Science of Sportfishing to be Explored at Jan. 27 Keys Fishing Seminar

Dr. John Stieglitz, associate professor at University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School, is to join hosts George Poveromo and Captain Mark Schmidt and a faculty comprised of other Florida Keys angling captains, at the Saturday, Jan. 27, SaltWater Sportsman National Seminar Series at the Coral Shores Performing Arts Center, mile marker 89.9 oceanside in Islamorada.

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — A scientific examination of how the environment, weather patterns, moon phases and tides factor into a successful fishing day is to be highlighted at a popular angling seminar set for Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Coral Shores Performing Arts Center, mile marker 89.9 oceanside in Islamorada.

The SaltWater Sportsman National Seminar Series is to feature Dr. John Stieglitz, associate professor at University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School, joining hosts George Poveromo and Captain Mark Schmidt and a faculty comprised of other Florida Keys angling captains.

“We’re honored to have Dr. Stieglitz,” said Poveromo. “He will focus on why fishing using Solunar Tables can boost successful results for anglers.”

Solunar Tables are typically used to determine the best days of the month and times of day for catching fish. Knowing the time of the tides, sunrise and sunset can help fishing enthusiasts predict when fish are going to bite, according to research done by the late John Alden Knight, who published the first Solunar Table in 1936.

“Solunar Tables have been around nearly forever and I’m a firm believer in them,” said Poveromo. “Dr. Stieglitz will be part of our faculty discussing the science behind how to read an ocean, tides and weather, as well as traditional successful angling techniques to catch more fish off the Keys.”

The 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. seminar is to be led by Poveromo, host of “George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing” on the Discovery network, and Schmidt, a Key West light tackle guide and International Game Fish Association world record holder.

Set to round out the faculty are captains Jimmy Gagliardini, Jim Willcox, Chris Hanson, Liane Lopez, Scott Wenzel, Ryan Wenzel, Alan Wenzel, Diego Toiran, Dave Wicker, Abie Raymond and Clay Cowart.

The $65 ticket price covers five hours of instruction, a 2024 course textbook, a one-year subscription or extension to Salt Water Sportsman magazine, one Roff’s Ocean Fishing Forecast Analysis, boat care products, a Bass Pro Shops discount card and chances to win coveted door prizes.

The grand prize at the conclusion of the seminar is a guided Keys fishing trip with accommodations. The super grand prize, to be awarded two weeks after the conclusion of the 2024 series, is a new Mako Pro Skiff 17.

An after-seminar party is set for attendees beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday at World Wide Sportsman, mile marker 81.5, in Islamorada.

To purchase tickets and learn more about the seminar, visit nationalseminarseries.com.

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council is among sponsors for Poveromo’s television show.

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