Even with cool, rainy conditions we were still able to find bonefish every day, concentrating our efforts up two creek systems where the water was a bit warmer and the fish more cooperative. We had several shots at permit, and I missed a fish over 30 pounds, with an over-eager strip set. Grrrr! Fortunately, my partner hooked a beautiful 18 lb. tailing permit, and it was pure joy being able to witness the catch.
The bonefish averaged over 3 lbs. with our largest running 8 lbs. One morning, as we waited for the tide to drop, the guide poled the boat along the flat-side beach, searching for bones and permit. I couldn't believe my eyes, in fact, there were so many bonefish coming toward us, suspended just under the surface, that I thought for sure it was a school of mullet! "No", the guide whispered. "Those are all bonefish, cast, cast...wait!""Cast to that fish on the far side, it's over 10 lbs.!" Because of the clear, bright conditions, at that time, he expected me to make a pinpoint, 90 ft. cast, and drop it in front of a double digit bonefish, among 200 other fish! Gulp! Amazing as it was, the small crab dropped right on the spot and the huge bone moved on the fly...only to see a smaller fish rush the fly and come tight. This may have been the only time I have ever been disappointed with a 4 lb. bonefish! - Lee Haskin
*February 4-12 - Long Island, Bahamas
Linda and Tony Holdren led a group of fly fishers from Santa Cruz, Redding and Fort Bragg on a wonderful bone fishing adventure. We stayed at Stella Maris Resort on Long Island. We used James "Docky" Smith's Guide Service. The bone fish were fewer in number this time of year, but the ones we saw and managed to catch were bigger than average.The Santa Cruz contingent did very well, Pat and John Steele caught their share, but Norm Bedell was the champ among all the fly fishers at the lodge, fighting a 13-pounder for over 45 minutes and landing it! You can bet the photo will be featured in the annual slide show, but in the meantime, here's a preview: - Pat Steele