I teamed up with local guide Mark Bastien and Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Magazine editor Paul Rouse, who had never fished in saltwater before. Being a “mother hen” I picked Paul for the first day of fishing, so he could use my tackle and I could coach him if needed. Captain Mark was an absolute pro, spotting fish way out, but sneaking us within easy casts of legendary Andros bones. I used a 8wt. Sage ONE teamed with a RIO bonefish line and RIO bonefish leader. This was the ultimate flats weapon, loading easily, yet gently dropping the fly with precision.
As lightning cracked above, we munched on conch fritters and drank Kalik beers on Swain’s wrap-around porch. The storm offered the first down time of the trip, giving us a chance to bond and swap fish stories with colleagues. I got a happy fish report from another writer, who had borrowed my 9wt Xi3, teamed with a RIO bonefish line.