- Seasons on the Flats; by Bill Horn
Bill Horn has presented the flats fishing community with a delightful and valuable story about the seasons in the Florida Keys, focused on his time spent in and around Marathon. If you have not yet hunted gamefish on the Keys’ flats, but are planning to do so, you will learn much from this book about what to expect. If you’ve already fished the Keys and plan to return, your catches will increase greatly if you read this fine, short book. It is well worth a visit to your local bookstore or favorite online site to get your own copy.
One of the most important lessons for success in saltwater fishing is being in the right place at the right time with the right gear. In Seasons on the Flats veteran fly fisher and Marathon resident Bill Horn describes the seasonal rhythms of many of the gamefish that are targeted in the Florida Keys. He also chronicles many of the other pleasures that make the Keys such a magical place, from lobster season, to the flowering Royal Poincianas, history and geology of these pastel, aquamarine and emerald islands. Each of the four distinct seasons offers its own charms and challenges, and Horn leads the reader through them all.
Seasons on the Flats includes not only tips and techniques for bonefish, tarpon and permit from the author’s many years of pursuing them, but also local wisdom from local captains. Bill has the experience and credentials to make this book fun and informative. It is filled with the details from weather patterns to the changing presence of various fish and their unique migrations throughout the four seasons. Bill speaks to these changes, some subtle, some not, that weave through the flats at different times of the year. He calls our attention to tidal variations, current changes, water depths and how to read fronts. He has included some good photographs and very attractive line drawings from local artist Bob White.
The book is a lyrical combination of science, natural occurrences, and technical advice, but also includes a lovely description of Marathon – a laid back “ma & pa” oasis that is equidistant from jazzy Key Westand high end Key Largo. Seasons on the Flats also introduces you to some of Marathon’s first class fishing guides. Even though these guides might be the best group in the business, don’t count on reading about these camera shy guys elsewhere; these are low-hype, old-time professional guides who really do know where the fish are going to be. You’ll be lucky to land fishing dates with Richie, Al, Bus, Chris or Scott. I know because I have begged for years.
Bill Horn was Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife and Parks under President Reagan. He served on the National Academy of Sciences Everglades restoration review committee. Bill qualifies as a veteran Keys angler, having started is angling adventures there in 1954. An accomplished author, Bill’s articles have appeared in American Angler, Florida Sportsman, The Pointing Dog Journal. He lives in Falls Church,VA and Marathon Key, FL.
Review provided by Rick Hirsch.
