January 2024
"hard-core" fishing for tarpon, bonefish and permit. After all, that's what Islamorada and the Cheeca Lodge are known for! Unfortunately, I've learned these lessons the hard way. On several previous occasions, my Captain has taken me to the Gulf side to catch Spanish Mackerel and Blue Runners. It was like having buyer's remorse!
TARPON FLATS FISHING Larry and I quietly pulled Captain Rich aside and had a heart-to-heart with him. He was more than happy to oblige us and take us to some of his most secret fishing spots. We boarded his speedy Ranger 191 flats fishing boat, powered by a 200 HP Mercury Outboard. We headed out and turned hard to port towards Key Largo on the Atlantic side. The other three boats turned to starboard and headed for the Gulf side. Larry and I both smiled, knowing that this was going to be a special day!
Overnight, the wind lay down to a gentle breeze and it took us only 10 minutes to get to our first stop. Captain Rich set the anchor off a private condominium building somewhere just up the coast from Cheeca Lodge. Tarpon are majestic to watch in their natural habitat. We patiently scanned the water, looking side to side, hoping to capture a glimpse of the patrolling Silver Kings. Often, they school up, making them a little easier to spot. In total, we site cast to a dozen or so tarpons, weighing anywhere from 40 to 80lbs. They can be finicky eaters. Half the fun of being out on the water is enjoying good company on a beautiful day. That's fishing.
PERMIT WRECK FISHING Our boat was directly positioned over the wreck. Captain Rich began the first run, idling slowly to the south keeping The Eagle perpendicular to our stern. Larry and I were on the bow looking for schools of permit on the surface. And then, we saw them! There was a school of about 20 fish at 12 o'clock. Then, another school with larger fish surfaced at 9 o'clock. I targeted a monster at 9 o'clock and cast. I let the crab sink a little in the fast moving current and then slowly retrieved. Slam! Fish on! Larry cast to the school directly in front of us and hooked one. A double-header was taking place. We definitely had a blast. My fish was a powerful 40lbs and it spooled line at a terrific pace. It tried to reach the mast rigging of The Eagle for safe haven. We drifted and rapidly approached the wreck. If I wasn't careful, the line would either snap or the wreck would cut me off. I hoped to catch a glimpse of her and tried desperately to gain some leverage so I could ease her over the wreck. Captain Rich was using the boat's motor and calmly guided me. The fish spooled me for a third time when we finally made it safely past the wreck. My only concern now was that this big fish was going to snap my 10lb test line. Larry successfully boated his permit. It appeared to be in the 20lb range and he fought it for over 20 minutes. Finally, after 30 minutes of battling for her life, my fish showed herself. She was a beauty! We were very conscious of ensuring that the fish were unharmed and successfully released back into the wild. But not before, with the .... |