It was just another one of those gorgeous mornings in Vieques, there was a slight wind, the sky was blue and I was on my way to a very public yet unknown shallow water fishery which has treated me well from the day I lay eyes on her. As I rounded the corner there was a car parked in that spot, you know the favorite fishing hole parking spot. I get out walk down the beach to investigate and it's two guys walking all over the little coral heads and chucking gulp minnows as if they were at the lake or something. Now do not get me wrong this resource is here for everyone to use , but not abuse. These guys probably did not know the damage they were doing with every step, but they were still hurting the flat and that was a problem. We got to talking after they had come in, they were not even sure of the name of the beach but SOMEONE told them to go down there and fish and so they did did the best they could with what they knew about their new environment. But unfortunately every time a Bonefish, Permit, Ray, Shark or any other aquatic inhabitant of the flat has a traumatic exchange with the human world we make it harder to get close to these creatures. The fish on other flats on the island get far more pressure and there learning curve are much higher. The recent influx of fisherman on this incredible little flat is evidence they are becoming human savvy and it's because of our bad angling habits. This flat is tucked away on the north side of the island is a little piece of heaven and well, world-class would be the only way to describe it. Now like any good thing , it won't last and because of that we must all do our part when it comes to keeping the habitat intact and fish with a conscience.
Take a morning lesson and you will be able to walk onto a flat with much more confidence. learn the methods of fly-fishing for Bone fish and Permit. Learn fly selection, approach, presentation the hookup and finally the release after a great picture. With just about 2yrs of experience fishing the waters of Vieques, I am the first to say I have lots to learn and that's the best part of this lifetime sport. I have been allowed to fly back in time to a place that has not yet seen the pressures of many more popular and historical fishing locations around the world. Which in turn allows me shots at fish that have otherwise disappeared from the landscape of other once famous flats. There is no substitute for time invested in learning a piece of water, spending as much time on the water as humanly possible teaching and orienting new anglers to what works and when. I have fished almost every flat with in a 6mile round trip in my Tarpon120 Wilderness Systems Kayaks. You pull up to a flat mostly invisible, stake off the boats and you look for your first target, it is a real simplistic way of getting to your preferred fishing location as well as giving a more intimate experience as you paddle to your next destination.
So at the end of all these metaphorical comparatives and strong opinions. I just want to say this island is for everyone to experience and cherish. I do not know another place in the world I can do the things I love everyday with some of the most interesting people you could meet anywhere. Outdoor Adventurers and fly-fishing fanatics are finding this place weaving a network with common threads that will keep these flats fishing for many generations to come.
That little piece of heaven on the North side is where I caught my first Bone and it still keeps me coming back looking to finally land that monster I have seen many days before. Tomorrow feels like a good day to make a little history. If you are looking to make a little history of your own take a look at http://www.viequesadventures.com/. and tell us how we can help. Happy adventures and tread lightly to preserve this one of a kind Island we call home.

Labels: Bonefish, Flats Fishing, Fly-Fishing, Permit, Vieques kayaks, WalkWade