3wt7X
Active member
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2008
- Messages
- 670
For all the saltwater Fly Fishing fans out there, here is write up on a recent South Florida trip. As some may have seen from past years, I typically book a false albacore trip when visiting family in the Boca Raton area. This year was no different. I would encourage anyone who is travelling through that area to consider one of these trips. They are exhilarating and fast paced. The false albacore, "bonito" as they refer to them in South Florida are a plentiful and aggressive predator. They can put you into your backing in seconds, and have all the fighting attributes of tuna packed into a smaller package. On top of that, they are striking looking fish, with neon blue and green coloration that changes as they get lit up in the live chum.
This year, our trip was cut short by a late morning severe thunderstorm, which stuck around the remainder of the day. Despite the impending storm, our Captain Quinten Hall of TKF Charters put us on the fish immediately in the morning, and he worked his rear end off as we pulled fish after fish for the better part of 3 1/2 drifts. Between my cousin and I, we brought about 18 fish to boat in a little over 2 hours of actual fishing time. Most of that time was spent reeling them, as they are suborn and athletic fighters. There are several reputable guides in the area down there, and they seem to have a shared comradery regarding these undervalued gamefish. The trips are reasonably priced as well.
I hope this piece with provide some motivation to explore this species a bit more in South Florida. My only advise is to get plenty of rest the night before and hydrate, as you will get a workout. I should add a suggestion not to fall out of the boat, as it does not take long for the 500 plus pound sharks to start making snacks of you catch. It was pretty amazing watching an 8 lb bonito clear the water 4 feet to avoid being eaten by a fired up giant dusky shark 20 yards off the stern of the fishing boat. Makes you feel a little small in the world.
This year, our trip was cut short by a late morning severe thunderstorm, which stuck around the remainder of the day. Despite the impending storm, our Captain Quinten Hall of TKF Charters put us on the fish immediately in the morning, and he worked his rear end off as we pulled fish after fish for the better part of 3 1/2 drifts. Between my cousin and I, we brought about 18 fish to boat in a little over 2 hours of actual fishing time. Most of that time was spent reeling them, as they are suborn and athletic fighters. There are several reputable guides in the area down there, and they seem to have a shared comradery regarding these undervalued gamefish. The trips are reasonably priced as well.
I hope this piece with provide some motivation to explore this species a bit more in South Florida. My only advise is to get plenty of rest the night before and hydrate, as you will get a workout. I should add a suggestion not to fall out of the boat, as it does not take long for the 500 plus pound sharks to start making snacks of you catch. It was pretty amazing watching an 8 lb bonito clear the water 4 feet to avoid being eaten by a fired up giant dusky shark 20 yards off the stern of the fishing boat. Makes you feel a little small in the world.
