Clients ask us lots of questions about the fishing, the weather, traveling and more. Here are our usual answers. If you want to dig a little deeper, give us a call.
Tom on Trip Planning and Fishing
“When’s the best time to come down?”
If you aren’t picky about the species of fish that you would like to catch, then the answer is, “When is your next free weekend?” However, if you’re dead set on catching tarpon, you will want to plan to come down sometime during June, July, or August. The redfishing is great year round. If I had to pick a “best” month it would be October or November.
“How do I get down there?”
This is the cool part. It’s easier to get down here than fishing with crickets. For most of the Southeast it’s less than an 8 hour drive to get to some of the best saltwater fishing in the world! There are also two airports where most major airlines fly into Panama City and Fort Walton Beach. So, come on! What are you waiting for! My boat’s in the water like seven hours away from your desk!
“Is there anything that my family can do down there while I fish?”
Now this is what makes The Emerald Coast so unique. My father and I usually go on a fishing vacation once a year. Does my Mom come along? No. Why? She doesn’t want to be eaten up by mosquitoes in Newfoundland or stuck in a fishing camp surrounded by mangroves in The Bahamas! If you go to our “Plan Your Trip” page, you’ll find several resorts that have activities for the whole family. For instance, at Watercolor, your kids could go kayaking on the beach while your wife goes shopping in Seaside and Grayton. Meanwhile, you’re out on the water casting to hundred pound tarpon! And, I’ll have you back by dinner! There aren’t many locations in the world (if any) that can boast that.
“So, what’s in the crystal ball?”
Unfortunately, I can’t read minds. If there’s anything you’d like to focus on during a trip, please let me know. Any other details like: early dinners, conference calls, health conditions, getting easily sea sick, etc. should be communicated to your guide beforehand. This avoids disappointment, and sets expectations prior to a charter.
“Can I bring my own gear?”
Absolutely! Call your guide before your trip, and let him know what you have. If you show up with a sinking line and 3 weight for a flats trip, your guide will strongly recommend that you use one of our rods.
“I spent like 5 hours at the vise making this crab fly.”
Half the fun for me about going on a fishing trip is the preparation. I love to tie my own flies. So, it stings when the guide insists that I use one of his. By all means, lets give that crab fly that you spent so much time on a shot. If the results aren’t that great, we’ll just try something else.
“What should I wear?”
Great question. Since we provide everything else, all you really need to do is show up properly dressed. During the summer, wear lightweight long sleeve shirts and preferably lightweight long pants. When, the fishing gets really good, you’ll find that the last thing on your mind is reapplying sunscreen. No matter what the bottle says there’s no such thing as “All Day Protection”! I wear Patagonia Sol Patrol shirts and pants. They cost a little extra, but you stay cool and dry, and you don’t have to worry about slathering lotion on every half hour. In the winter, it gets pretty chilly on The Panhandle! Wear lots of layers. It could be in the 30’s when leave the boat ramp, and then reach 70 by the time we get back. Shoes need to have white soles or have the word “non-marking” written on them somewhere. Some running shoes can leave permanent black marks on our boats’ white decks.
“I started fly fishing about 2 months ago. What do I need to do to prepare for a saltwater fly fishing trip?
Okay. I’m really glad you asked. Let me tell you a story. My Dad took his first saltwater fly fishing trip and showed up with all the proper equipment and flies. He even had several years of trout fishing under his belt. However, we were in The Bahamas (where it’s notoriously windy) and the fish were 50+ feet from the boat. He caught two bonefish that week. I knew he was discouraged, and mailed him an instructional video on long distance saltwater casting. My Dad practiced and the next year he caught too many in one day to count!! I highly recommend any angler who has not fished in saltwater to take a lesson from a FFF certified instructor before the trip. Make sure to practice what the instructor showed you in you’re your yard or on the dock before coming down. I guarantee that you will have a much more relaxing, fun and productive experience. If you haven’t had special instruction beforehand, don’t worry, you’re not screwed! I give on the water casting instruction that’s included in the price of the trip. No matter what your skill level is I will spend as much time as takes to get you hooked up!
