As of yet, the Whitworth family cannot exactly be called a family of fishermen. But, since the Spotted Grouper is located in a wonderful fishing area and many of our guests love to fish, we have located two delightful fishing guides that we can highly recommend. Cap'n Vic and Cap'n Mike have different specialties, so be sure to peruse both of their sites to see what is offered!
Captain Vic Davis
Captain Vic offered us our first fishing experience in Panacea. Well, actually, Vic graciously took us on a wonderful, not-too-fast, boat trip around the local coast at our request. He showed us some springs, some lovely coastline at sunset, and an old moored houseboat set up expressly for fishermen who unexpectedly need a place to stay for the night. Vic did persuade us to toss in a hook, and we (more accurately, he) caught some fish. The coolest part was that upon returning to shore, Vic also cleaned the fish and packed them for travel. Then we all traveled to a local restaurant (cleaned, fresh fish in tow), and Vic handed the bag of fish to the waitress to take to the chef for him to prepare for our dinner. I don't know about restaurants where you live, but that doesn't happen often in Atlanta.
Vic is great. Some of our teen-aged guests have hired him to take them bow-fishing at night. He has also taken our son (and friends) to snorkel for scallops. They have all returned safely, having had a terrifically unique and fun adventure.
Check out Vic's website at BarefootCharters.org, and tell him we sent you!
“I have been fishing the Panacea area for over half my life! Not only do I fish for a living, but also because I truly enjoy the water. I look forward to sharing it with others who might not otherwise have a chance to explore the “real” Florida. Whether you are fishing our flats for trout, redfish or Spanish; bowfishing for rays, flounder or sheepshead; snorkeling for scallops or just sitting back to look for dolphin, eagles or other wildlife while learning about our rich history…an adventure awaits you. Hope to see you on the water soon!” - Captain Vic
Captain Mike Locklear
Cap'n Mike and his dear family were houseguests of the Spotted Grouper before we even realized that Mike was a fishing guide. He is based in Homosassa, Florida, but brings fisherman to our area for special fishing expeditions, and determined that our little bungalow was a bit cozier than a motel room for his clients.
We are glad he found us! He, and various members of his extended family, have been our guests, and we feel like we know them from reading their entries in our guestbook! One funny memory of Mike's visits happened at a time that we arrived at the Grouper just after one of Mike's fishing tours departed. We walked into the house, and noticed a feathery-fishing lure on one of the den curtains. We carefully took it down and put it in a safe place where no one would get "hooked". Then we continued to find lures hooked throughout the house that evening...and the next day...and indeed, throughout that week!
Anyway, it ends up that Cap'n Mike liked the area so much, that he and his family have purchased their own Spot nearby. We miss connecting with him (because he no longer needs Our Spot), but we are pleased that he is now a neighbor. Take a look at his website at HomosassaFishing.com.
"Capt. Mike Locklear has been fishing the Alligator Point waters for charters the last ten summers. He will be available for the months of July and August to anyone who wants to try catching a silver king tarpon of between 50-100 pounds. Exclusively fly-fishing, but don't let that scare you away. It is an awesome way to catch a tarpon and easily taught by a guide who has over 20 years of fly fishing experience. All gear and licenses included. One or two anglers only. Fish from the best designed skiff on the planet, a Marquesas 18'. Just bring your fishing hat, sunblock, lunch, and beverages. The Captain will take photos of the acrobatically leaping tarpon with a Canon Digital Rebel XT."
For more information, contact the Captain at captmike@homosassafishing.com
