Greetings from Captain Buddy,
December, January and February were a bit slower than years past—my experience and what I’ve heard from others. A park ranger I spoke with this spring, who is responsible for taking routine fish counts in the areas where I guide, informed me that recorded fish counts were lower than he’s seen in a while. Despite the lower populations, spending the past 3 months in the deep backcountry of Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades, whether Snook or smaller Tarpon, these clear water/hard to get to areas, continue to produce good fishing. Some of the Tarpon have been in the 20-30 lb range, that is the upper weight for what we call Baby Tarpon. Yes, lots more effort for the angler and myself, but I am so grateful for every adventure! Whether it be by kayak, or johnboat, there’s no doubt, we’re enjoying fly-fishing at its finest!
We all have high hopes for a significant Tarpon migration to move in as waters warm. We’re seeing them now, but in smaller numbers. As with every year, we’ll wait out the bigger Snook, which are due to move inward to the many passes and bays soon. Love this time of year!
On another note, I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to partake in some bow-hunting this past November in southern Colorado and western Kansas. Beyond the pure experience of hunting with the bow, which challenges me every time, I was thrilled to have been fortunate enough to harvest bucks in two different areas. The free-range venison was particularly clean and flavorful this season, so was happy to share nature’s precious bounty with the family and even help feed a few friends this year. It’s an absolute joy for me to return to the wide expanses of the west every year and settle into the wilderness for a short while –to feed the soul, as the saying goes. By early December, though, I admit after those temps begin dropping down below freezing, I’m ready to head back to the warm backwaters of sunny, southwest Florida!
Signing off for now…
Captain Buddy
