RODMAKERS- Newsletter May 27, 2005

 

Yesterday while visiting with a customer I once again asked “are you taking some time for yourself”?  And as most often this person wistfully replies, “seldom, not nearly enough”.  As I am approaching my 65^th birthday and know and have experienced what life can and does offer, I believe I understand the pressure’s of martial and financial security, but at what price for yourself?  I know I must sound like the preacher to the choir as I consistently bring this subject up, but in my line of business, I like to think a large part of my job is to make opportunities available to those in need of ‘stress management’ and in recent years I have concluded that the marriage will survive, the job will still be there, and the mortgage payment will still be made, and by taking time for yourself, you will have enjoyed another of the more pleasant life experiences to be looked back upon. 

 

In my previous newsletters I informed you all of a saltwater fly fishing trip to the Mexican Caribbean at Costa De Cocos at the far southern reaches of the Yucatan Peninsula.  For those of you still contemplating making the trip and those of you ready to ‘take some time for yourself’ the following is an itinerary of dates and related info.

 

There will be two groups of eight fisher’s – first group October 15^th to October 20^th; second group October 20^th to October 25^th.  I negotiated a special discounted price of $1,595 per person for fisher’s and $600 for non fishers.  The price includes transportation in one of their 10 or 15 passenger vans to and from the airport; all meals, lodging, 4 days of guided fishing – two fisher’s per boat.  The discount amounts to nearly $600 per person!  Visit www.costadecocos.com web site for additional information and look through the photo album and visualize yourself in the company of local friends and/or spouse.  Fly fishing for Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon is excellent with experienced Mexican/Mayan guides in especially rigged 23’ Panga boats.  Most of the fishing will be while the guide is poling us around a vast array of flats and lagoons, but if you are like me, I love to get out and wade fish on hard sand bottoms for an hour or two each day while my partner and the guide explore new areas.   I have experienced many opportunities for light to medium spin fishing in the ‘blue holes’, channels between lagoons, or on the reef where a variety of fish are ever present such as snapper, jack’s, ‘cuda’s, and snook.  And if 8 hours of fishing is not enough, you can rent Kayak’s, snorkel equipment for a brief 200 yard swim/paddle to the second largest reef in the world.  This location is relatively undiscovered but won’t remain undiscovered for long as the entire final chapter of a book entitled ‘Fly fishing Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula’ that can be purchased on line at Amazon.com. which describes in detail with photo’s, Costa De Cocos.  I have ordered one for myself and two copies to have in the shop and expect delivery soon.  This is an affordable opportunity for those new to salt water fly fishing and an area most ‘seasoned’ fly anglers have yet to experience.  The lodge requires a 20% deposit at the time of reservation (non refundable) and the balance the 1^st of September – checks are to be made to David Randall/Costa De Cocos and you should indicate which trip you plan to attend on the memo line of your check.  Either send your check to me or drop off at the store so I can maintain control.

 

I have booked my flight on American Airlines departing San Antonio at about 7:45 a.m. arrive Cancun about 1:30 p.m. going through Dallas.  Continental has a flight that leaves and arrives about the same time going through Houston – both cost just under $500 round trip.  Departure from Cancun should be arranged for early afternoon.   I will be present for both groups but plan on fishing four days only with the balance of my time spent in a Hammock or in a Kayak and maybe planning casting events during the ‘cocktail hour’. . . . .

 

Father’s day is upon us . . . . . . . I have a good inventory of rods, reels, lines etc. etc. as well as a good supply of blanks should you want to build the rod yourself.  A gift certificate works well as you can then choose from many options such as building yourself or purchasing.  I have ordered over 40 dozen new flies and expect delivery soon (and yes, many are for the flats fish we will catch in the Yucatan!).  Also remember, Col. Randy Bland is available for formal fly fishing/casting instruction at a very nominal cost of $35 per session!  What could be better than to learn how to, build your own rod, practice and practice your casting, then make the trip!

 

RODMAKERS will be CLOSED June 26^th through July 11^th.  I will be in Minnesota fishing on the Canadian end of Rainy Lake with my two sons and 3 grandchildren with the fourth grandbaby to be baptized July 10^th.  I also will attend my son’s 4^th of July bash and make my presence known at my 47^th high school reunion.  I feel it is my job to experience catching 5 pound smallmouth bass, northern pike, and maybe a muskie on fly while my grand’s catch fresh walleye for shore lunch every day so that I may share this experience with those of you that don’t have the time. . . . . . . . . there is one thing I try to be, dedicated to my profession!!!!

 

 

Dennis O. Freeman
rodmaker@rod-makers.com
13457 Blanco Road
San Antonio, TX 78216
210-479-3477