So far, 2007 has been unseasonably warm here in the Naples area of Florida. The large Snook aren’t relocating predictably. That’s why our guide, Kevin often told us, “Reel up, we’re moving.” Kevin is never hesitant to move, or change flies. He is a big Snook’s worst enemy. Roger and I were excited about being Kevin’s bow gunners on another trip of dreams into the back waters of Everglades National Park, Chocoloskee, Florida.Our first spot was a quiet cove with muddy, off-color water and a creek in the back. The tide was just coming up and the air temp was cool. As I stood on the casting platform, fly in one hand, rod in the other, I was amazed at the utter silence that surrounded me. Just the occasional bird call was all that could be heard. The fish were there, Kevin saw them and I cast to them, but they took awhile to begin to eat. The cove teemed with all sorts of fish life; Mullet, Ladyfish and I even had shots at Tarpon. There were small baitfish, smaller Snook, big Snook, and even a Jewfish who inhaled a Tantrum fly. This was my first Grouper on a fly! I must have missed six or seven 20”-plus Snook and landed a 24″, 25″ and 26″ while shaking off pesky Ladyfish. It was Roger’s turn on the bow and he was casting towards right side bank which turned out less productive. The sun moved behind clouds making it tougher for good shots at fish.Kevin traveled to six or seven other coves, bars, and shorelines as the tide rose, trying to locate “Snook in numbers”. Finally, we saw a large fish pop and give away his hiding place. Kevin switched my fly over o a dark bendback. I threw five strikes into the catcher’s-mitt-pocket; each pitch brought a vicious swipe before the big Snook finally felt the hook. Two magnificent jumps and several powerful surges made me put pressure on the 9-weight Sage rod that Kevin had loaned me. As the 30-inch Snook came to the side of the boat, Kevin lipped him and the hook pulled free nicely. No picture, but an easy release. Bendback flies usually lip-hook.I felt we learned a lot today, as we always do with Kevin, and that we all made a good team, working hard for each success.
Way to go Marshall. Nice read, I would give anything to be on the bow of Kevin’s skiff. He is the real deal, he is not just out there punching the clock….he works his tail of motoring….poling and observing to put you over fish. I think I’m going to be heading your way soon.
wow – great tale marsh … i too once threw a tantrum down there in the everglades, but it wasn’t a fly … it was a frustration tantrum … i am sure joe-m remembers … we were taking turns on the bow of the boat and i would cast like a pro when there were no tarpon in sight … beautiful casts dropping it right on the noses of lady fish and jacks … but when the guide would say, “big tarpon 70 feet 2 o’clock” … everything would go right down the tubes … knees shaking, slapping the water with my casts … fly line all knotted up and tangled in my toes …. amazing much of a mental game it can be when you are staring down the barrel of some nice fish and its only you on the bow with the guide and your partner watching and analyzing every little detail of your cast and presentation ….. it really boils down to “ya gotta be able to get it done, when it counts” … casting like a pro when it doesn’t matter (in your backyard) is one thing … casting like a pro when it matters is an entirely different thing ……
since then, i have dedicated much time to making 1 great cast … when it counts … a needed skill and something i was forced to learn if i wanted to catch the albies from shore here in the northeast … i look forward to taking what i have learned and getting another shot on the bow of a flats boat staring down the barrel of some big tarpon … i will get it done … and …. make it count……
ps.. i learn alot about flies, and tactics and methods from all that you have posted and all the learning you have done through the last couple years down there in the everglades … i gotta be honest, i often think about how cool it is that you catch tarpon on foot….. i really want to do that when i come down this year … thanks marshall.
The big grin in the top photo says it all Marshall! We’ve only been in the “deep freeze” here in Maine for a few days, and already my mind has wandered off to sun and sand. I find myself going to work and scanning the archives here watching videos of tarpon and snook. I’ve got to get down there and hook into something new. Thanks for letting me “escape” down there through your story, looks like you really had a blast, and got some nice fish! Good work Marshall…
reading that and seeing the pics is like a warm cup of coffee next to a fire. Great read on an icy day!
Great read Marsh and cool pics too, your smile in the first picture show at wich point you enjoyed that day :-D.
Do let go the man you went out with he his a “good” when it comes to find fishs.
Excellent post Marshall. I got the “chills” reading about it, sitting in winter on a stormy evening, dreaming of being on the water. And I liked your comment Jeremy, as I can appreciate the way the “paulsie” that can take over when you are looking over the barrel of a big fish and you’ve got one shot!
Cheers guys,
Jim
That a boy Marshal, great story and pictures. You look great and enjoying the golden years.
I hope you can come down. Dave and I will take care of you.
Marsh
Kevin Mihailoff, perhaps the best in the world big Snook sight fishing guide. snookin.com
awe sh*t, It’s only the silver years….I just turned 60. Kids like Kevin and Dave give me a pointer now and then and I learn to improve….then, I sumarily, “kick butt” once in awhile. The thing about this fishing that excites me is the SIGHT. You have to hit a target and entice the fish.
thanks, boz, coming from you, a big high five. Bow casting with Kevin is like being in an arcade with blinders on….you Have to hit points and targets. Years of practice can go awry, when faced with monster Snook, and Kev’s the man for finding them.
jer,
Kevin showed me some new fly patterns….very sbtle…so I tied some and tried their swim on the Lg. Mouth Bass in the pond accross the street. Man. Hooked-landed the largest bigmouth I ever caught today. maybe 4 lb. The pattern will remain secret til you get here. Thanks for posting the art and pics.
You did well again, I especially like that yewfish you caught.
Seems that species is making a rebound in the south.
My only groupers on the fly where the little ones that roam Doctors pass.
The small ones live in the riprap along the shore. If you fish your streamer close enough to the rocks they will dash out and grab the fly
Great tale Marshall…thanks for your time on the phone trying to find me fish this last weekend. As you mentioned, the beaches (and passes) were still dirty Saturday from the SW blow on Friday. My father and I were at the “tarpon spot” early on Saturday morning (but probably not early enough)…we saw a few tarpon roll but they seemed less than interested at what I threw at them. I guess it would take me a little more time than two days to crack their code. I had several hits again at the trail bridge that I mentioned but depite sharp hooks couldn’t keep anything pinned. Great trip with my father (who I don’t see often enough) and lots of wildlife viewing. Thanks again.