The tarpon appear wraithlike from the
mangroves in the rippling foamy water. They
are finally in the open. The cast is easy. The
fly lands softly, carried by a 12’ leader. The
fish are still coming. A smooth strip and the
lead fish accelerates. Two faster strips and
he’s on it. A solid eat, a firm strip set and he
is in the air, again and then again.
We spent four days fishing from Holbox Fly
Fishing Lodge. While the wind was fierce,
it was nothing we are not used to coming
from Montana. What we were not used
to was casting 8-10 weight rods with 12’
leaders to moving targets or tiny pockets.
The fishing was very challenging, but it was
also very good.
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It’s after midnight. My friend Brian is picking
me up in less than four hours. Tonight, I
tied six more tarpon flies I really don’t need.
I’ve got my gear distilled into one carry-
on backpack along with three rod tubes
taped together. I sheared my head, shaved,
showered and brushed my teeth. I was
totally ready to go hours ago. I figured a little
bourbon and some reading would settle me
down. Why am I not asleep?
“ I’M JACKED UP ON
TRAVEL JITTERS &
TARPON DREAMS.”
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