We started our morning at 4:00 a.m. watching the rain fall on the street wondering if today’s trip was going to be over before it even had a chance to start. Today was scheduled to be 2nd Lt Josh Kerzie’s first attempt at saltwater fly fishing. When facing a tough day like this we both agreed the best thing to do was head to the Waffle House and watch the weather for a little while. After a short breakfast, the rain had stopped and we were on our way to the water. We started the morning off with artificial baits on spinning tackle. The pre-dawn bite was slow and as the sun began to rise i decided to move to our next spot. Upon arriving, Lt. Kerzie and i both caught some Spanish Mackerel and a few Bluefish. It was time, we decided to break out the Fly rod and see if any of these fish would like the fly’s Lt. Kerzie had tied for just such an occasion. I climbed on the platform and began to pole us towards the schools of bait that were being tossed around by the feeding Spanish and Bluefish. Within the first couple of cast Lt. Kerzie had proof that our fish appreciated his fly tieing skills. Moments after the first few fish were landed i realized that i was being treated to a fly fishing seminar compliments of the USMC.
Over the next hour, the hook-ups were happening cast after cast resulting in every species you could imagine. Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Lizardfish, Hardtails, Ladyfish and Redfish all came to the boat hooked to that special fly that was tied years ago in hopes of trying it in saltwater one day. What started out as a wet, slow morning turned out to be a great day on the water!! 2nd Lt. Josh Kerzie, thank you for you and your family’s dedication and sacrifice to our country. Fly rods for this trip were provided by Josey Outdoors.
