Big Hole River Journal

part of the mother lode

west side sunset

In a west side creek

Current temp: 82 Wind SSE15

Yesterday we found the lode of bonefish up the creek. Three big schools and all good size fish. Often up the creek when you  find these schools they mostly juvinels but these great. To get there you have to through Labowski Straits and then head east toward Pedro Island. This is actually the most bonefish I have seen in one area up the creek.

I have had lots advice on how to get those tarpon on the  west side to eat. Many of  the techniques we did try. Like tiny little jerky strips or just let the fly hang there. I still believe none of the above would work and they were just not eating anything. Most of the fish were laid up as if they had just finished lunch and were napping. It sure gives something to look forward to on the next trip over there and I have a new pattern that will definitely work. Not sure if it has ever been tried on tarpon before but will let you know the results. As for me I have complete faith in it.

Erik was asking the average size of those tarpon and they  were in the 30 to 60 pound range. One large one may have been pushing 80.

Weather has been very warm but lots of wind last few days. These are the type of days you just hang out. There is a special technique to hanging out here and Morton and I have perfected it in the last couple weeks. Anne has several pics she will be sending me on the  proper way to hang out here.

Dolphin (Dorado)

Blue Water Fly Fishing

Current Temp: 68  WindN0

An exciting change to flats  fishing is to experience some blue water  fly fishing. A dolphin (dorado) on a fly is quite an experience. Best fishing for these is out by the tongue of the ocean near one of the buoys. Technique is to use chum to get them in the area  and then it is usually a no brainer. When they are on the feed they will hit almost  anything. If you  get a big one be prepared for a lengthy fight. An 11 or 12 wt.  rod is  best.

Many of the  area guides and Hank will take fly  fisherman out to these  areas. If the wind is over 15 I would not suggest going out in a flats skiff but rather  an  offshore boat. If  you tend to  get sea sick  you better stick to  the  flats. Also if  you go  with Hank there  is no  turning back  and he does  not come  back until  the  cooler is full.

Caught In The Act

How about this pic of me  catching Hank  teefing stuff off  the back of my truck. Do  you think his hands full? What you can’t see is he also has his mouth stuffed full of my strawberries.

I found a couple tarpon today and they were very close to here. I pulled  up on this  popular flat and they were on the  edge of it where  it drops in deeper water. Lots of sun and good conditions tomorrow so you know where  I will be.

Pretty cool yet today but found lots of bones. Didn’t catch many but found a  lot. One school had to be  close  to a hundred.

This cool front is on the way out and temps to be in  low 80′s by end of the week.

Current temp: 65  Wind NE8

Tide dropping. Should be good conditions with falling tide next couple days just after dark to  find tarpon by the government dock.

Kitchen, Dining Area

Cottage By The Sea

Steve Hanna

North Channel, Fresh Creek

Current temp: 73 partly cloudy, wind N8

I met Steve about four or five years ago when he was just starting this project. We happened to be exploring new areas to fish on the north channel when I noticed the start of construction way up there. I pulled the boat to the  shore and introduced myself. This is a really remote area and the furtherst west you can get to by road along Fresh Creek channel. I kind of wondered if this was a good idea or not. Well Steve called me the other day and invited me out to see the cottage. WOW, has he ever done a good job. He worked on it when he had time and could afford materials. All the furniture inside was hand made by him. It is totally solar powered. The walk way to the dock  is lit up at night by solar  powered green lights.

It is about two miles to Captain Bill’s blue hole and there is another big blue hole just to the north through the bush but no path to it. He will have bikes available as well as kayaks and a boat to rent if you want to go  fishing. Bonefishing in that  area  is excellent and gets very little pressure.

He rents it with a three day minimum and a weekly rate.

You can contact Steve at 242-368-6122 or  e-mail at: shorrscarrental1@hotmail.com  I will say again, this place is really cool. Oh and I forgot, it’s two bedrooms with two beds and private bath for each room.

Mostly cloudy today and the  wind was pretty stiff  along  the shore. However after I got to Steve’s cottage I was wishing I had the boat as you can see the water was dead calm back there. Perfect for spotting  tailing fish. Next two days look great with very light wind and lots  of sun.

I now have all my gear together and just waiting for a good weather and tide forecast and it’s back to the west  side and Williams Island—can’t wait.

black tip shark

Temp: 75, Wind E6

I think labowski flat  is getting way too much fishing pressure. Not from  people but there are three ospreys who have  taken up residence on that little  island at the  east end of the flat. As soon  as I stepped out  of the  boat and  started to wade it they all three took wing and made  it clear this was  their flat. They kept  swooping the water in front of me definitely putting  the run on any bones that may have been there. Then they would dive  bomb me stopping about ten feet above me. I finally gave up and said “fine, it’s your flat”. They literally chased me all the way back to the boat. The only fish I saw was that black tip shark in the photo. He was fair sized and  was getting a might  too close at times. I finally poked my rod toward his eye  and slowly turned and left.

Partly cloudy with lightwinds forecast for next  couple days.

Never touched a bonefish today. Some days dats da way it is.