Sailfish Tournament Season is HERE!

Talkin' Tourism co-host Robin Hicks-Connors with the
Treasure Coast fishing experts, Marty Romstadt,
Ed Killer, Capt. Jim Nester, and Capt. Andy Kubiak.

It’s not hard to realize that sailfish tournament season is right around the corner on the Treasure Coast. Dock talk is all about "the bite” and seasoned captains, anglers and mates are heading offshore in increasing numbers to pursue this elusive billfish. It was great to have the Treasure Coast's resident fishing guru, Ed Killer, back behind the microphone. Ed gave a perfect recap of how sportfishing led to the birth of the Treasure Coast's tourism industry. What's even more interesting is why years ago visitors asked commercial fishermen to take them fishing. The answer certainly surprised Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors.

In addition to Ed, representatives from three of the area's major sailfish tournaments carried on the fish talk. First, Marty Romstadt, tournament director of the Finest Kind's annual Sailfish Tournament, The Quickie, gave details on this tournament and how it has grown over the last 10 years. This tournament in a sense is a “tournament within a tournament." What the heck does that mean, you ask? Can you say "Calcutta"? If your curiosity is piqued (or you like Calcutta's) and you missed Friday's show, you can check out all the details by listening to Talkin' Tourism's annual salute to Sailfish Tournament (November 18) show here.

The next tournament in the Treasure Coast sailfish line-up is the Pirate's Cove Sailfish Classic. Celebrating its 24th year, the “Classic” has earned its place among world class sailfish events. Capt. Jim Nester, the Pirates Cove dock master, shared with us why the Classic is classic. 

Next, heading into its 58th year, veteran Capt. Andy Kubiak led the discussion on the the Stuart Sailfish Club’s Annual Light Tackle Tournament. After 58 years, keeping any tournament "fresh" can be a challenge. Not so with the Stuart Sailfish Club! This year they have some great events planned, many that are open to the public. Want to enjoy some tasty chowder? There’s a night for that. Want to attend a luau? Well, there is a night for that too!

Bests of luck to all of the captain’s, anglers and mates who will be competing in this year’s tournaments, and thanks for keeping the sportfishing tradition alive and well on the Treasure Coast. 

See you on the docks!

It's sailfish tournament time on the Treasure Coast!

For decades, Stuart, Florida has been known as the Sailfish Capital of the World. As a matter of fact, the early days of tourism promotion in the Stuart, Martin County Florida area revolved around the annual cycle of masses of sailfish that moved through the region from November through February. This tradition continues today. For the next three months, world class captains, anglers and mates will be competing for honor, glory and bragging rights as the sailfish tournament season gets underway along the Treasure Coast. This Friday we will bring you insight into the regional sailfish tournament scene and how the majestic sailfish has molded our region into a major sportfishing destination and tourism generator.

Talkin’ Tourism resident fishing and boating guru, Ed Killer will be with us at Sailfish Marina on the Manatee Pocket to provide historical perspective on the tournament scene and to share his perspective on this year’s round of tournaments.

The first local tournament, the Finest Kind Quickie will be represented by Krista Chasmar. The youngest tournament in the trio, the "Quickie" has rapidly gained the reputation of being a great event. Next is the Pirate’s Cove Sailfish Classsic, the first tournament in the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship Series. The Stuart Sailfish Club’s 58th Annual Light Tackle Tournament, one of the country’s oldest, will be represented by Tournament Committee co-chair Char Griggs. The Stuart Sailfish Club is credited with being the first tourism promotion group on the Treasure Coast.
So Talkin’ Tourism fans and fishing fanatics, settle into your fighting chairs (or lounge chairs), drop the outriggers and troll for an informative and fun show. Let’s go fishing!

Summer fishing, tropical vacations and why hurricanes may be a positive for your travel plans

Show guest David Mills with guest co-host Ed Killer.

It was definitely a guys day in the studio this week. Talkin' Tourism co-host Robin Hicks-Connors was in Washington, D.C. visiting with friends and doing a little sightseeing on her traditional mid-summer getaway.  So, with Robin gone, host Gary Guertin, special guest co-host Ed Killer and Stuart Sailfish Club's David Mills did lots of chatting about what’s happening and what’s being caught fishing-wise in Treasure Coast waters this summer. 

Thanks to Capt. Pat Price of DayMaker Charters, listeners heard the fishing is still fantastic along the Treasure Coast even during the dog days of summer.  Capt. Price shared the sailfish bite is still strong and mahi-mahi, wahoo and the ever present blackfin tuna will keep anglers busy and their fish coolers full. 

