BREAKING NEWS

Sports Specialty Ventures and Taylor Creek Fly Shop are proud to announce that after a lengthy and arduous application process they have been awarded the much-sought-after position as exclusive booking agents (in greater downtown Basalt) for Captain Bill Fitzsimmons of Big Pine Key, Florida. Never one to dwell on titles or formality, Bill prefers to be addressed simply as Captain or Sir. His specialty is sight-fishing the Florida Keys for tarpon, bonefish, permit, redfish, sharks, barracuda, snapper, speckled trout, cobia and hard fighting grunts. With advance notice he can also provide the accomplished angler with excellent opportunities to foul hook sting rays, gaters, and the occasional trophy manatee.

While not known for fantastic aerial displays and fireworks, the manatee has been known to burn out an entire fly line and 35 yards of backing in less than a half-day charter. Bill revels in providing the seasoned saltwater angler with opportunities to act out their fantasies of being an utter beginner and also teaches the unteachable as evidenced on a four-day trip last spring with Sage Sales Rep Van Rollo and Taylor Creek manager and fishing guru Tim Heng. During their short stay they experienced far less than ideal conditions and still managed to feed a fly to 23 tarpon. In fact one ate four times during a short six second period and still escaped unperforated. Bill retains flexibility in his schedule to accomodate Taylor Creek clients on fairly short notice and can arrange lodging for those who wish him to do so.

The Big Pine area is the least crowded in the Keys and provides the chance for some of the finest in saltwater sightfishing. Fish out of state-of-the-art Hell's Bay 17' 8" Professional. All equipment and flies are provided. Bill can be contacted at 305-304-2289 or questions can be directed to Tim at Taylor Creek.