Maverick 18 HPX-V 6 Month Review

Sgt. Swire from the Wounded Warrior Project with the first Red on the Fly for my new boat! 

     When I was in the market for a new skiff I can't start to explain how hard it was to find the right boat for the waters here in the Low Country of Beaufort, SC. That all changed after I took the Maverick 18 HPX-V out for a test run. The boat ran smooth in light chop, poled quiet and shallow, was very stable, and most of all solved my issue of looking for the right skiff as a full time guide. I instantly fell in love with the boat and knew it was the number one boat for me simply after a 2 hour test run!
   Maverick has really hit a home run with the 18 HPX-V and I can't say enough about how well the boat performs! This skiff has made me smile everyday the last 6 months I've been running charters on it with 150 hours on the engine so far. It allows me to fish places I could never fish, reach waters faster, offer a smooth ride in rough water, and most of all give me a break on the poling platform with its light weight. After the last 6 months of running the Maverick 18 HPX-V I can honestly say that it has exceeded my expectations as a full time guide by providing the ultimate skiff for my waters here in Beaufort, SC. The only thing I don't like about the boat is how much time I spend washing it after every trip trying to keep her looking new!

My 2013 Maverick 18 HPX-V

Full speed 52mph at 6000rpms with a sweet rooster tail!!

    People ask me all the time "why did you decide on the 18 HPX-V?" Well there were a lot of things that sold me on the 18. I needed a boat that could handle rough open water ways, 3 anglers, pole in 8 inches of water, stable platform, comfortable space, big storage, dry ride, run fast, and also look good for first impressions. The Maverick 18 HPX-V was the only flats boat on the market that truly met all my needs all in one skiff. I run mostly fly fishing trips here in the low country but run a fair amount of 3 person light tackle trips, which started to cause a problem the more days I spent on the water with my old boat.
   I realized after the fly fishing side of my business was the strong point that I need a technical skiff that could allow me to get shallower and pole easier. But after looking at all the technical skiffs I started to realize I'd lose the ability to run 3 person light tackle trips. My first initial thought of the 18 HPX-V was that it was too big to be a "real" technical poling skiff but when I got on the tower with a push pole in hand, that changed my whole thought of the boat! It poled with ease and went shallower than I ever imagined. Not to mention poling completely silent in chop and tracking better than any boat I've ever poled.

Doubled up on the Fly! 

Tailing Redfish on the Fly 

   After receiving my new boat from the factory I really started to understand why the boat performed so well while poling in shallow water. With a bigger platform than most technical skiffs it allows for a lot more weight distribution through out the boat and tracks better with a longer beam. With the Yamaha 115FS, 20 gallons of fuel, myself, 2 anglers, a full cooler, I can draft a TRUE 8 inches of water. It amazed me and my clients everyday how shallow this boat goes for being an 18ft skiff and still a V hull design! Being a Carbon/Kevlar hull is what makes this boat shine in the shallows and the structure of the hull design is genius. I found myself smiling everyday being able to not only get shallower but watch my customers catch fish I was never able to get close enough to target.
   Running this boat taught me what a true technical poling skiff was all about and to hear the surprised reaction from all of my friends and customers who have small technical skiffs is amazing! Not only does this boat perform excellent on the poling platform but handles rough water with ease and keeps you dry. I now can run faster and farther on windy days which has given me a step up as a guide. Its a good feeling knowing I don't have to limit my days to the elements like I used to do because now running a boat that can handle just about anything you throw at it. In reality of the last 6 months the Maverick 18 HPX-V has allowed me to catch more fish not only being able to run farther and faster, but being able to go really shallow to fish areas no one else can fish.

Back creek red on the fly 

Doubled up!

    One of my favorite parts about the 18 HPX-V is the look on my customers face when they first get on the boat and then there response after running to our first spot. The surprise they have in the smooth ride, speed, draft, and look of the boat is always a proud moment for me as a guide. To run a boat that impresses not only the avid angler but beginners to the sport is an amazing feeling and tells you that your in the right skiff. From running this new skiff and the pride I have for the boat brought a real pride to represent Maverick as a company.

      Being able to tell and talk to people about the boat was a ton of fun and I look forward to going to more boat shows in the future because when you tell people about the boat it really sells itself. Not to mention all the new customers and friends I met at both of those boat shows! Also made it down to Miami for the Miami International Boat show and hung out in the Maverick booth which was a lot of fun meeting and talking to Maverick guides and owners from all over the country! 

