Throwin' it back to the good 'ol days...

CaptLacey Kelly February 27, 2014

One of my favorite things about social media lately is the throwback thursday trend. Especially for those that I follow in the fishing and hunting industries. I think it's really neat to see where folks come from and how their passion for the outdoors has blossomed over the years.

So with that being said thanks to my parents you can check out a few oldies but goodies that created the monster I am today.

Jump in,

Capt Lacey

I was used as shark & barracuda bait quite a bit while my parents were busy lobstering in the southern Florida Keys.

That blonde blob in the front is me getting ready for a ride with family and friends at our camp off Alico Road.

Hunting Osceola Turkeys in South Florida with Dad & my bro.

Playing dress up was a little different for me…

First fish I speared! It may have been the smallest mangrove snapper I've ever got but it sure as heck was mine :)

Getting bigger by the minute and getting better at lobstering in the Keys.

Don't mess with me, I'm 11 here and serious about deer hunting.

I learned from a young age that if you killed it you cleaned it.

First charter I ever went on with my Aunt & Uncle down in Key West in between lobstering.

My first boat was a classic old aquasport named "Due South". I remember putting in at the boat ramp getting some pretty confusing looking stares when I used to take it out.

The rest is history… Will prob recap and throwback some of my days guiding in Florida soon. Thanks to my parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles for all giving me my roots & my wings.

The Walk of Shame.

CaptLacey Kelly February 17, 2014

The morning after is when it really hit me, like WTH just happened. It was as if a bad movie was replaying over and over again in my head.

I couldn't sleep last night because every time I closed my eyes I had visions of that 15lb black tailed devil going for its first run and the knot in my fly line that I couldn't get out quickly enough. To date this was the closest encounter I've had since my last permit on the fly. I convinced myself that I needed one more shot, I got more like 10 and I proceeded to hook another one, not as big as the first but a solid fish out of the school that was the size of a truck. Feeling relieved and redeemed I realized right before he got on the reel, I had another knot in the same spot. BAM like a flash of lightning #2 for the day was gone.

Tucked with my tail between my legs we returned back to the dock. Longest boat ride home in my life. The guides at the dock gave me my well deserved lashings. Another opportunity lost at sea.

Cursed, vexed or just down right unlucky? In all honesty it's probably just a lack of paying attention. What am I going to do the next time I get a permit on? Focus immediately on my fly line, ensuring that it will be a smooth transition getting that fish on the reel.

I should've caught 10 yesterday. Instead I'm humbled again.

- Lace