Killer Tarpon on Spin and Fly

Continues to be great fun, lot's of Tarpon action even though we had a few tuff days that required some time/tide adjustment.

Fishing with the brothers Roby and Lou Andy the last two days resulted in good fun over the mottled bottom and sand flats.

Sight casting to schools in gin clear 3 foot deep water is a blast and to hook 6 Tarpon
major rush.

I believe we boated about 4 out of 6, thats very good Tarpon fishing, even if luck was the biggest part of the plan.....we plan our luck.

Roby, Lou their father Albert Andy have been fishing with me for 20 years....we are still laughing a lot about the lost fish of years past.

Sr. Billy Pate aka Dr. Tarpon

There was a " Tremor in the Force " this past month in our little saltwater fly-fishing family.

Billy Pate the always enthusiastic dean of "Big Poon" and "star caster/ instructor" in the two best videos ever produced about fly Rodding for Tarpon.

3M's Mastery Series of videos are true Classics.

I had the opportunity in the late 70s early 80s to meet and exchange with Billy Pate in the company of guide pal Nat Raglin and the brothers Montgomery, Bob and Gene.

I enjoyed helping with some Tarpon scouting for the efforts in production of the first movie that was shot mainly in the Flats west of Key West.

Billy has been described as a Southern Gentleman by myself and probably anyone who knew him.

Straw Panama Hat and big grim under it, all standing just a few feet off the " Pate Tower"
On his custom 4electric motors strapped to it's ass, Sidewinder Flats Skiff.

Not a big man but bigger than life and a giant in Saltwater Fly-fishing...God Speed Billy

Ok it's true...I've Been Jumpin Tarpon all Month

Have not had much time to update this blog, lots of fishing, lots of fun.

After the coldest December in recorded history, January was not bad, February was warmish but
March and April have been unbelievable.....not everyday did the Tarpon cooperate but that was the tide movement, barometer or just Voodoo because most of the last two months the weather has been very good.

I have had some super nite Tarpon fishing with exploding Tarpon sucken up Gurgler flies.
Plastic swim baits work well on spinning tackle on these moon/star lit nites.

Permit were very good up to the full moon in April but there still are some around that did not venture out for the spring Love In on the offshore reefs and wrecks.

I'm looking forward to a banner May-June ...day and nite for Tarpon....still love dem bastards.