At the Charleston International Boat Show

At the Savannah International Boat Show 

Gotta love a guy landing his first red on the fly! 

         Another great part about the 18 HPX-V is how many different custom options you can get on the boat to truly make it one of a kind. When I went in to order the boat it honestly took me a few days to decide on what options I wanted because of all the different choices which is nice because you can order exactly what you want.
 


Below is the list of all the upgrades I ordered for my 2013 Maverick 18 HPX-V and photos to show all the goodies.

Options include:

-Pastel-Green Hull

-Two Tone Pastel-Green Deck

-Yamaha F115 for Shallow draft

-Yamaha Pro Series 21 stainless prop

-35 Gallon Fuel Cell

-Hydraulic Tilt Steering wheel

-Black Out Powder Coat Package

-Advanced Livewell Bubbler System

-Flush Mount Capable Center Console

-3 Optima Blue top 6 pack batteries

-Gel-Coat Matched Cooler Seat

-3 Rack Stainless Steel Rod Holder

-Custom Maverick Ameritrail Trailer

-Aluminium Wheel Upgrade

-Trolling Motor Ready System

-Nautical Wrapped Steering Wheel

-Garmin 740s Touch Screen GPS with in hull inducer

-Minn Kota ST Trolling Motor with Ipilot

-Quick Release Minn Kota Bracket

-Under Gunnel and Storage well LED Lights

-3 Bank 24V Onboard Battery Charger

-Blade 8ft Black Power Pole

-V-Marine Push Pole Holders

-Tibor Push Pole Caddy

-Stiffy Hybrid 21 Push Pole

Pastel Green Hull, Black Powder Coat Package, 8ft Blade Power Pole

Tall Center Counsel, Nautical Wrapped Wheel, Garmin 740s

Two Tone Pastel Green Deck and Back Powder Coat Tower

Two Tone Pastel Green Deck 

Ameri Trail Trailer 

Optima Blue Top Batteries 

V-Marine Push Pole Holders, Stiffy 21ft Hybrid 

35 Gallon Fuel Cell, Optima Blue Top Battery

3 Bank Stainless Rod Holder 

Two Tone Package Lids 

   

   

Guiding in Russia

The Ponoi River Company 

    "To dream anything that you want to dream. That's the beauty of the human mind. To do anything you want to do. That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the courage to succeed." This quote has stuck with me since the very first day that I decided to dedicate my life to fly fishing and becoming a professional fly fishing guide here in the Low Country of Beaufort, SC. The feeling of taking my passion for fishing and watching it evolve into a passion for guiding has become a true reality.
  Being born and raised here in Beaufort is what taught me to love and respect the waters we are surrounded by. Having the history and natural beauty is only a small addition to the incredible fishery we are so very blessed with. The fishery that has not only led to my career starting at 18 years old, but a turning point in my life as a whole. Guiding here has not only become a life style but a true passion for sharing with people from all around how special Beaufort, SC truly is. Being able to guide anglers to a dream fish on the fly is what created this incredible love for sharing the waters I have always called home.

Flood Tide Tailing Redfish 

  Back in September of 2011 I had the opportunity to share this fishery with a very special person by the name of Oliver White. Oliver was a guide for many of years and through out time has progressed to owning his own lodge in the Bahamas called the Abaco Lodge, which is one of the most desirable destinations when it comes to Bonefish! Well I was overly excited to have the opportunity to fish with Oliver because of his background in the industry. The wind was howling which made it impossible to fish from the boat, so I took Oliver to a unique area for tailing redfish on the flood tide that afternoon where we could wade fish and still have a chance of producing his first Beaufort tailing redfish on the fly.
  As we waded through the marsh in search of tailing redfish I was taken away by all of the places Oliver has not only fished, but guided all over the world. It amazed me to hear his stories and experiences of taking his ability as a guide and sharing it with people in other countries. I asked Oliver, "how do you get the opportunity to guide in places like Iceland and Argentina?" Oliver replied, "its all about your ability as a guide and fly fisherman to adapt wherever you are fishing, and being able to provide the best service possible to your clients." Four hours seemed like thirty minutes fishing with Oliver because of all the stories, experiences, and knowledge he shared with me that day.

