Capt. John's Saltwater Flyfishing and Photography blog

The beauty of casting

2011-11-30T11:27:00.003-05:00

I thought I would share this sampling on my photography blog as well as my fishing blog. I had a request from a client for some casting images so I shot these yesterday with my buddy Jason. Super overcast morning made for some great effects.

Enjoy,

John

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://johnmeskauskas.com

Already missing summer

2011-11-16T09:38:00.011-05:00

Ok, I am guilty. Guilty of holding back some photos. Well kind of, many of these have been posted on my photography site: johnmeskauskas.com but many of you just check here and so for those of you that follow this blog here you go.

Today I am in my office and wishing it were summer again so I am going to share with you a bunch of shots from this past summer. Many of these shots were for Buff USA and I could not share them at the time, others I was too busy in the summer to post and some I just found in my photo library.

Enjoy, and I really like to hear feedback.

John

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://johnmeskauskas.com

A true professional

2011-10-18T12:28:00.012-04:00

Last week I had an opportunity to have my portrait taken by award winning photographer, Thomas Winter. Many of you have heard of or have seen Tom's work, but if you are unfamiliar with Thomas Winter I believe you should take a minute or ten and check out his work. I have known Tom for a few years and have developed a great working friendship with Tom, so when he asked if I would be interested in taking a "Power Portrait" I could not wait to see what he had in mind. Tom is an extremely well rounded photographer but his specialty is taking corporate portraits, pictures of real people in their real environments.

Lucky for me my office is the Indian River so that is where we headed.

We left the dock an hour before sunset and headed to the sandbar near the St. Lucie inlet. As we were idling into the sandbar Tom was sharing his vision with me and explaining that most of the best stuff would come after sundown. This blew me away because I know how tough it can be to shoot in such low light but once I saw the amount of gear that was being unloaded I started to see the shot and this got me even more excited. With the help of an assistant and my girlfriend Kelly we shot photos and videos for the next hour or so, I felt like a rockstar, it was so much fun watching a professional of Tom's caliber work.

Now, most of you reading this know that I try not to label myself as a professional photographer, more just a fishing guide with a camera and a decent eye for what looks good. Photography is a passion of mine and it helps me pay the electric bill every month but not much more. Thomas Winter is a true professional. I was amazed at his vision and of his knowledge of photography and his equipment. Fishing photography is obviously my strong point and so setting up a shot or having a vision and knowing how to create it is not something that I typically have to deal with. My idea of using a strobe is sticking an external flash on my camera body and using it as fill flash. All I know about multiple strobes is what I have read or have heard about on podcasts. It was very cool seeing the results of Tom's work, he has a vast knowledge of lighting.

Also, here is a behind the scenes video that Tom put together.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what Tom created and if you are interested in having your own power portrait done or just checking out Tom's other work here is where you can find him.

www.thomaswinter.com or for more on our photo shoot www.thomaswinter.com/blog/

thomas winter

photography

"Outstanding Visual Artist"

-2009 mARTies

""2010 Top Ten Photographer Award"

- Fl Professional Photographers

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://johnmeskauskas.com

An owl, an egret, and some tarpon

2011-06-13T18:21:00.007-04:00

I hope you enjoy some of these images. I love this time of the year, the tarpon and snook fishing is heating up with the temperatures. I have also been doing loads of photography work for Buff USA. I will be sure to share some of the images as soon as I can.

a very cooperative owl, it is so nice to see so much bird life in the St. Lucie river.

my egret buddy that meets me at the dock everyday when I return home from my charters.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://johnmeskauskas.com

Photos from March and April.

2011-05-04T13:37:00.012-04:00

Once again I find myself apologizing for not updating my blog but once again my excuse is that I have been super busy fishing. So enjoy the photos. I know the photos is what most of you come here to check out. As soon as I get some extra time I will actually write something that may entertain you, until then enjoy.

Just a cool macro shot.

I am very excited about the new 4 inch Hogy. Wait until you see the video footage.

Love my new Talon from Minn Kota!

After years of trying to get the conditions right Hully finally got his giant jack!

and another...

Hully even let Jerry get into the action.

Nice giant jack landed by Jerry. (aka mullethead for those of you that know them)

Ed Trainer from the famed International Fishing Ministries.

I even got into the action one day.

Frankie with a nice big jack on fly.

Nicky came all the way from Germany for this big jack, second year in a row.

Some photos of the new Buff gloves.

4 inch Hogy again.

The Hogy man himself, Mike Hogan.

A huge goliath grouper. Nice work Dirk it wasn't easy.

You all know one of my best clients Rob Alpers, aka the midas man.

Rob strikes gold again.

My girl Kelly with her first permit, 44 pounds!

Kelly's big jack.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://johnmeskauskas.com

Wanna see what I have been up to?

2011-02-28T17:15:00.003-05:00

Satellite tag number 157, I believe it measured in at 113 lbs.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://johnmeskauskas.com

Summer in January?

2011-01-21T22:22:00.007-05:00

Once again here I am apologizing for not posting in a while, I think most of you are use to it by now. The truth is I have a hard time posting unless I have some pictures I want to share. Since it has been winter I have mostly been catching bluefish and ladyfish and taking family portraits. But this past week has been real nice weather and I was able to get a taste of summer in January. So I hope these pictures give you all something to look forward to. I have also been busy trying to grow my photography business and I finally have a new website dedicated to my photography, portraits and all. Check it out. www.johnmeskauskas.com It is not completely done yet, I still need to set up the email and I also need to write a profile.

Enjoy,

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://johnmeskauskas.com

Fly Nation Trailer

2010-10-07T12:29:00.002-04:00

Obviously I just learned how to post videos to my blog, remember I am just a fishing guide. Here is my favorite video to date. We filmed this over a 5 day period all in Stuart. Tarpon, permit, snook, cobia, and bonita all on fly. It was probably one of the best weeks of fishing I have had. For any of you that attended the Fly Fishing Film Tour last year in Stuart you got to see the 20 minute version.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Bugslinger commercial

2010-10-07T11:46:00.002-04:00

I thought I would share with you the very cool Bug Slinger TV commercial. It airs on WFN during the show Fly Nation. Most of the photography on the commercial is mine and if you look close you will see a shot of me with a permit.

