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This week's report isn't my traditional fishing report, as I took some much needed time off this week. I did manage to get out with my good friend
Capt. Kevin Chamberlain, who fishes Charlotte Harbor quite a bit. We made a morning trip down to the Harbor and fished an area that we're both fond of....I used to fish it a lot years ago. The area was covered with redfish, but in that shallow, super-clear, out-going water, they just didn't want to eat. I missed two, and put one nice red in the boat while fishing artificials. It was a beautiful morning, and lots of fun casting to those fish.
This was a week for taking care of loose ends. If you read my reports regularly, you'll remember my recent report of July 25, 1998, in which I expressed fear that I had offended Mr. Terry Gump with overenthusiastic coaching. Well, I finally heard from Terry, who has been very sick, and his wonderful and very thoughtful letter is reprinted here for all to see:
Dear Capt. Rickey,
I am writing you this letter to clarify some misunderstanding and statements. The first clarification deals with the statement made at the dock at the conclusion of our fishing trip. I did not say, "I thought your coaching of the boys was a little to rough". My statement was, "my youngest son took the coaching a little rough". The statement was directed toward my son, not you. I must apologize for any misunderstanding.
Secondly, as you noticed, there was something wrong....Your observations were correct. I was sick the entire night, prior to our fishing trip and I should have canceled. But, I had planned and dreamed of this fishing trip for five months, and come Hell or High Water, I was going to fish. About two hours into the trip I started to pay, dearly. At the end of the day I was uncertain of future events. I didn't know, at the time, whether I could get my insulin/sugar levels regulated by Tuesday. This was my reason for paying you. I held out as long as I could, but Monday evening I was still in bed trying to recover. Late in the afternoon, I knew my fishing dreams wasn't coming true this summer. Much to my regret, I told my wife to call and cancel.
A Guide of your caliber is hard to find. You use the best in everything, from the bait to the boat. I want to thank you personally for a Great fishing trip, although I did not get to fish as much as I wanted to. Maybe, I can get this insulin/Sugar regulated by next summer and return. We didn't walk away empty handed. I learned more about ultra-light fishing in three hours than I would have learned in a lifetime. Thanks for being patient with us while we were trying to learn. After all, Josh and I did put 14 fish into the boat in three hours, most I may add, were exceptional fish. I am anxiously waiting for the pictures of our fishing adventure. After all, I did catch the big one of the day. I think I will rub it in for a while........
I am regretfully sorry for any and all misunderstandings.
Thanks again,
Terry F. Gump
What a nice letter. Thanks, Terry!
Terry and his boys did catch some beautiful snook and redfish. I sure hope that he can regain his health and make that return trip next year.
The other loose end was Rick Bardowell, the poor fella I pulled a total brain-fart on last week while I was sick. I got a nice email from Rick graciously accepting my apology and the free trip, and we'll be setting up another trip soon. Thanks, Rick!
I'll be back to work next week, so stay tuned for the report.
If you have any questions or comments, or you'd like to book a trip, please email me at capt@barhoppr.com.
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