Tailing Redfish on the Fly 

   Having the opportunity to fish and learn from Oliver White was incredible. It proved to me that even as a fly fishing guide that you can go very far in the industry if you are passionate about what you do, and provide a service like no other. Oliver opened my eyes to a lot of new things and really helped me to understand more about the fly fishing industry that I have not yet experienced myself. It was not only  a great experience being able to guide a person like Oliver but share the fishery we have here with him. A little over a year later I received a message from Oliver White that little did I know would soon take my career to the next level, and provide the opportunity of a lifetime.
   The message was a simple question that asked, "would you be interested in guiding on the Ponoi River in Russia for the summer?" At first I was taken back by the idea so much that I just stared at the computer screen for minutes. The first thing that came to mind was my youngest sister Zelie, who my parents adopted from Kaliningrad, Russia when she was 6 months old. Then the world renowned Atlantic Salmon fishery came to mind very soon after! The opportunity was intriguing even without knowing any details on the idea of guiding in Russia except for the fact that I'd miss out on Cobia season, which is one of the most important seasons here as a guide.
   That night I spent hours researching the Ponoi River and learning more about the fishery. I already knew it was a world renowned Atlantic Salmon fishery but had no idea how truly special this river really is. After hours of research I replied to Oliver and told him that I was more than interested in the opportunity of guiding on the Ponoi River in Russia. After I sent him the message, the idea of leaving my home, family, Bay Street Outfitters, friends, and beloved redfish seemed crazy! At 22 years old my career had been climbing faster than ever with not only charters but a sponsorship with Barrier Island Marine, a new Maverick 18 HPX, and publications including the American Angler Magazine article which was my first national exposure.

The location of The Ponoi River Company

     This new idea of guiding in Russia soon started to take over all my thoughts and completely opened my mind to taking my ability as a fly fishing guide and sharing those skills with people in another country! I passed all my information along to Oliver for him to give to his good friend Matt Breuer who is the manager of operations at the Ponoi River Company. They both recently went to Guyana in search of catching Arapaima on the fly which is the largest fresh water fish, and had never been done! They succeeded and made a film with Costa Del Mar called Jungle Fish.

One of the Arapaima caught on the fly

      A month or so later I received a call from Matt Breuer which led to an hour long conversation about the job opportunity guiding for the Ponoi River Company. Matt is a very experienced angler and has also guided through out the world including Alaska, and Argentina. You could tell by a single phone call that Matt and I had the same passion not only for fly fishing but for guiding. He has dedicated his life to fly fishing which is obvious by his position at the Ponoi River Company and providing his customers with the fullest satisfaction imagined. As our phone conversation came to an end Matt asked for a resume, and the idea of guiding in Russia soon started to become a reality. My first step was to make sure I was not losing what I have created here and after seeing the excitement, and having the full blessings from Tony Royal of Bay Street Outfitters, I then was confident on my decision to guide in Russia.
    Bay Street Outfitters is not only a family to me but my college for fly fishing. I've been on the team at Bay Street for 7 years and became an Orvis Endorsed guide for them at 18 years old. In my years there I learned more than I ever did in actual school! Whether it was all the different fisheries in the world, equipment, understanding of the industry, customer service, teaching casting schools, making friends in the industry, guiding, tying flies, learning knots, return clients, and simply loving where I work. Bay Street was in a lot of ways my home and the place where as a local I could spread the passion for fly fishing. The last 7 years at Bay Street Outfitters created a resume full of professional accomplishments and a list of highly regarded references that were not only customers, but great friends.  After sending Matt my full resume and references, I then waited for his response for the position as an American Guide for the Ponoi River Company.

Matt Breuer on the Ponoi River

The Hover Craft 

      A few weeks later I was at the Charleston Boat Show with Barrier Island Marine and my new Maverick 18 HPX-V when I got the call that would change my life. Matt and I talked for a awhile about things and then I was offered the job as an American Guide for the Ponoi River Company in Russia! It was a feeling I have never felt, a feeling that blows excitement out of the water! Being offered to guide for a world renowned lodge on a world renowned river was not only an honor, but a huge step in my career as a fly fishing guide. I'm currently in the process of getting my Russian work visa completed and many other steps of the process in the next 3 months. I will leave sometime the beginning of May and will be back the beginning of October, just in time for fall fishing here in the low country!
   The Ponoi River is to many the best Atlantic Salmon fishing in the world! Producing not only high numbers of fish but providing a productive fishery through out the 4-5 month season. The Ponoi River Company not only provides a world class fishing experience but also lodging. You fly out of Murmansk, Russia on a two hour helicopter ride to get to the camp which is literally in the middle of an untouched wilderness on the Kola Peninsula. They have everything you could imagine at the camp including full time chefs, kitchen staff, doctor, masseuse, mechanics, electricity, hot water, sauna, gym, Internet, fly shop, and many more necessities when enjoying the ultimate experience while fishing on the Ponoi River.

