CHRISTMAS IS AROUND THE CORNER!

Give the gift of fishing to someone you love for Christmas     <((()))><

GIFT CERTIFICATES:

* NO expiration date. You decide trip duration and value to gift.

** Receive a FREE SHUT UP & FISH tank top.

*** THE FIRST THREE to purchase gift certificates will also receive a FREE Florida Sportsman Calendar featuring First mate D, signed by Capt Bo Johnson & Deidra herself!

CONTACT US HERE, write “gift certificate” in the Comments box, and we will be in touch to discuss. You can also email us at FishTenacity@gmail.com or call 239.633.4662 and set up your Christmas surprise today <((()))><

Your favorite photos are now available for wallpaper download!

Decide which image you would like, Single Click to Open, then Right Click and select “Set as Desktop Background”. Wah-lah! Enjoy 🙂

Pageant Queen & Demolition King Discover New Obsession

BY: Tenacity Guide Service’s Capt. Bo Johnson & First Mate Deidra

We recently had the opportunity to fish the reigning Mrs. West Virginia United States & Mrs. Physical Fitness United States, Marissa Loftis, and her husband, Rodney, President of Loftis & Son Contracting “West Virginia’s Demolition Experts”. The duo fished Charlotte Harbor, Boca Grande, Sanibel, and Pine Island Sound successfully conquering tarpon, bull shark, goliath grouper and snook over the course of their 2-day fishing extravaganza!

When Rodney and Marissa called to book their trip, we discussed which species they wanted to target.  Both West Virginia natives, the majority of their fishing encompassed small and large mouth bass on local lakes, ponds and rivers. Their first saltwater fishing adventure together, this trip would be a trophy conquest to catch biggest fish they could catch. Neither being strangers to the outdoors, we knew we were in for a couple days of great company, which would ultimately be topped off with some great fishing.

It was a quintessential steamy mid-August mornin’ when we put in the water at Pineland Marina and met Rodney & Marissa at the dock. We pulled out of the marina and 15 min. later, we stopped to cast net some mullet that would be the chosen bait for the day. 30 minutes of a hard run up into Charlotte Harbor, we arrived where the tarpon were the day before and began to idle looking for the first sign – some sort of a hint that the fish had not moved. We explained to them what to look for: a lackadaisical roll, or perhaps a free jump. With all eyes looking in conjunction with the Lowrance HDS-10 side imaging hard at work, we nailed our point of attack. First Mate D threw the anchor and readied the baits while Capt. Bo went over the Do’s and Don’ts of Tarpon Fishin’. Baits soakin’, we discussed our common appreciation for hunting, fishing, and health n fitness while learning about Marissa’s Pageant world and Rodney’s Demolition business.

After 1 hour and not even a catfish toying with our baits, Capt Bo said, “Alright, did someone eat a banana today?” Marissa dug in the hatch and revealed the feared fruit of seafarers. She assertively tossed the banana overboard in response to Capt Bo’s reprimanding and not 2 minutes later, the Sewell Custom Rod doubled over and the mighty Silver King soared. FISH ONNNN!!!  Although Rodney really wanted the tarpon, it was ladies first, and he gave the rod to his beauty queen.  And Marissa was ready! When you carry the title of Mrs. Physical Fitness United States, you are no stranger to the gym and hard work, and it showed as she broke the will of the 150 lb. tarpon in less than 20 min. Congratulations given and spirits high, we quickly put out fresh baits and waited in anticipation for Rodney’s turn. Not 30 min. went by when the sound of peeling drag lit up his face, reflected in the shine from the Silver King skyrocketing into the air. For a small mouth bass catchin’ West Virginia guy, he made zero mistakes, properly bowing to this mighty fish’s airborne combat tactics. It wasn’t long before he was all smiles along the gunwale, proudly posing for pictures with his giant silver prize.

2 for 2 right off the bat, the couple successfully checked Tarpon off their bucket list and we decided to celebrate at none other than the Lazy Flamingo on Bokeelia. With mesquite grilled triggerfish filled bellies, we embarked for Part 2 of Day 1.  In route to our next fishin’ spot, we treated Rodney and Marissa to a little sightseeing tour in Pine Island Sound ~ birds, waterfront estates, and dolphins. We found a playful pod to show off their acrobatic talent behind our boat in the wake. Never gets old.

