Fishing Reports
As a matter of policy to ensure privacy, Turneffe Flats does not use last names of guests in our fishing reports.
November 8-15, 2008
Weather Conditions: Sunny weather all week.
Winds: 0-12 mph.
Air Temp.: Mid-80s all week.
Water Temp.: 80s with good visibility.
Tides: High tides in the a.m.
Moon Phase: Full moon on the 13th.
Honeymooning under a full moon at Turneffe was a memorable experience for two couples. Damon and Ashley B. from Vermont and Ryan and Melissa from Colorado joined us for their first-ever bonefishing trip after getting married days earlier. Both couples enjoyed the sunny days on the flats around the atoll landing numerous bonefish with each other.
Damon landed two nice permit this week, one noticeably larger than the other. Ryan and Melissa started off the week with Ryan landing a 6-pound bonefish for the first fish of the trip . . . a spectacular way to get their marriage off on the right foot and we wish them the very best.
The cold, dark winters of Alaska brought Jimmy and Melissa A. to us. Jimmy was new to the flats and along with his guide Dubs landed many bonefish, including one on his very first cast. One day, Jimmy hooked into a big bonefish that took him well into his backing. “I thought this was a Honduran bonefish because he just headed south from the moment I hooked him,” Jimmy said. On the last day fishing with us, Jimmy landed two big permit. His boat partner, Luc T. from Belgium, also landed two permit. Both anglers being new to the flats felt this was easy. If they only knew what most anglers go through to land just one permit.
Gene and Kevin R. from Colorado and New Mexico had returned to fish with us for another year. Both have found lots of bonefish with us before, but their first day out with their guide Mark surpassed their expectations.
Lonnie A. and Shellie B. from Idaho were here on their first flats trip. With many fishing days for trout, this was a whole different type of fishing. Both landed bonefish throughout the week on new Orvis Helios rods and by the end of the week they both got some nice pictures of the large permit they each landed. Well done, ladies.
The conditions were great and so was the company back at the lodge; evenings spent singing along with Kelly’s guitar and drinking a bit of Belikin beer.
Order your FREE 30-minute Turneffe Flats DVD now. The video features bonefish, permit and tarpon; Scuba diving, Atoll Adventure and more! Phone 888 512 8812, visit www.tflats.com or e-mail reservations@tflats.com and see what the whooping and hollering is all about.
Reservations for our Fall Special are available for a little while longer at a reduced rate. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler. Both Fall Specials are valid to December 20.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
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November 1-8, 2008
Weather Conditions: Sunny weather all week.
Winds: 0-10 mph.
Air Temp.: Low 80s most of the week.
Water Temp.: 80s with moderate visibility.
Tides: High tide in the afternoon.
Moon Phase: First quarter - November 5
Grant H. returned to Turneffe with his group of anglers ready to hit the flats and there were plenty of bonefish to keep all of them busy. Grant’s father, Michael, came back to the dock on the first day and with rave reviews of the flats. “This was my best day of bonefishing ever,” he said after landing several bonefish up to five pounds. Scott G. and Peter S., both from Colorado, had some great bonefishing with one particularly great day. We all fish for those special days where everything falls into place and it becomes a magical experience and this was one of those days. Nice work guys.
Clyde F., from Utah, visited for the first time and was pleasantly surprised with the number of bonefish he saw. In addition, he enjoyed fishing for a variety of other species. He and his guide “Capt.,” landed a 12-pound grouper and a couple of nice ’cudas. Jacks were also plentiful and Clyde landed several reel burners in the 4- to 8-pound range.
Order your FREE 30-minute Turneffe Flats DVD now. The video features bonefish, permit and tarpon; Scuba diving, Atoll Adventure and more! Phone 888 512 8812, visit www.tflats.com or e-mail reservations@tflats.com
On their last day of fishing, Jim S. and Pete W. landed some several baby tarpon early in the morning. By midday they had both landed a bonefish and headed out in search of the permit to complete the grand slam. After four shots at permit, the team spotted snook hanging beneath the mangroves. Although the permit were not willing to take a fly, the snook were quite happy do so and they landed a 10-pounder to end the week. Not quite a Grand Slam . . . but a terrific day anyway.
We want to thank everyone for another great week at Turneffe flats. We really look forward to seeing you all on the flats in the near future.
Reservations for our Fall Special are available for a little while longer at a reduced rate. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler.
