The Bonefish Flat

Hell's Bay Whipray Classic

2012-05-31T21:46:00.000-04:00

Good Friday to you fine folks here on the Bonefish Flat. It's been a short week, but a busy one for me. I'm glad we made it to the weekend. So start your Friday off right with a video from the fine folks at Hell's Bay Boatworks featuring the legendary Flip Pallot.

If you ever wondered "is Flip the real deal," checkout how my man is throwing a total mean loop in this video. Plus, check out the deck on this boat. This is one sweet ride. I've really gotten a kick out of watching Hell's Bay build this boat. They did a lot of updates on Facebook as to how they put it together and it was absolutely fascinating.

Speaking of boats (no I don't have one yet and it's a sore subject here at bonefish flat HQ), I have a sweet interview coming up next week from one of the premier skiff builders around. Be sure to stay tuned for that.

Sign the Petition, Protect the Bonefish

2012-05-29T21:35:00.000-04:00

The twitterverse and the www are a buzz with a new petition that is circulating to protect Hawaiian bonefish from the likes of these gill netters. It's time to take action and sign the petition.

The Dude will not stand for this aggression man.

You can sign here.

Great Deneki Video

2012-05-28T22:06:00.001-04:00

I was working on some gear the other night and wanted to whip a loop into my fly line. I have a 7 weight bass pro shop's rod that was my very first fly rod. It is a three piece and has a medium action. I keep it strung up in my garage for hitting the local ponds and I use it for smallmouth's, too.

I needed to add a new whipped loop onto both ends and so I googled whipped loop and came across this really great video from one of the best on the flats, Capt. Bruce Chard. The video was added as part of Deneki's lineup of videos.

This is a great way to connect your fly line to your leader or to your backing. Check it out.

Oh Lawd' I Got the Shakes

2012-05-24T22:21:00.000-04:00

The Alabama Shakes, that is. I scored their CD, Boys and Girls, this week and it's amazing. Go get it if you don't already have it. Britney Howard, the lead singer, absolutely just wails. I'm not going to compare it to anything because it's a blend of a lot of sounds I really like.

I found this video on the youtube and thus far it's my favorite song on the CD, although it's a solid album all the way through.

I hope everyone gets out on the water for the weekend. I'm planning on hitting Lake X and catching the biggest bass you've ever seen. I also have an interview in the works for next week that should be stellar.

Happy Memorial Day everyone and a big thank you to our troops who keep us safe and keep us free so we can go fishing.

Flats Boat vs. Technical Poling Skiff

2012-05-21T21:49:00.002-04:00

I've really been reading up on boats a lot lately, and I came across this video from Maverick Boatworks that explains the difference between a flats boat and a technical poling skiff.

Maverick makes some really well respected boats. It looks like they have just reworked their Web site so if you haven't checked it out in a while, like me, then head over and spend a few minutes. Take a look and enjoy.

This Just Ain't Right

2012-05-20T20:48:00.000-04:00

Dr. Aaron Adams posted this picture on Facebook. I was speechless when I saw it and saddened. Bonefish are such a mighty fish that to see one like this is kind of humiliating to me. It's how I feel when I see sharks or shark fins (now, really just in the papers, but I have seen fins before).

Photo courtesy of Capt. Terry Duffield.

Here is what Capt. Terry Duffield said about the situation:

Coach Duff and Captain Mike Hennessey have guided hundreds of anglers here in Hawaii, now help us stop seeing this in markets caught in gillnets. We want the bonefish to be made a "gamefish" at the very least in regulations. Go ahead, catch one on rod and reel and bring it home! Prepare it the way grandma did, fishcake or lomi style! We understand culture and traditions. But the druggie gillnetters, the vendors in Chinatown who buy anything you bring them legal or not need to be shut down. The damn things are protected everywhere but here. Hell, we have a Trout Unlimited chapter that raises money to plant Hatchery rat and completely invasive trout in Kauai rivers but looks the other way on protecting the world's biggest and truly native bonefish with simple "gamefish designation". This makes it illegal to sell bonefish commercially yet still allows the great people of Hawaii to catch, enjoy and harvest O'IO as traditions allow.

If you haven't already, it's time to join the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. If I read it right, the cost of that fish is $4.97. When I go bonefishing, I probably spend close to $100 per fish I catch and then let it go. Imagine the great fishery that could develop in Hawaii with a thoughtful preservation plan.

The Camera and the Weekend

2012-05-14T21:53:00.001-04:00

One thing I learned from my last trip to the Bahamas is that I need to step up my game a bit when it comes to photography. I'm not trying to become the next Brian O'Keefe, but I decided to get a new camera and have been spending time trying to learn how to use it.

