Friday, February 27, 2009

Hello from the Amazon!


My group and I just returned to civilization and are now in Manaus, Brazil. We spent the past 7 days fishing on the Upper Itapera River (tributary to the Rio Branco). We had an epic trip with excellent fishing for trophy Peacock Bass on the fly. We fished with River Plate Outfitter and their remote mobile camps. This was one of the most exciting and interesting adventures that I have ever experienced. Great fishing aside, we saw a myriad of jungle wildlife and other fascinating natural wonders. And the best part of the experience was spending the week with the staff of River Plate Outfitters... natives to the region with such a friendly interest in sharing everything about the wonders of their cultural and natural world.

Look for my complete post-trip report in a few days... I am now resting my hands and arms after a week of battling the Peacock Bass of the Amazon. Fish On!

-Keith

Monday, February 16, 2009

Report from Tarpon Cay Lodge...

Guide Pedro and Leslie with her first Tarpon... two thumbs up!

Last week,... my wife, Leslie, and I returned from the Yucatan. After a few days of business meetings at Isla Blanca, Leslie and I then headed to Tarpon Cay Lodge with owner, Marco Ruz, of Yucatan Fly Fishing Adventures. It was Leslie's first visit to Tarpon Cay Lodge and her first time fishing for Tarpon. Despite a blustery north frontal wind, we had incredible fishing for baby Tarpon amongst the mangroves. Leslie jumped a few dozen baby Tarpon... yes, a few dozen! Way to go Leslie!

It was a nice reminder of how special this fishery really is... even in the winter months, fishing at Tarpon Cay Lodge can be spectacular. Leslie was fishing a red and white SeaDucer. Smaller sized SeaDucers (no longer than 2 1/2 inches) are one of the staples for Yucatan baby Tarpon. Small flies and an all floating line presentation with an 8 weight rod... what a pure fishing pleasure!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

HOT Flies: Haskin's Floating Minnow and Deep Cover Shrimp

Candy for Baby Tarpon ... Haskin's Floating Minnows

I just returned from the Yucatan with visits to Isla Blanca and Tarpon Cay Lodge. This was my annual "business trip" to meet with owner, Marco Ruz, of Yucatan Fly Fishing Adventures. Of course, these business trips entail a bit of fishing too! The winter season in the Yucatan is always a roll-of-the-dice in terms of weather and fishing conditions,... so fishing was not the first order of focus. However, we did get out for a couple of days of fishing at both destinations and, despite the stiff north frontal winds, we were reminded how special these fisheries are... we jumped our fair share of baby Tarpon for sure.

Another confirmation revealed itself on this trip... flies that just plain work! Lee Haskin is fly designer for Targus and has spent a number of years perfecting flies for Yucatan Tarpon at Isla Blanca, Tarpon Cay, and Isla del Sabalo. His innovative baby Tarpon flies are optimal for targeting fish in the mangrove and shallow water environs. Our favorite Haskin flies for baby Tarpon are the Floating Minnow and Deep Cover Shrimp (weedless). These slender profiled flies ride high in the surface film and cut a soft wake that is attractive to baby Tarpon.

If you are headed down the to Yucatan for Tarpon, these flies are a must-have in your box. Fish with confidence, because these flies produce!
Deadly for baby tarpon amongst the mangrove environ... Deep Cover Shrimp (weedless)