Breaking up the Monotony of Self Quarantine

Ron Smith

Active member
The Everglades were calling. Since loading the boat, driving to the Glades and launching to do some fishing required no social interaction, we answered the call. I said we were bass fishing but my target species was really Oscars. They are the best tasting aquarium fish I have ever had. They are numerous and are willing targets in the waters of South Florida. Fish or no fish I knew we were going to be treated to a beautiful evening. Sunset was at 7:36 pm. I love to sit with my bride and watch the sun take the earth by the edges and set the horizon on fire. As luck would have it the bass were more willing to crash my lure but I did manage to ice down 2 nice sized oscars. I could not resist taking a short cruise back into the sawgrass and skinny water to see if the teal were sheltering in place of if the urge to nest had them headed north. We motored in slowly to avoid running further in than we would be able motor back out of. Also the gators are sort of aggressive in the shallow water so I did not look forward to getting in the water and turning the boat around. We knew where the teal were 2 weeks ago and hoped they would still be there. The teal did not disappoint. My wife used her iPhone to video for 1 minute as as wave after wave of BWT lifted from the river of grass. Soon there were several thousand teal in the air around us.I grabbed my Canon as group after group tried to land again. It was very fast shooting and they would not approach where the sun could light the photos better but it was quite a show. After watching for 20 minutes and with the sun dropping low we decided to head back to the boat ramp. We pulled the boat from the water just in time to watch God use the sun,clouds and rain paint a beautiful scene low on the horizon. We pointed the car east to head home. In the rear view mirrors we continued to watch the show in the western sky till it faded to black. Now we are back to self quarantine at home. We will watch the sunset from our driveway this evening. I am sure it will be beautiful but it is hard to beat being west of here and watching the sun fall into the river of grass.



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Nice writeup and pictures Ron. Wish we had similar opportunities, next emergency I plan to quarantine in your area. [;)]
 
Ron

Spectacular pictures and I liked your write up. I see your wife in a lot of your outdoor pictures. You are a lucky man she does your outdoor activities with you.

Eric
 
I too have been trying to keep busy. Love this time of year before birds head back north from Long Island. A friend sent me pictures of Eiders last year so I went to see if they where still around. Bingo. Had fun trying to get close to get some pictures. Then got busted by them and it was pretty funny seeing them scurry away. Also saw my first Northern Gannets while waiting on them. A little far from me but was able to make an ID with the lens and Merlin app on the phone. Also watched and Osprey rebuilding its nest from about 70 yards away. Lots of fun to be had outdoors.
 
Thanks for the photos and story! You're breaking the monotony of quarantine up for more than just yourself! Full plumage BWT are just not around my area so I love seeing those! I may have to make a hunting trip to Florida some winter!
 
Great photos !
I heard Oscars are good eating. Also saw a photo the other day of some bow fishers who had a deck of the boat covered in big Tilapia from a lake SE of here.
Fishin' is a little different game here vs. Mobile Bay!
 
Monotony? What is that? Other than missing trips to the gum, things are rolling along pretty well here.
 
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