    The staff of the Ponoi River Company is comprised with highly qualifying people from all over the world that provide and unmatched service. The guide staff also includes some of the most highly qualified guides from all over the world and I'm more than honored to become a part of the unmatched team of staff this season! This experience is something in many ways will not only benefit my career as a guide but will take my life to another level. The excitement I have being able to work, fish, and live with people from all over the world is something that I greatly look forward to. Having the opportunity to learn from the team of guides and share my experience with everyone at the Ponoi River Company is something I can't put to words.

The Ponoi River Company 

      In the last 9 years Russia has been a huge part of my family after adopting my youngest sister and celebrating things like Russian Christmas with my family, and close family friends the Prekops, who also adopted 2 children from Russia. Having a sister from Russia was one of the main things that made me realize how life can work in funny ways. Most people believe in God and some believe in fate, and I can firmly say that I believe in both. My career as a fly fishing guide here in Beaufort, SC for Bay Street Outfitters has led to amazing things and dedicating my life not only to fly fishing, but to sharing that passion with others was my true calling. This new venture to Russia is something I know will create a whole new path in my life and the excitement I have for going down this new path is immense! May can't come fast enough and I look forward to keeping all my family, friends, and co-workers updated on my exciting journey of becoming an American Guide for the Ponoi River Company in Russia.

Atlantic Salmon

Go to the link below to see more about the Ponoi River Company and watch the video on there site to really understand how truly special this place is!

                                                                 www.ponoiriver.com

Barrier Island Marine

     When you are in the process of buying a boat, looking for a new motor, or simply just getting a 100 hour service; finding the right boat dealer can be hard! Wondering if there going to give you a good deal, or try to steal your money if you know nothing about boats. Well in the Low Country of Beaufort, SC there is a boat dealer where you can feel like one of the family, and trust them with your decision on buying a boat or getting the unmatched service that will leave you smiling.  

   Barrier Island Marine is that company, and is the top notch boat dealership here in the Low Country! They carry world renowned boat companies including Pioneer, Pathfinder, Maverick, Hewes, Cobia, Chris Craft, and also Bulls Bay. All boats that are designed and made for your every need while enjoying your time on the water here in the low country. Whether you want a boat for the family, a boat to seriously fish out, or just something to take an evening cruise in with your special someone. They have all different kinds of makes, and models that can meet your every need as well as a service department that will keep your new pride and joy in perfect shape. 

  As a local here in Beaufort I have been around boats my whole life and know the difference between good service and great service. As a full time fishing guide my boat is my office, and I needed a company that I can rely on when it comes to keeping my office on the water. I not only needed a dealership and service department I could rely on, but somewhere I could send my customers and know they would be treated with the same excellent service I received. Barrier Island Marine is the only place I trust with my customers, and a place that will make you feel at home when in the market for a new boat or just a simple repair. 

    I recently purchased a 2013 Maverick 18 HPX-V from Barrier Island, working very close with Brad White who is in there sales department in Charleston, SC. Brad is the kind of guy who lives and breathes boats, we talked for hours about boats before I even decided to purchase one from Barrier Island! He made me feel at home and gave me a sense of comfort in the fact that I could trust he was giving me some of the best service you could offer anybody when buying a boat. Brad and I spent hours talking about the boat and all the different custom features I wanted on my new Maverick. He was always very helpful and supportive on decisions when it came to things I needed and things that would make my boat exactly what I was looking for. 

Top speed of 52mph on the Maverick 18 HPX-V

Local Client Art from Brays Island

  

   Its not easy spending a lot of money on a boat, but Brad made the whole process very easy, giving me the feeling of comfort with a company I could rely on with my business. Not to mention getting everything done for me while he was planning his very own wedding! Craig Freeman is the head of sales in Beaufort and Charleston, the kind of guy when you shake his hand, you feel like you've known him for years. He's been in the boat industry for a long time and has been to countless schools to really learn the ins and outs of the boats he is selling. Craig is all about making his customers happy and allowing there dream of owning a boat to come true. They also have a new guy on the team, Mike McCullough. Mike took over Brads position in Beaufort and is almost like a clone. He's also been in the boat industry for a long time and knows everything when it comes to fishing in the low country. When you meet mike in person you can tell by his sunglass tan how much time this guy spends on the water and his passion for the boats he's selling!

