David Siskind | Sunday, 22 February 2026
I was standing on line with my new posse of 8 anglers, waiting to check into our flight to Acklins and observing that I’m older and at least a head shorter than all of these Europeans. All looking athletic and fit. I’m hoping I don’t slow anyone down on this trip. They’re all serious fishers and outdoorsmen. I think I’ve got mostly doctors and lawyers this time. Last year it was teachers and retired cops. Very congenial lot even so. In line I’m hearing discussions in Dutch, German and English about articulated flies for sea trout, winter fishing for pike, tiger fish in Africa, all things accessible from Europe and rarely considered for stateside anglers. It turns out that my roommate for this trip will be a cardiologist from Romania. I think that’s a good thing.
We all piled into a twin turbo-prop for the one hour fifteen minute hop to Acklins, then stopped at the liquor store on the way to the lodge, enjoyed an early lunch and geared up for a 3-1/2 hour fish on some nearby flats. We all got our walking sea-legs and fish spotting skills tuned a bit but barely banished the skunk. Our radiologist from Germany caught a “baby bone.” But no one else caught any.
I spotted a few fish early on but only got one shot at a pair and got too close, spooking them. Today we’re splitting into small groups and heading north to a few choice flats. We’ll see how it goes. My big foot did pretty well in my new tights and wading socks. I don’t love my flats booties. The Danish outfitters and most of the fishers are sporting the newest Patagonia Salt Flats boot. I want a pair.
It felt pretty good casting the HT8. My backhand casting has improved considerably but still needs some work. The mechanics are there but I think gaze and mindset may hold the key to loving it. I’m hoping realizing this will inform the next few days and that opportunities won’t be wasted.
On the home front, I read that the Supreme Court nixed Trump’s tariffs and that he was apoplectic. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. Apparently he’s not willing to accept the helping hand and is testing new legal justifications. It’s probably not good for my character but I find myself happy whenever he’s not.
So I’ll begin my day soon, fingers crossed, hoping for firm flats and happy fish. I’ll report on this and some coming weather challenges next week. Keeping it brief…
Cheers