[T. Wiles]

Part II

With my watermelon foot slowly getting better, Jay and I abandoned all other fishing options, and we pursued our primary goal: TARPON.

With an early dark:30, before dawn departure, we drove the Hog way back into the mangroves to revisit some waters I’ve been dreaming of revisiting for several years. The water was smooth as glass, and we were greeted with pods of gulping tarpon steadily swimming against the tidal currents. These are some of the most tranquil , peaceful settings followed by complete chaos of torture from lightning fast strikes and headshaking somersaults all in the glow of the cresting sunrise. Absolutely exhilarating! But the frustration of losing fish soon became our next challenge. I spent hours and hours tying the perfect flies just getting ready for this scenario. One major problem: I tied almost every single one on a DAMN Gamakatsu SL12S hook. They seemed like the right hook—good thick wire, nice semi curved point like a 600SP—they stuck stripers really good this spring, but we could not get one of these to hold on to these juvenile tarpon.
We lost fish after fish, watching 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60+ pounders flash and spit the fly, with several eye-level leaps and backflip McTwists, only to see the line go limp in the ring of foam after the dynamite explosions of crashing fish turned the black water into a froth. I must admit, a lot of these were user errors. Nailing the strip-set, clearing the line, keeping tight, and bowing to the jumps—-this routine has a steep learning curve…but we were losing SO many, that it was becoming a curse.
We owe a HUGE thank you to Dave Neely for sending us a stocked flybox full of his tarpon files from a recent trip. I have one pattern that works like candy on these fish, but once they became wise to it, Jay switched to Dave’s flies, and soon found a pattern that they would readily eat, even when they were inactive, and best of all, they were tied on a 3/0 Owner Aki hook.
Once we switched patterns, and I whipped up a few flies in the hotel on Owner Akis and Gamakatsu SC15’s….we finally started sticking some fish and keeping them on for more than 8 seconds. For three days, we were in Tarpon heaven—exploring bends in the mangrove channels and watching the fish blitz on small bait and grass shrimp. If we had the right hooks for the first 2 days, amongst the several active pods of happy feeding fish, there is no telling how many we could have landed. Jay caught 4 and I landed 3, and we easily stuck hooks in over 50 tarpon. I wish I had just one more full day to have a crack at them, but that will have to be on another summer day in the years to come. The best of all, is we had it all to ourselves. There were no lineups of guides and tourists playing the BS hierarchy money game of who gets the best spots.

By the end of our stay on the East Coast, the swelling in my right foot finally ebbed away, and I could walk again like a normal human being. It was hard to pack up and head west, leaving behind all our unfished waters that we intended to try; however, it was fun to explore the Gulf around Tampa for a bit. Good ole Craig was kind to offer us some accommodations, but due to the fact he had just closed on a new home days before we were coming, we decided to let him get settled before we come and raid his fridge. My best friend Chad and his wife hosted us on the outskirts of town, and we decided to do some relaxing bottom fishing, and target some mangrove snappers on the bridge pilings. We wound up hooking some nice trout in the mangroves, along with chasing a nice pod of large tarpon in the boat dock canals, but the west coast brutes weren’t willing to play. However, the mangroves were easy to find, and we took home 7-8 fish in two afternoons of fishing that we squeezed in between some massive thunderstorms. I did not expect to see them, but MAN! We spotted some Jumbo snook cruising the bridge pilings in the overcast weather after the storms. About 5 were over 40 inches, and they couldn’t be coerced to bite. Hope to take Craig up on some night fishing there the next time we make it down, and he’s a bit more settled.

On our drive across the state in the heart of marsh largemouth country—we stopped by this cool store. It was like being a kid going to a candy store. They had all sorts of tackle and rods.

Gator Hook

Bridge fishing for Mangrove snapper day #1:

Sneaking sips of beer between the large waves from a passing thunderstorm.

