When you get blown off the water you’re forced to get creative. After months of anticipation, our first day’s disappointment at being unable to sight fish the wind-chopped flats could only be overcome with a little initiative and a serious reduction in standards.
“Let’s go to the jetty.”
We hemmed and we hawed for a moment or two until Chris free associated the possibility of finding migrating tarpon and, with that pretty delusion as quixotic motivation, we jumped in the jeep and drove south.
Our lofty ambitions of bowing to tail-walking kings from majestic rocky positions (as waves crashed dramatically with each silver leap) quickly degenerated into attempting to snag sea slugs as they drifted past on the outgoing tides.
We fishermen are nothing if not flexible.
Sea slugs are incredible jumpers. Gotta watch closely, though, or you'll miss it.
ReplyDeleteMake sure you put sunblock behind the knee. I some how missed that spot and got burnt bad. That's one of the worst areas because you're always moving it.
ReplyDeleteSep...were you at the S. Padre Island jetties? I've fished the jetties at S. Padre and caught all kinds of stuff, some were indeed fish. I jumped two tarpon there but didn't land either.
ReplyDeleteWho knew, Mark? One of saltwater sportfishing's best kept secrets.
ReplyDeleteA good tip, Kevin. And one typically learned the hard way.
ReplyDeleteIndeed we were. Your old stompin' grounds, T. No tarpon, but saw plenty of dolphin and turtles as we hopped those dumpster-sized cubes. A fun afternoon, despite the poor fishing.
ReplyDeleteSuch a struggle, I hear ya' Mike. Sometimes the best a fly fisher can do is enjoy the moment and wait for another "Memory Maker".
ReplyDeleteWell said, Mel. I always make it a point to "enjoy the moment". Fishing can be good or can be bad at nature's whim, but attitude is always under our control. There's memories in all of it, rain of shine. (or wind...)
ReplyDeleteIf nothing else, it sure is pretty looking. I'm glad I haven't gotten bit by the salt bug.
ReplyDeleteGiven where you live, Howard, I'm glad too.
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