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Fishing Report for Homosassa, Florida
Capt. Mike Locklear
July 22, 2002
Homosassa - Saltwater Fishing Report
Busman's Holiday
Catching tarpon on the fly can’t be beat when you see them coming. The shallow water flat was pristine and I had it all to myself. What a selfish motive, not to invite anyone to come along. I actually enjoy fishing alone once in a while because I like to talk to the fish and reluctantly admit thinking aloud in what I need to do in order to hook a tarpon.
Standing on the bow platform is a form of retirement for a guide. As I stand bobbing up and down with the waves, a long sleek black object swims toward me in time to launch a cast.
With two quick double hauls, I had enough line out to shoot into the wind 60 feet. The fly landed 5 feet in front of the fish. I began stripping immediately, quickly at first to make sure I had the line tight. Then I short stripped and kept the fly moving slowly away from the now enticed tarpon.
The bite happened so quickly as they often do; what I mean to say is that it got off so quickly, that it was over as fast as it began. The tarpon lunged towards the boat as it ate and I failed to hook it. Or the tarpon failed to hook itself. Take your pick. Either way, it is all I live for when I am up on the bow fly-fishing.
The next fish came from the left and I was bound and determined to show it who was boss. I was focused and planned on jabbing it hard in the jaw when I felt pressure. It was close when it ate and was steaming along at a pretty good clip when I tried to strike it hard.
I got a good lick on it when it lunged away, then jumped and swam in front of me on the clear sandy bottom. The fly line sat in a curl motionless. I watched the fly come out its mouth. My nerve center later indicated to my brain that I had a line burn on my finger.
It felt kind of good, not that I like pain. The line crease on my finger is a battle scar although is was not even a fight. Show and tell if you know what I mean.
In any event, the tarpon showed me who the real boss was. I did not care. I was all alone and not another boat in sight. For a while I felt as though I had died and gone to heaven. The scar is almost gone, time to go and try again.
Remember if you are too busy to go fishing, you are too busy!
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