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Video On Flies & Fins South

There is special place I have always dreamed about fly fishing. I have read about this special place in many fly fishing books and have watched it on many fishing shows. I knew someday I had to fish there. This place is called the Marquesas. It is a group of islands about 30 miles West of Key West. Well, finally my dream came true when my good friend Dave Teper (headrush999) invited me along. He had Will Benson a young guide from the Lower Keys area booked for several days of fishing to Permit on the fly. The first day gave us some strong winds and that made going to the Marquesas out of the question. Getting to the Marquesas in a 17ft Flats skiff across open water can be hairy on a windy day¹s, so Captain Will decided to take us north to fish around the Content Keys area. This area is just south of the Seven Mile bridge and is loaded with beautiful flats and islands. We started the first morning in the low light looking for rolling Tarpon. Dave hooked a few and landed a small fish and as the big ball of fire in the sky gave us some light on the flats it was sight fishing time. I was on the bow as Will was slowly poling the skiff across a flat when he said Bonefish coming, 12 O’clock. The fish were getting close and Will said, “go.” I was very nervous because I have never caught a Bonefish on fly before. I made an ok cast and was lucky enough that the bonefish charged after it. I heard Will say, “keep it moving.” As I slowly stripped it away from the fish he charged it. Fish on! He made some screaming runs and after a good fight I had him to the boat. After my celebration, it was Dave¹s turn.As soon as he gets ready on the bow, Will spotted a school of Permit coming at us. Dave made a cast or two without a

response and finally he laid one cast out that counted. The Permit inhaled the Fly and the fight was on. Dave was so excited he fought the fish hard and when the fish finally tired and was coming to the boat, a Barracuda came in and sliced the line. Unbelievable. Well it was day one so we figured we had another shot. We never had a shot on any Permit the rest of the day but I did get another Bone. Day 2 we fished the same area and had some fun with the tarpon again in the morning. I had landed another beautiful Bone fish but we couldn¹t find very many Permit. Day 3 it was Marquesas time. We left Key West harbor at daybreak and after a brief stop to jump some baby Tarpon we were on our way across the gulf to paradise. I was looking at the horizon and could faintly see some islands getting ever so close. Dave turned to look at me and pointed with a smile. My dream was coming true. When we arrived it was everything I thought the place would be and more. Crystal clear flats with channels cutting threw like veins. As soon as we pulled up to the first flat, there was life everywhere. In fact all day long we had shot after shot of tailing Permit. We fished hard all day and had some trouble getting near the fish. There was absolutely no wind making stealth and a perfect cast a must. Well after getting humbled most of the day we pulled up to one last flat. Again, the Permit were everywhere. We decided the best way was to get out of the flats boat. Will was showing us how he likes to cast at the fish while wading. Just as he starts his demo a Tailing Permit is coming at him. Dave and I gave him the nod to go for it. Captain Will stalked the fish patiently and quietly. As soon as the fish were in range he made one cast and fish on. Will, brought the fish to the boat and gave us hope. It can be done. Dave and I hopped out of the boat and split up on the flat. A few short minutes later I had a group of fish coming at me. As I cast to the fish I hear Dave yell something. I looked over he was hooked up. I was so happy for Dave because this was the goal of this trip. He had a long fight with this Fish and finally brought the Permit boat side. We all Celebrated and Capt. Will pointed the boat towards Key West and put the skiff on plane. We were all smiles the whole way home. Thanks Dave. I was glad I was there.