For Mother's Day I spent the weekend on the water on the Chesapeake Bay and really didn't get to go fishing, but I did get to do a little sailing in the 10 foot dinghy and got to practice up on the picture taking.

Here's a few shots that I liked.

An osprey taking off. The original fly fisherman.

Shucking oysters on the dock.

The boat on the far right is the sailing dinghy. Lots of fun.

Lefty Kreh in the New York Times

2012-05-09T22:40:00.002-04:00

I've had a chance to meet Lefty Kreh on a few occasions. I live in Virginia, Kreh lives in Maryland, so he does several events in the area each year. It's almost impossible to believe that he is 87 years old. The is sharp as a tack and cracks jokes that you might hear at your favorite watering hole on a Friday night.

I can tell you that Lefty is a great guy, throw's a mean loop, and his favorite fish is a bonefish. That puts him high on my list of favorites.

From a while back, an evening with Lefty.

If you want to learn more about this fly fishing icon, check out this article here by Chris Santella in the New York Times. Chris has written several books including 50 Places to Fly Fish Before You Die and is a really good writer. The story is worth checking out.

You Might Have a Flat's Fishing Problem If...

2012-05-08T22:12:00.000-04:00

1. You chase your kids around the house wearing a buff.
2. Your four year old thinks every fish he sees is a bonefish.
3. When driving on I-95 near or north of Washington, D.C., you think "If I just drive South, I can be in Key West in less than 24 hours."
4. Number three happens often.
5. You start stashing money away all over the house to save up to pay for the guide.
6. You start itchin' real bad when the Sunday morning shows are fishing for the big three.
7. Every word out of your wife's mouth seems to be bonefish, tarpon, or permit, as opposed to the usual Charlie Brown wah...wah...wah.
8.You fly cast to imaginary bonefish in your backyard...at 40, 50, and 60 feet.
9. There is no number 9, you were too busy thinking about going bonefishing.
...and number 10...
10. You honeymoon on the Grand Slam flats of Belize!!

Seriously Cool Abel Reel

2012-05-07T20:57:00.000-04:00

Guys talk about gear a lot in fly fishing. And yes, I'm a sucker for gear just like all of you. But there is one piece of gear that I really love: fly reels. In saltwater fly fishing, a good reel is a must. I prefer old school cork drags that my salty fore fathers relied on. Cork is smooth, natural, and really has an amazing feel when a bonefish (or a permit or Mr. poon) is making a blazing run.

I also like a little bling on my reels. I love how Tibor puts your name on the reel and how you can get a fish graphic etched onto the reel (guess what I've got on mine).

I also LOVE Abel reels. My Abel has stopped many a bonefish without hesitation.

So when I came across this new offering from Abel, the tribal pattern, I just about fell out of my chair.

Check out this beauty. Courtesy Abel Reels.

Not sure what it is about this reel, but I really think it looks good. It's just got a cool vibe.

Must See Hells Bay T.V.

2012-05-06T21:16:00.000-04:00

Most people who like to saltwater fly fish, at some point or other, are going to become infatuated with boats. It's just a natural progression. Right now, I'm in that groove. I love the idea of a shallow water skiff that lets you get on a poling platform and sight fish for your target. Hell's Bay Boatworks has set a really high bar for these types of boats and really was a pioneer of the flats boat movement.

In this video, Flip Pallot goes back and describes Hell's Bay from it's humble beginnings as nothing more than a project for Flip and his friends, into the company it is today. Soon the legendary Titusville, Florida boat builders will begin to offer a limited edition Whipray. This is the boat that changed flat's fishing as we all know it. If you didn't get a chance to read my interview with Hell's Bay Boatworks CEO, Chris Peterson (he's the guy on the left of the screen), check it out here.

This is a really great video I think everyone will enjoy.

Andy Mill Chasing Chrome

2012-05-03T21:06:00.001-04:00

It's Friday. You made it through another week. So sit back and check out this video.

We're used to watching Andy Mill Chasing Silver. The 5 Time Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament Champion recently picked up a spey rod in hopes of landing a Steelhead.

Check out this video from Maui Jim. There are some really great shots of Mill and the guide casting the spey rod.

Crawlin' Home from Sloppy Joe's

2012-05-02T20:41:00.001-04:00

A good fishing trip in Key West might get capped off with a good dinner at a Cuban restaurant. After dinner, you might choose to celebrate catching a big Tarpon with a late night at Sloppy Joe's.

