Ryan Thompson Looking Happy Photo by Louis Cahill

I hate putting my shoes on.

My feet hate it too. After a week, barefoot on South Andros, my feet as well as my spirit have expanded. Neither wants to be put back into confinement. The shoes, however, have to go on and it’s my mental cue that the trip is over and it’s time to go home.

Wading Seston Point

AM at the launch

This year’s G&G Bahamas Bonefish Trip, which ended up being two trips for me to accommodate as many folks as possible, was a huge success. We accomplished so much as a group and as individuals. Better than half the group had never caught a bonefish before. We checked that off everyone’s list on the first day.

Rick Hohne and friend

“This isn’t a fishing trip, it’s a clinic,” one angler told me. “I not only caught a ton of bonefish, I’m going home a better angler.” Hearing that is incredibly rewarding for me. Helping folks become better anglers is my mission in life. Helping them find confidence in their fly fishing means more than catching a trophy for myself.

What’s even more rewarding is sharing one of my favorite fishing destinations in the world with new and eager anglers. The look of wonder on their faces when they see flats without end and huge schools of bonefish is priceless. Hearing their stories over drinks and great food in the evenings, with a gentle breeze coming off the ocean and some Bob Marley in the background was a sweet lullaby.

The people of South Andros were, as always, great ambassadors for the islands. Especially the guides, who entertained and educated as they worked tirelessly to put their anglers on great fish, wading and from the boat.

Glenn Ancelet seals the deal

There were some very experienced anglers among us as well, including Mark Richens (owner of Thomas and Thomas Fly Rods), Brower Moffit (sales for T&T) and Rich Hohne of Simms. Rich brought a very generous gear package for each angler, dressing them head to toe in technical flats wear. Glenn Ancelet and Jeff Nickles each won Thomas and Thomas fly rods to boot. Mark and Brower brought along a huge assortment of T&T rods for everyone to use as they liked. These guys were as generous with their knowledge as with their gear. We are very grateful.

Ryan gets it done

In the conversations Kent and I had when we started Gink and Gasoline one word kept coming up. Community. That’s how we see G&G, not as a fly fishing site or even as a job but as a community. It belongs to you as much as it does to us.

That’s the most amazing thing about these trips. Connecting with that community. Fishing with guys who have exchanged comments on the site for years. Seeing them use what they have learned from reading my articles to catch fish. Putting faces to the screen names. Making new friends that feel like old ones.

There is no way I can tell you how rewarding that is. I’d like to thank everyone who joined us in South Andros. The readers who came to fish and the sponsors who came to support us. You rocked my world. I can’t wait to see each of you again and stretch some line together.

Mark Richens on the south side

I can tell you this, we’ll be doing a lot more trips like these. Some are already in the works. Destinations like Alaska, Louisiana, Argentina, Oregon, Bahamas and fish like redfish, steelhead, permit and dorado. If there is somewhere you would like to fish with G&G, leave us a comment and let us know. We’ll see what we can do.

Scott Mackenzie on the practice skiff

Here are a few words from some of the folks who joined us.

Glenn and Tori outback

“I can’t thank you enough for hosting what was the greatest week of my fishing life. It was truly amazing. My time with you, and the other G&G devotees at Andros South went far beyond my wildest expectations. I’m a better caster and all round better fly fisher thanks to you. Thank you so much Louis. I have to go back!”

-Glenn Ancelet

West side bone

“I am two weeks back from Andros and still going through withdrawal. To say that the trip exceeded my expectations is an understatement. Thank you for making our first trip bonefishing so special. This was truly a world class expedition with even better forged friendships.”

-Jeff Nichols

Working the edge

“This was my second trip. Again, it exceeded expectations. What a great group of serious fly fishermen. The days filled with fishing and evenings with tying or just talking tactics. I am happy that I met and fished with guys that I hope are lifetime friends. G&G trips are the best and I have been on many.”

-Scott Mackenzie

Release

“One of the things that stood out to me was acceptance. Different ages, different skill levels and different backgrounds were represented on the trip. Two things, however, were not different – our love of fishing and the experience of making the trip to chase the ghost of the flats. When you share a common bond, all of the above differences are removed. I always looked forward to the time in the Slack Tide hut. Recanting the days events, laughing and telling stories. That time was almost as good as the fishing. Inside the hut, we were all equals.”

-Garrett McKnight

Capt Freddy means business

“Louis and Kent were the perfect hosts making sure all guests were briefed on what to expect from the week ahead. They conducted an excellent bonefish 101 on the first evening and were attentive throughout the week in ensuring that each angler was equipped with appropriate equipment and happy with the way things were going on the water. By Day 2 it all felt like a familiar trip with old friends – good fishing, good times, lots of useful advice and not a hint of ego anywhere in the group. I’m happy to say that the huge efforts G&G undertake to bring the wonders of fly fishing online, also extend in to the real world. Louis and Kent get it, they live it and they love it. Most importantly they are genuinely excited to share it.”

-Mark Richens

Look for exciting new G&G trips soon! I hope to see you on the water.