Bill Baldus and I live in Naples, Florida which is 200 miles from Key West. We decided to tow Bill’s Skandy-White flats skiff to the lower Florida Keys and fly fish for Bonefish and Permit for 3 days. We were lucky to get some fly pattern suggestions and local knowledge from a respected source who also suggested a good place to stay. A gift. So, armed with 9 weight fly rods, a GPS and some faded maps we found the motel, launched The Scandy White and cast off to explore the lower Florida Keys.The Scandy White has an aluminum hull filled with foam and runs in very shallow water. It’s surprisingly quiet, has a carpeted interior and bow, helping to make it silent and while you’re casting in bare feet, the line stays on the deck. I can’t praise this skiff too much. It made our trip!Bill is a well-known and respected guide and both of us have had some experience fishing Bonefish. So, finding the fish and hoping to see Permit, was our main objective. It didn’t take very long because we had great low tides, partly cloudy, sunny days, fairly calm winds and Bill’s good navigating skill. During our time on the water we saw 4 or 5 huge solitary Bones, had shots at maybe 15 bonefish on the first full day and 30 shots at bonefish on the second day, along with shots at several four-foot Barracuda and larger Sharks. The flats where we fished were teeming with life. Bill had one 12-pounder bend a Gamakatsu hook before coming unbuttoned.The scenery and colors of the Florida Keys flats and sky were breathtaking. We caught several fat Bonefish, saw a school of Permit and cast a hail-mary at them as they said g’bye. The motel was old, but clean, the food was terrific in the bar and the breakfast was good. We parkedthe boat just outside our waterfront room. Here’s a cool part. The trip cost; gas, food, lodging, came in at less than $375 apiece. We’ll be going back, that’s for sure.
Nice job Marsh! (and Bill). Very cool to see you guys finding and making your own adventures in your own state! Without the sense of the un-known and the sense of adventure .. what the heck is the fun of fly fishing? This goes to show that “big adventure” doesn’t always mean a person has to travel to some far away exotic location in some remote section of the world. You guys traveled, in your own state, a mere 200 miles .. and found new and uncharted waters to explore! Awesome! I plan on doing the same thing this weekend in Maine and trying my luck in some new water that I have never fished. Congrats to you guys for having success, going outside of your “comfort zone” and continuing to evolve as fly fisherman through constant exploration and learning.
PS. That little “Scandy White” looks awesome! I’d imagine it can get into some super skinny water!
I’m glad it all came together for you. That place you fished, is really special, and now you both know why. I look forward to getting out there with you this winter.
Great story and a beautiful fish Marsh. A great fishing story and details of your trip. That is a great picture of that bone! I think I’ll save it.
Thanks
Greg
Thanks Dave. Rarely have I seen so much fish life in one area…I hope we can get out to fish this winter too.
That’s fantastic. I have never seen a Scandy-White before. Interesting boat.
Sounds like the kind of trips I like, good fishing, good company, good food, a place to sleep and all for a reasonable price, Sweet!