Ninety Seven Miles South
Phil Thompson is a fourth generation Floridian, the great grandson of homesteaders. Raised on the Alafia River and Tampa Bay fishing was more requirement than family tradition. Spreading a cast-net,  a rite of passage for a young man A diver at 14, ocean racer at 22, Phil combined his two loves, racing and spearfishing, sailing throughout the Florida Keys, Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Finally settling in Key West. Phil ran fish and dive boats on expeditions to the pristine waters of the Marquesas and Dry Tortugas. Residing in Key West provided the opportunity to cross the Straits of Florida and explore Cuba. Phil participated numerous Hemingway Marlin Tournaments and traveled the island extensively, looking for the finest salt, fresh, and brackish water fishing holes and pristine dive sites. Bitten by the fly bug, Phil turned flats guide. Bonefish, permit and tarpon were the sought after trophies, fining sharks, lazy turtles and beautiful sunrises just perks.  In 2008 Phil traded the pole for the a pen. Finding seclusion on San Salvador, Bahamas, Phil wrote a first book and waded for bonefish. “97 Miles South” Phil's debut novel is scheduled for release in early spring of 2012.  His fishing reports, articles and short histories appear in Florida Sportsman, Coastal Angler and Gaff magazines. Phil currently writes a monthly column for Coastal Angler Magazine and divides time between Ruskin and Key West, Florida and Cuba. Phil's second book, “With Money the Monkey Dances" is scheduled for release in the fall of 2012.