If you went fishing on May 5 and caught that big Tarpon along with a Bonefish, but missed that Permit because he wouldn't eat, you'd be in luck today because even though you didn't get your grand slam, you could celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Sloppy Joe's in Key West Florida.

Love the Sloppy Joe's.

If you're a fan of Papa Hemingway, then you probably know that Sloppy Joe's was one of his favorite watering holes. Just imagine Papa bellied up to the bar telling stories of a days fishing for Marlin aboard the Pilar. Perhaps he might even buy you a drink.

Courtesy of Sloppy Joe's.

Sloppy Joe's opened right after prohibition ended. Papa was a friend of the original owner, Joe Russell, who was a native conch and fisherman, among other things. Hem often frequented this legendary Key West establishment. Now, it's home to the annual Papa look-a-like contest each July and a central part of the Key West scene.

No fishing trip to Key West is complete without a trip Sloppy Joe's and a few cold ones on Duval Street. This article from Keys Voices has a little more history if you care for a look.

Happy Birthday Sloppy Joe's!!

Cape Eleuthera Bonefish Flat's Group

2012-05-01T22:05:00.000-04:00

First off, no I'm not kidding. The Cape Eleuthera Institute has a Bonefish Flat's group that is conducting research on bonefish habitat. Must be a cool group, right?

I came across this blog posting today sharing the good work that is going on at Cape Eleuthera. The students are studying bonefish habitat and how climate change will effect bonefish in the future.

I never get tired of looking at bonefish. Courtesy of Cape Eleuthera Institute.

I got to know the head of the Cape Eleuthera institute, Aaron Shultz, on my trip to Long Island, Bahamas. We roomed together a few nights and had some really fantastic discussions about bonefishing, conservation, and barefoot wading for bonefish.

The Dog Ate My Drake

2012-04-30T21:30:00.002-04:00

I meant to post this gripe the other week, but I've just had a lot going on.

I subscribed to the Drake when the Borders next to my office closed. I always enjoy reading the Drake and yes, I keep them in a safe place and guess you could say I collect them.

So when my latest copy showed up in the mail the other week, I was not pleased.

Thanks, Mr. Postman.

The Old Man and the Sea

2012-04-29T22:24:00.001-04:00

It was Saturday and I had to work. I'm walking down K street in DC when my phone rings. It was my father in law. You could see the grin on his face from the White House.

It seems Capt. Willy set out on his boat, the Sweet Sandra, around 5 AM in search of the big one. In the Chesapeake Bay, that means a rock fish (striped bass everywhere else).

He put out his lines and ran a trolling rig. Not long after getting his lines in the water it was fish on. He cut the engine and fought the fish which turned out to be a beauty. Home by 7:30, it was an epic day for Bill on the Bay.

Capt. Bill and a whopper Rock fish

41 inches and 23 lbs. Not bad, Capt. Bill. Next time we're gonna get a fly rod in your hand!

Apparently he bent the net

Relax, It's Friday

2012-04-26T19:57:00.000-04:00

It's been a long two weeks and I'm tired. In the last five days I've gone to Oregon and back and Dallas and back and I'm ready for the weekend. Looks like more work in store, but I'm taking solace in the fact that the boys in Key West are catching Tarpon and my shot at a big poon is right around the corner.

Here's a little end of the week video for you from Bob Marley to help you get the weekend started a little early. Nothing says summertime better to me than putting the windows down in the truck and turning up the Bob Marley. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

Salty Shores Review of Long Island Bonefish Lodge

2012-04-24T22:19:00.001-04:00

My friend Sam Root of the Web site Salty Shores was one of the writers on my Long Island, Bahamas adventure. He just shared his review of the trip which can be found here. Sam is a photographer so sit back and enjoy some of the pictures he took. As you might remember from my report, the weather on this trip kind of stunk, but Sam was still able to make the place look beautiful.

Photo Courtesy of Sam Root and Salty Shores

And speaking of Sam, I happened to notice that there is a story about him and his saltwater fly fishing tournament, the Salty Fly, in the latest copy of Fly Fishing in Saltwater. Be sure to check it out on page 18. It's a great story for what really is a neat event.

Check out Sam Root in the latest FFSW and learn about the Salty Fly.

The Silver King

2012-04-23T20:42:00.000-04:00

I came across this video courtesy of Tosh Brown on twitter. Later this summer I'm headed to Key West for the tail end of tarpon season. That's when the big one I'm going to catch will be swimming through.

Seriously, though, I'm getting super excited. I've read a lot about how tarpon are crazy addictive and can really take your game to a new level. Think about the world famous Andy Mill and Chasing Silver. Plus, the fact that these fish can get to be 200 lbs., and it's going to be an intense experience.

