FishingFlamingo.com Weekly - 11.30.08

[Captbennyblanco]

After a week filled with thankful reflection and family reunion, I find myself stuck without words to describe my appreciation for many blessings. Aside from the obvious, there is one several of us here have in common. This year, with talk surrounding possible closure, I am particularly thankful for the current access to Everglades National Park waters and those that protect/maintain it regularly. Like many of you, the Park is my home away from home... the cause of many dreams and the place in which millions of fond memories were forged. I do not want to imagine how my life, the sport and this community would change without it.

This holiday week only afforded a couple of days on the water, but we made the most of them. The slight weather breaks between fronts were feeding frenzy like windows for the fish. In true ENP fashion, grand slams and double digit Snook/Redfish days were commonplace.

The highlight of my week came in the form of a trip with a new Pathfinder owner and his teenage son. I could see the excitement in Ray and Carlos' face when they pulled up with a new 22' Pathfinder XL TE in tow. Nervous with his decision, Ray decided to contact me for help with general operation and rigging tips. I couldn't resist inviting them to the Park to break her in the right way.

The day started with a later than usual start... A Pathfinder launched into Buttonwood Canal equals limitless possibilities...
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We spent much of the morning going through their new boat and discussing operation of new toys. We explored back country waters far away from marked channels. They were treated by the sight of their first tailing Redfish... several very large tailing Redfish :winksmile: and they were welcomed with a watchful eye by some of the natives.

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When we finally made it to the Coast, we were greeted by diving birds, large pilchards and tons of Bluefish. After they caught their fill of Blues and I filled the well with pilchards, we headed far North, away from the other boats. The chaos began within minutes of arrival to the next and last spot of the day...

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They caught Snook, Redfish and Trout. Often times doubling and tripling up during what was a two and a half hour fish catching melee...

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Ray's ritual of a sip of whiskey after every good fish turned into a happy hour celebration!
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This trip was a reminder of what the sport is all about and how privileged we are to fish in this heavenly place.

Until next week...

[Fishboner]

Benny:

Thank you for investing your time and efforts reinforcing my decision to move into a PF 22 TE and taking me through the check list. I was amazed at this crafts capabilities, ride and range.

Ahh, Flamingo...... the ultimate proving grounds :thumb: .

Moving right along...
the decision to hire a guide to fish is sometimes viewed by others as an unfounded and frivelous expense. However, the opportunity to share some quality time with one of my boys is priceless to me. I cannot begin to express our appreciation and gratitude for the incredible outting :gr_cheers: The future of this park is in terrific hands with a guide like you. The LOVE :p for the park and its inhabitants oozzess from your pores dude. You convey through your words and actions the simple but, complex wonders of Flamingo. Your pictures are unbeleavable too! It's not just a fishing expedition but, one of discovery and adventure. Hey, National Geographic might as well just hire you :thumb: to film, fish and tour the park. Benny, you left a lasting positive impression on Carlos, with your skill, dedication and knowledge. You are a terrific family man and role model.

As for me, selfishly, fishing with you is a great ego massage man :D . I have never hooked up on so many fish in such a short period of time. Holy cow, my arm hurt! Thank God for Johnny Walker Gold Label :gr_cheers: "Children, drink responsibly" (My disclamer :) )

Hope we can hook-up again soon :thumb:

Yours truly,

Ray Moreno BS Pharm
CEO/Chief Compounding Pharmacist
Universal Arts Compounding Pharmacy
www.uaprx.com

[Captbennyblanco]

Thanks for the kind words Ray!... It was a pleasure to spend the day with you and Carlos. Congrats on the new ride and I hope to see you down in the Park on a regular basis :thumb:

[Ole Yeller]

Excellent trip Benny.