Capt. Chris Johnson's Page

The bad economy brings out the worst in some people and the best in others.

Due to the current economic conditions, the Florida Keys are seeing an influx of people getting into the charter business without bothering to go through all the legal channels or investing in the proper gear. Establishing and maintaining a profitable charter business requires substantial investments - monetary, physical, even emotional.
If you are planning to come to the Florida Keys and are interested in charte… Continue

SeaSquared regulars, Alec Rosen and his son Ruben from Miami, had an excellent day on the patches despite a lack of current, counting some 15 species caught during their outing. Their catch included yellowtail, mangrove and mutton snapper and cero mackerel. They also got numerous just-short red grouper and small black grouper, which were released. They took their snapper to Castaway where John prepared it grilled over rice.

Capt. Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters, 7 Mile Marina, MM 47.5 in Mar… Continue

Amberjack, kingfish and mackerel are plentiful and the reef right now. Catch 'em up and get smokin'!

A heavy-duty mixer or food processor makes it easier to break down the fish into a spread-like consistency, but elbow grease will work just as well.

The sweet flavors added by the roasted red… Continue

Unexpectedly and without notice, the National Marine Fisheries Service has closed the greater amberjack fishery in Gulf of Mexico federal waters from October 24 through December 31, 2009. They claim an established annual recreational harvest quota has been met.

However, fishing for amberjack in Atlanti… Continue

Ryan DuVernay, co-owner of 7 Mile Watersports in Marathon, knows how to get an adrenaline rush, but he had a hankering to try his hand at sharkin' so we set out from the 7 Mile Marina on an outgoing tide to test a new spot in about five feet of water just off the 7 Mile Bridge.

Less than an hour after coloring the water red and baiting it with a smorgasbord of irrestible shark treats, our first guests arrived in the form of stingrays. Close behind on the buffet line were bonnethead and nurse sh… Continue