The tarpon love to eat in the mangroves. They
will weave their way amongst the roots and
set themselves up into the current, gulping
fish and shrimp that are washed their way.
We target their ambush zones, often with
tight side arm shots to place our flies under
the branches.
In ideal conditions, there is enough water to
pole the boats back into sheltered channels
where the fish can be ambushed as they
travel between hunting zones. Due to heavy
east winds, the water was being blown out
of the lagoon, faster than the tides could
replace it. We were forced to stay out along
the mangrove edges most of the time,
fighting the wind and hoping for fish to
appear where we could reach them.
Outside of the mangroves, schools of tarpon
roamed the flats. They required stealth and
smooth casts to intercept. It was very much
like bone fishing. With strong winds, skinny
water, compromised visibility and challenged
boat control, it was difficult to approach
these fish stealthily. Many times, they were
startled before casts were even made. When
found, they were incredibly spooky. It was
difficult to lead them without catching the fly
in the turtle grass, but if the fly landed too
close, it would blow them up.
Despite challenging conditions, everyone
on the trip put tarpon to the boat.
Additionally, some barracuda, snook, jacks,
snapper and even catfish were landed.
While not the target species, the other fish
provided some variety and fun.
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