I've got a feeling this trip is going to be off the hook.

This video is a little long, but it's a really cool history of the silver king in Florida. Enjoy!

Microskiff Podcast

2012-04-22T21:30:00.001-04:00

There is a really great podcast up over on Zach Matthew's site, The Itinerant Angler, where Zach interviews Tom Dyll who runs the Web site Microskiff.com. It's a great site that has everything you'd ever want to know about small skiffs and then some. Hopefully at some point there will be a small skiff in my future and this site gives you a lot of insight into the skiff buying, maintenance, possibilities process.

Courtesy of The Itinerant Angler

The podcast is a fantastic interview and really gets into the nitty gritty of these boats. Check it out!

Southern Culture on the Fly

2012-04-18T20:46:00.000-04:00

Take a moment and imagine what would happen if you combined the southern feel of Garden & Gun Magazine with a mayfly hatch of the Drake...and then stuck it, greasy fingers and all, on your iPad. This southern fried treat would be Southern Culture on the Fly.

Most e-zine's lose me because the writing isn't always up to par and the photography can be so-so. Also, if the articles drone on and on they can get boring. Not so with SCOF.

As a good southern boy, I appreciate how the focus is on the south and the great fishery we have. Plenty of pics and enough story to hold my interest throughout the read.

Louis Cahill is a photographer I really admire and has quite a few pics throughout the issue. In addition, my friend Cameron Mortenson of The Fiberglass Manifesto has a gear review that is well thought out.

Finally, they have some super cool videos. Check out this one.

Bonefish Flat Updates

2012-04-17T09:07:00.001-04:00

A few new things to update you on here. A few weeks back I changed the header of the site which I hope everyone likes. That's a bonefish I caught a few years back in the Bahamas.

I've added three new blogs that I really dig to the blog roll/web site roll, now dubbed conch fritters (pretty cute, huh).
Uprising
is a blog about saltwater fly fishing, carp, and rock and roll...and not necessarily in that order. It's a great read.
Eat More Brook Trout is a very well written blog on trout fishing, but the genuine love of fly fishing for everything, including salty species, really comes through. Chris who writes this was on the Long Island, Bahamas trip with me.
Flatswalker is the real salty deal. Davin Ebanks, a flats guide from Grand Caymen, writes this little gem and it's worth adding to your daily routine.

Finally, I'm really trying to do more with Facebook by pushing out more stuff so if you don't "like" me here, than you're missing out.

The Deceiver

2012-04-16T21:47:00.001-04:00

I got a Cliff Bugger box for my birthday this year, so it's time to fill it up. Right now I'm tying up a few deceivers. A classic Lefty pattern that I've used with good success in the Chesapeake Bay.

I tied these on 1/0 and 2/0 hooks. The 1/0 is a Mustad 3407. These things are dull out the package so I would not recommend buying these hooks. I'll sharpen them and they'll be ok. The 2/0 is a 34007 and it seems to be a bit better.

Lots of room left so time to get busy.

The Week Ahead

2012-04-15T21:27:00.001-04:00

Lots going on here at the bonefish flat this week. I'm working on tying up some rockfish flies (don't think I've ever heard that term before). Rockfish here in the mid-Atlantic are striped bass everywhere else, or stri- pahs for my friends in the north east.

Me and a rockfish from two seasons ago.

Pretty simple really, I like a nice deceiver to target these fish or a clouser minnow.

Hopefully I'll get a few tied up tonight. I tried to get out onto my local pond today, but I ended up taking the kids and getting literally a truckload full of dirt. I built a raised garden here at bonefish flat HQ and the tomatoes are in the ground (good southern boys must grow tomatoes, right?).

At any rate, after the dirt got back into the ground, the fish truck needed cleaning so there went my day.

Hope some of you folks got out on the water this weekend.

Thank You, Bro

2012-04-12T23:36:00.000-04:00

To conclude a week of posts about the Jose Wejebe, all I can really say is thank you, bro. Thanks for bringing me along on weekend's as you went on salty adventures all over the globe. Thanks for being my saltwater fix, when I can't get out on the water. Thanks for showing us all how much fun saltwater fly fishing can be...and thanks for doing it with style and class.

Thank you. We'll miss you, bro.

Photo of Flip and Jose by Lefty Kreh. Jose headed off into the sunset.

I wanted to share a few kind words that others have written about Captain Wejebe.

Kirk Deeter via Fly Talk.

Marshall Cutchin via Midcurrent.