Dinner: Fish taco night #1 Half blackened, half fried, along with some blackened shrimp, and fresh homemade guacamole

We liked it so much, we decided to fish the after storm window the next afternoon, and do it again. That’s when we spotted the large Tampa Snook.
Spraying down the Day’s rods:

Fish Taco Night #2: Blackened and fried again

After such a great journey, it was time to pack all the gear up and head home. I kept some of the snapper fillets on ice in the Yeti, and Crystal and Bree absolutely loved the fresh catch dinner. It was great to be back in the mountains of east TN, and finally be walking without a limp anymore. Oh, how I missed my lovely wife and baby girl. I can’t wait to show them all the places we discovered on this trip.

Until next time guys, I hope the fishing is good for you.

Travis

[T. Wiles]

Part II

With my watermelon foot slowly getting better, Jay and I abandoned all other fishing options, and we pursued our primary goal: TARPON.

With an early dark:30, before dawn departure, we drove the Hog way back into the mangroves to revisit some waters I’ve been dreaming of revisiting for several years. The water was smooth as glass, and we were greeted with pods of gulping tarpon steadily swimming against the tidal currents. These are some of the most tranquil , peaceful settings followed by complete chaos of torture from lightning fast strikes and headshaking somersaults all in the glow of the cresting sunrise. Absolutely exhilarating! But the frustration of losing fish soon became our next challenge. I spent hours and hours tying the perfect flies just getting ready for this scenario. One major problem: I tied almost every single one on a DAMN Gamakatsu SL12S hook. They seemed like the right hook—good thick wire, nice semi curved point like a 600SP—they stuck stripers really good this spring, but we could not get one of these to hold on to these juvenile tarpon.
We lost fish after fish, watching 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60+ pounders flash and spit the fly, with several eye-level leaps and backflip McTwists, only to see the line go limp in the ring of foam after the dynamite explosions of crashing fish turned the black water into a froth. I must admit, a lot of these were user errors. Nailing the strip-set, clearing the line, keeping tight, and bowing to the jumps—-this routine has a steep learning curve…but we were losing SO many, that it was becoming a curse.
We owe a HUGE thank you to Dave Neely for sending us a stocked flybox full of his tarpon files from a recent trip. I have one pattern that works like candy on these fish, but once they became wise to it, Jay switched to Dave’s flies, and soon found a pattern that they would readily eat, even when they were inactive, and best of all, they were tied on a 3/0 Owner Aki hook.
Once we switched patterns, and I whipped up a few flies in the hotel on Owner Akis and Gamakatsu SC15’s….we finally started sticking some fish and keeping them on for more than 8 seconds. For three days, we were in Tarpon heaven—exploring bends in the mangrove channels and watching the fish blitz on small bait and grass shrimp. If we had the right hooks for the first 2 days, amongst the several active pods of happy feeding fish, there is no telling how many we could have landed. Jay caught 4 and I landed 3, and we easily stuck hooks in over 50 tarpon. I wish I had just one more full day to have a crack at them, but that will have to be on another summer day in the years to come. The best of all, is we had it all to ourselves. There were no lineups of guides and tourists playing the BS hierarchy money game of who gets the best spots.

By the end of our stay on the East Coast, the swelling in my right foot finally ebbed away, and I could walk again like a normal human being. It was hard to pack up and head west, leaving behind all our unfished waters that we intended to try; however, it was fun to explore the Gulf around Tampa for a bit. A good friend who is a knowledgeable fisherman was kind to offer us some accommodations, but due to the fact he had just closed on a new home the day before we were coming, we decided to let him get settled before we come and raid his fridge. My best friend Chad and his wife hosted us on the outskirts of Tampa Bay, and we decided to do some relaxing bottom fishing, and target some mangrove snappers on the bridge pilings. We wound up hooking some nice trout in the mangroves, along with chasing a nice pod of large tarpon in the boat dock canals for a couple hours, but the west coast gamefish weren’t willing to play. However, the mangrove snappers were easy to find, and we took home 7-8 fish in two different afternoons of fishing that we squeezed in between some massive thunderstorms. I did not expect to see them, but MAN! We spotted some Jumbo snook cruising the bridge pilings in the overcast weather after the storms. About 5 were over 40 inches, and they couldn’t be coerced to bite. Hope to take my friend Craig up on some night fishing there the next time we make it down, when he’s a bit more settled.