Both Fall Specials are valid to December 20 and we also have a couple of openings Christmas week.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
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October 26 - November 1, 2008
Weather Conditions: Showers off and on most of the week with overcast skies
Winds: 5-25 mph
Air Temp.: Upper 70s-low 80s most of the week.
Water Temp.: 80s with moderate to low visibility.
Tides: High tide in the morning
Moon Phase: New moon on the 28th.
It was an intimate week with only two anglers visiting us from the States, Dick S., from Maine and Michael G. from Massachusetts. Neither had met before, but after fishing together the first day with their guide Dubs, it seemed as though they were longtime fishing partners. “The way they helped each other and had a great time in the boat, I had assumed they were fishing buddies” said Dubs. It is always nice to see how the magic of fishing brings people from all walks of life together with something in common.
The weather made the fishing a definite challenge, but with perseverance from both anglers and guide, this team would not be denied bonefish. Dick, a longtime fly tier, had tied and brought down a large assortment of small un-weighted flies that worked well at enticing the bones to bite. Although “biting” and “landing” are two entirely different matters, the twosome landed over a dozen bones out of the many they had eat their flies.
While bonefish were the main objective, there were several permit feeding on the outer Eastern flats that gave both anglers legitimate shots only to see them leave the flat the same way they arrived: without a hook in them. “I can see I will need to tie up some crab patterns for my next trip down,” said Dick, while drinking a cold Belikin on the dock after a day of fishing.
You tie those crabs, Dick, and we will let those permit know when you’re coming back. We look forward to seeing you both again real soon.
Reservations for our Fall Special are available at a reduced rate. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler. Both Fall Specials are valid to December 20.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
Order your FREE 30-minute Turneffe Flats DVD now. The video features bonefish, permit and tarpon; Scuba diving, Atoll Adventure and more! Phone 888 512 8812, visit www.tflats.com or e-mail reservations@tflats.com.
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October 18-25, 2008
Weather Conditions: Periodic Rain, overcast with gusty winds
Winds: 5-15 mph.
Air Temp.: Mid to upper 70s
Water Temp.: 80s with moderate to low visibility.
Tides: Low tide in the morning
Moon Phase: First Quarter on Oct. 7
Gary and Lynn K. visited Turneffe this week to experience their first flats hunt for bonefish. Gary, an experienced freshwater angler, caught his first bonefish within hours following the fishing orientation on Sun. Despite windy conditions, he was able to use his casting ability to place the fly within feet of his first bonefish, producing an outstanding catch and release. Gary’s highlight of the week was a toss-up between a 3-1/2 foot barracuda on Wed. or his 5-pound bonefish on Fri. Lynn also landed her first bonefish . . . grinning from ear-to-ear from hook-up to release.
Don and Kim H. returned to seek any species that might be interested in a fly. Both landed several bonefish, while Don had a nice shot at permit, but placed the fly almost directly on its nose causing a flash of water that only a spooked permit can produce. Kim’s highlight was when she broke-in her new flyrod on a backing-busting 4-pound bonefish.
Andy and Anita N. also teamed up on the flats this week to search for the elusive permit, bonefish and tarpon. The week started slowly for the angling team, but ended strong with several bonefish and shots at large permit. The highlight came when Andy had a shot at a 20-pound plus permit on the eastern bonefish flats. Sometimes one finds permit when looking for bonefish and vice versa. It’s a good reason people love the sport of saltwater fly-fishing. Anglers never know what the flats might produce on a given day, but all can agree that anything is a gift from the Carib Sea only found at Turneffe Flats.
Quote of the week: “I had no idea these bonefish were so strong.” Thanks for sharing your first flats experience with us, Gary.
Reservations for our Fall Special are still being accepted at a reduced rate. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler.
Both Fall Specials are valid to December 20.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
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October 11-17, 2008
Weather Conditions: Showers most of the week, heavy at times
Winds: 5-20 mph.
Air Temp.: Low 80s most of the week.
Water Temp.: 80s with moderate to low visibility.
Tides: Low tide in the early morning
Moon Phase: First Quarter on October 7
Norma S. from Florida came to Turneffe this week to advance her saltwater flats fishing experience. Despite less than perfect weather, Norma was able to hook and land several bonefish with “Her Capt.” She took advantage of our guide staff’s ability to teach and she advanced her casting ability to the point of catching nine bonefish one day. Norma even allowed her guide, Capt., to fish and good-naturedly decided to give him some pointers along the way. Norma and Capt. shared beautiful laughter as she decided to check Capt.’s fly and point out tailing bones to him. We wish Norma the best and we are awaiting her return to share more laughs with, staff, guests and of course “Her Capt.”
