It’s been three weeks since I stepped off the plane back here in RDU, completing an eleven day round trip between home and the flats. Yesterday I shook the last grains of Bahamian beach sand from my Keens and today notions of bass and trout finally began to creep back into my brain.
I guess it’s really over.
It probably would have happened sooner had it not been for the recent spate of crap conditions keeping me off the water here in the southeast; storms, flooding, insane generation schedules driven by an insatiable need for air-conditioning. How did mankind survive before the advent of the condenser?
Anyway, I’ve channeled the tropical vibe long enough. Tried to share the island sun as much as I could. Hope that you felt it, warm on your face, but it’s time to move on. It's time to shake off that out island rhythm and get back to normal, at least for a while.
So, to wrap it all up, a few thanks...
...to Pinky for the kind invitation and unbelievable hospitality at the Long Island Bonefishing Lodge. The out islands are a joy and Pinky's outpost is a bonefishing destination to savor. All the comforts of home, miles of flats to explore, and all of the guided support you might want - or none if you prefer. DIY the right way.
...to Darlene for being the heart of the lodge. From her warm smile in the morning to her divine conch fritters to her delightful grandchildren, she kept a light mood throughout the house, making us all feel right at home. Did I mention the conch fritters?
...to Markk for some mighty fine days on the flats and the single best piece of fishing advice we received all week:
Leave the barracudas alone!
...to the Coral Harbour Beach Villas for letting us crash in their beach house for a couple of days as we wandered the back channels of Nassau, finding bonefish in the unlikeliest of places and New Providence peace off the back deck.
...to my homeboy Tbone for the boxful of flies that carried the day, every day, on this trip.
...to my bonefish-brained blog buddy Bjorn for all his advise and the shrimp pattern that brought the biggest fish of the trip to hand, almost.
...and, of course, to Sam, Marc, Chris. Couldn't have asked for a better crew to share an island with.
Let's do it again sometime. I'm hooked.
Had not visited your blog for a while Mike.....wow!!!!wonderful pics.I have never felt like fishing salt waters...just changed my mind(:
ReplyDeleteJP
So good to hear from you, JP. The salt is a whole new world and walkin' the flats, sight fishing for bones, might easily become my new passion. Glad to have changed your mind. :-)
ReplyDeleteLooks like an amazing place to spend some time, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed, Daniel. Glad to share.
ReplyDeleteWow. What a great trip. With a couple of characters to fish alongside of you... how could it not be! Bonefish are still on my bucket list. = )
ReplyDeleteAnd they should be on your bucket list, Emily. They are incredible fish. And the islands ain't bad either.
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had an amazing bonefish trip. Wish I would have been there to experience it with you. Hopefully we'll be heading down there ourselves this coming spring. For now, reading this post got me my bonefish fix. Thanks for taking the time to keep us up to date on your fishing and traveling. Always great writing that is enjoyed from opening sentence to finish.
Kent Klewein
THANKS Kent! It was a great trip. I now know why you guys find your way south each spring. Chasing the bones is an incredible fishing experience and the islands are just what the doctor ordered.
ReplyDeleteKeep the good things coming at G&G, my friend.