For the 3rd year, B and Chris Miller have returned to Andros South from the BC West Lodge in Canada. This allows Rick and his family some much deserved R&R back in the States.
Joining us for the first trip of 2011 were the father and son dual of Steve and Spencer Brown, and from Vancouver, Canada, Alexi Marko.
The week started off with a bit of wind but with moderate temps in the mid 70’s. But the fishing was great. Everyone came home on the very first day with new fish stories. Spencer did his dad proud by landing his first bone, a respectful 6 lber. We were all so impressed that the pic of Spencer and his first bone are now the desktop background on our lodge computer in the dining room. Many a toast and a clap on the back were given in the tiki hut that night.
Needless to say, the catching continued thru out the week. Alexi fished hard during the day, and at the end of it all he still had the energy to head to the beach for a relaxing run each evening. For the guides and house staff it was awesome to get back to work after nice festive season break.
During the second week of January we welcomed back Capt. Bruce Chard for his 1st week of 2 back to back trips. It is always a pleasure having Bruce in camp, as he is always accompanied by good friends from past trips and some new converts to the world of bonefishing.
Participating in this week’s bonefish brush up class were Jim Bruckman, John Elgee and his brother Goerge. All are accomplished anglers, but new to bonefishing.
Returning again, for their many, many trips with us were Mike Glynn, Don Jackson, Steve Jabobs, Bob Whelan, Paul Santoro, Robert Zipperer, and Mark Nichols. Joining us, for the first time, Paul’s associate, John Potts.
The weather was near perfect all week with sunny skies and light winds, excluding the last day, which did get somewhat blustery. With the near perfect weather, so went the fishing with all anglers bringing in their fair share of bones. Bruce managed a few bones in the 7 & 8 lb range, along with Don and Mike getting their fair share as well. Most evenings we were all in stitches while being entertained by Don. Needless to say, it was an all round excellent week and we all look forward to next year.
Week 2 of Capt Bruce’s trip started as week 1 left off, with somewhat windy and cloudy skies.
Fortunately, these conditions did not prevail and the weather and fishing improved. Attending this weeks fly fish school were Bill Conroy, Mark Haffenreffer and Greg Little. After just one day all three really let loose on the flats, with Mark starting off with a 6 fish day.
Returning this week from Bruce’s November trip was Greg Shaw, and rounding out the week were John Jarosz, Jeff Cerny, Mike McDaniel, and Jim Waddell. Bonefishing this week was very consistent with some great numbers being put up daily. The guys did have to work for them now and then, but overall the fishing on the flats was just like it should have been – lots of shots and no shortage of schools or singles and doubles. No huge fish were landed this week, but we did have some sightings that kept everyone on alert for that double-digit bone.
The last week of January started off with 3 days of fishing for Rob Strayton and Jay Gallo. Joining them a day later and staying 5 days was Stewart Epstein. The weather was not always cooperating this week with fairly overcast skies and moderate winds. Although Mother Nature wasn’t being very nice, Rob still managed to land a very nice 8 pound bonefish. Jay soldiered on each day out on the flats in spite of having a flu bug that sent him to bed early each night.
By the end of the week the weather shifted and brightened up for Stewart to be able to experience just how populace our bonefish can be and he was able to land more than he expected – always a bonus.
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