Coffee was waiting for us, and so was our
guide, Scott Macalla of Backcast Charters.
I bought two hot dogs, slow roasted at the
gas station for brunch on the boat, and
we all headed out to Mosquito Lagoon in
search of redfish.
Mosquito Lagoon is perhaps the most
diverse estuary in North America. The
beauty of this place is unparalleled on
the Florida coastline, and conservation
efforts in the area aim to keep it that way.
For over 10,000 years, it’s been a source
of livelihood for the indigenous Timucuan
tribe. So, getting a chance to get out on
these waters was a must for me and Paul.
Our guides, Scott and Troy, know this area
and its redfish as well as anyone.
By 6 a.m., I’ve botched three opportunities.
Scott dropped me off on a flat, probably
hoping one of these fish would give me
a pity eat, while he poled Paul in to the
first redfish of the day. That was not
the way I intended to start two days of
redfishing with Paul, and I knew I was in
for some serious commentary from the