Greetings all, this is our final correspondence from Puerto Rico. What an unforgettable trip it has been — it is a sad day for everyone to be leaving this incredible fishery, but I know everyone is looking forward to seeing their families and spending some time at home.
After a smooth morning dropping everyone off at the airport, I have had some time to reflect on this incredible adventure we have just completed. I couldn't have asked for a more fun group of boys who were incredibly committed to fishing and ensuring that this was an awesome trip. The memories I have made both on and off the water are some that I will never forget. I hope that the friendships the boys have made over the course of this trip will last a lifetime.
The last couple of days followed the same formula as the first — incredible fishing on the flats and deep in the mangroves all day, then getting back to the lodge and sharing stories over delicious food and heated board games. You couldn't ask for more. By the last two days everyone had found the fishing that they most enjoyed. For some that meant going out and catching plenty of tarpon all day, and for others it meant spending the days grinding for a few heart-pounding permit shots. No matter what the boys chose, the last couple of days were some of the best of the trip. We were able to catch plenty of tarpon and have some great shots at permit. Saltwater fly fishing is some of the most challenging fishing you can do, but it pays off by being an exceedingly rewarding activity — not just for the fish, but for the lessons you learn along the way. Not only do you learn the technical skills, like don't trout set and make sure your fly doesn't get eaten by a snapper right as a permit is tailing towards you, but it also teaches you lessons in persistence, attention to detail, and finding enjoyment in the process, not the result. On the final day we went out to a burger place to eat and reflected on this amazing trip.
Everybody grew on this expedition, not just in their technical fishing skills but also as young men who can find enjoyment in challenging things and dominate games of Monopoly. I am incredibly proud of what everyone has accomplished on this trip and hope to see everyone next summer.
Thank you for trusting us with your sons and allowing them to experience some of the best saltwater fly fishing in the entire world. This has been an amazing trip and not one I will soon forget.
Until next time...
Evan and the guys
