Latest Update - We're Still Fishing!

June 6, 2010:  As of today, there is no oil on the beaches in Destin.  If the wind continues at this rate, out of the southwest, it is just a matter of time.  Federal waters are closed to Panama City I hear, but we have not received the official update and there is rumor that they are still debating this decision.  RELENTLESS is fishing today and we will continue to fish until we can't.   Even with Federal waters closed, the fishing on the shorter trips in State waters has been good.  The water quality is being monitored (not by BP) and so far we are good.   The fish is safe to eat.

Condo occupancy is coming back up.  Some people say they want to get their vacation in quick and see the beaches and go fishing before the Gulf and sand are oily.  Others are here because they truly have made the decision to support these communities no matter what.  If they can help with clean up they are ready.  If they can just support the restaurant and lodging aspect, then that is very important as well.  Survival of our communities and our way of life is important to them as well as to us.  We appreciate this philanthropic approach to our crisis and welcome those reaching out to help.

As for the RELENTLESS, we will eventually try to sign on with one of the clean up companies or with BP.  In the meanwhile if we are fishing we are going to be offering the most AMAZING:

• Catered SUNRISE Breakfast Cruises
• Catered lunch and trip to CRAB ISLAND Cruises
• Catered cocktail SUNSET Cruises
• Catered bay cruises for dinner.
• Cruises across the Bay to a fabulous seafood dinner spot...or to Sandestin for dinner.

So, we are still here to get you out on the water, one way or the other if you want to go!  Standing by!

May 19, 2010:  Sorry for the delay in the “oil spill update”, but not a lot has changed as far as the fishing is concerned.  We are fishing every day and it is good for the most part.   We have less than two weeks before red snappers open and that will surely create a frenzy in the Gulf!

The Gulf “closures” of parts of federal waters have not impacted the fishing in Destin.  While they have gradually expanded the area, whatever portion has been in an easterly direction has also been further and further south.  It appears that the prevailing tides and winds are steering the oil a bit west and further south, but mostly it is just meandering around south of Louisiana.

What cancellations we have had have been due mainly to customers who don't want to get locked into expensive accommodations with inflexible cancellation policies.  There are a number of rental companies that are making adjustments in their policy, so please don't let this discourage you.  If you need to reorganize your accommodations, do so, but don't skip your fishing trip, your time at the beach or your family time.  Everything is completely fine with all of the above.

Naturally, there is a ton of media devoted to this crisis and most of it is catastrophizing, and while it is an economic and environmental disaster, Florida is fine and open for business.  Hopefully that word will get out and people will keep their vacation plans in tact.

If you have any questions please feel free to email or call.

May 7 2010:  Yesterday we fished in the afternoon.  The waters are still beautiful, fishing was good.  There were several news releases and press conferences on national television letting people know that the coast of Florida is open and prime for them to come for vacation.  We are experiencing no oil or effects from the spill off the coast of Louisiana.

Unfortunately, our own local television station did not get the memo and started the news cast off this morning saying that the Destin Charter Boat fleet was virtually at a standstill.  Simply not true.  Boats are going out the pass as we speak.  I am preparing for a four trip in a few minutes then out again at 6 PM on an 18 hour overnight trip.

We are still booking trips and our guests are anxious to keep their plans in tact.  We encourage you to keep your reservations and keep in touch.  We will not let you come down here uninformed.  Our customers have called and called, all hoping to be part of the solution, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for that.   Not sure why our local media persists in "castrophizing" at the moment.  There may be plenty of time for that later, but right now we are "business as usual".

Come enjoy the beach and the RELENTLESS fishing!

May 8, 2010:  We had an overnight trip on the RELENTLESS last night.  We went 55 - 60 miles south/southwest and there was not a sign of oil, sheen or odor.  We didn't have much luck with the swordfish but had a good catch overall.  A number of other boats in the fleet were fishing today as well.

Governor Charlie Crist is meeting with the fisherman tomorrow afternoon for a couple of hours.  There is, naturally, a ton of misinformation flying around and hopefully we will get a few more answers tomorrow.

BP has left contracts for the fisherman at several places and a number of charter captains have turned their's in.  You are not considered under contract until you are called and then you are obligated 100% to them for the duration of the time frame they lay out for you.

That leaves those of us with fishing trips booked for the next few weeks between a rock and hard place.  Right now, we are planning on fishing and if we can help with booming, when and if they do need us, and we are not fishing then we will go.  This may not be an option but it is the way we will try to go with this for now.  Our decisions will change day to day as the oil and weather change!

May 7 2010:  Yesterday we fished in the afternoon.  The waters are still beautiful, fishing was good.  There were several news releases and press conferences on national television letting people know that the coast of Florida is open and prime for them to come for vacation.  We are experiencing no oil or effects from the spill off the coast of Louisiana.

Unfortunately, our own local television station did not get the memo and started the news cast off this morning saying that the Destin Charter Boat fleet was virtually at a standstill.  Simply not true.  Boats are going out the pass as we speak.  I am preparing for a four trip in a few minutes then out again at 6 PM on an 18 hour overnight trip.

We are still booking trips and our guests are anxious to keep their plans in tact.  We encourage you to keep your reservations and keep in touch.  We will not let you come down here uninformed.  Our customers have called and called, all hoping to be part of the solution, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for that.   Not sure why our local media persists in "castrophizing" at the moment.  There may be plenty of time for that later, but right now we are "business as usual".

Come enjoy the beach and the RELENTLESS fishing!

May 5, 2010:  The beaches of Destin are still beautiful and white.  The water is clear.  We are “business as usual” except when we are not fishing we are meeting and preparing for whatever may come our way.  We will deal with it and deal with it head on.

There are plans in the making to minimize any and all damages and to protect wildlife, but mostly to intercept the oil before it reaches the beaches and East Pass.  The RELENTLESS will be a proactive part of the solution.

There is no reason to change your plans at this point.  Please check the RELENTLESS website for updates and fishing news.

We thank those of you that have called with concern and prayers.  We receive those calls with open arms and hearts.

Captain Brant Kelly

You can go fishing or you can go RELENTLESS