Their muscles well rested from the mid-day break, it was time to go after species #2 on the list ~ Goliath Grouper. Heading northwest with a well full of live mullet we pulled into Boca Grande pass. Again, Capt. Bo went through the Do’s and Don’ts specific to the technique for catching these monster grouper. With a beat down drag, somethin’ has to give. There are only 3 options: 1) Fish comes up, 2) Somethin’ breaks, or 3) You go in. The couple anxiously watched as a 3 lb live mullet with a 19/0 through it’s face sunk to the depths. Their bait started to get antsy, and DOONK, the Volkswagen with gills sucked in the bait! Suddenly it was an intense game of human and fish dominos.. Rodney holding on to Marissa, Marissa holding on to the rod doubled over, the rod holding onto a beast under the sea! Capt. Bo threw the Lake and Bay into reverse to drag the fish out of the structure. The Fitness queen hammered down and won the battle, bringing the 100 lb Goliath to the surface. We all hooped and hollered at what she had just accomplished. Some quick photos to capture the moment and the colorful grouper swam back down to the depths. Rodney up next, unfortunately didn’t have lady luck on his side. So as the fireball sank into the horizon emitting a glorious dusk, we through in the towel content on the day’s achievements, knowing tomorrow would be a new day.

Tarpon and Goliath Grouper off the list, the last species to conquer would be a little more toothy. Heading south out of Pineland Marina, we hit the trusty mullet hole in Pine Island Sound. Not far from there, we trolling motored down a sandbar looking for stingrays to use as chum and bait. Our final destination would be just north of Sanibel. Fishing a small area of low bottom where the depth went from 4 to 5 ½ ft, creating a slough. First Mate D chummed a whole mullet and cut baits. Just as Capt. Bo strategically cast out the baits, a gust of wind hit our backs. We turned to see an ominous storm heading our way with the promise we would get a wet butt. But this time of year, storms are quite finicky so we held our ground much to our contentment as the winds and rain dissipated. Almost in synch with the storms’ departure came the arrival of our toothy predator chomping at our bait! Capt. Bo rushed to the rod doubled over in the holder and quickly gave it to Marissa as Rodney strapped the fighting belt on her. Several solid headshakes signified a decent sized shark. Once again, putting her muscles to the test, she battled her 6 ft quarry boat-side in less than 30 minutes. She excitedly questioned, “Now what!?”, to which Capt. Bo responded, “a photo of a lifetime!” First Mate D readied the cameras as Capt Bo prepped the 100 lb bull shark for his photoshoot. Not many other species have been on the earth as long as the ‘shark’. Being the top of the food chain, this magnificent creature has earned the respect of anglers worldwide. Marissa proudly posed with her shark for photos, gracious for having the opportunity to catch such a species. Rodney beamed with joy at the feat his wife had just accomplished.

After successfully conquering Tarpon, Goliath Grouper, Shark, and even a couple ‘line sighters’ for good measure in our pristine estuaries of Southwest Florida, the West Virginia Pageant Queen and Demolition King duo is hooked on the saltwater game. For their next adventure, we will be fishin’ them for barracuda and sharks on the world famous flats of Key West.  Meanwhile, Capt. Bo and First Mate D will be taking a trip up north to see if we can handle their backwoods playground of white water rafting, zip line canopy tours and small mouth bass. That’s one of the cool aspects of guiding for a living ~ cultivating relationships that encourage a common passion and appreciation for all our great outdoors has to offer.

~Capt. Bo & First Mate D

Capt. Bo Johnson & First Mate Deidra team up in bringing you the ultimate saltwater fishing experience in Southwest Florida & Key West. They offer adrenaline packed tarpon and shark action as well as family friendly backcountry redfish, seatrout, snook, developing a great reputation for quality trips. In addition to the fishing charter community, this duo is active with TV Shows, Magazine Publications, Pro-Staff Duties, Philanthropic Events, and the Tournament World..Visit them online- www.FishTenacity.com and follow them daily on Facebook- Tenacity Guide Service. CONTACT = FishTenacity@Gmail.com  239.633.4662

Former USAF Fighter Pilot and Vietnam P.O.W. 6 ½ years, Ret. Lt. Col. Barry Bridger, recently traded in his backwoods Missoura long poling for crappie to play tug-o-war with giant tarpon and elusive snook in our Southwest Florida fishery. He journeyed down with his wife of 32 years, Sheila, to fish with Capt. Bo Johnson and their daughter, First Mate Deidra, of Tenacity Guide Service.

