Aruba Trip – February 2021
Renaissance Wind Creek Resort – Arubas Private Beach
      – West Flats just beyond the mangroves –

Lance Scharkey & Alex Zambrano

Alex Zambrano and Lance Scharkey both fly for jetBlue Airways.
The stars happened to align for the two FATC members and they joined arms to take on some salt water fishing in the flats off of the Renaissances private Island (Western side beyond mangroves).

Alex had all the gear locked, stocked and loaded. He’d pre-planned for the trip by tying clouser minnows in multiple sizes. Lance had never fished salt, however; Alex had and showed Lance the ropes (Alex has fished on multiple overnights with work, the guy can sniff out a fish a mile away). The two had a blast attempting to cast 30, often 40 or more feet of fly line in gusty winds and surf.

Alex landed the first fish – a Permit! Imagine that, Alex always lands the first fish!!!!! Always!!! But the guy has the biggest heart in the world and always surrenders his position to his fellow fly fisherman, often insists the other party take over his position. Thats just Alex for you. Funny thing is, not everyone has the Alex touch. Scharkey caught zero Permits. Anyway, we pressed on and Alex caught several more Permit, they put up a great fight according to him.

Lance tied into a Crevalle Jack just before wrapping up for the night. Felt like a small battle ship (I was immediately hooked, NO PUN INTENDED!) It was great fun to learn more about salt water fishing, stand in the water with light surf, and watch the sun drop onto the horizon. Although Lance didn’t catch nearly as many as his fellow Jedi Master, he was immediately hooked by the experience and the change that the salt water experience offered.

Lance and Alex intend to go back together and try it out again.
Alex also shared he has a top secret spot for baby bones up the road. Until the next Aruba layover, we shall continue to seek out great new spots in our Missouri waters! Always longing to lock up on fish and enjoy fellowship along the way.
We hope that some FATC members can make they’re way down to see the beautiful sights of the Aruban coast, and hopefully snag a couple fish in the midst of the overall island experience.

Equipment: Colton Traidwinds XS 8wt 9’ Rod / Echo ION Reel
Flys: Clouser Minnows
Beers: Local Pale Ales

Stay Healthy. Stay Happy. Stay Fishing.