BOCA RATON FLORIDA BLOG

Fishing Report - Sunday August 17th, 2008

2008-08-20T22:29:00.002-04:00

Although it has been nice enjoying our new baby, a trip offshore was certainly welcomed after a 2 month sabbatical!

We decided to drift only this trip - no trolling. We spent the first couple of hours right off the drop in the 120' - 150' rage and caught our fair share of Bonito and one decent sized schooley King.
After it was clear that the Kingfish bite was not going to be as strong as recent reports (we just missed incredible Kingfishing from what I hear), we decided to head into about 90'-100' just south of Juno Pier. The bottom bite was much better than expected and we quickly landed 2 very nice sized Yellowtail and two keeper Mutton Snapper.

Ezra got the rare catch of the day when he boated a throwback African Pompano - catch a bigger one next time Ezra!

I really thought I had quite a catch on at one point when my drag started screaming and the fish ran me to the other side of the boat. A good 15-20 minute fight ensued and I could almost taste the sweet Wahoo, Tuna, or whatever had me on the other end of that line. After a long fight, my catch struggled beneath the boat trying to outrun the large shark zeroing in on it. I felt the line dance and then get noticeably lighter and I reeled in what was left, terrified to see a beautiful game fish head left on my hook. I was relieved when I the remnants got into sight and I saw that I had only lost a sizeable Amber Jack to the thief below! Better that than reeling in a Wahoo head which would have made me sick right on the spot!

Back to fishing every other week now, so I hope to see you all out on the water!

Enjoy the pics!

Sincerely,

Peter Deiser

Offshore Fishing Report for May 31st

2008-06-02T13:35:00.003-04:00

Once again we made it out to on our bi-weekly fishing trip out of Jupiter inlet. We started out in about 130 feet deep, right on the drop. Right away we where hit by the Bonita special with huge sharks following close behind. While the Bonita are annoying enough on their own getting hit by sharks while trying to reel them in makes for a much more annoying situation. We tried to escape them by running in to about 80 feet deep in hopes of finding Kingfish with no luck. So we headed back out to the drop and just dealt with the annoyance for another 20 minutes or so before we hit into the Kingfish. Any boy oh boy did we hit in to them. We limited out (2 per fishing license) pretty quickly with 1 fish in the 25 pound range.

Here is Peter Deiser holding the 25 lb. Kingfish he caught:

After we caught our 8 kingfish we decided to try trolling around a little with no sucess before heading back in for the day.

That night I made an excellent kingfish dish for dinner. Here is the recipe:

Teriyaki Ginger Kingfish Kabobs

Servings: 4

what you need:

4 kingfish fillets skin removed
peeled pearl onions
cherry tomatoes
baby portobella mushrooms
chopped green onion
chopped garlic
ginger dressing
teriyaki sauce
bamboo skewers

directions:
In a medium sized dish mix ginger dressing, teriyaki sauce, chopped garlic and chopped green onions to make marinade,

cut kingfish fillets into cube shapped pieces and skewer the alternating with pearl onions, mushrooms and tomatoes. Make 8 skewers. Add these to the marinade.

Preheat grill to high once very hot spray down with pan spray and make sure grill is very clean or fish will stick.

Place skewers on grill for 3 minutes on each side until cooked. If your grill is very hot and clean fish will not stick and you should get nice color on kingfish and veggies.

I served this over a salad as my fiance' is diabetic and cannot eat rice but it would go great with some fried rice or plain white or brown rice. Enjoy....

Florida Atalantic University Job Cuts and Tuition Hikes

2008-05-29T12:25:00.004-04:00

Interesting to not that FAU is trimming jobs and raising tuition in hopes of raising an additional $9.6 million for the school budget. Because of state funding cuts FAU has raising tuition by more then 10% this year. I can only hope that the administration is not compromising the education of the students in an effort to build a stronger athletic division. This year FAU also cut a lot of after school programs for students. I guess time will tell if the president ends up with a new corvette for his wife.....

Jarvis signs on to coach Florida Atlantic University

2008-05-28T14:35:00.002-04:00

Mike Jarvis joins Coach Howard Schnellenberger to the celebrity coaching staff at my Alma Mater, Florida Atlantic University. Jarvis who hasn't coached college basketball since being fierd from St. John's in 2003 will be formally introduced as the head of the men's basketball team sometime today. Jarvis was released from St. John's afdter a scandal involving improperpayments to a player.

Jarvis has reached the NCAA tournament at all three of his previous stops: Boston University, George Washington and St. John's, which he guided within one game of the Final Four in his first season there, 1998-99.

Since moving to Division I, the Owls are 148-280, with only three winning seasons in the last 11 years. And Florida Atlantic has been to the NCAAs just once, in 2002.