Lily and Andy R. from Florida returned to Turneffe this week to escape their hectic work lives and enjoy some time on the flats together. The couple produced several bonefish in less than perfect conditions. Their smiles and good humor are always a welcoming touch for the Turneffe team and guests alike. We look forward to their return this Spring to chase permit, tarpon and bonefish.
Gary and Peggy K. from Florida came to Turneffe with permit on their minds. Gary, an experienced saltwater angler, wanted to add a permit to his long list of species caught on the fly. On Tuesday, the wind picked up, but Gary’s persistence paid off and he caught and landed his first permit on a custom trimmed Merkin crab. Although Gary was extremely happy with his accomplishment, Peggy’s smile and proud comments made everyone at Turneffe understand how special the permit really was for the couple.
Al T. and Helen Z. from Texas returned to Turneffe in search of the big three trophies of saltwater flats fishing. Al and Helen didn’t let the occasional squall bother them for a second and they were on the flats every day in search of tarpon, permit and bonefish. Al’s drive produced a true gift on Friday when he landed a 25-pound permit (his second of the week), jumped a tarpon and landed a bonefish. His near Grand Slam is something not soon forgotten. He was tested when he hooked his tarpon on a bonefish rod and still held on for five jumps. We look forward to Al and Helen returning next year to complete the Grand Slam.
John G and Ari R also had an outstanding week on the flats together. The angling team enjoyed catching several bonefish and toothy barracuda. The true highlight came on Friday when the team landed 8 bonefish and 2 large barracuda to finish off a strong week.
Reservations for our Fall Special are still being accepted at a reduced rate. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler.
Both Fall Specials are valid to December 20.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
Order your FREE 30-minute Turneffe Flats DVD now. The video features bonefish, permit and tarpon; Scuba diving, Atoll Adventure and more! Phone 888 512 8812, visit www.tflats.com or e-mail reservations@tflats.com
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October 4-11
Weather Conditions: Showers, heavy at times
Winds: 5-15mph
Air Temp.: High 80s most of the week.
Water Temp.: 80s with low visibility.
Tides: High tide in the early morning, with a low tide in the early evening
Moon Phase: First quarter on October 7
This week we concentrated on some overdue maintenance and landscaping painting and varnishing the inside of the lodge as well as renotating the guest cabins and vilas - inside and out.
During our indoor painting project, bonefish could be seen on the flat located just steps from the sprawling deck outside the main lodge. Bonefish were tailing in an almost taunting manner as we all worked to keep Turneffe Flats a beautiful place for our treasured guests. It is as if the fish knew we were all hard at work and unable to cast a fly. All we could do is gently wave paintbrushes at taunting silver tails.
We invite all of you to come enjoy the newly detailed accommodations. What better way to escape the cold of the north, or coming heat if you are on the Southern Hemisphere, then to enjoy flats teaming with fish and views of the Caribbean Sea that only Turneffe Flats can offer. We hope to see you all soon.
Reservations for our Fall Special are still being accepted at a reduced rate. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler. Both Fall Specials are valid to December 20.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
Have you ordered your FREE 30-minute Turneffe Flats DVD? The video features bonefish, permit and tarpon; Scuba diving, Atoll Adventure and more! Phone 888 512 8812, visit www.tflats.com or e-mail reservations@tflats.com
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September 28 to October 4
Weather Conditions: Cloudy with occasional heavy rain showers
Winds: 5-10 mph
Air Temp.: Low 80s most of the week.
Water Temp.: 80s with poor visibility.
Tides: High tide around noon
Moon Phase: New Moon on September 29th
Steve G. and Lee S. from Saint Paul, Minn., came to Turneffe Flats this week to visit their long time fishing buddy while cruising shallow flats in search of bonefish, permit and tarpon. Both anglers have been apart of the fly-fishing world for more than 16 years and everyone around the angling team welcomed their experience and patience. On Sun., Steve produced casts with such a steady hand that most surgeons would be jealous. His deep love for the flats paid off and Steve hooked and landed several bonefish in the 4-5 pound range. He explained that the fish around Turneffe were larger than expected. Lee, on the other hand, was happy to be away from the hustle of his strenuous work life. He found peace on the water around Turneffe and produced several bonefish despite bad weather conditions. We look forward to Steve’s return in May and Lee’s quick turnaround trip in Nov. Cheers, gentleman.
