Sep
12
2008
Fall Fly Tune-up, 9-6-08
Author: Tim MahaffeyI did some tuning up for the Fall Fly this past Saturday as Captain Duane Baker and I took to the “evacuated” flats of the Florida Keys. With tourists ordered to leave and residents poised for departure the next day in anticipation of Ike’s landfall, the fishing felt like we were on some remote out island in the Bahamas – no fishermen, no lobstermen, and no jet skis!
So Many Choices
Morning Slick
Pat Ford somehow found time between photographic fishing jaunts around the world to join us for a day of chasing the legendary Downtown Islamorada Bonefish. We have yet to catch a real big bone with Pat on the boat, and in fact, there haven’t really been many of big giants professionally photographed ever. Our goal was to get that done and put a 12, 13, or 14 pounder in front of Pat’s lens.
The Man
The dry air pushing ahead of the big storm meant for perfectly clear and sunny skies. I thought it ironic that under such beautiful conditions, a look towards U.S. Highway 1 revealed a steady stream of cars heading north. Finally, the Florida Keys were all mine, a fantasy that so many of us share.
Hooked Up
Orvis Promo
Ultimately, our day was solid but Pat’s goal was not met. Light winds and tranquil conditions in the morning put our quarry on edge – downtown fish typically despise the quietness and prefer to stay off the flats in deeper water. Finally the wind picked up around 1 PM and the afternoon was productive. Nine bones were hooked and five were memorialized by Pat’s Canon. Two permit also drilled my Merkin but unfortunately came unbuttoned immediately. It was a strong 2 1/2 hours of fishing, and while we didn’t catch the “cover shot”, I was pleased with the work we got in and the way I fished.
Red Headed Step Child
Duane and I are practicing Tuesday, then the tournament is Wednesday through Friday.
I’ll be reporting from Islamorada next week.
So, until then,
Tim (Flatsheadd@aol.com)