Teton Fly Fishing guide Nate Bennett with bonefish

Escape to the land of Bonefish

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I recently returned from a little over two weeks fishing in the Bahamas. Had a great time and got to fish with some really good friends. I joined longtime fishing clients and friends, Chris and Mark for our annual Bahamas bonefish extravaganza. This is always such a great time filled with good fishing, food, drinks and company. We prefer doing our own trip; a combination DIY with a few guided boat days thrown in for good measure. It’s nice to stay at on our own and be able to fish when we want and relax when we want. Plus we’re all pretty good around the kitchen and bar!

This year was a little tougher than usual. Upon arriving, a cold front came down from the east coast of the US and hit us hard. Temperatures were cold (dead fish were floating in back bays) and the wind was punishing. Fortunately we made the most of things and managed some fish. So great to catch up with those guys and see our guide friend, Shervin.

Weather not exactly “tropical” but that’s ok. Despite the clouds, wind and coolness, we saw and caught bonefish. Here’s Chris hooked up on our first day.

The morning Chris and Mark headed home, I found myself in a local Bahamian school, teaching students about fly fishing, guiding, etc. My friend and local Bahamian fishing guide, Shervin Tate, had invited me to speak to the kids. Shervin, in addition to being a great guide and conservationist, is also involved in teaching local kids about the opportunities that bonefishing provides on the islands. It was really cool to spend time with such great kids and help open their eyes to the opportunities out their back door. I’m already looking forward to seeing them all next time!

Me (in back) with local students. After talking about all things fly fishing, guiding and bonefishing, it was time to cast. Each student got to cast a 9wt fly rod with me. Shervin grabbed their line and ran with it, giving the kids an idea of the power and strength of the bonefish. They had FUN!

After a few hours at school, I returned to the airport to pick up some other dear friends and then headed to our accommodations for the week. The weather was improving, but was still pretty chilly and windy. We got settled and hit the water, fighting the conditions and trying to spot fish. Long story short, we did pretty well. There were some nice bonefish caught, snapper caught (and eaten), and lobster harvested. Kurt and I saw some Permit. They examined and followed our flies and then did what Permit do- casually swam away. Kurt had the fish of the week, hooking a HUGE jack from a school of them swimming in the deeper water on the flats. That fish made Kurt’s 9wt rod and reel look like a trout setup. Ha! Throughout the week, Kaliks and rum drinks flowed freely. It was another great week in the islands!

Chris getting the morning off to a good start!
Me with my biggest bone of the trip. Saw this guy slowly working a sand flat and cast an Avalon fly to him. He liked it.
The man! Mr. Shervin Tate. We decided a post school beach beer was in order. Shervin is a dear friend and puts his heart and soul into his work- both guiding and local politics. Plus he’s got the voice of an angel.
Kurt doing battle from the bow. A 9wt was little match for the Jack he has on.

Upon returning home, it’s back to work; substitute teaching, working on some paintings, tying flies, etc. As nice as it was to return to Jackson, I can’t help but wish i was back doing battle with the bonefish.

Weather around here is pretty nice for the end of February. We’re seeing temperatures in the 40s here in the valley. Not a bad time to get out on the water and look for cutthroat feeding on midges. Folks are booking trips with me and my calendar is filling. If you’re wanting to get out and fish this year, give me a shout sooner than later to ensure availability.