I’ve always been the type to carve my own path, rarely opting for guided excursions. But this journey was different—venturing across the country to chase a nocturnal, bottom-dwelling fish in a lake completely unknown to me demanded the expertise of someone who knew these waters like the back of their hand. Enter Captain Patrick from Swamp to Sea Guide Service—a master of his craft, with an easygoing demeanor that made him the perfect companion for this epic quest.
The day started with an unexpected catch—a black crappie that broke the surface as if to say, “This is just the beginning.” But it was only a prelude.
As the sun rose higher, the lake came alive. We lost track of the number of peacock bass we hauled in, each one more vibrant and fierce than the last.
And then, it happened—Luke battled and brought in the prize we had come for, the elusive and exotic Clown Knifefish, its sleek, serpentine body shimmering in the morning light.
The adventure didn’t stop there. We also caught several Mayan cichlids, a first for the trip, adding to our growing tally of exotic species.
Captain Patrick wasn’t just a fishing guide—he was a storyteller of the land, sharing his deep knowledge of the local birds and trees, adding layers of richness to the experience that went far beyond the thrill of the catch.
But the day wasn’t just about the fish. On the journey back south, we indulged in a shrimp scampi pizza that was nothing short of divine—an unexpected gourmet delight that perfectly capped off our morning on the water.
As we returned to the Miami area, the adventure continued with a few more catches before the day finally caught up with us. These included some more peacock bass and couple Jaguar Cichlids.
We washed away the day’s exertions with a well-earned shower before relaxing at a Miami Marlins game.
Exhausted but exhilarated, we collapsed into the night, our minds already turning to the next chapter of our adventure—the legendary Tamiami Trail, where more epic encounters surely awaited.