Grand Slamming in Biscayne Bay

Gene Conroy and wife Linda had a nice relaxing day on the bay this week. Well, Linda relaxed while Gene got his exercise hauling in a 24 lb permit at the first spot and a 125+ lb tarpon at the second spot. It was a nice start to a sunny day with light winds. We didn't see a lot of fish but got lucky anyways. When the tide began to fall we set up on a flat to fish for bonefish. We were rewarded with Linda catching 2 bones of 5 and 8 lbs while Gene managed a 4 lb bonefish to complete his first ever flats grand slam. The next day Bill and Patsy Laswell made an attempt at the slam but got shut down by the tarpon and permit. While the tide was still coming in strong we headed for a spot that produced an endless supply of ladyfish and blue runners with some small red grouper and mutton snapper thrown in. The action was great with shrimp, jigs and top water lures. After a rest from the wind and some spicy chicken wings to warm us up the tide was beginning to make it's way out. We set up for bonefish and got paid. Patsy started off by catching a nice 8 lb fish followed by a 5 lb bone and one that got us into the sea fans and cut us off. Bill was very upset when his 14 lb braided line disappeared after a 150 yard blazing run from a big bone. Just as the fish stopped running and began to turn our way the hook pulled. Bonefish don't make that kind of a run unless they are big. Another story of how the big one got away, but that's what keeps us coming back. {%image_id=7289%}