“Ok Marsh, get up on the bow.” When our guide, Kevin gives this command, it’s like yet another audition for American (Flyfishing) Idol….You’re On! Take your best shots. Fortunately for my friend, Roger and me, we’ve been on enough trips with Kevin to have worked out many of the audition-like jitters. We’re not pros, but each of us at age 60 can get the job done, even under pressure. Today, Jan. 23, ’07 was clear and as calm a day as you’d see in April here near Everglades City. Kevin decided to fish North rather than deep South. So we had more time on the bow and less time running across the flats in the flats boat. We were poling through coves with maybe 6 inches of muddy water in them. “We’re using Marshall flies today”, Kevin whispered. I say nothing. Soon, Kevin spots a big Redfish. I drop the fly where it needed to be and just like a trout, the Red hits the fly on the surface! As I’m playing the Red, another Redfish starts getting excited. “Grab your rod, Roger!” Roger makes a cast and almost hooks another Redfish. Later on, after chasing more Redfish, we spotted a large Snook. “Cast at 9 o’clock, Marsh!” Kevin orders. The Fly lands near the nose of the Snook and the Snook instantly turns and eats it! This Snook was 29 and 1/2 inches long and bright. It was now Roger’s turn on the bow and it was a thrill to watch. Kevin says, “There should be a fish off this point. Make a cast under the tree.” Roger sends several casts under the Mangrove tree. Wham! The big Redfish surges to the roots. Roger puts the power to the fish and Kevin poles the boat to deeper water. The 9.5lb Redfish puts up a good fight, but he’s landed. Well done all around. Total fly fishing teamwork! Roger and I passed our audition and Kevin was all smiles too. Another great day fly fishing in the Florida Everglades!
great shots!! It’s 11 degrees here so I am jonesing big time!!!
Nice fish boys…it was nice to look at after replacing some pipes that burst over the weekend. Keep the tales coming to give us in the north a bit of warmth.
Bahamas on Fri. but the following week I’ll be over for my lessons on living the golden years. Nice fish, the guy in the shades and mask I think I saw on Americas most wanted.
Hopefully We’ll get rid of these cold fronts that have been a weekly event and you’ll have some decent fishing weather when you get here.
That’s a story Marsh!!
You really had a good time again. This snook is great so the redfish too! Keep the good story coming up. I really enjoy these everglades tales.
Thanks Alexis,
I enjoy your tales of Bonefishing…..my absolute favorite fishing.
man those are some beautiful fish .. you’re right they both look “bright” .. must be fresh from the ocean … great work marsh .. you have certaintly come to know those everglades fairly well .. its obvious…
The Tropical learning curve is steeper than I’d imagined several years ago when I first landed here for the winters….Just when you think you may have a handle on something…casting,..fly patterns, fish movement, fish feeding behavior, …you’re faced with a new gust of wind, a new retreive to learn,…new situations each hour on the waters. My eyes are never strong enough, my focus never too intense. Sight-fishing the tropics is without a doubt as challenging and rewarding as any fly fishing I have ever experienced. I’m thinking….Permit!