Raised on the North Carolina coast, Ret. Lt. Col. Bridger is no stranger to saltwater fishing, but never had the opportunity to tangle with the species that promenade our pristine estuaries along the gulf coast of Southwest Florida. Their 3-day adventure spanned the waters of Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, Boca Grande, and the passes between the Barrier Islands.

The excursion encompassed a wide variety of activities, beginning with a mix of sight-seeing activities (dolphins playing in the boat wake, an assortment of native birds, manatees); stalking rays on the flats; investigating the ocean critter by-catch in the cast net (pufferfish, sea urchins, cow fish); taking shelter from the summer thunderstorms at N. Captiva tiki bar; way-laying the snook on the outgoing tide around Captiva pass with multiple triples. Then as if Barry & Sheila Bridger weren’t already amused, the grand finale would be their trophy conquest for a bigger Silver fish in shark infested waters!

Starting off Boca Grande beach, everyone scoured the horizon for any type of a flash or splash. Dad saw somethin’ shine like someone flashing a mirror. “We got em.”  Capt. Bo proclaimed as he idled the boat in that direction. Their presumption was verified at the sight of fresh mud produced from chaining tarpon low in the water column. Taking a few minutes to establish the intent of the tarpon, the 22 ft. Lake and Bay set up ahead of the moving school and they began pitching 2 threads free-lined and 1 crab.

Suddenly the sound of screaming drag filled the air with subsequent hoops n hollers following. It was a mad dash for the fighting belt and camera, with Capt. Bo shouting instructing … “Face your fish”, “BOW!!!”, and “Come to the Front quick!”. The latter resulting in the funniest moment Tenacity Guide Service has had on their boat (other than when Capt. Bo cast netted himself overboard!). In a frantic attempt to catch up with the tarpon’s momentum Mr. Bridger came bolting towards the front of the boat, telling his wife Sheila to MOVE, she didn’t, she got taken out! First Mate D could barely contain her laughter and hold the camera steady. But that moment was indeed captured on film and now plays on the Tenacity Guide Service YouTube channel, along with the following astonishing moment during the battle for the tarpon.

30 minutes into the fight, giant brown shadows caught the corner of their eyes…. BULL SHARKS! “NOOOOO!!!”, First Mate D could hear herself scream. She wanted so badly for her daddy to boat his first tarpon and get that photo of a lifetime. As the testosterone ridden toothy predator honed in on his big silvery-scaled meal, Capt. Bo pitched a chunk of mullet at his mouth. The detour tactic worked! Well… for a few minutes. Then came the big ambush. Circling down deep below the tarpon, the 9 foot bull took a few swipes of his tail and “WHAM!!!” the 170 lb tarpon went skyrocketing not 30 feet from the boat. It was an impressive display of power and the circle of life. Not knowing the fate of his tarpon, Mr. Bridger kept pressure on the rod and Capt. Bo stayed strong on the trolling motor. A few minutes later, the mighty silver fish surfaced very much alive and well. Victorious shouts and photos of a lifetime followed.

As the 170 lb tarpon swam away, a big smile of contentment spread across the face of Ret. Lt. Col. Bridger and he turned to his wife and said, “Sweetheart, Crappie fishing in Missouri will never be the same!”

Capt. Bo Johnson & First Mate Deidra team up in bringing you the ultimate saltwater fishing experience in Southwest Florida & Key West. They offer adrenaline packed tarpon and shark action as well as family friendly backcountry redfish, seatrout, snook, developing a great reputation for quality trips. In addition to the fishing charter community, this duo is active with TV Shows, Magazine Publications, Pro-Staff Duties, Philanthropic Events, and the Tournament World..Visit them online- www.FishTenacity.com and follow them daily on Facebook- Tenacity Guide Service.

CONTACT = FishTenacity@Gmail.com  239.633.4662

On November 2, 2012, Quantum Leap Farm will be hosting their 12th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater, Florida.

Tenacity Guide Service is excited to donate a 6 hour Fishing Charter (a $600 value).

For event details, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/notes/quantum-leap-farm-inc/in-kind-items-12th-annual-qlf-charity-golf-tournament/10151322356504619

~ ABOUT ~

Quantum Leap Farm is a 501-(C)-3 Charity: a nonprofit community service organization providing therapeutic and recreational horseback riding, carriage driving, equine co-facilitated mental health services, and a variety of equine experiential learning programs.

