As dedicated fisherman, growing up fishing, we eventually age to a time when we all hit a crossroads. The decision we make from there on out will determine the road we are to travel for years to come and the fishing buddies we are to start fishing with as well. Why do people pick up a flyrod? Is it to show off the fact that they can keep up with the ongoing trend or do they feel this sort of connection with everything that fly fishing encompasses? That is for that person to decide...
More times then ever, I have been called a fly snob (one who fishes strictly with a flyrod and frowns upon the use of bait), granted 95% of my fishing I've done these past couple of years has been with a flyrod. Well, the truth if the matter is I am a dedicated fly fisherman, but far from a fly snob. When a permit turns his fin at your fly and you have the opportunity to chuck a live crab in his face to get that eat... I'll take it. When redfish are so spooky you can't get within 100 feet of then to even make a false cast, in frustration, I will chuck a jerkbait 120ft at it to get that bite. Why spoil a day of fun because you want a grip and grin clenching your flyrod next to a fish. Do what makes you feel good... have fun... drop the titles and just have a good time on the water.
The flats were covered up in Permit during one late morning of fishing this past weekend in Islamorada and we had a bad rejection on fly... but I capitalized on one when I threw a live crab in it's face. No matter on fly or crab, there is nothing like seeing a permit light up and eat attack whatever's at the end of your line with tenacity that will send your typical jack running for the hills...
Maybe I'll break my permit on fly curse this year... and next time remember to bring my 10wt when it's calling for lots of wind. So far I am still 0 for 3, but that will hopefully change soon. I've got some permit flies tied up, and I'm ready to go.
On another note, a big congradulations to my buddy Tony for acheiving what I would beleive to be the highest acheivement in fly fishing on the flats in South FL... he caugh this first permit on fly last Saturday. Hopefully, Juanki and I can follow suit soon.
I will be atttending the ICAST show this week but upon my return, Tony and I will be preparing to fish the RedGhost Stalk in Islamorada.
Stay tuned for more updates...
