Island Flats
Good weather has returned. Back to the flats. Caught a snook at the ramp this morning before I even got the kayak off the car roof. Could have caught a couple more, but I was itching for a redfish. So I launched the Adios and went on the hunt. Paid off!
Morning Red
Tropical storm Isaac has moved on. It did little in the way of damage here in SWF. Some wind and some ran. Tolerable. Today the sun is returning, although the wind is still a tad strong by Florida standards. Perhaps in a day or two I’ll be back fishing. Got my fingers crossed.
Nice Snook
Yesterday I fished with Ron Whiteley. He is an excellent and very knowledgeable fly angler. Looked a little stormy early in the morning, but the weather settled down as the day progressed. Right off the bat, Ron got a big snook of 30 inches plus. Great start. Next we caught a ton of trout. Nothing huge, but ample fun on a 6-weight rod.
I had been joking with Ron about wanting a 30 inch red. Well later in the day I hooked and landed a 29 incher. Close enough! It was a very good day at Gasparilla.
The Perfect Cup in Matlacha
Of all the place I’ve seen here in Florida, Matlacha stands tall. Locally known as a “Drinking community with a serious fishing problem”, Matlacha is a eclectic mix of Art Galleries, bars, eateries, shops, and fish markets. Colorful, Caribbean-like, and freewheeling, it has the open feel of a frontier town.
Pronounced “Mat-la-shay”, this strip of land essentially forms a bridge between the mainland and Pine Island. Surrounded by skinny water, it offer fabulous flats fishing. In fact Matlacha, I’m told, is a native American word meaning “Place of shallow waters”. Watch your keel! World-class kayaking and fly-fishing waters for snook, redfish, trout, tarpon and beyond. Sweet.
Don’t like fishing or kayaking? Don’t like Art, beer or bourbon? Well you’re in damn tough shape my friend; hell you’re practically dead! But a cup of joe just might snap you out of it. So come anyway. The Perfect Cup on the main drag serves up the finest java jolt you have ever had. Hurray for Matlacha!
Southern Comfort
The Florida fryalator is in high gear. Each and everyday the mercury eclipses 90. Humidity hovers at 70 percent and the big gold orb roars down from the heavens. It can be intense. Blinding light, the air as heavy as a blanket. Then come afternoon thunderstorms scud in, bringing with them lightning, walls of rain – and some relief. Welcome to the tropics.
Like living anywhere, you either adapt, or you move on. Your choice. In the morning I kayak, fish and photograph. But when the sun points toward post meridian, I paddle home and take refuge. The heat is simply too much. Back at the hacienda, I partake in my preferred triumvirate: ice cold beer, a dip in the pool and a siesta. Ahh amigo, now there is southern comfort.
