By Captain Bill Willis:
Bananas are bad luck on a boat, right? So what do you say to the 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion, Randy Howell, when he pulls out two bananas on your charter and starts eating breakfast?
I shook my head and said, “Really, Randy?… Wind, looming rain and now your gonna eat a banana!”
He replied in his down-to-earth, humble Bassmaster Classic winner voice, “They told me not to touch the Classic trophy prior to the final day of the tournament, so I picked it up, held it and rubbed all over it. I also made sure to eat my two bananas every morning before fishing, and I ended up winning.”
Considering the very first cast of the day landed right in a big Spanish mackerel’s mouth, I was starting to rethink the banana theory myself. Though the conditions did deteriorate, Randy and our other fishing buddies Oakley, Laker and Adams were a blast to fish with. We shared stories, tackle tips, favorite knots and even managed to land a few more fish during our morning trip before the rain set in on Perdido Key. Randy Howell went on to share how much patience it often takes to find consistent success no matter where you fish.
“It can be out in freezing cold weather, but the bite is still hot! You just need to know where the fish are and change your technique. I love the variety of ways to fish, whether it’s on a freshwater lake or here saltwater fishing in Florida,” he said. “It’s all about timing and making it happen where you can. We had hoped to get the big win back in 2010 after being on the cover of Coastal Angler Magazine for the Bassmaster special edition, but it took five years to bring the trophy home! I’m just thankful to be able to fish for a living and enjoy these type of relationships we have built over the years throughout the country. And I am especially grateful to relax and enjoy day out on the water with my boys.”
After a landing a few big mackerel on Mirr-O-lures, the group tackled red snapper, flounder and a couple sharks on live bait. With the bull redfish spawn just around the corner, I look forward to fishing with the Howells again in the next couple months under better conditions.
Special thanks to the following sponsors that provide the best equipment in the industry for me and my clients. Legendary Marine, Skeeter Boats, AFTCO, Stinky Fingers Bait Company, Shimano, Aqua Dream Spoons, Matrix Shad and Lowrance. To follow the action in Perdido Key, Fla., check us out on Facebook at Lost Bay Guide Service.
Reach Capt. Bill Willis and Lost Bay Guide Service at (850) 748-5076 or online at www.lostbayfishing.com.