The other night I recieved a phone call from
a ol'fishing buddy of mine, Will Tilley. Wills,
a Chief in the U.S. Navy and a serious angler who
dose alot of wade fishing on the flats around
McDill A.F.B.. So, when Will extended an
invitation to join him in a few hours of wade
fishing, I told him to count me in.
When it comes to wade fishing the McDill flats
are hard to beat. Only military and authorized
personnel are permitted to fish there. Also,
a motor exclusion ordinance is strictly enforced.
Which means there is virtually no fishing
pressure. The result being a prestine fishing
ground that offers endless angling opprotunities
to both active and retired military.
Our conquest to conquer fish began at 8am
and wrapped up around 10am. During which time
we worked the flats just west of Coon's Creek.
By casting atificals(red and gold paddle tails
on 1/8 oz. jigheads)we managed plenty of slot
size reds and speckled trout on the incomming
tide. A perfect way to start the day!
In addition to redfish and trout the Chief
and I spotted big numbers of large tarpon in
the 100+lbs range. These poons were rolling
and crashing small fry bait just south of
Ballist Pt., along McDills shipping channel
and as close as 20ft. off the beach.
All in all McDill can be an awesome place to
fish and I urge all our angling servicemen and
women to take advantage of her shores.
Also, I would like to thank all military men
and women for the hard job you do day in and day
out. If it was not for your unwavering dedication
and commitment to the protection of our freedom
as Americans, it would be utterly impossible to
enjoy such simple liberties as fishing with an
ol' friend.
And to all our men and women over seas I say:
HOLD FAST BOYS AND COME HOME SOON!