Hello from Florida. For many years, friends have wanted me to take a vacation and I have finally taken their advice. Of course a vacation is not a vacation without a little fishing. So when I was looking for a place to go I did it with that in mind.
I am in sunny Florida, specifically in the Florida Keys. I have always heard about how good the Bonefishing was in the Keys and wanted to try my hand at it. After the first few days of fishing I have to say it is everything, and more, that I have been told. Since I am on vacation, and will be here for a few weeks and the next several entries will concern my adventures in this magnificent fishing venue.
I spent my first day in search of, what is arguably the best fighting fish I have ever tangled with, Bonefish. Since I was alone in this adventure, I chose to hire out a flats boat which at most carries two people. Gentlemen, I cannot stress enough if you have the means you must travel to fish this part of our great country. The water was crystal clear and made for phenomenal site fishing.
I was outfitted with a light tackle spinning rod and reel and fished top-water plugs. As we were headed to our destination, I was unsure what to expect. I have spent my life freshwater fishing and this was my first saltwater experience. When the guide settled us into the area we were to fish for the day I was in awe of my surroundings and spent a few minutes taking it all in. Blue skies, even bluer water and the myriad of wildlife was breathtaking. I was jolted out of my reverie when my guide told me to get ready as he had already spotted our quarry tailing just ahead of the boat.
I will tell you that even now it is difficult to put into words how I was feeling. Exhilaration, anticipation, even a little fear of the unknown when I made my first few casts. I just want to state right now that I have never been on a guided trip but the guide I had was top-notch. Throughout the day he was right there giving me tips and advice and even encouragement. He handled the boat like a seasoned pro and worked than I could have known possible to put me on fish. That being said, everything went away on my third cast as, what I could have sworn was a truck, my plug was hit and hit hard. What ensued was what I consider one of the best fight on light tackle I have ever experienced. With the drag set light the fish made several drag-screaming runs in every direction imaginable. When I finally landed this magnificent specimen I was all smiles.
I can probably go on forever about my first experience Bonefishing but suffice it to say that I will be making it a point to come back many times to tangle with this great fighting fish.
I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Mr. Jeremiah Weed