"We're going to be playing in the dance," Jarvis said. "I don't know when. I'm not making those promises. But I am promising you that before very long, we're going to be having a party here."

On the Paul and Young Ron show Jarvis stated that he plans on staying with the Owls for the duration of his contract or until he gets fired. He also said he loves pizza and plans on eating at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Boca Raton.

Offshore Fishing Report for 05-25-08

2008-05-28T11:12:00.003-04:00

We made it out over the weekend (Saturday) and had a pretty successful day! Things started out slow as we tried our hand at trolling some ballyhoo for the first hours or so on our way out and along the drop. After no real success, we switched it up and drifted some dead sardines on 1 ounce jigs at the 120' ledge from Lost Tree up to Juno pier. The Bonito were quick to find us and then followed the sharks - not just any sharks, but behemoth 10-12 footers that were extremely aggressive! They were herding up our hooked Bonitos and pouncing on them thrashing around on top like I have never seen them! It was quite a site seeing two or three of those monsters closing in on a hooked fish right in front of you. It got down-right intimidating at times! Luckily, one of those big boys had a nice Cobia in tow and he was quick to pick up one of our flat lines. I'll take a 28 lb Cobia any day of the week! After several hours of tangling with Sharks and Bonitos (and no more Cobia in sight), we decided to pull into about 85'-90' just south of Juno Pier. That turned out to be a good move as we immediately hooked and landed a triple header of Kingfish, with two of them in the 15-20 lb range. The Kingfish bite continued in that same depth for the last two hours of our trip and we ended up with 7 Kings total. We were also lucky enough to hit the cleaning table at the same time as another angler that had a beautiful 18 lb Gag Grouper and we couldn't resist the photo opp of having a big Cobia and Grouper together!

Now is the time to get offshore as it is clear that the Kingfish bit e is finally on in good numbers. If you aren't catching them, pull up the lines and move around until you do! Enjoy the pics!

Boca Raton Private Airline DayJet Cuts Jobs

2008-05-08T09:01:00.002-04:00

“The largest air shuttle operator, DayJet Corp., laid off nearly half its 260 employees this week as it was unable to secure $40 million to expand to a fleet of very light jets serving 20-30 fully-developed markets in the Southeast. DayJet, which is based in Boca Raton, Fla., flies business travelers among 45 smaller cities in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. The VLJ-air taxi model is one that has generated heavy press coverage and some skepticism. DayJet targets business travelers who may not be keen to drive three-five hours each way on a business trip but also love to avoid big airline fares and hubs. The 100 job cuts were spread throughout the company, which said in a statement to workers that “given the current state of the U.S. capital markets, the timing of our planned financing could not have been worse.”

“The largest air shuttle operator, DayJet Corp., laid off nearly half its 260 employees this week as it was unable to secure $40 million to expand to a fleet of very light jets serving 20-30 fully-developed markets in the Southeast. DayJet, which is based in Boca Raton, Fla., flies business travelers among 45 smaller cities in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. The VLJ-air taxi model is one that has generated heavy press coverage and some skepticism. DayJet targets business travelers who may not be keen to drive three-five hours each way on a business trip but also love to avoid big airline fares and hubs. The 100 job cuts were spread throughout the company, which said in a statement to workers that “given the current state of the U.S. capital markets, the timing of our planned financing could not have been worse.”

Smokey Boca Raton, Lake Okeechobee Brush Fires

2008-05-06T11:39:00.003-04:00

A 4,000 acre brush fire in the Lake Okeechobee area continues to burn leaving Boca Raton and surrounding areas smelling like smoke. The National Weather Service says winds from the northwest are bringing smoke in from the outer areas into the suburbs and cities. The smoke may linger until the easterly winds from the Atlantic Ocean strengthen in the afternoon. Firefighters say the blaze is contained within Lake Okeechobee's dike.

Making Boca Raton Beautiful, Fencing Projects

2008-05-01T18:26:00.003-04:00

Maksim Fence Construction Boca Raton Florida

Are you considering installing a new fence but aren’t sure what kind to choose or do you have a fence or gate that needs to be fixed up? Fences serve many functions and meanings. Sometimes their primary purpose is to keep out unpleasant things, such as nosy neighbors, unwanted visitors, ugly views, annoying noises, pesky critters, or stem-snapping winds. In other cases, they keep in the things you want to protect: pets and childeren.

Local regulations limit the height of a fence to between 4 feet and 6’ 4” can influence the style and color; and your budget may be the deciding factor in the materials. It’s also important to remember that fences can cause as many problems as they solve. Most fences, for instance, need regular maintenance and occasional repair.