Rainy weather conditions produced a tough fishing week for Brady H and his group from Texas. The fishing group consisted of Jim R., Bob C., Darren W., Dave B. and Mario H., who enjoyed down-time to create laughs, stories and experiences to be told around Texas for years to come. The group loaded the skiffs with an arsenal of trolling rods, spin rods and fly gear to chase whichever species of fish might be feeding. Bonefish seemed to be the most cooperative and the group caught several large fish on both spin and fly tackle. Bait fishing during sudden weather changes also proved to be productive when Mario caught a nice snapper outside the Turneffe Atoll reef.
Honeymooners, Mary and Brian C. came to Turneffe Flats to enjoy the Atoll Adventure program and some much needed time together as a new couple. Brian, an experienced fly caster, upgraded to a day of flats fishing to show his new bride a part of his life that they could possibly share together in the future. The couple helped one another spot and catch tailing bonefish. We can’t think of a better way for a new couple to start lifelong teamwork then to help one another enjoy one of the hardest sports in the world. Everyone at Turneffe Flats is happy they could spend their fist days of marriage catching bonefish, looking for crocodiles and playing games in the tropical rain. We wish Brian and Mary a long happy life together.
Quote of the week, “You got me away from the dock, so I’m happy. Everything else that happens today is just a bonus. Let’s go have some fun.” Thanks, Lee.
We are offering a Fall Special you might want to consider for yourself and, well, someone special. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler.
Both Fall Specials are valid to December 20.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
Send for our brand new free 30-minute Turneffe Flats DVD. The video features bonefish, permit and tarpon; Scuba diving, Atoll Adventure and more! Phone 888 512 8812, visit www.tflats.com or e-mail reservations@tflats.com
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September 20-27,2008
Weather Conditions: Scattered clouds with afternoon showers
Winds: 5-10 mph
Air Temp.: High 80s most of the week.
Water Temp.: 80s with good visibility.
Tides: Low tide around 11 a.m.
Moon Phase: New Moon on September 29
Bob and Don returned to Turneffe Flats this week to continue their life-long pursuit of permit. The team fished with passion and respect for the elusive species that sometimes plagues anglers in a mysterious way. Their passion carried Bob and Don to great success when the team caught three permit, several large bones and two tarpon at the end of the week. The true highlight for the angling team was Don’s 27-pound permit. The team had their eyes on a grand slam on several occasions, but as angling sometimes goes, certain species have other plans that do not involve taking a fly.
Bill K. from North Carolina returned to Turneffe after being away for 17 years to enjoy some relaxed flats fishing. Bill explained upon arrival that he was interested in catching whatever may be taking a fly. Bill’s days were filled with lovely, healthy bonefish despite an occasional barracuda disrupting schools before the fly landed on the water. On Tuesday, Bill decided to cast to a large barracuda that was interested in his school of bones. The barracuda took the fly, ran, jumped and broke Bill’s 11-weight rod with a very large, toothy smile. The rest of the week produced several more large bonefish for Bill while his wife Diane was enjoying the Turneffe Flats Atoll Adventure program.
Leo H. from Chicago returned to Turneffe Flats this year with his wife Carol. The couple was excited to search for the permit that Leo left behind last year. Leo’s excitement grew stronger and stronger when his guide placed the boat in position for multiple shots at a school of permit. Although no permit took his fly, Leo was happy to see the large school of troublesome, picky fish. On Wednesday, Leo’s persistence and smiling attitude paid off when he caught a 15-pounder. To cap things off, Leo landed a second permit in the 20-pound range on Friday to make it a 2-permit week. We look forward to the wonderful couple’s return next year.
We are offering a Fall Special you might want to consider for yourself and, well, someone special. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler. Both Fall Specials are valid to December 20.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
Send for your free 30-minute Turneffe Flats DVD today. The video features bonefish, permit and tarpon; Scuba diving, Atoll Adventure and more! , visit www.tflats.com or e-mail reservations@tflats.com. For a DVD preview, go to http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1FO3MA3Gbe
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September 13-19, 2008
Weather Conditions: Scattered showers, heavy at times
Winds: 5-15 mph
Air Temp.: High 80s most of the week.
Water Temp.: 80s with low visibility.
Tides: High tide around 10 a.m.
Moon Phase: Full moon September 15.
