Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 3:18 pm Post subject: St. Martin Fly Fishing Trip - Discussion
Well okay, not banished, but I am flying some folks down to their boat (they must be bored with the Bahamas!) in St. Martin, BVI. It doesn't have massive flats, but it does still have some good fishing I have heard. Anybody got any skinny? Even if here-say, it is better than nothing. I heard a little about a salt lake that does have 10 to 30 lb Tarpon? I am more inclined to rent a Yak (the kind you paddle) with which to pursue my fishy passions, or wadefish, rather than pay someone to abuse me in a tropical gale because I am not getting a full 120ft of line out, on target, while smiling
Joined: Feb 06, 2004 Posts: 123 Location: Naples, Fl
Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 4:53 pm Post subject:
Woah, Paul,
Re-evaluate this part...."I am more inclined to rent a Yak (the kind you paddle) with which to pursue my fishy passions, or wadefish, rather than pay someone to abuse me in a tropical gale because I am not getting a full 120ft of line out, on target, while smiling "
OK then wade and yak....But remember, the guides know the waters. I wouldn't do it on the cheap, especially the first time on a new water vacation. I'd want to get info and fly tips and sure, he may be passionate about your presentation....so, DEAL with that and improve your cast if that's an issue. Look, our passion here is learning how to catch fish on the fly, so tuck your humility up tight and get a good guide for a day and along the way, pump him for all the wade, casting, fly pattern, do-it-yourself info you can...Good luck.
Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:31 pm Post subject: Humility? ummm oh yeah !
Good catch Marsh! You are right.... I think maybe get a guide for a day or half day, and take it from there. Really, it is not so much about pride as spending the cash on a good guide, as the wife hates it when I am "working", yet come back with a few big bills on my credit card.... However, a little local knowledge goes a long, long way... far beyond fishing the breaks, or rising tides! One day hope to catch up with you in Maine!
Joined: May 15, 2003 Posts: 852 Location: Portland, Maine
Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 8:45 pm Post subject: marsh
marsh -- i think its not really a vacation ... i think he is a pilot and flying some clients down there "to their boat" .... so he will be there "working" ... my kinda work
anyway ... guide or no guide .. just bring a fly rod, take a few casts somewwhere and bring a camera ... we wanna see what ya catch! .. whether its a 4 inch mackerel or a 4 foot tarpon .. it sure beats what i am catching up here in maine ... NOTHING! .. good luck .. have fun ..
Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 9:08 pm Post subject: Definitions of work....
Jeremy, you hit the nail on the head.... It just gets confusing when working sounds like playing! So, Marsh I understand, and I would have put me in my place too!
I'll take what footage I can, who knows, it might be fliesandfinsworthy !
Hey you are on to something there! You'd have to bring all your flies though! I am having to shift gears here.. Salt collection has worn a tad thin. I have been tying like a fool today........ From decievers to candys, to puglisis to floating gurgler shrimp, grass shrimp... Starting to sound like Forrest here!
Gotta go back to the garage, tie some more, then tie up leaders tomorrow....
I can just see it............ Two Pax with quizzical looks on their faces, surrounded by a craggy lot resplendent in fishing gear that only looks good to them, amidst a forest of rod tubes, boxes and bags.....
85 degree highs, 75 degree lows, I'll have a cold one for you poor guys in the land of polar bears and penguins!
Joined: Feb 18, 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Athens, GA
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 9:52 am Post subject: How was St Maarten fishing?
Leadoverdistance,
I will be in St Maarten for a few days this October, and ran across this thread. How did you fare on your trip? I hope you have some suggestions for me.
By the way, I also live in Athens.
It has been a long time since I was in St Maarten (and that was only for a day) so I would appreciate suggestions about anything, not just fishing.
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:16 pm Post subject: Phew.... seems like a while ago, but I will try....
I stayed on the French side that is to the north of the island, at the Le Flamboyant Hotel. It was okay as far as digs go, selected for price and location more than anything else. It is on the lagoon side, and you will see bonefish tailing amongst the Pedalos..... Frustratingly spooky, but fun to cast to! Some are also at the other hotel further down the beach to the right. There are some big ones, but boy are they spooky.....and the water flat... and still.....There are white patches in the sand they have created by sifting for shrimp.
A new Westin resort has gone up if your significant other wants more stylish digs. There is a great beach there, and also has fishing opportunities. We had 4 people (2 pilots and wives were invited) and rented a car.
The town of Marigo (near le flamboyant) has great dining for your nights out. Many restaurants compete for your attention around the Marina, and you will not be disapointed with the food. On top of that, there are tarpon that roll there! At night watch for them cruising in the water looking for baitfish around the piers the boats are tied to. I could not locate these fish during the day. Very frustrating!
Our favorite beach was Baie Rouge (red bay) where there were some good waves, a great beach, and spot for food and Caribes' (tiki style) and a walk down the beach reveals some good ledges to cast off if you can keep your eyes off the wildlife tanning without shame. The ledges are good for a stray Jack etc. I caught a few, nothing overly huge, but fun nonetheless. This was good specially when I was hamstrung by the will of the group as to where we went! Stripping basket absolutely required..... Good swell and wave action.. It isn't like the Bahamas down here, and fishing can be very spotty.
I fished an area which is near a marine reserve. (Bay of Fishes, but it has a French name) I had a hard time finding the regs for it, and really got different answers. It has a lagoon, sweeping bay, and lots of fish. I released all I caught to avoid any possible issues..... If you find someone who can give you a straight answer on this spot, good luck. There is a salt pond somewhere near this spot, which has small tarpon in it. I ran out of time.... So please post back what you have found.
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:51 pm Post subject: St Martin on Sunday
Headed to St Martin on Sunday, last minute deal. What should I pack for a rod and anywhere I should try first. Is there anybody that does flyfishing trips there that I should get in touch with. Any hints would be great only there for 4 days.
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You are right.... I think maybe get a guide for a day or half day, and take it from there. Really, it is not so much about pride as spending the cash on a good guide, as the wife hates it when I am "working", yet come back with a few big bills on my credit card.... However, a little local knowledge goes a long, long way... far beyond fishing the breaks, or rising tides! One day hope to catch up with you in Maine!