Fences and walls also have a big impact on the home contained inside them. A major factor to consider is where you have gates and openings and the type of gate that is used. If you expect a gate to last for many years you should consider having a steel or alumanim powder-coated metal frame custom made for you. Although the cost up front for manufacturing a metal frame for the gate is higher than a wood frame their resilience to hurricane strength winds makes it worth it.

Maksim Construction Corp. is a Florida Licensed Residential/Commercial General Contractor specializing in remodeling, home improvement, and light commercial contracting. Maksim Construction is based in Boca Raton, Florida and serves the entire south Florida region including: Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Contact us for fast, reliable repairs following disasters and for home and light commercial property improvements including: new roofs, hurricane & storm protection and energy savings products. We only use high quality name brand products and our work is meticulous, timely and guaranteed.

At Maksim Construction Corp. we want business and home owners and the public in general to know that we care about our clients and the communities in which we build, and that we are prepared to demonstrate this concern through our actions. Maksim Construction is devoted to keeping our planet clean and we strive to recycle waste material and use environmentally friendly building materials. We are proud to be contractors and proud to be an integral part of this great industry. We are dedicated to the principles of free enterprise and that we are committed to providing our clients with our knowledge and expertise in Real Estate, Site Selection & Development, Project Financing, Building Design, Remodeling, Restoration, Tenant Build-outs and Additions.

Services:

Home Remodeling
Custom Windows & Siding
Drywall
Driveways & Walkways
Brick, Stone, Block Retaining Walls
Garages & Garage Conversions
Patio Enclosures
Doors

Commercial Tenant Build-outs (retail stores)
Site Development, build out, FF&E packages (front and back of house), turnkey operations.

Fencing
Erect and repair metal and wooden fences and fence gates around industrial establishments, private residences and condo/town home communities.

Flooring - All Types

Carpentry
Cabinets
Decks
Custom Stairs & Railings
Custom Cabinetry
Framing

Kitchens & Bathrooms
Showers & Baths
Toilets
Sinks
Cabinetry

Handicap Conversion
Fire, Storm, Smoke, Water & Wind Damage
Hurricane Windows & Shutters

Group brings Passover items to patients at Boca Raton Hospital

2008-04-29T18:50:00.002-04:00

The holiday of Passover celebrates the redemption of the Jewish people from bondage, and is traditionally celebrated together with families − which means that it can be an especially lonely time for a hospitalized individual.

Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County filled this void by ensuring that customary holiday foods, like matzah and wine (grape juice), macaroons, and Haggadah booklets were conveniently on hand at all nursing stations at Boca Raton Community Hospital should a patient desire. The nursing staff at the hospital also received beautiful packages of Passover cookies as a token of appreciation and gratitude for their dedicated service.

Bikur Cholim, meaning “visiting the sick” in Hebrew, is a not-for-profit all-volunteer service organization providing assistance to individuals facing medical and life crises. The trained clergy, professionals and volunteers strive to think creatively and proactively to provide relief for those most in need in our community. Their mission is to minimize the physical and emotional pain of the sick and their families and to provide reassurance and hope.

The loyal volunteers of Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County visit patients at hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, hospices and homes on a regular basis to chat, cheer and comfort.

At a recent Bikur Cholim breakfast Rabbi Efrem Goldberg of Boca Raton Synagogue spoke about how every person can discover their own unique way to do the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim and make a huge difference in the lives of patients. It can be a life changing experience for volunteers as well.
The group has an extensive volunteer training program, and provides important patient advocacy and support services including translators and transportation to medical appointments. They also maintain a warehouse with a wide variety of durable medical equipment available for free loan, and recently published a booklet of healing prayers for both patients and visitors. Bikur Cholim has made available a professionally produced training video about the special needs of the observant Jewish patient during hospital stays.

Bikur Cholim services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis to all in need without regard to race, religion, nationality or creed. Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County Inc. is an IRS approved 501(C)3 exempt organization.

For more information about Bikur Cholim and ways you can help, please contact Stanley Smith at 561-362-7345, or email: BikurCholimSPBC@gmail.com

Take your Kids Peacock Bass Fishing, Boca Raton Florida 33433

2008-04-28T19:21:00.003-04:00

Bass Fishing in Boca Raton Florida

Living in South Florida has so many advantages. Having moved from New York I have a great appreciation for most of what Florida has to offer. I lived in Boca Raton, Florida for about a year and my parent’s moved there about 6 years ago. You wouldn’t think that you can see amazing wildlife and do great outdoor activities like catching huge Peacock bass in middle of the manicured lawns and cookie cutter houses of Boca Raton. My parents live in a community in the Boca Del Mar area that has a small man made lake in the back yard. There are about five developments surrounding this lake which was added about 20 years ago as part of a drainage system. The lake is not connected to any other body, it is completely isolated. Yet, it is home to some of the largest peacock bass I have ever caught.

