STICKING WITH IT

ABOUT THE TRIP

From time to time we will donate a charter to a worthy cause to be used in a silent auction or for some other fund-raising event.  We had the chance to do just that last year for an outdoors oriented charity in Colorado.  And, sure enough, the purchaser came to Florida in November to cash in on the charter he purchased (and accomplish some other business too I am sure).

The date for the charter was set and then moved once to try to avoid the worst of a cold front.  On the day of the charter, the Colorado group showed up on the dock at the appointed hour and prepared for a winter fishing trip in Florida (layered clothing and a firm mindset).  We cleared the inlet by Bean Point on the northern end of Anna Maria Island and found the Gulf to be a little sloppy with 2-3 foot rollers and a brisk north wind that was supposed to diminish throughout the day.  I looked at them and they looked at me with an obvious expression of, “what are you waiting for, let’s go”.  While some groups will begin to have serious second thoughts about running 20 miles offshore in those conditions, this group was used to taking its pleasure with a little bit of pain mixed in.  To be sure the waters were not going to be unfishable, just a little sporty.

Off we went, headed to one of my favorite spots 22 miles offshore and loaded with many species of hungry fish.  We reached our spot after two more gut checks about everyone’s commitment to the plan resulting in absolutely no desire on the part of the group to deviate from our stated objective.  If they were in, I was in.

We reached our spot, dropped the anchor and began to catch fish.  Big ones, little ones and interesting species all came over the rail with much satisfaction on the part of the anglers.  The fish were hungry, and the anglers were hungrier.  The day’s final meal was planned on the way home, and, no doubt, was executed with the same rugged determination of our float plan for the day.

LESSONS LEARNED

It is all about attitude.  A trip with challenging conditions can be as enjoyable and rewarding as one with perfect conditions.  The success of the trip is often determined by the attitudes of the anglers.  If they are in for a wet, slow trip to get to the best fish (all fish are good) and back, a sloppy day can be a lot of fun.  Preparation is important since layered foul weather gear can make the difference between shivering cold and annoying dampness.  And perhaps more important is a foul weather mind set.

About half-way through that trip one of the guys pointed to an orange object in the water about a half a mile away and apparently drifting towards us.  Bets were placed on the nature of the object, of course.  Everything from a cruise ship life raft to some version of a mermaid found support among the group.  As the item got closer to us, it became obvious that it was part of someone’s dock which had undoubtedly broken free during the storm earlier in the week.  Yes, made of treated 4×4 and 2×6 lumber, 22 miles offshore, partially submerged and heading west at about 2 knots, it was definitely a hazard to navigation.  Just one more reminder that keeping a sharp lookout is so important because, no matter where you are or where you think everything else is supposed to be, the Gulf is full of surprises.

ON THE HORIZON

I love the spot we fished that day.  We fish it about once a month at the most, but the variety of species found on and around it is fascinating.  I still take bets regarding whether we will catch an eel when we fish there.  Guess why I still take the bets.  I am looking forward to spending some springtime fishing hours there and hope that some of the seasonal monsters will show up again this spring.