'The boys' also covered reef fishing, where anglers can catch several types of grouper and snapper, sea bass, cobia and triggerfish—all very tasty and fun to catch. 

Next topic was summer and early fall low priced travel, including the pros and cons of risking a trip to a venue in the tropics (or sub-tropics) during hurricane season. Gary and Ed shared some fist-hand experiences, as well as a number of tips and precautions to take the edge out of planning such a trip.  Some of these included travel insurance and what islands have the lowest chance of hurricanes to suggestions about registering with the local U.S. Embassy in the country you are visiting.

Gary also introduced a Miami hotel (Sole on the Ocean) that is celebrating hurricane season with a slate of promotions, each pegged to a specific storm name. If you, a friend, or family member shares the name of an active storm on the 2011 hurricane list, you just might want to 'hunker down' and listen to this week's show to find out how this might benefit Miami travel plans.

Most kids LOVE to fish and if you have a youngster who falls into this group, there is still time to register for the 34th Annual Stuart Sailfish Club’s Jr. Angler’s Tournament.  David Mills, a committee member and secretary of the club, gave Talkin' Tourism listeners an update on the tournament's new dates, which was postponed when Tropical Storm Emily was wandering the Atlantic. David also shared why this annual tournament it is so much fun for the kids (and adults as well).

We love our listeners and fans, we always have fun doing the show, and we hope you had fun listening in!

See you on Friday, August12, this time from St. Lucie County, for another fact-and-fun-filled show on what's happening in tourism both near and far!

Here's the show file for those who missed it or want to listen again.

Travel during hurricane season? Bah! We're not afraid of no storm! Good travel deals to be found!

A man exercises on the Santo Domingo waterfront before
the arrival of Tropical Storm Emily to the Dominican Republic.
PHOTO SOURCE: Stamford Advocate.com.

Just as Radio Man began to ponder thoughts on this Friday’s show, a pesky tropical disturbance in the lower latitudes turned into Tropical Storm Emily. With many Treasure Coast sport fishermen in the Bahamas, a friend vacationing in the British Virgin Islands, Talkin’ Tourism co-producer Misti headed off to the island of Andros for a speaking engagement, it quickly became apparent that travel to the Caribbean during hurricane season (and the wisdom of traveling during 'storm season') had to be on the agenda.

Summer is the “off season” in the Caribbean and it is also hurricane season. But, that is the time when many properties offer their lowest rates and added values. The temperature is not a factor as the average daytime high temperature in the lower latitudes rises only 5-to-6 degrees from winter to summer, the humidity is less than South Florida, and the resorts are less crowded. So, what are the risks? Are there steps you can take to make sure that a storm (or the threat of a hurricane) doesn’t dampen your Caribbean summer travels? Yes there are and this week Talkin’ Tourism will share this information (and love of the Caribbean) with our listeners.

Next up this week:  How is the fishing during the summer on Florida’s Treasure Coasts? Can you still catch a sailfish? Are the dolphin biting? Talkin’ Tourism wants to know and so do you. Special guest co-host Ed Killer will be filling History Lady’s seat this week. Ed is a very well-known freelance fishing and boating writer, contributor to Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers and many other outdoor publications.

Sharing his fishing knowledge with Ed and Gary will be tournament winning Captain Pat Price, owner of DayMaker Charters based in Jensen Beach, Florida. Now here’s the catch:  if the weather holds, Capt. Pat will be fishing and will call the studio. If the weather is bad and not “fishable” (guess why), Captain Pat will join us in our Sailfish Marina studio.

Tune us in on WPSL 1590 AM locally or catch the live stream at www.wpsltv.com and we’ll be Talkin’ Tourism!

Let the sailfish action begin!

Radio Man was thrilled to be walking the docks of Finest Kind Marina in Stuart, Florida last Friday morning. With the sailfish season starting in just another couple of weeks, there were many friends and fellow fishing enthusiasts on the docks getting set for the upcoming tournaments. The smell of the salt air, sounds of mullet jumping and the general “buzz” on the docks as boat owners and captains were sharing their fishing adventures from around the globe, set the stage for Friday’s show. Co-host Robin enjoyed a lay-day (day off), as they say in tournament lingo, and area fishing guru and historian Ed Killer filled in the co-host chair. With jets flying overhead is was appropriate to promote the Stuart Air Show, one of the biggest Treasure Coast visitor magnets each year.