My appreciation for bass fishing came about when my brother and I and another friend hired the famous peacock bass fishing guide Captain Alan Zaremba to take us on a tour of some of South Florida’s canal systems. Here is a video of a tour Captain Alan took to the amazon to catch peacock bass.

Our hope was to get some GPS locations and take my friends 17’ Maverick flats boats and fish his spots. We had a bust of day fishing with Captain Alan. Almost immediately after we left the dock it started pouring rain and we fished for about an hour and then left. Captain Alan being the great guy that he is didn’t really charge us for the day and we immediately committed to going out with him again. After this trip I decided I was going to find some places myself to fish. I asked a couple of friends and one them told me that he and his dad had been stocking this lake in Boca Raton for about 20 years. They catch them in the canals that run along the Florida turnpike and after they have 10 pr 15 in a large cooler they run them back to the lake and release them. Turns out this lake is in my parent’s backyard. Not really believing this I went to check it out myself. This is what I caught on my first trip out there.

Since then I have been back for more.

I am a very lucky guy. I have the most beautiful girlfriend and she was a great kid named Asher. We are always trying to figure out fun activities to keep Asher occupied that are relaxing for us as well. It is hard being that Asher is three years old and has more energy packed into his 28 pound frame then one could possibly imagine. One afternoon we where trying to decide on a fun activity for the day. We thought about going to the Miami Children’s Museum or to Young at Art (a children’s interactive museum). I suggested going up to Boca to see my parents because some of my siblings where visiting from New York. I also wanted to take Asher bass fishing.

The three of us walked out to the lake with one bass fishing rod and my girlfriend brought a book to read while Asher and I tried to catch a bass. Asher was apprehensive at first so I told him that if we caught a bass we would take a picture, kiss and tickle the bass then let it go. We caught a monster….

Asher's initial reaction was priceless:

Here Asher is tellinng me, “Tickle it and let it go”.

While we fished for less then an hour the excitement and story to tell after lasted way longer. Asher loves looking at the pictures of him with the fish and I enjoyed myself as well. This is one of the huge advantages that South Florida has to offer. Right in middle of these cookie cutter houses and manicured lawns you can keep a kid entertained for hours at no cost at all. So go out there find a lake or stream, show your child some of the great wildlife that lives in all of your backyards. It will save you money and is more rewarding and educational then most of the exhibits at the children’s museum and way more interactive as well.

The City Of Boca Raton Florida, 33433

2008-04-25T10:48:00.000-04:00

The city of Boca Raton ("bōkə rə-tōn") located in Palm Beach County, Florida is home to about 200,000 residents. The incorporated city of Boca Raton has some 86,000 resident (according to US census Bureau 2006) and an additional 120,000 people who do not live within city limits but use Boca Raton as a mailing address. Boca Raton was incorporated in May 1925 and popularized my Addison Mizner’s famous “pink hotel” (Boca Raton Hotel) which still stands today. Boca Raton boasts some of the best shopping, culture and art in all of South Florida.

Boca Raton literally translates into “rat’s mouth” but is actually a reference to an inlet full of sharp rocks (Boca = mouth, Ratones = gnawing rocks that damaged bottom of ships). On early maps it referred to an inlet located in Biscayne Bay in south Miami but was mistakenly moved north to its current location.

Boca Raton is one of the more affluent cities in the United States. According to Forbes magazine Boca Raton has three of the ten most expensive gated communities in the country. Boca Raton is known for it social community and high income demographic. The city has a large Jewish and South American community, most of its Jewish population is from the northeastern United States and its South American population is made up of Brazilian, Colombian and Venezuelan descent.

Boca Raton is home to Florida Atlantic University (my Alma Matter). FAU is a growing university that is currently dealing with serious state cutbacks and is struggling to maintain its growing student body. They are currently raising tuition and cutting back on many programs to deal with the state funding cutbacks.

The city also has numerous references in popular culture including being the stage for one of my favorite movies, Caddyshack. It has been referenced in many popular TV shows including Seinfeld where it has called “Gods waiting room”.

Boca Raton is known as a popular hangout for suspected Mafia members. According to MessageLabs (email security vendor) Boca Raton is “the spam capital of the world”. This is not surprising given the areas appeal, high income demographic and the presence of organized crime. A former US Securities and Exchange Commissioner once called the city "the only coastal city in Florida where there are more sharks on land than in the water."

The purpose of this site is to showcase some of Boca Raton’s good points, including popular sites to see, restaurants, museums and legitimate business. It is our hope that we can use the internet to drive more business to Boca Raton entrepreneurs. More to come soon and thanks for stopping by….

Ezra