We headed out from Chokoloskee just after 7:00 AM for a calm, one-on-one half-day inshore trip with Art. The morning promised heat and wind, and by mid-morning the west winds were up — gusting into the high 20s and 30s — so we worked the protected edges and flats to make the most of the conditions. The tide was running toward low around our mid-trip window (low at 9:27 AM), so we focused efforts where bait and current converged. Art dialed in his fly casting quickly and we spent the first hour refining presentation and timing. That practice paid off: mid-morning we connected with a solid bluefish. After a spirited, short fight we landed the fish and got it turned carefully for photos before releasing it to fight another day. It was a great opportunity to apply the small technique adjustments we’d been working on — a few changes to strip speed and line control made the difference. Overall it was an awesome morning. Art made noticeable improvements to his fly fishing technique, stayed focused despite the building breeze, and enjoyed a productive, safe outing on the Paradise Coast. Thanks again for getting out early — looking forward to our next trip and more chances to chase what’s moving in these productive inshore waters. Tight lines, Captain Brian Blinco