Dexter S. from Florida led the charge this week and had permit on his brain. His persistence and ability to wait for the perfect shot paid off and Dexter landed two fabulous permit on Thurs. (9/18). His first permit fight proved to be a true test of angling ability when a knot that seemed to be the size of a basketball entangled Dexter’s backing. Dexter quickly dropped his rod in the boat, grabbed the line and began fighting the fish by hand. The permit took several runs and was eventually landed with a huge smile and laughter by both Dexter and guide, Dion. The second permit of the day was almost as challenging as the first when it ran to the edge of the mangroves and almost entangled Dexter’s line in a maze of shoots. The ability of the guide and angler proved to be mightier than the permit and Dexter landed his second fish of the day. Dexter went on to catch a bonefish and had shots at tarpon. The infamous silver king retained its title and did not take the fly. We look forward to having Dexter back to finish his grand slam
Denise M. and Gary N. from North Carolina came to Turneffe to catch up on some much needed rest while trying their luck at flats fishing. Despite having trouble with visibility and weather, the two caught numerous tailing bonefish and had shots at tarpon in the mornings. The afternoons, however, produced rain showers which prompted the team to enjoy fresh coconut juice and read a good book while watching waves gently crash against the outer reef. The team enjoyed letting the world go by with relaxation, fishing and even some snorkeling from the Turneffe Flats dock.
Quote of the week, “I fished barracuda on spin gear with this guy who had been a hand line fisherman all his life. We were trolling and every time he got a fish on he would drop the rod and hand line the thing to the boat. I tried to explain how the rod worked but he refused . . .”
We are offering a Fall Special you might want to consider for yourself and, well, someone special. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler.
Both Fall Specials are valid until December 20.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
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August 23-30, 2008
Weather Conditions: Sunny with scattered clouds; occasional rain showers at night
Winds: 5-10 mph.
Air Temp.: High 80s most of the week.
Water Temp.: 80s with moderate to low visibility.
Tides: Low tide around noon.
Moon Phase: New moon on August, 30
Anna and Hunter S. escaped the Florida heat to seek the elusive permit this week. The couple enjoyed being in near seclusion while listening to the waves gently break against the barrier reef at night. During the day, the couple stalked bonefish, permit and the occasional 200-pound tarpon. Anna, an extremely accomplished left-handed caster, used her 7-weight rod like a fencer uses a foil and caught her first permit on the fly. She also caught many large bonefish in the six-pound range while Hunter watched with pride. Hunter, on the other hand, used his perseverance to his advantage and had a two-permit week. Both Anna and Hunter had shots at a grand slam, saw some huge tarpon but didn’t connect. We are very excited to see the couple return next year in search of the king of all kings, the Turneffe Atoll tarpon.
Doug, Simone and Jesse from California vacationed with us to enjoy fishing and our Atoll Adventure program. Doug enjoyed fishing with Jesse who caught his first bonefish on light tackle. When Jesse was with Simone snorkeling and looking for crocodiles, Doug caught permit and also enjoyed catching bonefish on light fly tackle. Doug also had a shot at a grand slam this week, but sometimes sitting and watching the smile on your son’s face is more important than chasing tarpon.
Quote of the week by Hunter: “Sometimes one last cast means two or three. It all depends on your feeling.”
We are offering a Fall Special you might want to consider for yourself and, well, someone special. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler. Also, if you purchase a Fishing Package at the regular rate you can bring an guest on the Atoll Adventure Package free of charge.
Both Fall Specials are valid August 30 to December 20.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
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August 16-23, 2008
Weather Conditions: Sunny with Scattered Clouds
Winds: 5- 25 mph.
Air Temp.: High 80’s most of the week.
Water Temp.: 80’s with moderate to low visibility. Coral Spawn on Wednesday.
Tides: August 16 low tide around noon.
Moon Phase: Full Moon on Saturday, August 16th.
Bernie S, from Chicago, finished his two week adventure with Turneffe Flats this week . He fished with his long time guide and friend Dubs who shared stories of the past, present and future plans yet to come. Both Bernie and Dubs were happy to catch some bonefish, enjoy conch civiche and a few laughs while watching the tide rise and fall. For Mr. Bernie his experience was something that words can’t describe. The words whispered and experiences with friends are as deep as the blue Caribbean that surrounds Turneffe Atoll. We are all looking forward to sharing time with Bernie in 52 short weeks.
