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<\/a><\/p>\nWe tried hard to get out to the wreck but it was just too rough. \u00a0We stopped at a couple other spots, but the wind was blowing hard enough that the trolling motor couldn’t hold us on the structure and standing up in the boat was more than a little dicy.<\/p>\n
Back inside the Ten Thousand Island area we had much better luck. \u00a0We caught snook, mangrove snapper, jack crevalle, catfish and trout. \u00a0Captain Billy filleted the mangrove snapper and I took advantage of the little kitchen back at the condo. \u00a0Very good delicate whitefish.<\/p>\n
The following day I went out with a guide that’s a 6th generation Everglades City resident. \u00a0He’s more interested in flight instruction these days building his hours for a shot at an airline pilot’s job – but once in a while he has to take a charter out so he can pay the bills. \u00a0Captain Miles took me to one of his favorite places where he and his grandfather still go fishing. \u00a0Very peaceful and serene, especially when compared to yesterday’s rough ride. \u00a0This is a dead tree on the water’s edge with LOTS of bromeliads (air plants) growing on it. We saw quite a few tarpon (small ones) rolling in the calm water between the mangroves. \u00a0I actually had one on the line at one point but he jumped out of the water and spit the lure back at me. \u00a0He was about this size. Fossil research shows that tarpon are prehistoric fish. \u00a0They get up to 8 feet long, 280 pounds and can live over 50 years. \u00a0Catching a tarpon is a bucket list adventure that I’m finding out is going to be quiet a bit more difficult than just chartering a tarpon trip. \u00a0I won’t bore you non-fishermen with all the details, but if you are interested – we’ll talk.<\/p>\n Another bucket list fish for me is Peacock Bass. \u00a0These are very aggressive fish and to catch a big one you have to travel. \u00a0Brazil, Colombia or Venezuela are your best bets for something in the 30 pound range. \u00a0However – I found out that they actually have Peacock Bass right here in Florida – not as big but still, it’ll check the box. That’s a Peacock Bass – they are a wary fish and if you’re aren’t wearing fishing camouflage they’ll see you way before you ever see them. \u00a0Okay – that’s a bit of a stretch, my fish camo is just belt and suspenders in the sunscreen department. \u00a0Captain Miles knew exactly where to go, and we were able to sight fish for Peacocks. \u00a0Trying to catch a fish that you can see is pretty exciting. \u00a0I caught several of these hard fighting fish, I’d still like to catch something 20 TIMES larger – but this was a very fun fishing trip. It was fun sliding around in the mangroves doing spins and having a straight pipes small block roaring right behind your head. \u00a0Gotta do that at least once if you get the chance.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>If you have ever wanted to go on an airboat ride, the Everglades is the place to do it. \u00a0I decided that since today was going to be a shortish ride – I’d hang around and take a little tour on an airboat. \u00a0I was there when they opened at 9:00 but I was the only customer. \u00a0The folks at Speedy’s didn’t hesitate and even though the cost of admission likely didn’t hardly cover the fuel used, they sent me out by myself.<\/a><\/p>\n