Enjoy and check out all the new Bug Slinger gear.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Video time- Hogy Lures

2010-10-05T21:01:00.005-04:00

Most people who have fished with me know that I love throwing big Hogy baits at the jacks and cobia. These were filmed last spring but I forgot to share them with you, they never get old. Check them out. Fish Big. Fish Hogy. Thought this might get some of you guys fired up for the spring. I still have plenty of days left in April and May.

Enjoy.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

New Gear, New Art, and mullet!

2010-09-28T11:42:00.010-04:00

It's time for the fall mullet run!

Just a quick post to let everyone know I am still alive, although it seems barely. Some of you may have heard but a little over 3 weeks ago I had a surfing accident while riding my paddleboard during Hurricane Earl. I must admit that maybe the swell was a bit big for a paddleboard, or at least an 11'6 board. However, I did managed a 3 hour session before getting caught up with my board in the wash which lead to the fin breaking off on my calf and leaving me with a gash all the way to the muscle. The ER doctor in Fernandina Beach did a fine job sewing me up from the inside out, 38 total stitches. It was a blow to me physically and mentally but I am healing fast and have managed a few days on the water since the accident. This time of the year is always slow for me charter wise and for someone who is use to fishing 5 or 6 days a week it is very depressing. But, like every other year I will push through it and before I know it I will be begging for a day off. The mullet run is in affect right now as we speak and it is a great time of the year to throw topwater flies and plugs, mainly for snook, and jacks but on the calmer days when the tarpon are showing there is nothing better then watching a tarpon blow up a topwater. Also as we move more into fall look for the bite on the flats to improve as the water cools off a bit.

I would like to send out some major props. First, I would like to thank Jerry Kirby of Torch Craft, Western Metal Art (don't let the name fool you this guy does great saltwater fish) for the very cool tarpon plaque that proudly displays on my back porch. Check out his website and if you have any metalworks needs be sure to keep him in mind. I asked for a tarpon and he delivered, as you can see by the photos he does great work. So if you want a cool piece of art for your home or office give Jerry a shout.

If anyone is interested in getting their hands on a Stuart Flyfishing micro fiber shirt please email me. I only have XL and XXL in stock but for $25 a shirt you can't go wrong. No matter how many you order it is a flat $5 shipping. Here are a couple pics of the shirt (dolphin fillets not included).

I also just received my new shipment of Bug Slinger Fly Gear. As always this stuff is off the charts, my buddy Rob continues to amaze me with his creativity. The new additions to my closet include the R3 (shown below), the Maori Hook, the Looker Hoodie, and the Stitched. I have found that these new shirts are more of a regular cut vs. an athletic cut which in my opinion make them even more comfortable. I love all the designs but I am a bit biased towards the Stitched since it includes my photography. :) Although I must admit the R3 is my favorite, not only is it a killer design but it helps give back to the Gulf Coast fisheries. Below the picture of the shirt I pulled the description off the Bug Slinger website. Maybe me and Rob can come up with a design that will offer a discount on my charters or photography? Great work as always keep it up Bro.

Peace-

John

The R3 (Roots-Reds-Revival) came about due to our desire to support the Gulf fisheries in the wake of the eco-disaster (ecology & economy). This shirt has a message of positive vibes and a bright future for the exceptional fishing on our gulf coast.
A percentage of sales from this shirt is donated to the Plaquemines Fly Guides - a support group for fly guides in Plaquemines county LA. [ http://plaqueminesflyguides.com/ ]
As well, with the purchase of this shirt, Alec Griffin of Louisiana Flywater will give you $50 off your next charter with him!
[ http://www.louisianaflywater.com/ ]
Just present him with your packing slip showing your purchase.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

We be chummin, don't you wanna chummin too?

2010-08-17T18:38:00.013-04:00

Ok, once again the emails are pouring in with complaints that I am not updating enough. Not really but some of you have definitely inquired. I know the title is corny just a play on one of my favorite Bob Marley tunes, but it says it all, "chumming" that is what my last 6 weeks has consisted of mostly. Now don't get me wrong I have done plenty of snook fishing and some tarpon fishing but the offshore live chumming has been off the charts this year. Who can blame me? I take out flyfisherman that rarely see their backing and leave them crying uncle after only a few hours! What has made this year so special is that I have found a wreck that has been covered with amberjacks, I mean covered! Anyone reading this that has been out with me over the last few weeks is shacking their head agreeing. Amberjacks are typically left to the bottom fisherman with vertical speed jigging rods or live bait guys, not typically flyfisherman. But with the use of live chum I am able to get these fish literally up to the transom of the boat, easy targets for the fly rod. It is very hard for me to take photos while live chumming because my hands are constantly wet and covered with scales however I have been able to take a few grip and grins for you to enjoy. I have also had plenty of little tunnies or false albacore, for yous Northeast guys, along with sailfish and dolphin. I hope you enjoy the images and if you are interested in getting your workout in shoot me an email I still have 4 days left open in August. I will also include a hodge podge of pictures from the last 6 weeks.

Enjoy, JM

On a side note, I am starting my 11th year guiding and I would personally like to thank everyone that has ever booked me over the past 10 years. Here's a toast to 10 more successful years!

Just for the record, I have been using the Hatch reels for almost 2 years now and I could not be happier! They are by far the best fly reels I have ever owned. Do yourself a favor and check them out.

Below is a shot that my buddy Mike Holliday took while I was live chumming, notice the sailfish in the chum!

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

More tarpon madness

2010-06-26T13:04:00.009-04:00

This is what happens when they jump too close to the boat!

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Another hectic day at the office

2010-06-15T15:32:00.008-04:00

Day 2 with Bob and Sydney Gomlicker. Jump 4 and landed 1, also managed to hook a cobia on the way in. Another great half day.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

All in a day's work

2010-06-14T12:35:00.006-04:00

Today was a good day with Bob and Sydney Gomlicker. We jumped 4 tarpon and landed 2. The two landed were #120 and #90. Not bad for a 1/2 day. I hope you enjoy the pictures. My new shirts should be in today. My website has also been down for 2 days and I'm not sure why but hopefully I will be able to receive emails soon.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Week in pictures

2010-06-08T17:02:00.008-04:00

Short and sweet but better then no post at all. Here are my photos from my trips during the week of May 30th thru June 8th. Most of you just look at the pictures anyway. I still have some days in July and it looks like tarpon season is running a little late this year so we should see some good migrating schools in July. Shoot me an email to book your day.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Ahhhhhh....... Spring!

