Tarpon - will this be the year?

Heading to Big Pine Key tomorrow morning with the family.  We are staying on a channel and I have my tide charts in hand.  Monday and Wednesday we have charters scheduled - hopefully this will be the year I hook a tarpon. 

It's actually been really easy to pack for this saltwater trip.  Maybe it's just my lack of experience but where Montana, Alaska or even the Brule requires layering, waders, nymph rod, streamer rod, flies depending on water clarity, indicators, split shot, etc etc. - this is 8wt, box of flies, some leaders and flip-flops.  I just have to remember to wash the salt of my gear each night before we hit the cigars.

Kinni and Willow Race trout fishing

Brian and I hit the Kinni Tuesday morning and with the weather forecast we didn't know what to expect.  He was out Saturday and had a great day so we were hoping for the same.  Fortunately it started off great.  We each had a bunch of fish right away on hare's ear, princes, orange scuds, etc.

We fished the Kinni for a few hours and fishing slowed so we went to smaller flies.  We picked up a few more fish but were losing patience.  We packed up and took the short trip over to the Willow Race and the break helped us refocus and we picked up another bunch of fish with Brian getting this nice brown.

That was my first time on that river and I really liked it - it was a good change of pace.  Much thicker brush along the stream but a lot of pools and nice tailouts.

We didn't cover too much water before the snow started to fly and I remembered I had 3 boys I needed to take care of.  Overall I think we at least had a dozen fish a piece with Brian besting me as usual - and he gives me first dibs most time.  He was even retying flies and untangling lines - what a guy.

Officially Spring

Brittany, the boys and I are heading to the cabin this afternoon.  We are going to open it up and get ready for summer.  The boys are liking it more and more every year.

Also excited for the Keys the first week of May.  This shot is from F&S about half a mile from our place on Big Pine Key.  I have really high hopes that I'll get my first tarpon.