Grand Slams
By Tia Kelliher
Photo: Meris McHaney.
hen I applied to the Honduras girl week program back in 2019, I truly had no idea of the experience I was in for. I had only been fly fishing for about a year at that point, and the thought of going to another country to fly fish was both daunting and exhilarating. Little did I know that my Honduras trip would leave me with terrific memories and friends from Guanjua and around the United States.
Fast forward two years, after Girls Week got rescheduled due to Covid, I was feeling more than ready for my Fish For Change Trip. I practiced casting on my road almost everyday in the weeks leading up to the trip. I was determined to catch something on my first foreign fishing trip. I boarded my first plane (of three) in Anchorage, Alaska, nervous and excited. When I made it to Roatan, Honduras, almost a day later, I was greeted by the friendliest girls and group leaders. We hopped into a van that would take us to our Guanaja-bound boat. The van and boat ride gave us all time to chat and get to know each other. I loved hearing about the other girls' stories and how they discovered Fish For Change. Once we arrived at the Fly Fish Guanaja lodge, we were welcomed by an awesome staff and beautiful lodging. I was stoked to discover more about the culture of this amazing island.
Fast forward two years, after Girls Week got rescheduled due to Covid, I was feeling more than ready for my Fish For Change Trip. I practiced casting on my road almost everyday in the weeks leading up to the trip. I was determined to catch something on my first foreign fishing trip. I boarded my first plane (of three) in Anchorage, Alaska, nervous and excited. When I made it to Roatan, Honduras, almost a day later, I was greeted by the friendliest girls and group leaders. We hopped into a van that would take us to our Guanaja-bound boat. The van and boat ride gave us all time to chat and get to know each other. I loved hearing about the other girls' stories and how they discovered Fish For Change. Once we arrived at the Fly Fish Guanaja lodge, we were welcomed by an awesome staff and beautiful lodging. I was stoked to discover more about the culture of this amazing island.
|
|
Photo: Meris McHaney.
The first day of fishing was unreal. I was on a boat with Blakeley, Olivia, and our guide Edwin. Being on a panga (flats boat) felt insane, and taking turns casting at bonefish and permit was incredible. It was very much a learning experience, but I was enjoying every moment of it.
After a sunny day on the water, it felt nice to cool down with an island fresh smoothie and some sunset dock fishing. A local boy, Junior, showed off his hand lining skills and impressed us all by catching multiple fish. I was also thrilled to meet the two local girls joining us for the week, Camile and Mia. I was feeling so grateful for the opportunity to meet all of these wonderful people and experience the beauty of Honduras. The following day would be a day to never forget, it would be the day my roommate, Thea, and I, would double up on Grand Slams.
June 7th started off like any other terrific island day, the sea breeze was gently blowing, the sun was shining, and the smell of fried plantains and fresh fruit was filling the air. As Heather gave everyone their boat assignments, Thea and I were pumped to be together on a boat with guide Kendell. We got out on the water and played music while zooming over to the other side of the island. Thea was up first to fish and soon enough Kendell started shouting out "10 o'clock, 40 feet, permit". Just watching Thea cast out to the permit was getting my blood pumping. Then she hooked one and it shot off, I was mesmerized. That fish took her for a run. She probably had it on for at least five minutes, then it got stuck in the sargassum (a type of seaweed) and broke off. Talk about defeat, we were all devastated until we realized there was another permit not too far out. Sure enough, she hooked that one as well and this time she got it into the boat. Then it was my turn. We drank some Coca-Cola and took a breather before I stood at the front of the Panga and waited for Kendell's words. He started talking, and I started casting. It took a couple of tries, but the Permit finally ate and it was on. My adrenaline was pumping and I was ready to do anything to get my permit in. It successfully came in and Thea, Kendell, and I knew it was on. We were on a mission for the famed "Grand Slam".
After a sunny day on the water, it felt nice to cool down with an island fresh smoothie and some sunset dock fishing. A local boy, Junior, showed off his hand lining skills and impressed us all by catching multiple fish. I was also thrilled to meet the two local girls joining us for the week, Camile and Mia. I was feeling so grateful for the opportunity to meet all of these wonderful people and experience the beauty of Honduras. The following day would be a day to never forget, it would be the day my roommate, Thea, and I, would double up on Grand Slams.
June 7th started off like any other terrific island day, the sea breeze was gently blowing, the sun was shining, and the smell of fried plantains and fresh fruit was filling the air. As Heather gave everyone their boat assignments, Thea and I were pumped to be together on a boat with guide Kendell. We got out on the water and played music while zooming over to the other side of the island. Thea was up first to fish and soon enough Kendell started shouting out "10 o'clock, 40 feet, permit". Just watching Thea cast out to the permit was getting my blood pumping. Then she hooked one and it shot off, I was mesmerized. That fish took her for a run. She probably had it on for at least five minutes, then it got stuck in the sargassum (a type of seaweed) and broke off. Talk about defeat, we were all devastated until we realized there was another permit not too far out. Sure enough, she hooked that one as well and this time she got it into the boat. Then it was my turn. We drank some Coca-Cola and took a breather before I stood at the front of the Panga and waited for Kendell's words. He started talking, and I started casting. It took a couple of tries, but the Permit finally ate and it was on. My adrenaline was pumping and I was ready to do anything to get my permit in. It successfully came in and Thea, Kendell, and I knew it was on. We were on a mission for the famed "Grand Slam".
|
|
Photo: Meris McHaney.
Next came the bonefish, Thea caught hers first and mine came shortly after. We were on top of the world. In the afternoon we hiked to a waterfall with the rest of the group. It was beautifully hidden in the jungle and it felt oh so refreshing to cool off underneath the spray of the waterfall. Although it was great to be with the other girls, the thoughts of a Grand Slam filled my mind. As the rest of our group headed back to the lodge, Thea and I gratefully excepted Kendell's offer to take us back out in search of a tarpon. We attempted to catch some bigger tarpon, but had no luck. Kendell brought us to a spot where only baby tarpon lived, and it was there we would finish the slam. The spot was a small creek like area with trees surrounding it, and it was time for finesse. I honestly think the baby tarpon were the most difficult fish we had caught all day. Thea and I had to lay casts down through trees without getting snagged (which we did plenty). Somehow, with the help of our spectacular guide, we achieved a slam by catching the cutest baby tarpon. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world, and I was so grateful to experience a slam with my roommate in one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
As I look back on my trip to Guanaja, I appreciate so much more than just the slam. The opportunities to watch a local soccer game, plant mangroves, hunt for crabs, eat island food, and make wonderful friends was more than I could have ever wished for out of my trip to Honduras. Fish For Change made an amazing impact on my life and I hope other girls will have the chance to experience Guanaja just like I did.
Tia Kellier, 20, Alaska.
In addition to fly fishing, Tia is an avid pilot and yogi. You can find her flying planes around the Alaskan bush or teaching yoga to children and adults alike.
As I look back on my trip to Guanaja, I appreciate so much more than just the slam. The opportunities to watch a local soccer game, plant mangroves, hunt for crabs, eat island food, and make wonderful friends was more than I could have ever wished for out of my trip to Honduras. Fish For Change made an amazing impact on my life and I hope other girls will have the chance to experience Guanaja just like I did.
Tia Kellier, 20, Alaska.
In addition to fly fishing, Tia is an avid pilot and yogi. You can find her flying planes around the Alaskan bush or teaching yoga to children and adults alike.