trained
boat captain with
over 45 years on the water. “I provide links to all of the important information available on saltwater
fishing on the Web. New links every week and new articles on timely subjects, fishing reports, marine
weather - everything you need to make your next fishing trip successful”. www.saltfishing.about.com
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Dockside Dennis
I moved to Florida from Kansas City nine years ago with my wife and daughter. My neighbors noticed
I was always working on my boats, a 27' sailboat and a 36' trawler. I started getting request for help on
projects on their boats and my name started getting spread around, and the rest is history. I started
writing for the Nautical Mile February '04. Boy how time flies. I've had a career in Electronics, then
changed to electrical work. I'm a constant student always reading the latest. My business has turned
into taking care of all facets of boating. Along with electrical I seem to be doing more and more gel
coat repairs, which has come from an off shoot of my boat detailing business.
Dockside Dennis 239-541-1497
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Capt. Mark King
Capt. Mark King along with his wife Diane own and operate Reel Dreams
Guide Service in Clewiston
Florida. Mark is a full time guide on Lake Okeechobee and surrounding waters, he is also a professional
tournament bass angler fishing tournaments from Lake Erie to Lake Okeechobee. Mark is a member
of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association, Florida Guide Association, and staff writer for Florida
Fishing Weekly. He will be covering the freshwater fishing in south Florida with a mix of tips, techniques,
and new product reviews. Mark can be contacted for guide trips or questions at
www.markkingfishing.com or 863-983-9950
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Capt. John Wood writes his column, the Deep End, and offshore fishing reports monthly
for the Nautical Mile. Capt. John of Offshore Express Charters has been fishing offshore
of Englewood for 15 years. Departing from Marine Dynamics through Stump Pass, Capt
John and his mate, Robbie Grouper, provide their charter guests with a total fishing
experience and they love to fish with kids. On his 32 ft Wellcraft they're ready
for all types of offshore fishing day or night, bottom, trolling or kite-fishing.
941-740-1130
www.offshoreexpresscharters.com jrwfish6978@hotmail.com
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Capt. Jason Jones of Tie One On Shallow Water Charters is an experienced fisherman with excellent
knowledge of the local waters. Fishing the Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass and Sanibel surrounding
inshore waters, he specializes in Redfish-Snook-Trout and Tarpon (seasonal). Capt.
Jones fishes most of
the local tournaments between Port Charlotte and Estero and has many top 5 finishes each and every year.
His love for the sport and enthusiasm for teaching, talking or writing about saltwater
fishing is apparent when you meet him for the first time. Based in Matlacha, he is
centrally located and has access to several different boat launch and pick up areas.
He can customize your perfect day on the water by determining where you are staying,
what type of fish you are targeting as well as any specific lunch plans or additional
sight seeing opportunities you would like to encounter during your day! Fishing out
of the 07’ Sterling 220xs loaded with every bell and whistle imaginable will ensure
you a safe, memorable and comfortable day on the water! Give him a call at 239-245-5384
or check him out on the web @ www.TieOneOnFishing.com