On our drive across the state in the heart of marsh largemouth country—we stopped by this cool store. It was like being a kid going to a candy store. They had all sorts of tackle and rods.

Gator Hook

Bridge fishing for Mangrove snapper day #1:

Sneaking sips of beer between the large waves from a passing thunderstorm.

Dinner: Fish taco night #1 Half blackened, half fried, along with some blackened shrimp, and fresh homemade guacamole

We liked it so much, we decided to fish the after storm window the next afternoon, and do it again. That’s when we spotted the large Tampa Snook.
Spraying down the Day’s rods:

Fish Taco Night #2: Blackened and fried again

After such a great journey, it was time to pack all the gear up and head home. I kept some of the snapper fillets on ice in the Yeti, and Crystal and Bree absolutely loved the fresh catch dinner. It was great to be back in the mountains of east TN, and finally be walking without a limp anymore. Oh, how I missed my lovely wife and baby girl. I can’t wait to show them all the places we discovered on this trip.

Until next time guys, I hope the fishing is good for you.

Travis

[T. Wiles]

It’s been a great season up here for sure. Hope you and Tracy continue to find them.

Even got Bree to help me catch em on topwater–not ready for a fly rod yet.

[T. Wiles]

Great job Zach! I really enjoyed your article. I really appreciated its honesty. I could feel the agony of your pain and triumph of the finale.

[T. Wiles]

Crystal has one similar. Great in the snow, a lot more fun to drive and park in city traffic than my Tundra.
You chose well…it should last forever and has plenty of power for a V6.

[T. Wiles]

Hey Zach, the high gunnels on the Hog didn’t really get In the way too much, and I can always convert back in about 20 mins time. The only problem I was having this season is when I had a musky in hot pursuit, I wasn’t able to keep long chases in straight lines around the bow of the boat past the trolling motor…..that usually produces the bite for me, if I can keep the fish chasing to the opposite side of the boat without spinning into fig 8 s too soon. I wore out about 8 fish this year that just got lazy after about 1-2 minutes of spinning in ovals on one flank of the boat since the trolling motor limited my maneuverability.
The Yeti is secured by floor anchors and Cam straps, that casting brace comes in real handy when trying to keep balance in shifting current or heavy chop in the inlets.
I don’t alays stand on the cooler, but it gives you a great perspective and enhances fish spotting. Can’t wait to try it out in Charleston this Fall.

[T. Wiles]

Love my Badfishers by Boardworks. They are nice and stable, can handle whitewater quite well, and allow me to strap down a good amount of gear:

This class II down from my house swamped the plastic board, but my buddy in the Badfisher surfed down it without a problem.

Can’t wait to get back after these guys.

[T. Wiles]

I’m trying to picture the knot you describe, but just can’t picture the step. When I tie 60 or 80 lb fluoro, it takes only about 2 turns for the thicker line to coil and cinch up the line…the lighter line can easily take 5 turns in the coil/clinch of that knot.

Now, if you tie an overhand knot on the working end of your leader, it cuts the line strength down by half….that’s a trick some use for tarpon like say by using 40 lb fluoro for abrasion resistance, but allowing the ability to break the line without damaging your flyline.
If you’re suggesting using the overhand knot in the tag stem if the loop knot, as a brake, I could picture that.

[T. Wiles]

On some occasions you’ll draw in other fish. I’ve had about 10 occasions where two fish come in together. I talked to a guy at the ramp who told me he and his fishing partner both had double follows that day, where they wound up with four fish circling the boat at once.

My most memorable catch was when I had a 40’s fish locked in on the fly pursuing, and just as I got the fly near the bow, a dominant 50″ comes out from under the boat spooks off the smaller fish and grabs the fly. Reminded me of Jurassic Park when the TRex grabs the raptor.

I’ve got the biggest Muskie I’ve ever seen marked in a 200yard deep hole, and she’s closed in on me twice in one season last year. Last time she charged the boat, she had a mid 40’s fish chase with her. I’m going back for her soon…I’m guessing the fish is near 55″.