Things, however, quickly got down to sailfish tournament business. Radio Man (aka Gary Guertin) did his standard preshow research, and brought some very interesting and notable information on the early years of the Stuart Sailfish Club’s Light Tackle Tournament to the group discussion. If you desire a better understanding of what our area's sailfish tournament legacy is all about, you will definitely appreciate the show.

Taking a quick side trip to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Fa-La-Me Capt. Rob Moore shared what it was like to be chased from port to port by Hurricane Earl, which lashed the British Virgin Islands as they were pursuing blue marlin.

Getting down to specifics, Char Griggs, Capt. David Berard and Krista Chasmar gave listeners the latest and greatest on the three major sailfish tournaments coming up in December. It was great to hear that each tournament has established its own special “signature."

On Friday, November 19, we'll becoming to you LIVE from the Bimini Big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort on North Bimini. We’ll be talking fishing, sharks, history and much more. What will be the Treasure Coast connection? Tune in Friday at 10:05 a.m. to find out. More pre-show banter to come!

Here's the show from Friday, November 12. Enjoy!

Sailfish Fever…Coming to an Inlet Near You

Sailfish doing sailfish things.
Photo credit: Derek Goodrich@webshots.

The air has turned decidedly crisper, time has has been turned back an hour, and scores of world class captains, anglers and mates are beginning to show up on the docks and tackle shops along the Treasure Coast can only mean one thing:  Sailfish Tournament Season is just around the corner!

Long nicknamed the Sailfish Capital of the World, for the next three months Stuart and Treasure Coast offshore waters will host some of the world's best in the sportfishing world. This Friday, we will feature our annual Sailfish Tournament Season show bringing incredible insight into several local tournaments that have molded our past as a sportfishing destination and major tourism generator.

Talkin’ Tourism resident fishing and boating guru, Ed Killer will be with us dockside at Finest Kind Marina on the Manatee Pocket to provide historical perspective on the tournament scene and share his perspective on what the future of these historic tournaments may be. World-class competitor Fa-La-Me Captain Rob Moore, a consistent top-placer in local tournaments, as well as those in the Virgin Islands and beyond, will share his views on the tournament scene as well.

The first local tournament, the Finest Kind Quickie, will be represented by Krista Chasmar. As a relative newcomer to the tournament scene, the "Quickie" has rapidly gained the reputation of being a great event. Next is the Pirates Cove Sailfish Classic, the first tournament in the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship Series. Dave Berard, a consistent tournament winner, will be give us details on the Classic. The Stuart Sailfish Club’s 57th Annual Light Tackle Tournament, one of the country’s oldest, will be represented by Tournament Committee co-chair Char Griggs. The Stuart Sailfish Club is credited with being the first tourism promotion group on the Treasure Coast.

So ladies and gentlemen and fishing fanatics, dust off your rods and reels, strap on your fighting belts, slap on your favorite SPF lotion, fill your coolers with ice and your favorite beverages, and “let go fishing”!

Henry Flagler Vision Alive and Well & Killer Outdoor Fun

Reg Lawrence is a Treasure Coast transporation expert!

The Beach Boys tune (I Get Around) certainly set the tone for all the transportation talk that was the theme for our most recent show. Reg Lawrence, driver and company representative for Acadiana Destination Services, was a great source of information regarding the transportation needs for both Treasure Coast visitors and locals. It would seem from Reg’s comments, there definitely is a need for the types of services provided by Acadiana Destination Services and similar transportation firms. As tourism grows, the need will continue to increase. Other “get-around” conversations revolved around alternative transportation opportunities that could possibly work on the Treasure Coast, whether to and around a downtown shopping district, or shuttle service to the beach or other attractions. Accommodating visitor transportation needs does contribute to good impressions and making a region a quality destination for tourists.

On a grander scale, City of Stuart Mayor and Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization Chairman Michael Mortell, was a wealth of knowledge on the proposed Amtrack/FEC Corridor passenger train proposal. Was Henry Flagler a visionary with his pursuit of the Florida East Coast Railway? It would seem so. The overwhelming consensus, even in the 'modern world,' is passenger rail service along Florida’s East Coast will be a definite boost to tourism, resulting in significant positive economic impact. Mayor Mortell's comments, facts and observations should not be missed on this subject. After listening (download the show HERE), you'll become a believer in the concept too.

With Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers coming on board as a show sponsor, TCPalm’s fishing, boating and outdoor blogger extraordinaire Ed Killer joined Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors to let listeners know that now show fans and listeners can access his blog right from the Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond) site. Now it'll be as easy as it gets to know the latest fishing, boating and outdoor news!!

