Big & Plenty
Most people come to Acklins Island for one reason and one reason only, big and plentiful Bonefish. As of this writing, I have had a total of one day on the water here, but it was outstanding. Fedel gave today a 1 out of 10 in terms of the quality, it was windy, so I guess it can only get better somehow.
Make friends with the wind, do not hit the fish in the head with the fly, and make longer strips, is what I keep playing over and over in my head. Two more days fishing with Fedel, who graciously handed out two of the above tidbits of advice today, amongst others.
I came here because of the stories surrounding this world class Bonefish fishery, maybe one of the best in the world. Not only does it have fish numbers, it has big fish. Casted to multiple five to eight-pound fish today. Failed at an epic level with a cast straight into a 25mph head wind to an awaiting ten-pound Bonefish. That is a BIG Bonefish. Nervous energy, that sure was a humbling and teachable moment. What I can do sometimes, does not always translate into reality during moments of pressure.
Fishing with a new guide is tricky widget, you are spending entire days alone with this person, how well will you gel with them? In today’s case how well will the guide put up with my inept casting at moments? I keep my eye on the fish once spotted, not to lose it, so I sometimes I hit them in the head with my spawning shrimp fly, at least I am accurate right? Fedel is an elite Bonefish guide, it did not take me long to figure that out. The great guides work hard for you, and as the guided, there is pressure to capitalize on the fish they put in front of you. Hope I can do better for him when we fish again on Sunday.
We fished hard today, I only had time to take a few photos with my phone. I came to Acklins to fish and fish I will, photography is secondary. A person needs to have a short memory when it comes to challenging pursuits, time to quit dwelling on missed opportunities, mistakes made, and start thinking about how I am going to do it differently next time.
Alice just dropped off my dinner consisting of Spiny Lobster, Bahamian Macaroni & Cheese and Corn on the Cob, the local fare, so I guess I better eat.
Caught some fish, saw some rainbows, was thoroughly humbled, found something new to work on, and poked some fun at myself, that is a solid day as a human being.