It’s insane how much dragging, slipping and falling it takes to get to that water though.

[T. Wiles]

Zach, I haven’t had as many outings this season so far, but January’s gonna be my month…tons of obligations between helping Crystal train for her first marathon which she did awesome the first of December…she’s now recovering from thyroid surgery, and we’re traveling to Memphis for Christmas to New Years.

My only two catchable fish after numerous sightings of lethargic fish both ended the same way….I’m taking a knee, digging swift wide turns on a very fast chasing fish, faster and faster on each turn…starting to flare gills and nip the fly tail….last turn fish is hot and ready to kill—-both times the fired up fish steers off course and pursues my brother’s fly, then gives up.

I’m im a rut, but I’ve also explored tons of new water—intentionally avoiding my usual spots which are getting more visitors these days—-darn!. The exploring has cost me some catches, but I’m on the verge of finding my best wintering holes yet…I can feel it.

I’ll post up my hard luck report, as soon as I switch the IMG codes to HTML.

[T. Wiles]

Nice fish…Guides with versatility and good backup plans in crumby conditions definitely can save a trip. Congrats on the Slam.

[T. Wiles]

Something about the “hand” and “sausage” reference doesn’t sound right. You’re quite the butcher lately. Have a great Thanksgiving.

[T. Wiles]

That’s freakin’ amazing…6 muskies in the boat! I’ve managed a couple four fish days in the past few years, and consider those my absolute best fishing days ever. You’re ruined for good now.
Those AM moon sets lately got some nice fish stirring for us, but my aggressive fig 8 chases have all left me in heartache lately. My brother had a beastly scarred up 47+” monster chase him on both sides of the boat after a 30 yd pursuit, and that one left him shakin’.

Clear, cold Nov days have always been my very best ones.

Way to go…those are all nice, healthy fish.

[T. Wiles]

What a great buck Zach!
I’m sure the anticipation leading to that draw and release of bow has to be incredible.

Happy late birthday as well.

Travis

[T. Wiles]

Thanks guys. I look forward to the seasons ahead where I get to unravel a few more glimpses of this impressive fishery.
Mike, the HI Skiff did great. I really look forward to buying a good pushpole next Spring and improving my capabilities in the shallow water stalking game. I was nervous with the drastic tidal changes that the jet would get bogged down with mats of grass, but that wasn’t the case.
For now my only handicap is that I tend to overload the boat with so many types of fishing gear—-I really look forward to just having the confidence to trusting the flats only/fly only approach once my knowledge of habitat improves.
My only dilemma with the Hog jet, is when the creeks narrowed down to barely wider than the boat hull…then the foot would clog with grass on turns….luckily the Minn Kota moved me around just fine.

The skiff does much better in rough water than I expected. Some of the Tampa inlets gave us rollers about 3.5 feet cresting with whitecaps…other than some spray at the gunnels, the boat handled the rough water just fine. We didn’t venture too far offshore though.

[T. Wiles]

Sure did Zach. Those Costa 580 optics are amazing. Definitely a BIG step up from lenses I’ve worn previously. Also the frames are one of the few Costas large enough to fit my fat head. Can’t wait to use them to spot some cruising muskies on the prowl this fall.

The glasses were unexpected and greatly appreciated.

Travis

[T. Wiles]

Badfish Inflatable Paddleboards & River Surfboards

Zach,
I ordered it from the Boardworks company in CA. I can get you the sales rep’s info if you would like.

[T. Wiles]

Gonna install 2 sets of these on the Hog Island this week…I’ll let you know how they work out.

[T. Wiles]

Woohoo! Can’t wait to try on some nice optics. My current cheaper lenses are pretty beat up after my croakies slipped off on pavement.

Thanks alot Zach.

[T. Wiles]

Darn, it’s past midnight of Aug 15th, and I didn’t post the 31″ brown on this thread.

Any exemption consideration since I posted it elsewhere on the board?
If not, I understand.

[Author]

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