Thanks for checking out this week’s show, and as always, email us with any comments or suggestions!  And, if you aren't already a Talkin' Tourism Facebook Friend, we'd be honored if you would join us on Facebook!
'See you' next Friday from South Eleuthera in the Bahamas!

Round, Round Get-Around.....Killer Blogs and Rails

One important aspect that truly makes a destination visitor-friendly is how easy it is (as the Beach Boys said) to get-around. If visitors arrive by plane, then it is logical to think they will need a car. If they are visiting in a group or participating in a conference, often times there are excursions planned for the group to attractions in the area as a part of their package. Cruise ship passengers also need to “get-around” on \various shore-excursions. Some destinations use horse drawn carriages in their historic downtowns. What about transportation to and from the airport? On many islands in the Bahamas and Caribbean, bicycles and motor scooters are available. Is the Treasure Coast transportation friendly or challenged? What about local taxi service? As a destination, does the Treasure Coast provide a variety transportation for our visitors to make the most of their time. Do we make it easy?

Reg Lawrence of Acadiana Destination Services joins us this week to provide insights into the services they provide to visitors and residents. Also, City of Stuart Mayor and Chairman of the Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization Michael Mortell will be in the studio to share the latest information on the proposed Amtrack/FEC rail passenger service to the Treasure Coast and Florida's east coast.
The trickle of Valued Season Residents and Boaters is beginnin to turn into a steady stream as November looms closer. What are the signs that tell us that? Ed Killer, outdoors columnist for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, will be in the house to talk about his very popular fishing, boating and outdoor blog and the signs of the changing season. Ed's blog is THE blog to turn to when you want to know what’s happening outdoors!

Talkin' Tourism's regular show segments, such as What’s Going On the Treasure Coast, This Week in Treasure Coast History, Bahamas Updates, and more will make for another fun and fact-filled hour.

See you in the morning!

Bonefish, Golf Balls, & Outdoorsmen

Well fans, for the first time in her capacity of co-host, History Lady (Robin Hicks-Connors) gave the fishing report for Bimini!  Ed Killer, you'd better watch your back!

Bonefish, permit chasing, mutton snapper and rays were on History Lady's list of flats fishing targets and boy did she have things to say about Bonefish Ebbie…(all good).  Thanks Robin!

After reminiscing about last week’s show broadcast from North Bimini, Robin and Gary got down to business and had a wonderful chat with Bob Baldassari, the general manager of PGA Villages located in Pot St. Lucie, Florida. 

Always comfortable on the microphone, Bob shared all kinds of great info on what is happening at PGA Village.  Here's a  couple of points he covered that you'll want to know: what the golf industry has done to survive today’s economy and whether you can just play one hole and “call it a day." Most importantly, Bob provided the details about an upcoming Labor Day Weekend event that all golfers will want to participate in!  Last, we know that Radio Man (Gary) is a Yankee, so where does Bob hail from and what does he have in common with Harvard Yard (pahk the cah in Hahvad Yahd)?

Outdoor and Nature VISIT Florida “Insider” Kevin Mims poked around Martin County just long enough to make an appearance on the show.  A freelance writer, blogger, photographer and videographer, Kevin was here on a mission to get an overview of what hiking, biking and paddling adventures could be found here on the Treasure Coast.  He only scratched the surface on this visit and will have to come back. Martin County's opportunities had him on overload!  

This week's show was full of fun, accented with "infotainment," "edutainment" and "sportstainment" for all.

Here's the audio file to the show...enjoy!

A Killer summer fishing season is underway

When Ed Killer is in the house, you know that all things fishing, boating and tournament related will be on top of the agenda.

In his return to Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (Ed first appeared February 27 of last year) the man behind the outdoors and fishing reporting for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers was definitely not at a loss for words. As promised, Ed gave us a great rundown of summer fishing tournament season - which, believe it or not, has already kicked off. Just in the month of May, the Treasure Coast is looking at 14 total tournaments!

Summer tournament season also means fishing tourism season for our area. Ed quotes some numbers that are pretty darn phenomenal, in terms of bringing in tourism dollars. Even though a specific tournament may only be a two or three-day affair, visiting anglers stay even longer than that, and….ca-ching (if you know what I mean).

Greg McCampbell, chairman of the Treasure Coast Builders Association's 24th Annual Memorial Weekend Fishing Tournament, was next in the guest seat. A veteran chairman of this event, Greg gave Gary and Robin the low-down on what changes are in store for this year, including a new venue that brings the tournament back to it roots. Where? Listen and learn!
Radio Man gave Ed another shot in the guest seat after the break. Known as an advocate for our oceans and coastal resources, Ed shared his thoughts on the recent oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. He also delved into his views on how continuing the discharges from Lake “O” impacts the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. There is no doubt that Ed is passionate about these issues. We could have gone on for another two hours.

