Yesterday morning we went to pond X again, it had become our routine visit during our stay here in Naples.
That morning the Tarpon where still not willing to hit our flies. Fortunetely the freshwater fish where cooperating. I hooked two of the Mayan Cichlids from the pond. Amazing that those South American bream actually did hit Tarpon flies.


A nice Mayan Cichlid on a EP peanut butter.

During the last couple of days we also found time for the tourist thing and walked about town to shoot some pictures of the local landscape. Just look at the mansion on the beach below. I love the house but I would have choosen a little different color for it.


On Naples Beach.

As we walked the beach we still encountered some Snook. To bad I did not have the flyrod with me.


Snook patrolling the beach.

Yesterday morning after visiting pond X we went to Gordon to fish the Beach. There was not a lot going on at the end of the beach so we decided to have breakfast early. As we where halfway to the southernmost beach accses we saw masses of diving birds at the beach. We immediately walked into the water and where immersed by breaking fish. Large schools of baitfish where decimated by Ladyfish, Blue Runners and Spanish mackerel. Below a rather blurry shot of the action.


Feeding fish and birds.

We had a loads of fun catching dozens of Ladyfish anf Blue runners. Every cast resulted in a hookup. We where not alone on the beach. Two other flyfishers had a blast casting to the breaking fish.


Blue runner.

In the evening we did the Tarpon thing again but blanked. No fish to be seen in the surface. We would come back for a rematch next morning.
In the morning of October 11th there was a lot more activity in the water. Tarpon where rolling and some fish came into casting range. None wanted to eat flies though. There where also no Snook willing to take a fly.
Later in the morning I got these curious hits close to a sunken tree. When I saw a breamlike shape moving behind my fly I knew the Mayan Cichlids where on the prowl. I tied on a small brown/orange clouser minnow and hooked into a fish instantly.



Mayan Cichlid.

I figured out that the Cichlids liked to hang out near the dead tree. A couple of casts more and I and hooked into four other fish.
The Mayan Cichlids saved my day.

Thanks, I will use your tips the next time I go after the Tarpon.