‘Destination X’

Published 2:56 pm Thursday, May 6, 2010

Kelly J. Bandlow is a local fly fishing guide who lives here in Tryon. Here is what he has to say about his latest fishing trip.

Im back from the Bahamas and a rather unique fly fishing trip. It consisted of traveling aboard a 45 catamaran rather than staying at a lodge. Its part of a Destination X program being put together for the fisherman who wants an inexpensive alternative to the pricey lodge packages currently offered by many different travel companies. Myself and three other fishermen went unguided during this trip, which I found to be a phenomenal experience. Most of the better guides here in the Bahamas are so good that they can spot a bonefish at 50 yards in a hurricane. So when they say cast 30 feet at 11:00 you do so in a robotic manner.&bsp; Spotting these silver ghosts on your own and then casting to and catching them is an incredible feeling. Especially when these bonefish take you into your backing within 3 seconds and not just once, but numerous times. &bsp;

The food on board, although excellent, was not what anyone would call gourmet. The good thing about staying on a boat is that wed anchor up within a five-minute dinghy ride from the flats or tidal creek we were going to be fishing that day. This eliminates the need of a boat ride of up to an hour or two from a lodge. Bad news is that youre on a boat which means close quarters for everyone on board. Luckily for me, I did a lot of sailing in my younger days, so taking a shower in a space where you can barely raise your arms didnt bother me.

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If you want to find out more about this fishing trip, stop by and talk to Kelly, who works out of the Curtis Wright shop in Saluda, which has moved downtown.

Local

fishing report

This fishing report is by Ken Haynes.

Bass fishing was a little slower this week because of several cold fronts that passed through. Many of the bass are now in spawn or post spawn patterns, making them a little harder to catch. White bass have moved up the rivers to begin their spawning runs.&bsp; Nice catches of white bass are being reported under the bridge at Lake Lure.

Bream fishing has been hot this week with all the local lakes and ponds offering plenty of action. Crickets are still the bait of choice this week for the larger fish.

Crappie fishing has slowed a bit but finding the right spot, with a few tree tops, will still produce plenty of fish.

Catfishing has steadily increased over the last few weeks with several 10 to 14 pounders being reported.

Carp fishing is also hot this time of year. If you have never tried carp fishing it is a lot of fun and many are caught in the 10 to 20 pound range. So take a kid fishing and have some fun. &bsp;

If you need any fishing tackle, stop by and see Ken Haynes at the Silver Creek Campground.

Boating

Remember the new boating law that took effect on May 1, 2010: Any person under the age of 26 must successfully complete a NASBLA approved boating education course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 HP or greater (unless if you are an outstate resident). You can go online and take the class at www.boatus.org.

Cycling

Landrum

Friday, leaves at 5:30 pm from the News Journal for a 28 mile ride with speeds of 12-15 mph, it is a friendly and fun ride, great for women and newer riders that do not want that fast pace of riding.

If you have any rides that you want listed please send me an email at: garywclark@bellsouth.net and I will post them.