At the top of the show, Radio Man queried History Lady about her recent international tourism experience with some gents from down under. Could it have been more than she expected…or wanted?
Download and listen to the show to find out…you won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for listening, and be sure to check out Talkin' Tourism on Facebook!

Killer hits the airwaves to kick off summer tournament fishing season

The Harborage Yacht Club & Marina Reel Sassy
fishing team at last year's Frances Langford Memorial
Tournament, comprised of Heather Oblaczynski,
Dierdre Murray, Robin Hicks-Connors and
Desiree Mufson

It seems like just a couple of weeks ago we were getting ready for the 2009-2010 sailfish tournament season on the Treasure Coast.

But summer is just around the corner, and that means Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast is ready to hit the waters for this summer's inshore and offshore tournaments.

It sure feels like the summer season is kicking into gear earlier and earlier, especially with the number of tournaments added year-by-year. For decades, tournament fishing - and fishing in general - has been able to reel in both local and out-of-town fishermen who want to land some local catches. Martin County and the Treasure Coast are blessed with some of the most diverse fishing holes in this part of the country. With the Bahamas just a hop, skip, and a jump from most of the Treasure Coast and South Florida, the fishing crowd can't go wrong stopping by our area to try their luck.


On Friday, we'll get together with local fishing guru Ed Killer, whose headshot and byline are probably pretty familiar if you're a Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers subscriber. As the area's outdoors reporter, Ed is one of the best resources for the area's angler history and current fishing climate. Ed will hit on the key fishing happenings coming up, including the Frances Langford Memorial Inshore Tournament, the world-famous “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing” seminar this weekend, and a host of terrific tournaments hitting our shores in the next few months. Ed will shed some light on how the summer tournament scene shapes the area's marine and related tourism. And, per usual, no fishing topic is sacred when Ed's in the house.

Ever wonder how the fastest fish in the sea became know as a wahoo? Maybe Ed knows.

The man behind a 24-year Memorial Weekend staple, Greg McCampbell, will also stop by to talk about the Treasure Coast Builders Association's 2010 inshore and offshore tournament. Be sure to check it out what the chairman has assembled with his committee for the May 28-30 event at Pirates Cove Resort and Marina.

As always - well, most of the time - History Lady will be in the co-host seat with all of her regular segments, and Radio Man, a.k.a. Caribbean Cowboy, has your Bahamas update. Tune in Friday, 10 a.m. on WPSL AM 1590, or at http://www.wpsl.com/ and help Talkin' Tourism ring in the new fishing season!

Coming this week: Stuart Sailfish Club, Film & Television Production, and the Feb 25th Martin County Tourism Development Council meeting

Guests this Friday, February 27, will include Ed Killer and Gary Scott.

Ed Killer, a native of the Treasure Coast, contributed to the Stuart News as a freelance sports and outdoors writer beginning in 1994 before being hired full time as the Scripps Outdoors Writer in 2005. His coverage includes daily fishing reports, weekly features, a weekly column and event coverage with fishing, boating, hunting and other outdoors activities. This week on Talkin' Tourism Ed will discuss the history of the Stuart Sailfish Club and its contributions as the earliest “Tourism Promotion” organizers in Martin County.

Gary Scott is head of production at New Vision Productions, Inc. He was born in Manhattan, New York, went to high school in Hollywood, Florida, and attended college in New York City. His major wasn't film production, but you wouldn't know it by looking at the list of movies and TV shows he has worked on: Mr. Nanny (shot in South Florida) starring Hulk Hogan; A Price Above Rubies (Boaz Yakim), Bullets Over Broadway (Woody Allen), Gloria (Sidney Lumet), Men In Black (Barry Sonnenfeld), Sleepers (Barry Levenson), The Mirror Has Two Faces (Barbara Streisand), Law and Order, Oz, and New York Undercover.

Gary relocated to the Treasure Coast in 2002. His first feature, Mr. No Shot (2007), was filmed completely on location here on the Treasure Coast.

Gary will share his insights into the “niche” tourism market of Film, Television and Production.

Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors will also wrap up results of the Martin County Tourism Development Council workshop, which is scheduled on Thursday, February 25 at 2:30 p.m. in the Morgade Library.

Tune in to WPSL 1590 AM at 10 a.m. on Friday to hear the show LIVE!!