2010-05-28T20:10:00.016-04:00

Once again I know this is way over due but this time I have a legit excuse. I am on a stretch of 32 charters in 32 days and my next scheduled day off is July 4th. I know you guys are saying boo hoo but even though I completely love my job anything gets tough that many days in a row. Now most of those days the fishing has been great, some tough days mixed in typically when the wind blows but, the bottom line is I love spring and summer. Again I will let the pictures do the speaking.

This big cobia was caught on the Hogy Flounder. My new favorite cobia lure!

In other news, I do appreciate all the kind words I have been getting about my photography. If you have not had a chance to check it out yet, some of my prints are being sold on bugslinger.com and while you are there check out some of the new killer designs. If there is any other image you like I can have it printed on canvas and have it shipped to your home or office. Also, many of you have been asking about my micro fiber shirts, the last batch has sold out but I should have news in soon and they are a cool new twist on my logo. I will post a picture of the new shirt as soon as I get them in but if you are interested in getting one send me an email so I can get you on the list. Thanks again for following my blog.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Randomness from the last month

2010-04-23T21:50:00.007-04:00

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

A week in photos March 23-26

2010-03-26T21:37:00.006-04:00

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Fly Fishing Film Tour & fishing

2010-03-12T06:50:00.019-05:00

Ok once again I'm sorry for the delay in posts but I figured by now you guys would be use to it? I've been getting emails and voice messages lately saying "you must not be fishing much since you haven't updated your blog" or I've even had people ask me if I'm still guiding? I can assure you I am not going anywhere and if anything it has been the complete opposite. As a matter of fact I only have time to write this entry because it is pouring rain outside and I had to cancel my trip today. I have been slammed with charters since my last post and I have been trying to get the finishing touches put on the Fly Fishing Film Tour that myself and Mike Holliday are hosting on April 1st. So now that you know I am still alive and not working at McDonald's keep reading if you like.

First the Film Tour, last year was a huge success so this year we are bringing it back again. The show is on April 1st at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Stuart. For anyone that was there last year you know it was a great time to mix and mingle with other tarpon junkies and trout bums. Again we will have loads of giveaways including hats, t-shirts, Buffs, and a free raffle (your ticket stub) for a Crowder flyrod, some Oaklay sunglasses, and some other surprise items. The doors will open at 6:00 and the show starts at 7:00, there will be a pre and post party somewhere downtown (still not finalized) so I will keep you posted on that. In addition to the film tour flicks we will have two additional saltwater films, the one I made with Fly Max, "Fly Nation, Stuart, FL" and an additional film from the guys at World Angling! The tickets are on sale now at the Lyric box office or online at Lyric Theatre website.

I need to take this time to thank the sponsors that have made this possible.

Money Strategies Inc.

Ferraro Law Group

Alright now for some fishing news and updates. I am sure most have you had read my last entry about the jacks showing up. So yes they are here, does this mean that I have been on them everyday? The answer is no. The jack game is very weather dependent. Just like everything else, when the conditions are right, which they have not been much of this winter, the fish are there. You need the right winds and water temperatures and then you have to find them. I have had a few good days on the jacks, cobia and even one day with good tarpon action but for the most part the ocean has been too rough. I fish everyday and if mother nature gives me the chance to look for them I do and if not I go to the areas I know to catch fish and have a good time. It has been a tough winter weather wise but I have managed to catch fish and have a good time every single day. If you read my previous posts you will know what the winter time fishing is, loads of ladyfish, pompano, bluefish, and trout. I know I sound like a broken record, but they are loads of fun just not much to write posts about.

Here are my open dates for the rest of spring and summer.

March 19th

April 18th, 19th

May 9th, 10th, 11th, 22nd, 23rd

June- booked

July and August are mostly open.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Finally!

2010-02-19T23:11:00.003-05:00

After spending a couple months of catching these, I finally caught....

These!!!!!

I've known for weeks that they were out there I just finally got a day decent enough to chase them around. The schools were huge and the fish were too. Mostly all the fish were in the 30 pound class!

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

The beauty of ladyfish

2010-02-16T21:46:00.003-05:00

I like ladyfish, that's right I said it . I don't care what kind of backlash I get from people. Let's face it, no matter if it's cold, windy, or both, which this winter has been everyday, the ladyfish are there to fill our needs for a tug. I have caught a lot of slack lately because I don't update this blog often enough. My excuse is always that I like to incorporate pictures into my post and winter time does not give me many opportunities for pictures. I can only tell you guys so many times that I caught more pompano, trout, bluefish, spanish mackerel, and ladyfish. That's what I have to deal with in the winter. I've said it a hundred times, winter time is fun fishing while spring and summer is exciting fishing. Nonetheless, I have decided to show you that ladyfish can be beautiful and should be respected. I have had countless clients that have had loads of fun catching ladyfish, let's face it, these fish run fast, jump, and eat flies readily! Sounds like a good combo to me. The only downside to ladyfish is for some reason they can't control their bowels when being landed but, nothing a small hand towel can't fix. So get out and enjoy some ladyfish someday, you'll be glad you did.

Proof of the downside to ladyfish.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Messing around with HDR

2010-02-12T18:32:00.004-05:00

I have been playing around with HDR photography, it is a different approach to photography and sometimes over done in my opinion but fun none the less. It definitely has it role in digital photography. Here are some examples of different levels of HDR or tone mapping. Spring should be showing some signs soon and when it does be ready for some giant jack, cobia, and permit photos!

This is a new lid by Bug Slinger, my new favorite hat!

