Report from Islamorada

March 8, 1999

Dear Flyfisher:
     I just returned from the Keys and nearly two months of outstanding flats flyfishing. I’ll tell you, the bonefish in Florida are second to none. They’re world class fish, ranging from 8 to 10 pounds on average. And, when you get into one, hold on. They make your reel scream like a dentist’s drill.
     In addition to the bone fishing, I did manage to pick up my second permit of the season. It was another shot in the dark to tailing fish beneath one of the connecting bridges that link the Keys together. Night-time fishing can be awesome, with tarpon and permit and a raft of other salt-water beasties chasing shrimp into the shallows.
     There are plenty of big tarpon around Key West and the lower keys, but they should begin to move up closer to the mainland over the next couple of months. These are awesome tarpon that can run up to 200 pounds. Landing one is a test of will, endurance and arm-strength. It can take a few hours.
     If you’re planning a trip to the Keys and would like to hook up with a great guide, let me know. While I’m back north now for the duration of the spring, summer and fall, I’ve got several friends who can provide you with a great fishing experience.
     Speaking of a great fishing experience, I’m still exploring the possibility of offering my clients a neat way to celebrate the Millennium with an outing in the Keys. If you’re interested in hooking up after the Year 2000 rings in, let me know and we’ll see if we can make a date with in some big bonefish, redfish, tarpon and, maybe even a permit.
     Until then, I hope to see you on the Salmon River soon or the Delaware and Catskill Rivers come mid-April. It looks like a great year ahead.

Adrian