TR: Walk softly and carry an 8wt.
 

Had to go to Panama City for work this week. I wasn't the one with the
rental car, so couldn't get around much.
Well, I'm at the Bay Point Marriott. We got your mullet jumpin in the surf,
we got your red fish tailin' next to the boardwalk, we got your snapper
snapping next to the docks. I ain't got no fly rod.
I talk to the gentleman that rents out the boats at the hotel. Ask where I
can beg, borrow or steal an 8wt. He's got a **** load of 'em that he
doesn't use, as he works 16 hours a day during tourist season. He'll have
one to the concierge within the hour.
Doesn't show up that night, but then again, I tain't got a license. I go to
my meetings the next day, stop and get a license, some flies and some 10lb
flouro leader material and then check with the concierge. Two rods, a 5 and
an 8 are waiting for me.
The flies I got are little 1/32th ounce crank baits, suitable for a fly rod.
These things are cool and the fish love 'em. I also got a couple of crabs
and a little blade bait. To top it off, I got some poppers and sliders to
hit the bass in the golf course pond.
Well they worked. Two nights of fishing, then its sitting at a bar on the
boardwalk, drinking Heiniken, listing to a one man band do Jimmy Buffet.
Life is tough.
I did get a red fish, all of about 5 inches. A couple of speckled trout, a
few mangrove snapper (okay, I admit it, after 45 minutes of casting into the
school, I put on a live shrimp that a fellow angler gave me, but just for
the snapper). I then used the slider to great success behind the hotel in
the golf course pond. 4 largemouth and a bunch of redeared sunfish.
I do own a 5 piece 8 wt. I have sinking heads for it, and a Teeny triangle
taper line. It casts real well. I left it at home. Didn't even think
about being on the beach. I think I'm also gonna find a 5 or 6 piece 5 wt.

--
Frank Reid
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