Tarpon Time

I wrote a piece a while back called "The Traveling Fisherman" where I talked about how much I look forward to a fishing trip. It's great to have a local pond, which I now do, where I can go catch a few panfish or the occasional largemouth bass in the afternoon after work. But let's not kid ourselves here, this is The Bonefish Flat, and we all like to chase big saltwater gamefish. For me, I like to chase the big three.

I'm in the final stages of trying to get a trip together for next year that will be my annual trip. This year, with buying a house and moving, I just haven't been able to swing it. I haven't given up all hope yet, but its less and less likely. So therefore, it's time for me to get back into the game.

For those who have followed me, you know that I really like to chase the silver ghost of the flats.

Me with my first bonefish.

But the fish that started it all really wasn't a bonefish. I got a permit in the Marquesa's eight years ago and that fish changed my life. The way a fish like this fights, and bonefish do it and tarpon do it too, just makes you crazy. There is something about trying to control the power of these fish while your reel is just screaming that is like a drug. I won't even go into the hunt, because that's a topic unto itself.

Oh yeah, the fish that started it all.

So as I look to next year, there is clearly a fish missing here and it's a big tarpon. So I'm finalizing a trip now for next year to the keys to hopefully make my personal slam complete. More details to come here pretty soon as I get things more put together.

Can you see the tarpon? You'll notice I'm not holding it.