I would love to host the thing, however, I truly believe the west coast is more open with may areas to fish. Our area over here is iffy, and not very roomy unless there are several boats involved. When there is a shuttle launch, or a mere launch period, NASA locks everything down east of the river.
Last year, our host and hostess did a fine job, and I enjoyed it beyond words. Bill, I know it was a lot of work and probably a big expense, but if y’all missed it, you missed one hell of a good time, and great food.
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body. But rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and exclaiming, “Wow, what a ride!”
We hosted the first Florida fish-in and it was a wonderful time for us.
We have been hit pretty hard by the red tide. But that does not usually do much to mess up fishing. Maybe just a natural kill off to keep the balance who knows.
But if no one else wants to try, I am like Purebs, I would host it. I would love to get into some of the Dude’s big redfish, but like he said boats would be needed.
Still thinking about it. After everyone pitched in it really didn’t cost much or take that much time. It sure was fun! One thing I would do differently though is pick the date after consulting the tide charts. Last year I didn’t and the tides were lousy.
Bill
I am not much help as far as a “base-camp” goes as I am 25 - 30 miles inland (Land O’ Lakes) … BUT I’d be more that willing to help out whichever coast we decide on.
Should we do an East Coast Fling, I still have the canoe and two kayaks and more than likely I could get a Hell’s Bay flats boat over there.
p.s. FINALLY … I’m going to test out the shoulder this weekend with the fly rod in my kayak. I did “play around” in the Keys in June but not much. Wish me luck!
Don’t schedule the Fish-in for the weekend of February 4th & I might get there this year for alot of fly fishing! I’d suggest Charlotte Harbor, but the larger hotels & motels still haven’t been rebuilt & the ones that are on the water are over 20 miles away from Port Charlotte. During season rates would be premium as I don’t know the proprietors of the waterfront accomodations.
Howdy Harold, how about a 6 pack of snook for brunch off the beach ? Also; November seems to be a good time for a bit of fishing, but Ms Daisy is a day to day thing so I never know how things are going to be. Lately she’s getting better, but still won’t swim in the pool. Still daydreaming I’m fly fishing, wishin’ I was fishing’ & fishing on the internet !
You said … “Now when did you get access to a Hell’s Bay?!? Have you been holding out on me! ;-)”
HAHA!!! Not holding out on you. The Hell’s Bay isn’t mine, it belongs to a neighbor about 5 doors down who is a fishing fanatic. I’m just betting that I could get him to do our Fish-In … especially if it were on the east coast as he’s always talking about the 'Goon and surrounding areas.
Thought it might be something like that Gil. Otherwise I’d have to wonder about yakkin’ with your shoulder when there’s a perfectly good HB sitting around!
Are you guys ever going to get around to setting a place and date?!?
I will volunteer to host it…second week in February…here in Kansas City. OK…the commute to the water will be a bit longer, but we’d have a good time!
Sorry, we are all sitting around this rum barrel and I am the only sober. Flats, is passed out under the AC vent, mumbling something about yankee girls and snakes, purebs is mad about the redtide and his honeymoon island. Stev is over there cooking something I cannot pronounce but it smells good. Saltydancindave is tying more flies, some of the guys are playing cards,
Two or three are over by the picture window looking at the beautiful sunset. (I do not have the heart to tell them it is a painting) But oh well.
A couple of us are talking about a fish-off in November with the winner hosting the fish-in.
You know it is bad when a bunch of pirates are sitting around trying to figure out ways to bring people from all over the world to fish in our little bay.
If it were not so hot outside we would all be fishing, but to quote Saltydancindave sort of we are all here wishing we were fishing.
We will get it all worked out but when is the question. Someone make the Dude some coffee, he is turning a little green.
Heck we cannot even agree on which side of the state to host it. I guess we could host it in the middle and go to both coast. Naw price of gas is too high. I’ll bet it will be in or around Tampa Bay again.
Now if you have gotten anything out of this post then I really do need to start drinking. These guys are not having fun but they are not feeling anything either. I would take pictures but they made me promise not to.
Harold
[This message has been edited by Harold Hattaway (edited 23 August 2005).]
If you can arrange the fishin after March the 6th. I will bring friend and some norwegian “akevit”. A norwegian liquor that has matured by being shipped across the equator. Anyway it is nice to read the discussion. I try to pick up some information for my next trip to Fl by reading this bb.
[This message has been edited by bendik (edited 23 August 2005).]