We are still in our winter time pattern, and fishing has been very good. I am mainly targeting pompano, trout, bluefish, and spanish mackerel, but I can assure you that once the ocean lays down the excitement will start. I still have some good days open for March, April, and May, sorry June is booked solid but if something opens up I will post it here. Thanks to everyone who has been following my blog and of course everyone that fishes with me.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

New look for Bug Slinger

2010-02-01T21:54:00.008-05:00

Bug Slinger.com has a new look and I am very excited to announce that some of my artwork is now available on the new and improved Bug Slinger website. You have got to check it out, not only does the website have a killer new look (no surprise there!) but it has new designs to choose from as well as a new blog, "Slinger Nation". The blog covers everything from flyfishing books to beer! As many of you know Rob is a good friend of mine and a very talented guy and I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to sell some of my fine art prints through his website.

I found it very difficult to find art for my own home that expressed my appreciation of fly fishing and the lifestyle we live. So I decided to print some of my own unique shots on canvas. Everyone who has seen them has told me I need to sell them, so here you go an opportunity to purchase one of kind art for your home or office. Each print is a gallery wrapped giclee on canvas, no framing necessary it is ready to hang. I am offering a limited selection on the Bug Slinger site but all my images are available for print. They can be found under Collaboration on the Bug Slinger home page, check them out.

Here are a few shots from my my own home.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Winter Time Blues

2010-02-01T21:13:00.007-05:00

Once again I find myself apologizing for not posting in some time. I guess you can say I have had the winter time blues. I have gotten to the point where if I don't have any cool photos to post I find myself not posting at all. However after catching enough crap from some of you I decided that I need to at least share with you guys what's been going on. The fishing has been excellent, mostly just solid action with bluefish, pompano, ladyfish, and spanish mackerel. The exciting stuff is right around the corner, it won't be long before you will be seeing posts about giant jacks, permit, and cobia. As many of you have heard we had way below normal temperatures in south Florida this winter and yes we did have a fish kill, mostly snook and sand perch. It really is not known exactly how bad the snook population was hurt? I think this summer will be a good barometer. Thank goodness Stuart has such a variety of fish to bend the rod.

In other news, myself and Mike Holliday are again going to host the Fly Fishing Film Tour in Stuart. It will be held at the Lyric theatre again and this year will include more saltwater films including one featuring the Stuart area and yours truly. Details about the show date, ticket sales, etc. will be posted soon. I look forward to a bigger and better event then last year, it will definitely be a "do not miss".

I am looking forward to seeing you all this up coming year.

John

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Light Box samples

2009-12-21T22:12:00.005-05:00

Today I made a light box and here are some sample photos. If you Google how to make a light box there will be loads of websites showing you how to do it. Total cost about $20, mine was about $5 because I already had the lights. Fishing has been good even after this last cold front, today we caught plenty of snook on both fly and DOA shrimp and of course also some of our winter time staples, big ladyfish.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Bonefishing on Mars

2009-11-27T07:54:00.016-05:00

Twig Tolle casting at the lodge at sunrise. plenty of bonefish right in front of the lodge.

Turneffe Atoll is located approximately 30 miles off the coast of Belize but it may as well have been on the face of Mars. The series of keys is surrounded by a shallow reef, outside the reef I was told the water was 3000 meters deep! I could not even comprehend water that deep but I do know what lives on the shallow rocky terrain just inside the reef, thousands of bonefish that don't want to become bait. Last week I was lucky enough to host a group of my clients to Turneffe Flats Lodge, located right on the atoll. The accommodations were first class, the food was incredible, and the people were excellent, that is all bonus because the amount of bonefish I saw in a week was mind blowing.

here is a snapshot of the group I hosted.

There was not a single flat that we stopped at that did not have schools of bonefish and I mean schools. Now some of you are probably already thinking well that makes for easy bonefishing and your wrong. The fish that live on the shallow flats near the reef are always on high alert and very aware of their surroundings. It requires the right presentation, the right fly (very small #8 and #10 bonefish flies) and the right fish, then once you hook the bastards a lot of skill fighting them on very light drag through the rocks, coral, and small mangrove trees, not easy! If you want easy they have easy as well. After the first day our guide Elvis was tired of us complaining about how the fish don't eat well so he said I am going to take you somewhere tomorrow that you can catch as many bonefish as you want until you get bored with it. I looked at my client Rob Alpers who was my fishing partner on this trip and I could read his mind, "Why the hell didn't you go there today?". Rob just likes to catch fish, he doesn't care what kind of fish or what kind of tackle he catches it on, that is one of the reasons that Rob is one of my favorite clients. The next morning we spent the first couple hours looking for permit with no luck, that is when Elvis said okay Rob are you ready to go and catch some bonefish? We went to a flat that was about 4 feet deep and staked out the boat and Elvis pointed out a dark area of water. Elvis instructed Rob, "Cast your fly in there and let it sink then strip it out slow." I chimed in, "what fly should he use?" Elvis, "Doesn't matter." It didn't Rob hooked up right away and landed his bonefish on fly, then another and another. I could see them flashing like a school of sardines on the beach off Stuart. There had to be thousands in a very small area. After Rob had some fun with the smaller then average bonefish I decided I would catch a few before we left and went back to Mars. My goal was to see how many in a row I could catch and on my eighth cast I came back empty handed so I said well 7 is enough for me. Needless to say we both had our fill of the "kiddie pool", as I coined it.

This is why I call it Mars, good luck landing a bonefish in this terrain!

open this image to full size and see if you can see the tails?

We even let Elvis get into the action.

A "kiddie pool" bonefish.

I don't want any of you to get the wrong idea, the reason I keep referring to this place as Mars is just because of the terrain that we mostly fished. Turneffe is an incredibly beautiful place with crystal clear water and miles of flats and even an inside lagoon with miles of mangrove shorelines. Elvis just preferred to walk the reef edge looking for the schools of bonefish and again we found plenty. After the first few days I was getting better at presenting to the fish. I quit trying to make super long cast and focused on positioning myself where I could make one or two false casts and put the fly gently near the school and I began to hook up more frequently. Landing about a 50/50 ratio with lots of cut offs and pulled hooks. I think my favorite part was just wondering off on my own, while Elvis stayed with Rob, and soaking in all the life on the flats. Millions of small hermit crabs and conch that live in the coral are the bonefishes main diet, that is why small flies like the bonefish bitter work so well. I also saw huge schools of big rainbow parrot fish, boxfish, triggerfish, snappers, all very cool sights for a guy that spends most of his time in water that you can hardly see the bottom.

