Feb 22nd - Feb 28th 2010 Fishing Report

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING:

BONES: Anita caught her fish bonefish! Jim was excited because it was the first time he caught bones – and really enjoyed “stalking” fish all week. In spite of our unusual pattern of cold fronts, bonefishing has been consistent all week. Mr. Bonefish is our hero.
PERMIT: John landed his first permit on fly this week. I thought everyone was going to kill him at dinner when he casually mentioned it. Other permit were hooked, but none landed. Schools and singles were seen.
TARPON: Several of the boats were focused on chasing tarpon this week. Andrew was celebrating his “29th” birthday, as well as his honeymoon with Stacy. Andrew landed two tarpon on fly – what a birthday present! Tracy landed a nice tarpon on spin, other tarpon stories including bites and follows on fly.
JACKS: Jacks were not targeted this week. Some schools were seen.
SNOOK: Mr. Snook was seen but not targeted.

FLIES THAT WORKED

FOR BONES: Christmas Island Specials, Charlies and Gotchas. Tan, gold, sexy patterns
FOR TARPON: Black Beauties, Grizzly Bunnies and some Toad patterns
FOR PERMIT: Orange Christmas Island Specials and Merkins.

REPORT SUMMARY:

Landing two tarpon on your birthday……….not quite sure how you top that one! We were thrilled for Andrew. The Ball family showed up from Idaho. During our orientation, Alan said, “These flies were tied by Doug Gibson.” The small world keeps spinning. Doug is a well known fishing guide for Three Rivers Ranch in Island Park. He was my guardian angel in my early days of guiding the South Fork of the Snake. And there Alan was, with a great stash of beautifully tied flies from Doug. I felt like I was saying hi to an old friend just holding these flies. I can’t believe I didn’t steal one! Norm and Beth arrived this week – they have been fishing with Carlos for 12 years. Both retired high school teachers, they deserve all good things! For the initiated, there is a language that gives more meaning to certain phrases. When Norm talks about his day fishing, he is consistent. He always has a big smile, and says, “We caught a few fish out there today – and it was a great day.” A humble approach keeps the playing field wide open. It also allows other anglers to express their fishing without feeling like they didn’t do “good enough.” The details of the day usually come out in stories, or in the classic, “Oh…we did see…” The series of cold fronts has created challenging fishing conditions; however, I believe each fish landed means more because it just wasn’t all that easy. We remember the fish that we missed; sometimes it plays over and over in our heads. But when it all comes together, even in tough conditions, it just feels great. We fish for those moments.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at fish@ElPescador.com. Happy fishing!