Clients Robert and Mimi from GA enjoying my new Maverick 18 HPX-V!!

    The key to Barrier Island Marine is not only there superb sales staff, but also there unmatched service department. When it comes to boats everyone knows that sometimes there can be problems and having someone you can trust to fix that problem is important. Chris Larrivee is the main man when it comes to getting an unmatched service on your boat. He's been in the industry for a very long time and has a wall of certifications that prove it! Including Yamaha, Suzuki, Garmin, Power Pole, Minn Kotta, and many more that show that he is a truly trained professional. Chris is who rigged my new boat with a Power Pole Blade 8ft, flush mounted Garmin 740s, Minn Kota ipilot with quick disconnect plate, battery charger, and wired all of the electronics to get her running. He did an absolutely amazing job with everything and made it look like the boat was made with all the extras I got put on. For example he would place towels on the inside of the boat so nothing got dirty or scratched while he was working one it! 

   Another key to the excellent service department is Chris's other half, Melanie Larrivee. Its not everyday you bring your boat to get serviced and meet the mechanics wife who is in charge of getting your boat serviced! Melanie cares not only about getting your boat serviced and repaired, but truly cares about the customers needs and expectations. She's honest and always on point when it comes to an estimated time it will take to get your boat back on the water. There is no other service department like Barrier Island Marine because they are truly a family and will treat you with the same excellent customer service. 

My Maverick 18HPX-V getting rigged up at Barrier Island Marine

   Barrier Island Marine has serviced my boat multiple times in the last 4 months and exceeded my expectations every time I go to pick her up. This is the kind of boat dealership you can trust with purchasing a new boat or getting your current boat back to great shape. They not only know how to get you in the new boat of your dreams but also how to keep your experience positive with an unmatched service department. I'm proud to represent Barrier Island Marine in the guiding industry and know they treat my own customers with the best service you can find in the Low Country. 

   My new Maverick 18 HPX-V has out performed any other flats boat I've ever owned, and really proves itself by the smile my customers have when they step off the boat at the end of a charter. It offers a smooth stable platform when fishing and has the shallow draft needed when fishing the waters of Beaufort, SC. I'm proud to have not only one of the best performing skiffs on the east coast, but a company like Barrier Island Marine supporting me with my decision on a new boat. The service you will receive from Barrier Island Marine is the best you will see in the industry whether your new to boats or been around them your whole life. There motto is "Don't' Imagine it! Live it!", and that's what you will do when you walk into the door and see for yourself the Barrier Island Marine experience. 

Local customers with a big Redfish!

  

 I will be representing Barrier Island Marine in the upcoming 2013 Low Country Redfish Cup Series and 2013 East Coast IFA Redfish Tournament Series. Keep an eye out for the tournament results because I'm confident Barrier Island Marine will keep me on top with the best service! Go check out there new Beaufort location at 559 Robert Small Parkway Beaufort, SC or there Charleston location at 2476 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC. You can reach them at 843-522-2040 or 843-559-3660 or visit there website at www.barrierislandmarine.com

Marty from MI with a nice redfish on the fly!

   

Bob and Andy from CA with a sweet double!

Fall Fishing 2012

Levi and Belton from GA with a Cast and Blast:
Shot 28 marsh hen, caught 17 redfish, and 15 trout all in 6 hours

    When the leaves are falling, spartina grass is turning brown, water temperature cooling down, and cold weather gear is out of the closet; one thing comes into mind for any fisherman here in the low country; fall fishing! The months of October and November bring some of the best fishing here in Beaufort, SC for Redfish, Trout, and Flounder. It offers amazing sight casting on the fly to tailing redfish going crazy on fiddler crabs, and schooled up redfish on the low tide chasing shrimp to fill up before the winter, giving you the opportunity to land your fly in front of some of the most aggressive redfish of the year. It also brings the opportunity for the light tackle angler to fill his hands with slime from amazingly high numbers of redfish and trout on live shrimp, or artificial's.