There are a lot of places in the Caribbean that you can target bonefish but what makes Turneffe such and interesting place is that the atoll has a large permit population as well. After 5 days of fishing no one in the group had a caught a permit, some were seen but none were hooked. I think the weather played a factor in it, mostly cloudy skies and northwest winds. Elvis keep saying if we get an east wind the fishing will be better but we only had one day left?

The last day, like the day before it was overcast and raining and my thoughts were, oh well, I still had a great time. Then while standing on our first flat of the morning soaking wet from all the rain the skies parted and the sun was shining! Even better the wind started to lightly blow from the east. As I wondered off on my own chasing around a school of bonefish I can hear yelling in the distance. I turned and I could see Elvis with his hands in the air and Rob holding his rod as high as he could, Elvis was yelling to me, "Get your camera, permit, permit, permit!!!" As I nearly killed myself running back to the boat to get my gear, Rob and Elvis ran through the coral trying to keep the permit hooked. I began heading towards them with my camera bag when I say Elvis reach in the water and hold a permit high above his head. What an incredible sight, I only wish I was there closer to watch it all transpire. I get so much enjoyment out of watching someone catch a fish of a lifetime, I guess that's why I guiding so much. After tons of pictures we released the permit and watched him swim along the shallows that followed the reef, you know "Mars". Needless to say everyone was happy and spirits were high, then in typical Rob fashion he said, "Hey Elvis, how can I catch one of these boxfish?" Elvis replied, "everything out here loves conch", and while I wondered off to chase more bonefish Rob and Elvis spent the next hour harassing boxfish with conch on a light spinning rod. I told you Rob doesn't care he just loves to fish and maybe some of us should take a lesson and just have more fun when we fish. I also swear his attitude pays off for him ten fold, some of you may remember Rob as the guy that caught 7 permit on fly with me one half day a few years ago.

What an incredible trip, everyone caught bonefish and soaked in the beauty of Belize. Rob went home with the only permit caught that week at the lodge and in the airport on the way home I specifically remember Rob saying to me, "you know those boxfish are a blast to catch!"

If any of you are interested in going to Belize just let me know and I can get you in touch with the lodge or just wait until next year because I am going back again for sure.

John

Here are just a variety of pics from the trip. I know most of you just look at the pictures anyway!

Elvis our guide for the week.

one of the cabanas at the lodge.

love these Hatch reels!

I was really happy with my Crowder fly rods

a face only a mother could love, & a bunch of fly fishing junkies!

Below are a series a pictures I took with my Pentax Optio W60

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com

my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Where have I been hiding?

2009-11-09T07:45:00.015-05:00

Niagara Falls at night

Where have I been hiding? Well, really nowhere. This time of the year is my slower season for charters and I decided to take advantage of a couple opportunities to do some traveling. I just returned home from New York state where I met up with Nick Pujic and his crew from Fly Max Films. Nick is the film maker who rode with me this past summer when we filmed, Fly Nation- Stuart, FL, by now most of you have seen the trailer full of killer tarpon, permit, jack and cobia action. By the way, the full length version is going to be shown at the film tour.

L to R -Rob McAbee, Yoshi Aoki, Rebekka Redd, Naoto Aoki, me, Nick Pujic, Josh Nugent, Tim Myers.

I flew into Buffalo, NY where I met up with 7 others, I will post a picture listing everyone. The first day we drove into Canada to fish the Niagara river, dirty water due to high winds the day before made it tough fishing, I believe we only landed one brown trout but, the scenery was beautiful! The next three days we spent in the Oak Orchard area of NY, I was very impressed with the amount of fish in such a small stretch. I really looked at this opportunity in two ways as a photographer and as a fisherman. I really wanted to catch one of these big browns but, I also really badly wanted to photograph someone with one. We broke up into groups to cover more water, I spent day two with Rebekka and Nick. Nick shot video, Rebekka fished and I shot stills. Rebekka landed a nice female brown trout that I got to photograph. Luckily for me Rebekka does not take a bad picture, so photos were easy. By the third day of fishing I was still skunked and I was getting colder by the day, not the recipe I was hoping for. I really wasn't that cold the first two days but the third morning was different. I woke up feeling a little off that morning, not my chipper self, but I pushed through because I knew that this was my day to fish. The crew really wanted to see if I could fish and not just take pictures. I guess I had something to prove. It didn't take long for the Aoki brothers, Naoto and Yoshi, (aka fish ninjas) to locate some browns for me. After about 10 minutes of throwing to the same fish I think the brown finally started to feel sorry for me and decided to eat! Naoto landed the fish and handed it over to me so he could photograph it. At this point I was freezing cold and I just realized that I had to put my hands in the water. These are things you don't think of when your standing in your flip flops in south Florida. So after a quick photo session I let the beautiful brown trout go. Okay, now my teeth are chattering and I can't feel my toes or hands for that matter and after another hour or so on the water my entire body was shivering! Not a good sign, so I finally checked my manhood at the door and told those guys I was heading back to the truck to warm up. That was the last I put on my waders for the rest of the trip. I ended up catching a wicked awesome cold (that is for all you folks from NE) and even bronchitis, that I am still trying to get over as I sit here at home 5 days later.

Photo by Yoshi Aoki

Photo by Naoto Aoki

I don't want anyone reading this to get the wrong idea, the fishing was good, as a group we caught plenty of browns, and steelhead. Rob McAbee, you know the Bug Slinger guy, caught his largest brown ever, 16 pounds and a nice steelhead and the fish ninjas caught countless fish. For me the fishing was secondary because I got to spend 5 days with some of my favorite friends that I don't get to see often enough.

Enjoy the pictures, I am going to finish beating this cold because I leave for Belize on Saturday. This time I am traveling south not north! Stay tuned for a report from Turneffe Flats lodge in Belize!

John

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Today offshore

2009-10-14T21:23:00.003-04:00

Look what came up to today's chum! 30# dolphin. We also had two sailfish and another big dolphin up to the boat but this was the only one landed. Snook and jacks in the morning and big dolphin in the afternoon. I love Stuart.

