A Glades Moment

PH. (305) 248-6126

A G l a d e s M o m e n t

“A Glades Moment”
By Capt. DJ Sutton

It was one of those trips, one of those perfect days. When leaving Flamingo, the sun was just a warm
glow in the eastern sky. Only there, was a sign of color, all else, a mix of gray's and blacks. Not a
breath of wind. The air refreshed by the night. The morning moisture was on the decks of the platform
we would use to stalk our quarry this day. Weapons were poised and ready. Expectations were high.
For this, was the hunt.

An adventure to the outer reaches of Everglades National Park is best shared with good friends, but
often
on a journey like this, is where the bonds of friendship
begin to weave for a guide and his angler. For a moment of wonder is surrounding them if they have the
vision to see. If they take the time to dream of what it once was, here in the clear waters and protected
cuts of Florida Bay.

What a wondrous place this must have been a hundred years ago. As we glide through the waters
making our way through the maze of channels, it seems it could be, for a

instant. Only for the skiff that carries us to our destination, the silence is broken. In front, the mirror of
water changes into a slice of ripples behind, as the colors of morning rapidly change. Like a new life,
the day begins to unfold.

As our spirits drink from the well that is nature, we can feel the healing of our hearts & souls. To be
witness, and not embrace this moment, would be tragic.

The sky now from black, to the palest blue. The skiff moves in silence, approaching, a hint of a breeze
is seen, but not enough to cover the wisp of silver tail. Piercing the mirror of water, a shimmering knife
reflecting the still rising sun. Adrenaline flows, the heart pounds, years of practice forgotten in an
instant. Finally, into the path, the fly is placed with surgical precision, the strike, the set, and the fight
begins.

At this point, victory is ours. Before we ever hold, or measure, or weight, we have won. We have seen
our quarry, silently approached him, and convinced him with a collection of fur, feathers & steel. We
have entered into a brotherhood.
For this is not just a mere fish....
This is a phantom, but today..... There is success. Today is the time and the place of dreams ..
Mine & yours......... 11/06/98