Silver Kings

Boca Grande, to us its the tarpon fishing wonderland. The playground of the elite during the winter months, or “social season” but during the summer months, it’s mostly abandoned and boarded up in case of a hurricane... we love it down there, and even tho it’s hot, it’s not as hot as Wadmalaw Island.

This year we managed to escape down that way for a week. Enough time for both of us to relax and wind down. To spend mornings fishing or exploring, lazy afternoons enjoying nap time or reading or just lounging, and the evenings enjoying culinary delight after delight.. and ending most evenings with chocolate martinis!  But the main reason we were down that way was the tarpon, the silver king, the poon... I’ve never seen so many in my life. Literally thousands rolling and gulping air. We could see them so well on Capt Mark Bennett’s Hummingbird Minn Kota. It was amazing how clear you could see the images and the detail on that thing (now of course B wants one, lol).  The 15" Mega is the real deal.

Anyhow, back to fishing.  B was the first to ‘hook up’ with one. About a 70#'er.

B, being an amazing fisherman himself, was easily able to get this one to the boat, snagged a quick photo and then a clean release. 

Then it was my turn. I asked Capt Mark to make sure he hooked a "little one" for me. Well, he doesn’t listen, and soon I found myself with a 120# Fish at the other end of my line. You’ve never felt anything like the pull of a tarpon. It’s like trying to pull a school bus off the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. And they fight!! Holy💩 do they fight. B actually was holding onto my pants so I wouldn’t get pulled overboard 😂😂😂

After about 20 minutes or so and I couldn’t feel my arms, B helped me for a bit. Then I tried some more and let me tell you. When they jump and get new air and a new lease on life. It’s on like donkey Kong again , the line zings against the drag and they’re another 1000’ away. Anyhow between the two of us, B finally got him to the boat and Jenni got some amazing photos (actually the one of us with the tarpon is one of my all-time favorites.  The feeling of catching your first one of these pre-historic fish is overwhelming and amazing.  #imhookednow for sure!  We also had a nice, clean release on this one. 

One of my favorite photos of me ever, thanks Jenni! PC: on all of these www.JenniBennett.com

B has been fishing with Capt. Mark & Jenni for over 20 years now, sometimes they're like #brothersfromanothermother.  There are always lots of great stories, some about fishing, some about life, they always catch tons of fish, and Jenni is an awesome first mate and photographer.  Details & Links at bottom of blog post. 

If you want to fish with them, my suggestion is that you book early.  He fills up FAST.... and make sure to ask him about his shoes!  lol

#brothersfromanothermother

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Our second favorite thing about BG is the FOOD!!!!  Always amazing, delicious, and most have a great view, or a great story behind them.  We ate at Millers Dockside the first night, which is a tradition.  On the waterway, and at the marina.  The tuna tacos were delicious.  Night 2 at the beach, to watch the sunset at South Beach Grill, where we left our mark on the directional sign of 531 Miles back to Wadmalaw along with several others.  Night 3, PJ's Seaside Grill, which was delicious, but we were informed that this was our last meal there, as they were closing after 31 years. Night 4 Third Street Bistro.  So delicious,  grilled shrimp cocktail and out of this world fish.  Super cute little restaurant.  Definitely going back there.  Night 5, "The Temp", aka The Temptation.  always outstanding.  and our last night tradition... "The Pink" aka The Pink Elephant.   Simply amazing, the service here is the best on the island.  We had some great servers during the week, but here, it's top notch. Here are some photos (when I remembered to take them) 

Marking our spot! Wadmalaw 531 miles NW

And for a few random shots of the interesting sights and the streetscape... and we ended up taking the "big rig" down there, talk about country come to town, and we don't smoke, but lol, how long has it been since you've seen one of these babies?  the Temp has one by the bathrooms. 

Capt. Mark & Jenni Bennett

All the deets...

Place:  Boca Grande, FL  26˚ 44'56" N 82˚ 15'43 W
Charter Captain:  Capt Mark Bennett www.tarponsnook.com
Tarpon Fishing Photos: Jenni Bennet www.jennibennett.com
Accommodations: www.BocaGrandeVacations.com

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But most of all, thanks, B for another great trip to Boca Grande, and sharing your love of fishing (especially tarpon now), and this crazy fun filled life we have with me!! 💕