July 15, 2012 - July 21, 2012 Fishing Report

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING:

BONES: Anglers worked for their bonefish this week. Spooky conditions with the wind moving around and a lot of rain. Timing was the name of the game - the morning rising tide provided more landed fish. As the tide and day moved late, the fish were spooky. Dave and John had some nice bonefishing with Captain Kechu. Scott and Austin went from casting a 3 wt rod in North Carolina to throwing 80 feet with an 8 wt. The bonefish were impressed. I’m stalking a 7 lb plus bone in front of the lodge. So far, the bonefish is ahead.

PERMIT: Ethan and Bill landed permit on spin with Captain Gilberto. We have had anglers in big schools of permit all week. Reports of 50 – 100, 10 – 30 lb permit. Angler error and fish error. Angler error – rushed cast and leader didn’t turn over. This happened to several anglers this week. Fish error – perfect shots, long follows, and then refusal. We are starting a support group for those of us who like to chase permit. I don’t know what else to say. It’s a tough game, but the rewards are amazing!

TARPON: Leon and Sune are here from Denmark. They are fishing with Captain Tomas for ten days dedicated to tarpon and permit fishing. They hooked 5 on Savannah, but haven't landed any - yet. 5 am boat departures for the guests who want to go down to Long Caye to check in on the migratory tarpon. Most days this week was a bust, but Omar landed one with Captain Cesar. He was focused on tarpon, so it’s nice he landed one.

SNOOK: Snook were not targeted.

FLIES THAT WORKED

For Bones: some with weed guards…but Gotchas, Christmas Island Special, Small crabs, in size 8 and 6.
Permit: Our “rice and beans” = Christmas Island Specials, size 4 and 6. Also, tan crab patterns in 6. And finally, a new fly working well! Rubber legged Gotcha’s size 4 and 6.
Tarpon: Brown cockroach pattern with some EP fibers to spice things up. Size 3/0. Black death, and then tan toads, white, white and chartreuse bunnies – size 1/0 – 3/0. The guides prefer flies on circle hooks for better landing success. Most fish were landed on J hooks this week.

GUIDE OF THE WEEK

Captain Gilberto for getting father and son Bill and Ethan into permit!

REPORT SUMMARY:

Tropical wave conditions prevailed and we had a lot of fish move off the flats. Determined anglers and guides headed out each morning with a plan. Some plans worked, some didn’t. Murky water and little sun some days made it tough to find fish. When the fishing gets tough, a missed shot really hurts. I saw a lot of guests beat themselves up this week because they missed a shot. It happens. The goal is to get so focused that you overcome defeat and keep working on your game. I loved the camaraderie this week as I watched well stocked fly boxes come out and flies exchanged. I watched new friendships formed representing eight different countries. We witnessed Austin who is a freshman in college learn to double haul, and then progress to a place where anything I showed him, he mimicked. NO fair, it took me years and years ~ and he gets it in a week? It’s possible. And a special thanks to Dr. Gene for sharing some thoughts on leadership. I know many physicians learned great things from you, and I feel pretty lucky to have been able to grab a few of your ideas while you were here. Thanks everyone for a fun week.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at [email protected]. Happy fishing!