Brandon H., from Hill’s Discount Flies, and Will H., from Great Outdoor Provisions, joined us this week to test the waters of Turneffe Atoll. The two fished together and quickly became friends while chasing tarpon, bones and permit. Brandon landed a nice permit, a few bones and jumped his first tarpon. Will on the other hand decided to start his week by catching a bonefish from the Turneffe Flats’ beach. He explained that he, “enjoys this place because there is no need to get wet in order to catch bonefish.” Will literally stood on top of our beachl, cast, stripped a few times and landed a fish before we could introduce him to our guides. Will also jumped several tarpon and landed an 80 pound silver king only minutes from the lodge. We look forward to having the two new fishing buddies back at the lodge soon.
Long time friends Stuart V. and Drew D., from Oklahoma, vistied Turneffe for a fishing vacation before school starts. They needed experiences to remember for their inevitable long nights of studying ahead of them. The first day on the water produced bonefish and the two planned on taking a spin rod along the next day to try top-water plugs for Tarpon. Drew jumped three 100lb plus tarpon on top-water plugs but the silver kings prevailed after acrobatic maneuvers that would make air show pilots jealous. Drew spent a half week with us which gave Stuart some solo bow time for the rest of the week. Stuart chased tarpon and landed several bonefish both on and off the flats. We wish both Drew and Stuart the best of luck with their future adventures and hope to see them soon for more silver kings, bonefish dreams and lasting memories.
Tom, Sean (Nibbles) and Brad G, visited Turneffe from Seattle to dive, fish and enjoy some admirable father son time together. The fishing week for the father son team proved to be very productive. The whole family caught bonefish and Sean jumped his first tarpon even though one “Nibbled” and took his fly. Upon experiencing a true tarpon hit, Sean agreed that Tarpon don’t really “Nibble” and it was most likely something else that stole his fly. Sean was nicknamed “Nibbles” by some of the other guests but he had the last laugh when he brought home a 4 foot barracuda to finish his trip. The father and son team brought a lot of smiles with them and we look forward to their next vacation.
Quote of the Week- “If time is gracious enough we will do it all again next year.” Thanks again, Bernie.
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August 9- 16, 2008
Weather Conditions: Sunny with scattered clouds
Wind: Mostly 5- 10 with two windier days.
Air Temp.: High 80’s most of the week.
Water Temp.: 80’s with good clarity/visibility all week.
Tides: August 9-12- Falling water in the morning with rising water in the afternoon
August 12-16th- Short period of rising water in the early morning with falling water all afternoon.
Moon Phase: Full moon on August 16th.
We had a very nice Grand Slam this week when Pete B., from Seadrift, Texas landed a 120 pound tarpon, 30 pound permit and a nice bonefish around 5pm to cap off the day. When Pete arrived on Saturday he told us that his main goal was a Grand Slam with three large fish. He had accomplished previous Slams with “smaller” fish and felt confident that his trip to Turneffe would produce the large fish he was seeking. We congratulate Pete on accomplishing his goal and look forward to seeing him in the future.
Paul S., from Newfoundland, Canada is an avid salmon fisherman who joined us for his first flats fishing trip. He had a week full of bonefish tails, tarpon dreams and permit shots. Paul caught so many bonefish that he decided to spend Wednesday to Friday chasing tarpon. He jumped several large fish in the 80-100 pound range and explained that he can now add tarpon to his salmon addiction. Paul will be doing a photo essay on his trip in Fly Fusion which is published in Calgary, Alberta.
Brothers Kevin and John J., from Tulsa, Oklahoma, joined us for the first half of the week. Their trip produced some good bonefishing, including a backing-busting 6 pound fish, and several shots at permit along the way. Both agreed that a half-week trip was too short and their next trip will be for the full week.
Bernie S., from Chicago, who has fished with us for many years, once again graced us with his wit and charm. His calm fishing style produced multiple bonefish, which allowed more time for him to catch up with his friend and guide, Mark. Bernie’s deep love for the ocean, the creatures that call it home and the people who surround it are things all anglers can admire. Everyone is looking forward to having Bernie here for a second week.
John and Lori L., from Newport, California, along with their sons Jeff and Matt, joined us for the last half of the week. As their skiff left the dock Lori explained that she and her youngest son, Matt, would catch more fish with their spinning gear than her husband John and oldest son Jeff would with fly rods. Each boat was victorious in their bonefish quest even though a barracuda took one of John’s fish to create a family tie.
Quote of the week from Pete: “I was so worn out from the tarpon that I thought my guide was going to have to jump in the water and revive me too.”
