A quarter of an inch
An early Schoolie, a late tide, and a close finish.
When you think back to your Schoolie victory, what scene comes to mind first?
Brenda: “It was a windy and cool day with early morning fog. The meet-up was at the Sand Bar Restaurant, near West Dennis Beach.”
Tell us about the fish from that weekend you still think about most.
Brenda: “Joe and I were fishing in Chatham and having some early success. There were lots of seals and the fish were abundant. Not huge but plenty of schoolies.”
What went wrong—or nearly went wrong—before things came together?
Brenda: “I can report that nothing went wrong. In fact, we caught the perfect tide but very late in the tournament. Joe caught the first of many in the 28-inch range.”
What fly or pattern do you remember most from that weekend?
Brenda: “Chartreuse and white, but switched to Deceivers late in the day.”
What did winning Schoolie mean to you in the moment—and what does it mean to you now?
Brenda: “We won by a quarter of an inch! I remember Ted zooming in on the pictures. There were lots of fish caught in that same slot size.
“The camaraderie was fantastic—as was the beer. I was clearly ‘hooked’ on the tournament and have fished every year.”
What would you tell someone fishing their first Schoolie that has nothing to do with catching the biggest fish?
Brenda: “Enjoy the moment(s).”