This past week was all about an old friend and a fly rod. I first met John from a referral from another guide for someone to take him on a fly-fishing charter. This was over 18 years ago and ever since that first outing we have spent time on the boat together with our fly gear. He is now 81 years old. He lives to throw the long rod. A true snowbird from Pennsylvania, retired veterinarian and an all-around great person to be around.

Our first day out we fished around the Grant/Micco area and managed several trout and one snook. He called me that early evening and told me he had a surprise for me. John booked a fishing charter on the Mosquito Lagoon for us. We made the drive the next morning and met our Captain, Austin Ross. A True Professional at such a young age. So, we headed out with one youth and two old Geezers to find some Redfish. The anticipation, to say the least, made me feel young again and I’m sure John felt it also but knew what we were about to experience being with Austin days before.

Our Captain poled us silently and meticulously into an area that has been holding a school of fish. John gave me the platform first, this is how gracious of a guy he is. I was hesitant of being first up but also if I was really capable since it was my first time fishing this way and to see if my skills were good enough to do so. When he pushed into an area, he said to get ready all of a sudden there were tails of at least 50 fish waving at us with probably 100 or more fish with the trailers. We spent the next 6 hours of John and I taking turns on the front deck hooking up on these very healthy fish.

Two Happy Geezers hooking up with High Fives after the catch. The waters were so clean, and the grass was everywhere, sadly just like we used to have in the lower Lagoon years ago. At the end of the day, we drove back home with smiles on our face and feeling somewhat younger.