Hello everyone,
What an incredible couple of days it has been here in Puerto Rico! The conditions have been beautiful, and I continue to be amazed by the stunning scenery and incredible fishery that surrounds us.
Our days have settled into a great routine. We wake up bright and early at 5:30 a.m. for breakfast and coffee before meeting our guides at 6:00. From there, we head to different boat launches around the area and spend the day on the water.
The tarpon fishing has been outstanding, especially in the mornings. Today, four of us found ourselves completely surrounded by rolling tarpon. The water seemed to boil with fish, and they were more than willing to eat a well-presented fly. For the first couple of hours, the boys were hooking fish every few minutes, with the quiet morning interrupted by the spectacular sight of tarpon launching into the air after being hooked. It was one of those mornings none of us will soon forget.
As the day warms up, the tarpon often move deeper into the mangroves and surrounding channels, and many of the guys continue pursuing them. Others have chosen to spend the afternoons targeting permit — widely considered one of the most challenging fish in the world to catch on a fly rod. Whether chasing tarpon or permit, everyone has embraced the challenge and continued to improve each day.
Our first day was all about working out the kinks and learning the unique skills that saltwater fly fishing requires. After a few "trout sets," some adjustments to casting in the wind, and plenty of practice, everyone started finding success. It has been so rewarding to watch the group's confidence grow with every fish and every opportunity.
One of my favorite parts of the trip has been watching the friendships develop. The group has really come together, sharing fish stories, celebrating each other's successes, and enjoying card games and plenty of laughs back at the lodge each evening. After a hearty dinner, everyone is more than ready for an early bedtime before another early morning on the water.
Looking ahead, we're excited for the next two days. The tides are shaping up to be some of the best of the trip, and we're hopeful for even more incredible fishing opportunities. Regardless of what we catch, I know there will be no shortage of great stories, good food, and memories being made together.
Until next time,
Evan and the guys
