Feeling the Freeze in Paradise

Rita's dad Eddie posing with HER first tarpon!

In a week where every state in the U.S. except Hawaii had snow on the ground on the same day, we were also feeling the cold shoulder of mother nature at The Palometa Club.

Some say it's Atlantic fallout from the effects of El Nino on the Pacific. All we know is there's no quicker dampener on flats fishing that a cold, northern wind. Rita Rose, a fishing guide out of New Mexico who normally fishes with her client Wenert Trich, joined us again this year with her father Eddie as Wenert took a season off for shoulder surgery (last we checked he's doing great). Being the pro she is, they made the most of it and still managed some good fishing. Here's what she had to say about the week:

"Dick and Kaye were their usual gracious hosts and the food was so good we've been avoiding the scale since we got back. Old Man Winter followed us and it was abnormally cold, making the fish somewhat hard to find. We had the same guides all week, Julio and Gerardo, they really went the distance for us, and we found fish most days. The highlight of the trip was catching my first tarpon and seeing a saltwater crocodile. The picture is of my dad and MY tarpon - what a poser! We both had a lot of fun. Thanks to all, Rita"