Greetings from our new home away from home!
This trip is flying by, and we’re having the time of our lives. On our first day of fishing, we had an incredible crash course in saltwater fly fishing. All of our guides put us through the wringer—teaching us new casting techniques, challenging hooksets, and an entirely new world of line management. Day one was a huge success, filled with countless exhilarating moments. Watching fish destroy our flies, leap high into the air, and tug hard all day long was an incredible start to what’s shaping up to be an epic three-day adventure. For many of us, this was our first time experiencing this kind of fast-paced, visual fishing, and it instantly sparked a deeper passion for the sport.
That night, we cooked up carne asada and chicken tacos for dinner and enjoyed a relaxed evening at the house. A few rounds of Uno and some fresh food recharged us for the early morning ahead. We laughed, traded fish stories, and eventually forced ourselves to sleep—buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
The next morning, we were up at 5:00 AM and on the road 45 minutes later. Running out to our spot at sunrise was one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced—the wind in our faces, the perfect temperature, flying past stands of mangrove trees, and the mist kicked up by boat wakes made for unforgettable moments. The quiet hum of the motor and soft glow of dawn made it feel like we were entering another world. We spent the day targeting fish hanging out on large grass mats. Sargassum mats are massive, free-floating clusters that carry shrimp, crabs, and other forage that draw in feeding fish. These mats drift across the ocean and gather in the very places we fish. The fish pile up under them and are eager to eat.
That day, we enjoyed some good old-fashioned party fishing—all four of our boats lined up near one of the largest schools of fish we’ve ever seen. The action was nonstop. We often hooked fish at the same time as our buddies, doubling up. Watching fish leap out of the water was thrilling, and landing so many tarpon in one day gave us valuable experience fast. The feeling of your line going tight just seconds after a cast never gets old. We came back that afternoon with sore forearms and huge smiles. The guides raved about our anglers' skills, and we were proud to earn their praise.
Today, we fished for more tarpon, and a few of our guys got out on the flats to chase permit on the fly. Getting close to a permit is one of the coolest things a fly angler can do, and catching one is a dream for many. Out here, we’ve had plenty of shots at them, and the boys are eager to keep chasing these tough fish. This fishery is an incredible place to grow as an angler, and permit are the ultimate challenge.
We hooked plenty of tarpon today, and many of us have caught so many fish that our fingers are sore and raw. Everyone got off the water brimming with excitement to get back out. Tonight, we ate dinner downtown and loved sampling the local cuisine. The atmosphere in town is laid-back and friendly, and it was fun to explore a bit beyond the water.
Tomorrow, we’ll be up early again to get back on the water and keep battling these amazing fish. This trip has been incredible so far—the only downside is how quickly it’s going by. This group of campers is an absolute blast. The jokes, dinner table conversations, and close bonds we’ve already formed are sure to outlast the trip. Lifelong friendships are being made, and I can’t wait to see all the places these guys will fish together in the future.
Thank you again for sending such outstanding kids. We can’t wait to fill you in on how the trip wraps up!
