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