John

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

The fall mullet run

2009-09-30T16:18:00.002-04:00

The fall mullet run is in full effect. Here a couple pictures from Monday morning. Tarpon, jacks and snook are the main targets of the mullet run. Sorry for the short post, my hands are still cramped from typing the Montana report.

John

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Long Drives & Short Casts

2009-09-16T11:02:00.023-04:00

Well I haven't posted in a while so I thought I would make up for it in one big post. If you have time to waste go ahead and read it, if not just check out the fish porn and let me know what you think. I actually wrote this with a pen and paper (the old fashion way) on the trip home. I can't help but continually relive this trip. Enjoy!

Check out the bug on top of the trout's head, didn't notice that until I got home.

I'm sitting in the airport in Milwaukee watching the hustle and bustle of all the people. I can't help but to bring myself back to Eight Mile Creek in Montana, the site of my first trout. Not just any trout but a beautiful rainbow taken on a dry fly. Before I get too much into the fishing I've experienced, I need to take you back to how I got here.

What started as a simple trip to Denver for the Fly Tackle Retailers show has turned into a life changing experience. A half a year ago or so my good friend Rob McAbee, you know the Bug Slinger guy, and I planned a trip to Denver via Montana. Sounds great a two week RV trip across the country in pursuit of new experiences and trout. What I didn't plan is that a couple months before the trip my life would be turned upside down, my marriage ended. No details are needed, unfortunately in this time and day divorce is all too common. I couldn't figure out wether this trip was coming at a good time or bad? I even considered, although for only a moment, not going. I am glad I went because this trip was very therapeutic! Here is my story of a long drive with many short casts.

Hangin with Rob at his house in Grayslake, IL the night before the trip

I must admit I was just as excited about the trip across the country in an RV as I was the adventures waiting for me on the other end. That feeling quickly dissolved about 3 hours into the trip when I had seen enough corn for 10 lifetimes. You see I flew into Milwaukee to meet up with Rob and his RV, aka the Bug Slinger mothership, from there it was across Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and finally into Montana. 22 hours of nothing, except a few roadside oddities, like wind farms, the world's largest bull's head, a 10 ton log, and a skeleton walking a T-rex, (don't ask just drive I-90 and you'll see it, or just check out the pictures). I must admit this was all pretty cool for a Florida Boy. After 2 days on the highway we found our way through 20 minutes of dirt roads and straight to Eightmile Ranch. Eightmile Ranch is owned by a very good client of mine and is truly a flyfisherman's utopia. Eightmile creek runs through the 8000 acre ranch and is dotted with 4 ponds that are all attached to the creek. Both the ponds and creek are littered with rainbows, brook, and cutthroat trout. Not the toughest fishery but perfect for a trout virgin like me. After a quick tour by the ranch manager we headed to the Bunkhouse, our cabin on the ranch, loaded up the Land Cruiser, which we were given to use, (I told you it was a good client) and headed to the creek were we saw a rainbow eating naturals during our tour. I didn't want my first trout to be taken while stripn' a wooley bugger, so Rob gave me the first shot with the dry. I think Rob called it a PMD? Whatever the hell that is? I don't care it was some cool shit. I moved into position and made a perfect roll cast, okay perfect for a guy that has never even had to roll cast before. The trout came up slowly and sipped my fly, I followed that with a huge hook set stealing the fly right out from the rainbows mouth. This happened 4 times before I got it through my thick head not to set it so hard. I told you these fish weren't too tough on the 5 attempt I set the hook with a gentle raise of the rod and I was on. Rob, said he thought he saw a tear in my eye, I was sooooo happy!

World's largest Bull's head, or so they say.

Skeleton walking a T-Rex, told you so...

The mothership at the ranch.

The sun setting over the Black Hills in South Dakota

The Bunkhouse

The Landcruiser

I think it was my second trout? lost count.

So now that I have dried my eyes and I got that first trout out of the way all bets were off and Rob started showing me how to fish such tight waters. I am used to 80 foot casts with tight loops not bow and arrow casts? Needless to say Rob smoked me but I held my own and after three days on the ranch we had both caught our share of rainbows, brookies, and cutthroats.

Here is a picture of the fish that brought a tear to my eye!

Eightmile Creek

Big brookie that I had the pleasure of catching and photographing.

So after 3 days of just slaying fish on the ranch we decided to go to Yellowstone and put me to the real test, the Soda Butte creek. Rob warned me that the fish will not be as big as on the ranch and that they would mostly be cutthroats. He was right they were all cutthroats and mostly small, although I did manage a real nice one to end the afternoon. Once again Rob smoked me. Yellowstone blew me away, we hardly have what someone would call a hill in Florida? I saw Buffalo or Bison, no one can seem to tell me the difference, also elk, coyotes, (at least that is what everyone on the side of the street told that dot on the side of the mountain was), and pronghorn. Oh yes, let me not forget the deer, they are like the armadillos in Florida, roadkill every few miles. I'm not much of a hunter other then some wing shooting but, those deer are not too smart. I have no idea why you guys have to put deer urine on yourself to shot them? Just stand on the side of any road in Montana and have a field day. Yellowstone rocked!

An elk just walking through town at Mammoth, just inside the park.

This guy was just walking down the middle of the street.

Didn't see any?

We fished hoppers most of the time, mainly because I could see them!

At this point I did not think the fishing could get any better and dude was I wrong! After our day in Yellowstone we hooked up with one of Rob's friends that is a guide, rep, and character to say the least, he goes by Modobi. His real name is John Dobson. John is a classic guy that really doesn't give a shit about what anyone else thinks of him, he just knows how he is going to be and lives life to the fullest. A sticker on John's truck says it all "Cause walkin just sucks!" you see John is a drift boat guide and after fishing with him a couple days, I'm a drift boat guy! I love this guy and can't wait until the next time I can fish with him. We meet John in Livingston and followed him 3 hours to the Big Horn, I thought it was a bit odd that we were going to start fishing at 1:00 in the afternoon? Hell in Florida the boat is clean and a cold beer is in hand by noon? Anyway, John explained that all the boats would be well ahead of us and that we should not see another boat, that was what I wanted. The fishing was spectacular I threw hoppers the whole time and lost count of how many rainbows and browns I caught. I even had one eat at the ramp while John was putting the boat in. To top off our trip on the Big Horn we camped along the river and drifted it again the next day, with the same results. Here are some side notes from the Big Horn, the second day we headed into the huge town of Fort Smith, home of 3 fly shops and a trailer park. I felt right at home with the trailer park but in Florida we only have fly shops every 30 miles or more. I also learned that the beer of choice by drift boat guides out west is Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR), and is now a favorite of mine, along with Fat Tire and Two Hearted. Another favorite saying of Modobi's is "Dry feet and dry flies" I told you he is a drift boat guide. I can't forget this one, (I'm going to steal this one for my charters) I missed a fish and tried to go back to it and John just said "Brother, he's not going to eat again! He just had the "steel meal".