Buddy Colt from Charleston angler came down for some
low tide action on the fly 

    The fall is always one of my favorite times of year here not only as a local, but also as a guide. Its a 2-3 month period when all my return customers come down to experience days on the flats of the Broad River like no other, days that can put any angler to the test. Being able to fish through out the whole day working different tides is possible do to the cooler temperatures and happy fish, which can give you a lot of different situations, and in return produces very high numbers of fish. The cooler water pushes all the bait fish out which takes away a lot of the food that the redfish and trout are eating. In return the shrimp move in and the fish go crazy over it trying to fill up for a long winter.
    Another great thing about the fall is Rail Bird season, also known as Marsh Hen. This is a migratory shore bird that we hunt on the big moon tides during the open season which starts in september and usually goes through december. We only get around 12-15 days a year to hunt these birds because of the tides, so it can really provide and excellent hunt do to an immense population in the vast marshes here in the low country. The trip I run as a charter is called "reds and rails", which is your simple cast and blast charter. Shooting marsh hen in the morning and catching redfish in the afternoon. Its a day on the water that can really challenge any sportsman or angler, and is one of my favorite trips to run.

Julie and Allen came down from Aiken, SC for the Cast and Blast

    Tailing redfish here on the flood tides is an incredible way to fly fish for redfish and offers one of the best sight casting situations when it comes to salt water fly fishing. During the fall months it can bring some of the highest numbers for tailers do to the colder water temperature and highly active fish. Whether your wade fishing or poling in the skiff through the short spartina grass, it can be some of the most exciting fishing during the fall. The tailing fish usually last till the beginning to middle of November depending on water temperature. When the water temp drops below 68 the crabs go down which takes away from the fish feeding in the grass, so its important to watch the water temperature to know when to and when not to base your day on tailing redfish.

Local client Art with a nice tailer from the boat

Local client Richard with a nice tailer from the boat

Decided to shoot some marsh hens after catching tailing redfish
for a cast and blast!

   Light tackle fishing can be its best during the fall, producing incredibly high numbers of redfish and trout. Fishing either the dropping tide or the rising tide is key when using live bait. We are working a lot of grass lines and oyster beds with live shrimp or mud minnows under a cajun thunder, so moving water brings moving fish. Then during the slack high or slack low tide we move over to artificial grubs like the gulp shrimp, or minnow. In both situations whether bait fishing, or using artificial's, you are presented with high numbers of fish and its always nice when you lose count 2 hours into the trip!

Alex and Tim from MI with a nice double

Scott and Duke from GA with a nice double! 

Levi from GA with a monster 30incher!

Annie from TN with one of her 14 trout!

Local client Jim with a nice 32incher! 

     I posted a lot more photos in this blog do to the excitement of my new camera! Recently I decided it was time to move into a better camera for not only photos, but also video. The Canon T4i was my long sought after decision and has produced some very high quality photos, and video! I went with the T4i because it has superior quality and auto focus when on video mode which can come in handy when on the water trying to film. I also purchased the Canon 18-135 STM zoom lens for super close up shots. When fishing I believe its important to capture the moment and taking photos, or video, can really provide some great memories of an excellent day on the water. I'm very excitement about this new camera and look forward to getting some sweet photos video footage for all of you in the near future.

Morning sunrise shot of my Maverick 18 HPX-V

Clapper Rail taking off! 

     All in all fall fishing is simply some of the best fishing through out the whole year. Its a time of the year that I recommend anyone who enjoys catching fish to come down to the waters of Beaufort, SC and experience it first hand. Whether your an experienced fly angler or new comer to the sport, you'll be able to experience some the best sigh fishing for redfish on the east coast. Or for any light tackle fisherman who enjoys high number days or simply just want to take your kids out to introduce them to the wonderful world of salt water fishing. The fall is a great way to not only enjoy the salt water fishery of the low country, but to experience some the best red fishing provided in the country.
 

Fishing with a Wounded Warrior

    A few months ago I was informed that I'd have the pleasure of taking out a Wounded Warrior during the week of events for the third annual Lt. Dan Band Weekend, which has been a really amazing event here in Beaufort, SC for the Men and Women who have served our country. Being able to give back to someone who has risked there life for my freedom was something that I haven't had the opportunity to do or experience. The wounded warrior foundation is to me one of  the best fundraising events around, and really helps the veterans that are wounded in the war.
  My boss and owner of Bay Street Outfitters, Tony Royal, donated all 3 of our guides for a day of fishing with the wounded warriors that wanted to get out on the water here in the low country and experience our tremendous red fishery. When most people think about wounded warriors they imagine guys with injuries like missing arms or legs etc, but that is not always the case. Most injuries can't be visually seen, which can be some of the worst. The mental part is what we as guides were there to help with; to help these guys catch fish and get back to doing things they love to do. It was a day I had been looking forward to for a very long time, and a day on the water I will never forget.