Summer Specials: From August 23th to December 20th, we are offering a 2-for-1 "Fishing Special". Two anglers can book for the price of one Single Supplement Package, or $2,444.21 per angler - a savings of about $1,000 per person. Also, if you purchase a regular Fishing Package at $3,446.89, your significant other can accompany you on our Atoll Adventure Package for no additional charge.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 1-888-512-8812
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July 26-August 2, 2008
Weather Conditions: Fantastic weather all week.
Winds: Sun and Monday hardly no wind. Light chop on Wed, and averaged 5-10 for the rest of the week.
Air Temp.: 80s most of the week.
Water Temp.: 80s with moderate visibility all week.
Tides: Start out the week with high tides in the mornings with falling tides most of the day. (Tue High Tide: 6:30 AM, Low Tide: 2:16 PM High Tide 9:09 PM). Towards the end of the week we had raising tides in the morning and falling after lunch. (Friday Low Tide: 2:58 a.m., High Tide: 9:35 a.m., Low Tide: 4:34 p.m. High Tide: 10:53 p.m.
CST / 0.56 ft)
Moon Phase: New Moon Aug. 1
We met father and son anglers Bob and Rob at the Marlboro, Mass. Fly Fishing Show last winter and they came out to Turneffe Flats this week. Other then striper fishing, this was their first saltwater fly fishing trip. Since there were only a few anglers, we decided to not have fishing orientation in the lodge as we normally do, and move it to the flats in front of the resort. By the time that Kevin got down to the flats to give the "on the water" orientation, both Bob and Rob had hooked and landed two bonefish. Their smiles where from one ear to the other.
Having never seen a permit tailing before, Bob (the father) said as calm as the mirror-like flat in front of them, that he “noticed what he thought was a permit tailing about 40 feet away when they first stepped into the water.” Not a second later did that black dorsal fin poke right up on the flat about 50 feet from them. Kevin quickly bit off the tiny bonefish flies, tied on a couple hefty crab patterns and switched to second gear as they chased the permit down the flat away from the lodge. With the permit just one step ahead of them every time they tried to get a cast off, Kevin and Rob (the son) decided to break off and loop around on the reef and cut them off as Bob kept pushing him towards them. Rob and Kevin walked out onto a small, shallow point that the permit had to go around, and ended up getting a 10-foot cast at a slowly cursing permit.
Wow! It looked at the fly and kept going as Bob watched from afar, he noticed more permit tailing further down the flat. Making a long story short, they ended up seeing about 10 different tailing permit on the flat that first morning. They did not land any, but as permit anglers know, it was special to see that many and get a couple shots at them.
Who needs coffee when you have tailing permit for a wake up?
The rest of the week Bob and Rob learned the ins and outs of bonefishing on the flats, woke up early to cast at rolling tarpon, and worked the inner lagoon for permit. They caught 4-15 bonefish a day; Bob hooked two tarpon, and both Rob and Bob caught their first permit on the inner lagoon (Rob's permit came unbuttoned right at the boat). It was a true pleasure having these guys at Turneffe Flats and we look forward to seeing them this winter at the Marlboro, Mass. show when, we hope, they will help us work the booth one day!
Our Fall Special is here. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to book a trip our way, your timing is perfect for our Fall Special season, which runs August 3 to December 20. You’ve got just enough time to tie some flies and book some reservations. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler, a savings of about $1,000 per person.
Ask about our Atoll Adventure Special and Dive Special, too.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
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May 24-31, 2008
Weather Conditions: Sunny with scattered clouds: Some spread out big lumpy clouds that gave us 2-3 short rain showers early in the week, but great sun in between. Rain all day Friday.
Winds: 5-15 mph
Air Temp.: Mid-80s all week.
Water Temp.: 80s and good visibility all week until rain on Friday.
Tides: Quality fishing tides this week with high tides being mid-day pushing later every day throughout the week.
Moon Phase: Tues. 27th Last Quarter
We had an “almost Grand Slam” by Dan B. from Nevada with a permit and bonefish caught one day and a tarpon by 1:00 the next afternoon; and a “for real” Grand Slam. Chuck S. from Kansas, landing a permit, tarpon, and bonefish with his guide Dion. The bite seemed to be turned on right before the rain came through on Friday and John B from Nevada took advantage of this by hooking and landing his first permit on a fly.
Bob O. from Calif. asked his son where he wanted a fishing trip this year and Eddie said “flats fishing.” Both Bob and Eddie, new to saltwater fly-fishing, but accomplished at fishing the technical tailwaters of the American west, had a smooth transition into angling for tailing bonefish. They both had their share of spooked and broken-off bonefish; but they landed enough to get them hooked on the sport of flats fishing.