Camping on the shore of the Big Horn. Alright, so we didn't sleep in the dirt.

The man, the myth, the legend, Modobi.

Here is a shot of Rob rowing the drift boat, I even rowed and guided those guys to a double rainbows!

PBR and drift boats, need I say more?

Hoppers were everywhere, my new favorite fishing. Hopper and f#%* the dropper.

Sunset on the Big Horn.

Shameless promotion, you'll see a lot of that from me, because my sponsors rock!

Dobson, aka Modobi, with a huge bumper trout, only found on the Drive in.

Had to have Dobson snap a shot of me and Rob at the Drive in.

Just one of the hoppers we used on the Big Horn, this is "Trixie the hooker"

Although, the one that caught the most fish for me was called the "Brazilian", I let you figure out what that means.

Even though at this point the fishing was done, the fun had just begun. After fishing the Big Horn for two days it was on to Denver for the Fly Tackle retailers show. We meet up with my good friend and Oakley rep, Paul Heatherington, and found a killer campsite in Golden, CO. I will spare you all the boring BS about the show, shake hands and talk fishing with everyone you meet. Although I did make one observation, most people I met out there when they heard I was a guide in Florida, they responded, " Oh, where in the Keys do you guide?" My thought was, "Oh, if you knew what your missing!" I did however meet some incredible people out there and I would not be doing this post any justice if I did not give them a shout out. First, I meet Brian O'Keefe, and Todd Moen, they are the guys behind Catch Magazine, an internet porn site for flyfishing and photography junkies, hmm... do I know someone like that? Hopefully you will see some of my shots there soon, I can wish right? Next shout out is to the guys of World Angling, some of the best film makers in the industry, Dave Teper, Will Benson, and Jeff Lugutki. I have fished with Dave before but this was the first I met the other guys and now I have some new buds. I also had a chance to hook up with some old friends like, Pat Ford, Carter Andrews and his wife Heidi, and of course Nick Pujic. Nick is one of the main reasons I went out to the show this year. Nick and his wife Nicole, run Fly Max Films and Canadian Flyfisher magazine. They are ones that I shot with back in June. "Fly Nation, Stuart, FL" was shot in just 5 days in Stuart, FL with yours truly and out of 40 submissions to the Drake Fly Fishing Film Awards our was selected as one of 10 shown. This was the highlight of my whole trip, seeing that film on the big screen sent chills up my back, we did not win any of the awards but, being selected was reward enough. Thank you Nick for all your hard work! Our next goal is to make it onto next years Film Tour, which I will again be hosting in Stuart, FL 2010. That brings me into the end of this post, you see Nick has a crew of people that work for him and with him on these projects and I consider myself lucky to be part of this group. I now have friends for life like, Nicole Parks, Rebekka Redden, April Volkey, Nancy Cairns, (Nick obviously loves surrounding himself with women, and beautiful ones) and Franckie Blanchet, spey casting extraordinar. All from Canada and all exceptional people. I can't end this without giving the biggest shout out of all and that is to my very good friend Rob, 2 weeks in an RV together and we didn't even kill each other, your like a brother now. This trip could not have come at a better time for me, it just sling shotted me down a new road, so watch out life!

If you took the time to read this, thank you, and if you just looked at the pictures then you suck because it took me like 3 hours to write this and another 3 to post it.

Thanks,

John

Rob and Dave Teper hangin at The Drake both.

Left to right, Rob McAbee, Nick Pujic, Paul Heatherington, Rebekka Redden, and me.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Just a teaser

2009-09-16T05:30:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know I made it back from Montana alive. Here is a teaser for things to come. I have loads of pictures to go through and lots of typing to do.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Repost of the Fly Nation trailer.

2009-08-07T05:26:00.003-04:00

I will soon have this posted to my webpage but for now I will re post it for those of you that didn't see it. Nick and Nicole and everyone at Fly Max Films are incredible. I will let the trailer speak for itself. Click on the link below to check it out

http://hatches.tv/video/Fly-Nation-Stuart-Florida

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Sewanee Flyfishers

2009-08-02T19:19:00.005-04:00

I have had some great trips lately but, the last three days have been spent with a bunch of guys that call themselves the Sewanee Flyfishers. Not exactly a Motley Crew just a bunch of buddies that went to Sewanee University together and have been doing annual fly fishing trips for I believe they said eleven years now. This year they decided to make Stuart the destination for the annual trip and I am glad I could put it together for them. We had 3 boats and everyone caught loads of fish. Every single one of them were excellent fly casters, which made my job very easy. The first 2 days we spent snook fishing early followed by live chumming offshore. Everyone caught more then their fill of little tunnies and we even had sailfish chummed up both days but could not get them to eat the fly. Today was the third and final day so we mixed it up a bit. We started with one of the best snook on fly bites I have had in a while, I honestly can't tell you how many we landed but we lost almost as many as we landed, let's just call it action packed. We followed up the snook fishing by searching for tarpon in the river, we found a fair number of big fish blasting mullet but could not get them to eat the fly. Nonetheless, it was a spectacular sight and my good friend Capt. Scott Cormier who was one of the guides on this trip did hook one on a DOA BFL (Big Fish Lure) and I managed to get a few pictures of it in the air. I just wanted to give some props to these guys because they exemplify the sport and I am already looking forward to the next time they choose Stuart for their annual outing.

Here are a couple pictures of Vicky and Ricky Raleigh, we had a great morning of snook fishing last week.