Founded in 2000, is one of only a handful of equestrian programs nationwide serving disabled civilian adults, military servicemen, and their families.
***** In 2010, Quantum Leap Farm, Inc. received a Certificate of Appreciation from General Petraeus, Commander, U.S. Central Command, for their continuous work supporting veterans, soldiers, and their families. The commendation states, “On behalf of the men and women of United States Central Command, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to Quantum Leap Farm for the Warriors in Transition Workshops and Wounded Warrior Programs.” The general is the commanding officer for U.S. and coalition forces operating in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Central Asia theatre of operations. General Petraeus’ commendation goes on to say, “These equine assisted therapy programs facilitate successful returns, reunions, and reintegration for service personnel and their families and therefore, are very much appreciated. *****

Captain Bo Johnson recently had the opportunity to film an episode of “Hook the Future” with his very own kids, Kylie (16) and Hunter (12), and show host, Capt. Don Dingman. They finished the day 2 for 6 battling the mighty Silver King. Hunter’s tarpon was an est. 150 lbs and Kylie’s, 100 lbs.

Check out some photos from their day —->

VIEW the entire TV SHOW —->

The upcoming HOOK THE FUTURE episode will air soon on the following networks:

Tenacity Guide Service is excited to be part of the First Annual Rhythm & Reels Redfish Tournament & Music Festival brought to you by Budweiser, Bass Pro Shops, and more.

Join us the weekend of October 5 – 7th at The Resort at MarinaVillage which is located at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral, FL.
The Event will kick off on Friday Evening at 4 pm with the opening of our music festival grounds, which will host food vendors, kids’ activities and the Rhythm & Reels Concert Stage. Kick-off concert featuring Certified and Deb & The Dynamics!

Saturday events include Day 1 of the Rhythm & Reels Redfish Tournament. Music Festival grounds open at 2 pm with music, kids’ activities and food concessions.
At 6 pm the Rhythm & Reels Concert Stage comes alive with local band PUSH followed by legendary bands The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Blue Oyster Cult.

Sunday starts day 2 of the Rhythm & Reels Redfish Tournament. Music Festival grounds are open 12 – 4  pm with music, kids’ activities and food concessions.
Our Tribute to Veteran’s Show kicks off at noon on the Rhythm & Reels Concert Stage with live music featuring local talent.

From Fishin’ to Festival ~ this event has somethin’ for you! Hope to see ya there!

Get the whole scoop on the Rhythm & Reels Website.

Over the weekend, Capt. BO and First Mate D had the opportunity to fish the reigning Mrs. West Virginia & Mrs. Physical Fitness United States, Marissa Loftis, and her husband, Rodney Loftis, President of Loftis & Son Contracting “West Virginia’s Demolition Experts”. The duo fished Charlotte Harbor, Boca Grande, Sanibel, and Pine Island Sound successfully conquering tarpon, bull shark, goliath grouper and snook. Here is a video overview of their 2 day fishing extravaganza!

Tenacity Guide Service will be auctioning off a 12 hour charter at the Benefit dinner/ Auction for the Amy Merrill & Lisa Gritzmaker Memorial.

Our hearts go out to the families and friends of these ladies.

A special thanks to Marcie Allen for the opportunity to donate our time to the cause.

Please visit the Facebook page dedicated to these ladies =

Amy Merrill & Lisa Gritzmaker Memorial

“I thought a lot about what you said about your past two clients: The guy who caught the 9 ft bull shark, and the guy from Oklahoma who watched his 14 yr old son catch his first tarpon. What you and most other good guides take for granted sometimes is the amazing marine world you get to see everyday. For most of us, it is a dream or a fantasy to come down and see what you see on a daily basis. Now we don’t see the other side: castnets and broken motors, feast or famine on charters, long days and short nights. But for those 8 – 10 hours we are on the boat, we are in another world. We can be a fisherman like Hemingway, a pirate, we can be Jimmy Buffet, we can escape the world we live in and be Capt Bo and DD’s buddy for a day. Throw in sharks, snook, tarpon, gators, dolphins and manatees and for people who live in TN or OK or OH, it becomes a dream come true. You and DD do the best job of inviting people to be a part of that world than any other guide I have ever known. And I know a lot! Thanks again for allowing me and my family to be a part of your world and we look forward to next week.”
~Jason Patterson, Nashville TN