Shore leave.
The last week has been blur of charts, boat handling, electronic navigation and marine diesel engines. Exams suck. I attempted to type up a post earlier in the week but it never made it to tumblr. I’ve only got three weeks to go before the Coast Guard exams and then service will resume as usual. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I appreciate it and I promise it will be worth it in the end!
Ok, so I admit it. I ducked out the back door when you weren’t looking.
So, What have I been up to? Nice of you to ask.
I’ve been up to my neck in exams and study for my Captain’s license. This hasn’t been conducive with taking photos. In fact I’ve done nothing except chart work and study. No fishing, no alcohol and no fun. All work and no play has made me an exceedingly dull boy.
Don’t despair. I’ll grab the camera and get out this week. I’ll try to make ‘em interesting but either way you’ll get something in a day or two!
AC
It’s the minutia which are biggest differences. I’m used to seeing salmon on these signs. Either way, obey the sign.
Who needs a truck to pull the boat when you can hook it up to a little sports car?
Meanwhile, back in Alaska Sula is wondering where the hell I am?
Rumor has it that the snook are coming or maybe they’re already here?Either way, I’m going to have to break out the 8wt and track them down.
This is one hazard we don’t have to deal with in Alaska!
Practicing my navigation skills. I’m good at navigating on paper, shame that I have to navigate on water instead.
First thing I noticed here in FL was the heat and the sunshine. The second thing I noticed was the pelicans! They are as ubiquitous as the eagles in AK only uglier!
Yep. The title says it all. I’ve relocated (temporarily) to The Sunshine State. Feels weird leaving Alaska but it’s only for a while. Time for fly fishing, goofing off and photography might be limited but I’ll post as often as possible.
Aside from fly fishing and diving, there were some amazing views.
We got up at 4am to chase baby tarpon in the mangroves. Seeing as my 10wt was snapped I up graded to a 12wt. THAT thing was a broomstick to cast. By 8am I was ready to give my shoulder a break and get a cup of coffee.
When the fish of a lifetime breaks your rod and escapes, there’s only one thing to do. Grab a beer and sit on the jetty.
Being the pastiest guy this side of San Palo was a major disadvantage when I was wading the flats. Especially, since I forgot to bring my buff and sun gloves. In short I got scorched by the sun. I did however manage to catch my first bonefish. I was delighted!
We pulled up on one flat and saw plenty of bonefish. The problem was a 6ft barracuda was busy harassing them. The guide looked dejected as he said “Ok, lets move to another flat.” I asked if we could stay and “teach the barracuda a lesson”. The guide wanted to make the lesson permanent and involved a grill, olive oil and salt and pepper.
We walked back to the boat to grab a spin rod. Once rigged we put some conch on a hook and cast into the surf. We caught a little snapper, put him on the hook and then fun started. No sooner had the bait hit the water than the barracuda had taken it. It was mighty surprised to find itself hooked. After plenty of aerobatics, splashing and some crazy runs it looked like the guide was going to be having barracuda for dinner. In one last desperate attempt to escape the barracuda launched itself from the water, spat the hook and skittered across the top of the reef in no more than 3 inches of water. Lesson Learnt.