Here are few shots of long time clients of mine Elliott Haverlack and Rick Moyer, we had a great couple days. The highlight for me on this trip was Rick's 10.5 pound trout he caught on a DOA shrimp. They also managed tarpon, snook, and tunnies.

There is still time to get into the snook, tarpon, and live chumming action. Give me a call and let's get out a day I have plenty of openings starting the 10th of August.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

going deep

2009-07-20T17:03:00.010-04:00

Everyone likes to chase big fish and there is no place better to target big fish then offshore. Stuart is well known for it's offshore fishery and July is the perfect month for me to take advantage of calm sea conditions and chase some pelagic species with a fly rod. My method of choice is live chumming, it's truly an amazing sight when you are 6 miles or more offshore seemingly in the middle of no where and a handful of live pilchards brings the ocean to life. The first to arrive are usually the bonito which is a local term used for little tunny or for those of you in the northeast false albacore. These guys typically show up in bunches and will put a big grin on any fly fisherman's face. If one is lucky they may get shots at dolphin, sailfish, blackfin tuna, cobia, kingfish. These are all actually pretty common to show up in the chum but, if someone is really lucky they may even get a shot at a wahoo. I apparently am not lucky enough yet for the wahoo but I know it has been done. Many of you that have been reading my reports for years know that I have a client that I call the "Midas man", Rob Alpers has the ultimate positive attitude and that usually is rewarded with memorable catches. I fished with Rob and some of his friends for a few days last week and day one was full of permit and mostly all big ones, one was over 30 and another was 25 pounds. Anyway, Rob made the comment that someday he wants to try and target dolphin on fly with me and all I said was, "It may happen tomorrow?" Sure enough we loaded up on live chum and at the first spot on Rob's second cast he hooked up. I fully expected a bonito until a dolphin came flying out of the water. My only thought was this guy is golden. On a side note, I am hosting a trip to Turneffe Flats lodge in Belize in November and Rob is coming along on the trip, I consider it trip insurance.

This past week yielded 3 sailfish, all be they were not on fly all three came up to the boat eating the chum and easily could have been targeted on fly if one had the patience, and the will not to throw a live pilchard at them.

This is what happens to your thumb if you don't get your hand out of the way when a tunny makes a blazing run.

Here is a shot of my buddy Mike Holliday releasing a permit. We fished a group charter with the owners and representatives of Plano Tackle last week. I fished with one of the owners and his teenage kids, we caught sailfish, tunnies and permit.

Unfortunately all my sailfish shots were taken into the sun.

Warren Cleveland with his first tunny on fly.

Christine and Gustavo came from Argentina to catch a few snook.

Eric's first permit.

Here is a shot of Ernie DeBlasi with a tunny. Ernie is the executive chef at Caffe' Luna Rosa in Delray Beach, stop in and tell him you saw his picture on my blog.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Long over due report

2009-07-09T17:24:00.008-04:00

I know this is a reoccurring theme but gain I have been very busy and have not had time to report or edit photos. The tarpon migration has mostly come to an end so for the next few months I will be targeting tarpon that have decided to take up Stuart as a summer home. I love July and August because the snook fishing is as good as it gets and the live chumming for bonito (aka false albacore/ little tunny) is off the charts. It is also a good time of the year to fly fish offshore for dolphin, blackfin and even the occasional sailfish. Another favorite type of fishing for me this time of the year is the tarpon fishing in the rivers both the St. Lucie and the Indian. I have just finished an incredibly long stretch of charters and I have enjoyed the occasional day off this week but, I love to get out fishing and have plenty of openings over the next couple months so give me a call and let's get out and chase some fish together. I hope you enjoy these photos that I have taken over the last few weeks. I also included a picture of my permit mount that I picked up from New Wave Taxidermy last week, it is my largest to date 40 pounds. I am overly impressed with the mount and if you are ever considering getting a replica of any fish made I would seriously consider Mike and the team at New Wave.

John

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Last week, photo report

2009-06-21T21:07:00.007-04:00

Thanks for keeping up with my blog. If you haven't had a chance yet click the link on the post below and watch the HD video that we filmed 2 weeks ago.

John

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Fly Nation trailer

2009-06-19T16:35:00.004-04:00

I will let the trailer speak for itself. Click on the link below to check it out

http://hatches.tv/video/Fly-Nation-Stuart-Florida

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Fly Fishing to the Max!

2009-06-15T21:19:00.006-04:00

Since I am still trying to recuperate from the long days I have been putting in the last 20 or so straight days I am going to again keep this mainly to a photo report. I took all these shots last week while fishing with Nick Pujic and Nicole Parks from Fly Max Films and my buddy Rob McAbee, creator of Bug Slinger Fly Gear. The week was off the hook, literally, we jumped about 10 tarpon in total and only boated one baby and one beach fish. As most of us know that is how tarpon fishing can be especially with a fly rod but, all that was over shadowed by the fact that we got into a killer permit bite on fly and a few cobia. The highlight if you ask me was the 50 pound cobia that Rob caught on fly. The video footage is insane and will be used on their TV show "Fly Nation" and in some short films. I will also have a short clip up on my webpage soon. I now have some new friends for life and that is priceless, thanks for the opportunity guys I can't wait until next time.

Even I got into the action!

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com/
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing

Tarpon quickie

2009-06-07T04:47:00.002-04:00

This is another quickie, I have a few minutes before I have to leave for my charter. These shots are from the last week, the tarpon fishing was good yesterday following a few tough days when the cloud cover and south wind were hard to overcome. The beach has been full of big jacks still and some cobia, we did get a nice 38 pound cobia on a Hogy 9 inch skinny a couple days ago.

I am still on the quest for the perfect jumping tarpon picture but I thought I would share with you my progress. I am adding a Nikon D90 to the family so look for my wide angle stuff to be shot from that and my telephoto action stuff will still be shot by my incredibly fast D300.

Next week I have 5 straight days with Nick and Nicole from Fly Max Films out of Canada and joining us will be my buddy Rob McAbee from Bug Slinger. It should be a very cool week with lots of stills and video in the near future so stay tuned. I have to go, I think I smell the tarpon.

my guide service website http://stuartflyfishing.com/
my photography website http://pbase.com/stuartflyfishing