The final trip on the Back Country Flats Boat was a Sunday. I invited my good friend Nelson over to bid the BC farewell and accompany me on the final trip. We left the dock around 4:00 in the afternoon to catch bait at the Causeway. When we arrived Nelson made two or three throws with the net, that was all it took. The wells were full. Nelson's father had told us about a spot that had been producing quite well for one of his good friends. Off we went to the honey hole.

When we arrived Nelson baited up with a big Threadfin and I put on a 15 inch trout on one rod and a Threadfin on the other. Before I had a chance to even put my rod in the rod holder Nelson had already missed a fish. Some guys have all the luck. Nelson rebaited and tossed his thread back out. Within a couple of minutes he had another hit. By this time I was getting a little jealous so I put out Threadfins on both rods. We continued to fish the spot for about 15 minutes and then we decided to move the boat over about 50 feet.

First Nelson baits up and tosses his bait out. Then I toss both of my lines out. I couldn't have been 5 minutes before Nelson hooked into a monster. Nelson had his drag on near lock down with 40 pound test mono and 80 pound TeamFish Leader. Right about the time we thougt we were going to have to pull up the anchor a large Tarpon skies out of the water and into the air. "Tarpon On" Nelson's eyes got as big as saucers when he saw what was on the other end. He quickly backed off of the drag and the fight was on. In the first 5 minutes the Tarpon probably jumped 3 or 4 times. I asked Nelson on more than one occaision if he thought we needed pull anchor and chase the fish to keep from loosing it. He never needed the extra help though and continued to battle the Silver King around the boat and under the anchor rope. After 20 minutes or so Nelson managed to tire the big girl out. We had a hard time Boga Gripping her though. Eventually Nelson was able to wiggle the grip over the Tarpon's jaw.

Next the hard part ensued. Getting the big fish up into the boat for a very quick picture before the release was quite hard indeed. When Nelson attempted to pull her on deck she started flopping violently, so he put her back in the water to calm down a little. Once he and the fish had a chance to rest, he gave it another shot. Nelson pulled her completely out of the water and onto the deck. She started to shake in Nelson's arms so hard it looked like Nelson's arms may shake right on off. He did a great job however and even managed to keep her off of the deck and away from any self inflicted wounds. For all of that extremely tough work, here is the final result. Nelson and I both agreed it was well worth it.

Once the picture taking was over it was time to call it a trip. Nelson had a huge smile on his face. Landing a big Tarpon is one of the best angling feelings in the world.

In conclusion, Nelson and I recollected some of the memories we had on the BC, from the 10 Snook over 12 pounds day to the 3 Tarpon landed in one 2 and half hour morning. We have had many trips on it and that was one of the best ways I know to bid her farewell. She had the most important aspect a boat could have and that is "she catches fish." The new captain will be a part time guide named Phillip Snyderburn. May she treat him the same way she did me. Farewell 1996 201 Back Country Pro Guide!!!!!

If you are looking for some tackle busting, leader fraying, excitement then give Captain Chancey a call @ (239)540-7529

Until next time may you have line singing, leader fraying, and tackle busting action!!!!