Another father son combo, Todd and Don from Florida were with us, but this time it was the son asking the father where he wanted to go. Todd and Don fished for permit most of the week with Don hooking three and Todd one, but neither getting a fish to the boat. They both caught bones every day and even landed seven on Friday in the rain … on the flat in front of the lodge. Every night Todd could be found casting off the dock with TF’s general manager Kevin Bonasera and guest Chris L. judging who could cast further and tell bigger fish lies then the other. Chris, from Virginia also targeted permit all week with Dubs and had numerous good “shots,” but never didn’t get one to the boat. Ah, the agony and ecstasy of permit fishing!
“I didn’t strip-set hard enough,” “the fly just came unbuttoned on his third jump,” “he was too big to land” are typical reasons for not getting a tarpon all the way to the boat. Joe U. and David V. from New York targeted all species and ended up jumping several tarpon; with David landing two. They both caught bonefish and hooked a couple permit, two big snapper, and a big jack crevalle on their last day. Mark, their guide, told us that they jumped a tarpon as big as he had ever seen, “close to 200 pounds” on their last day.
There are not many other angler challenges that can compare to hooking and fighting a tarpon. We are starting to see more of them around the atoll. Most anglers that did not land a tarpon still hooked at least one. Hank B from Nevada just walked into the office and said he hooked a tarpon again this morning; and walked out to fish the flat in front of the main lodge to look for bonefish or maybe a cruising permit.
John M had “excellent bonefishing” and some “exiting shots at permit, but no cigar until now” as he puffed on his Cuban rolled stogie. John also jumped a couple tarpon.
All in all, it was a good week of fishing and great camaraderie.
We are offering a Fall Special you might want to consider for yourself and, well, someone special. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler.
Both Fall Specials are valid August 30 to December 20.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
May 10-17, 2008
Weather Conditions: Nice sunny conditions all week.
Winds: Sat-Thurs: light winds out of the east southeast at 2-8 mph. Friday, the breeze picked up to 15-18 mph, but remained from the southeast
Air Temp.: Mid to high 80s all week.
Water Temp.: Low 80s and good visibility.
Tides: Morning low tides and high tides after lunch. Low tides not very low.
Moon Phase: 70% to 90% full moon (called the “Waxing Gibbous” Moon)
The Deschutes Angler fly shop, owned and operated by John and Amy Hazel, hosted a group of anglers mostly from Oregon this week. John had the tough job of hosting the trip while Amy held down the fort at home. John had a 100-pound tarpon almost to the boat after a long fight; and Gordon N., one of Deschutes River Anglers’ veteran guides, had a fantastic week landing many bonefish, hooking a couple of tarpon, and landing a great permit, estimated at 30 pounds! Andrew, the fly shop manager, enjoyed his first saltwater experience guided by Willie and learned much about fishing the fishing the flats.
Others in the group had shots at big tarpon and caught many bonefish. For Ian, the week’s highlight was landing a permit on the flats with a small olive Velcro crab with fishing partner Lynn and guide Capt. Ian told the story of casting to the tailing permit in the low light of the evening in the surf and seeing it dart across waves and into the deep when he hooked it. Bill L. is quoted at saying, “These bones run better then anything I've ever seen,” describing his 7-pounder. Wes, his fishing partner the first day, told a story about one large school of 30-40 bonefish that kept circling around the flat and allowing him to catch a couple out of the same school. Thanks to all the Deschutes Anglers for a great week!
Alex, from England, fished by himself with Pops all week. He spent the fist part of each day permit fishing and the last part of each day bonefishing. Alex had shots at permit each day but unfortunately didn’t land one. He landed a few bonefish each day,.
John and Ted fished with Michael all week and had good luck catching bonefish. Both John and Ted also spent some time permit fishing with both getting the shots that they deserved throughout the week. Congratulations to John for joining the many others who caught their first permit-on-the-fly at Turneffe Flats.
We are offering a Fall Special you might want to consider for yourself and, well, someone special. Our Fishing Package is a 2-for-1 at the Single Supplement Package price of $2,444.21 per angler.
There is also a 2-for-1 Dive Instruction Special during which two new divers can do their Open Water Referral for the price of one.
Both Fall Specials are valid August 30 to December 20.
Phone Turneffe Flats direct toll-free at 888 512 8812
May 3-10, 2008
