There is special place I have always dreamed about fly fishing. I have readabout this special place in many fly fishing books and have watched it on many fishingshows. I knew someday I had to fish there. This place is called theMarquesas. 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 severaldays of fishing to Permit on the fly. The first day gave us some strongwinds and that made going to the Marquesas out of the question. Getting to theMarquesas in a 17ft Flats skiff across open water can be hairy on a windyday¹s, so Captain Will decided to take us north to fish around the ContentKeys area. This area is just south of the Seven Mile bridge and is loadedwith 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 thesky gave us some light on the flats it was sight fishing time. I was on thebow as Will was slowly poling the skiff across a flat when he said Bonefishcoming, 12 O’clock. The fish were getting close and Will said, “go.” I was verynervous because I have never caught a Bonefish on fly before. I made an okcast 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 theboat. 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 soexcited he fought the fish hard and when the fish finally tired and wascoming 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 shoton any Permit the rest of the day but I did get another Bone. Day 2 wefished 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 manyPermit. Day 3 it was Marquesas time. We left Key West harbor at daybreak and after abrief stop to jump some baby Tarpon we were on our way across the gulf toparadise. I was looking at the horizon and could faintly see some islandsgetting 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 theplace would be and more. Crystal clear flats with channels cutting threwlike veins. As soon as we pulled up to the first flat, there was lifeeverywhere. 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. Therewas absolutely no wind making stealth and a perfect cast a must. Well aftergetting humbled most of the day we pulled up to one last flat. Again, the Permitwere everywhere. We decided the best way was to get out of the flats boat. Will wasshowing us how he likes to cast at the fish while wading. Just as he startshis demo a Tailing Permit is coming at him. Dave and I gave him the nod togo for it. Captain Will stalked the fish patiently and quietly. As soon asthe fish were in range he made one cast and fish on. Will, brought the fishto 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 shortminutes later I had a group of fish coming at me. As I cast to the fish Ihear Dave yell something. I looked over he was hooked up. I was so happy forDave because this was the goal of this trip. He had a long fight with thisFish and finally brought the Permit boat side. We all Celebrated and Capt. Willpointed the boat towards Key West and put the skiff on plane. We were allsmiles the whole way home. Thanks Dave. I was glad I was there.