I’ve been showing all my fishing buddies the photos of the great fish we caught especially the big Snook. They were all well impressed. Jack and I had a fantastic time fishing and getting to know you, it was great. We can’t wait to get back over to meet up again and catch some different species as you asked, we provide a report of our trips with you.

Every couple of years we visit pompano beach and surrounding areas and always catch plenty of fish from the intercoastal and inland waters but wanted to get out with a decent captain and boat. Previously we once went out with one of the large boats in the Hillsborough inlet. We caught plenty of fish but didn’t really enjoy the experience and felt it was a bit of a rip off. This time (september) we called into the Atlantic bait and tackle shop in Atlantic boulevard and spoke with the owner Steve. He is a bit of a character but really helpful. He suggested we get in touch with a local captain, Jeff Maggio who is his friend and a good captain. How right he was!

We contacted Jeff and booked a trip for thurs 19/09 4;30pm til 9;30ish. Jeff suggested we try fish for tarpon then Snook later. What a trip! Live baits over the side and within 15 minutes we were catching tarpon alongside the luxury yachts moored up. Great sport on the light tackle provided the tarpon averaged about 15-25lb but larger fish were about. These fish fight really hard and are jacks favourite to catch.

As darkness fell Jeff moved to the sea inlet to try for Snook but after a fishless half hour decided to try his secret mark in the dock area where the water was strangely really warm. Now it was totally dark but slightly illuminated by the dock lights.
Baits out jack was first into a small 3lb Snook, this was nearly snatched by a massive 100lb+ tarpon when lifting into the boat. Unhooked and released we found shelter whilst a rainstorm passed over. Back fishing I hooked into a fish that ran at the boat and didn’t seem to big then all hell let loose. Jeff told me to be careful as this was a big fish after a 15 minute fight it surfaced like a submarine, WHAT A FISH! Jeff grabbed the line but it shock free but still on the line after a short fight Jeff lifted into the boat. Wow we were all excited, Jeff estimated it to be about 45lb plus the biggest he had seen for a long time. We all admired this fish took photos and gently released her for hopefully someone else to enjoy catching.

Trip over we returned to dock thanked Jeff for a great fishing trip promising to rebook.
After a short trip to Orlando we booked another trip for our last night before going home to the UK . We had another great night, no tarpon this time but the secret spot produced again. We caught barracuda, Snook (average this time) and a cuberra snapper. Jeff kept us out a bit longer to try to catch one more tarpon at no extra charge but they were just not biting.
See the photos attached for the fish and my stupid fat grinning face! So if you find yourself in the Fort Lauderdale area and want a great fishing trip with a honest, friendly and extremely knowledgeable captain get in contact with Jeff. There is no one better.

Jeff thanks for a memory that will stay with Jack and me forever. We can’t wait to get back
Regards Snook king
Steve Middle