I had the chance to attend the Vero Backcountry Fly tournament hosted by the Vero Backcountry and Maverick Boat Co. this past weekend.  As with similar events in the past that MBC has hosted, this event allowed for some friendly competition and a chance for fly fisherman with similar interests to get together and socialize a bit.  On the more serious side of the tournament, anglers targetted 4 species; redfish, trout, snook, and sheepshead to bring home the top honors.  I had never realized the great sight fishing opportunites that Vero Beach and Fort Pierce has to offer.  Not were we able to target these species via sight fishing, but we had shots at 3ft long trout laid up on the flats.  These big trout definitely proved to be the most challenging species I have ever tried to sightfish on a flyrod… I have earned a whole new respect for the species.  Capt. Eric Davis and I teamed up and stalked the shallows in my Mirage managing to feed over a dozen redfish, hooking 8, pulling the hooks on 5, and landing 3.  After a few frustrating hours of throwing at big stubborn mega trout, we ended up dredging flies in deeper water and catching a dozen or so small trout.  Our fishing was pretty good actually, but not good enough to take the top honors from team Maverick Boat Co. (Charlie Johnson and owner Scott Deal), whom posted redfish, trout, and sheepshead.  An incredible time was had by all with raffles and some sweet prizes.  Plans for next year’s event is already in the works.  If you guys are looking to sample some of Vero Beach’s best sight fishing, make sure to contact Capt. Eric Davis.

The past few weeks leading to this event have been pretty interesting.  My buddy Paul and I had a chance to get out the prior weekend and sight fish redfish for an hour or so in Flamingo before the massive front chased us off.  Blue bird skies followed the front and it made for some great photo opportunities on the water between my study breaks.  The cold temperatures finally subsided a bit today and we were greeted with some warmer temps as the day wore on.  I certainly hope this is a start of a warming trend that will last.  Fishing should be absolutely stellar once we have some consitantly mild temperatures.  These March ninja cold fronts need to end already.  I will be spending some time in the lower Keys in a weeks so I really do hope the weather leading up to my Spring break will finally be warm enough to allow the water temperatures to climb back up.  We need this warm up… bring on the tarpon, bring on the permit, and bring on the big bonefish.

 Here are some of the recent photos I finally found time to process tonight:

For those of us in college, this week is either spring break or mid term week so good luck in whatever event you are facing.  Catch you guys later…