      We had 4 guides for 8 Wounded warriors and beautiful weather for a great afternoon of fishing. As the warriors walked down the dock, we all were introduced, and I found that there was only one guy who wanted to fly fish, and I was the guide chosen to introduce him to Salt Water Fly Fishing. Sargent First Class Jeff Swire stepped aboard my Maverick 18HPX and we were off in search of his dream redfish. Jeff initially wanted to fly fish, which can be hard for the everyday beginner to the sport, so we decided to spin fish for a few hours first to get some fish slime on our hands. 

  Well fish slime we got, and a lot of it! As the tide was dropping, our baits were dropping in the water as well. Right away Jeff started slamming redfish on live shrimp along some oyster shells in a small creek, really getting a taste for our big ole redfish here in the low country. Jeff landed six redfish, and two Jack Crevelle on bait, not to mention two of those reds were over 9lbs, which is huge for our area!

  What I love the most about fishing is the bonding experience you can have with a complete stranger. Soon after catching quite a few big fish, Jeff and I were no longer strangers. Deep in conversation, throwing up high fives full of fish slime, and giving the fish gods thanks for such an awesome start to our trip. I could see in Jeff's eyes the shear joy he was having catching these fish, and simply just being out on the water during a beautiful day. Our conversation led to his injury in the war, and how it affected his life as a Sargent First Class in the United States Army. Jeff is the true meaning of a Patriot, not only proud to serve his country, but knows how it feels to give everything to insure safety for his brothers in war, and family at home. 

    Jeff's passion and honor for the Army sent chills down my back, and I felt honored to be on the boat with such an amazing guy. Being able to give back to someone who has given everything for me was a feeling like not other, and really made our time on the water special. After catching a few more fish, having a few laughs, it was time to fly fish! At first I was nervous because salt water fly fishing here in Beaufort is not easy, and can be very hard for a new comer to the sport. But with a strong start on light tackle, I knew big things would happen with the fly rod. 

  We pulled onto the mud flat and started to pole the flats skiff into the skinny water where our school of big redfish were sitting. Jeff was getting used to throwing the fly and I was there to give him instruction on how to make his cast longer, and really help get his fly to fish. From the poling platform I could see a nice size school of reds of about 50 fish sitting in mere inches of water as I said to Jeff, "Look! Here's our fish Jeff, lets make it happen brother!". Well Jeff was just a little short on his casting, so I jumped down from the poling platform, threw out a cast on the fly rod for Jeff so he could see how it worked. 

   BOOM! After the first strip a fish hit the fly, and the fight was on! Jeff was on cloud 9 fighting this redfish on the fly, and to watch it all happen made the moment so special. The smile on Jeff's face is one I will never forget, a smile that was like no other. As he brought the fish closer to the boat we soon realized it was a HUGE 29 inch redfish! We both yelled with excitement and the energy on the boat was very evident to anyone within a mile of us! 

  Jeff pulled the fish in and we landed his huge and first redfish ever on the Fly! We shook hands, threw high fives, and even had a hug of excitement. Jeff was a redfish magnet and achieved his goal for our day, but exceeded his own expectations, which made me feel incredible. The time I spent with Jeff was one of the most rewarding days I've ever had on the water and special to me. Jeff caught the first redfish ever on my new Maverick 18HPX, which was special to me as a guide; I could not of imagined breaking my new boat in any other way. Our day on the water was not just about fishing but learning about the fishery, and learning about each other, which led to a great friendship. 

   The other boats all had great days as well, and afterwards we had quite a few happy guys walking back to there van. Jeff caught the biggest fish of the day, and biggest fish of his life. He taught me a lot about the wounded warrior foundation that I didn't know about, and made our day on the water a very humbling experience. This kind of trip is something I look forward to doing again in the future, and cannot wait till the next time Jeff is on my boat. Sargent First Class Jeff Swire was not only a true hero to me, but a friend, and that's what one day of being on the water together can create.