Over the holiday break I had a chance to get back down into the Everglades—the perfect opportunity to let the new outboard on my little skiff stretch its legs. I followed my buddy Joe and his dad in his boat, and we wound our way through tight creeks and fished deep backcountry spots on a warm, breezy day. We caught our share of reds and snook, and the little skiff ran well. In a pending post I’ll detail the recent and long-overdue upgrades, since I know how much anglers enjoy discussing gear. In short, I’m back in the game—just in time for what is some of the best backcountry fishing of the year.

“In these sad and ominous days of mad fortune chasing, every patriotic, thoughtful citizen, whether he fishes or not, should lament that we have not among our countrymen more fishermen.”

Grover Cleveland

My buddy Joe and I will be fishing the RedSnook Tournament again this year in October. I’m not a big tournament fan since they so often become about the cash or the volume of fish you can sling on a deck, but when asked to participate last year I did, and I had a ball. The tournament proceeds benefit the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and its Estuary Programs, and if Joe and I place we’ll be sending our winnings the the Snook Foundation, who is sponsoring us. We’ll once again be fishing in the Unguided Spin/Plug category, and this year my plan is to actually catch a fish or two, just to change things up a little. I know that sounds zany, but it’s how I roll.

“Next to prayer, fishing is the most personal relationship of man.”

Herbert Hoover

Quick pic of a gorgeous Everglades sunrise.

Had a chance to sneak in a quick solo trip to a favorite bay this morning. A seriously low tide exposed many areas that are normally under water, forcing fish into narrow channels. I found two nice snook, scores of chunky speckled trout and a lone bluefish along channel edges, all of which were released in good shape. By mid-morning it was dead still and hot, and boat traffic had tripled…my cue to head for home. Alas, the quiet little bay I’ve fished for so long now sustains a crush of people at this time of year. Despite the mounting pressure, it still yields healthy fish…and moments of fragile beauty.