“We still got it!”
A late start, a mud flat full of bass, and a championship won together. Caitlin and Justin remember the fishing, the podium, and what the win meant to them as a couple.
When you think back to your Schoolie victory, what scene comes to mind first?
Caitlin: “The first scene that comes to mind when thinking about our Schoolie victory was standing on the podium, claiming victory beside my husband. I remember feeling overwhelmed with the feeling of accomplishment, and the array of amazing prizes.
“I was so proud to be one of the first women to be a winner of the Cheeky Schoolie Tournament.
“Then coming off of the podium, into the crowd, I remember getting quickly annoyed, hearing so many (male) competitors asking Justin IF, not how, I contributed to the team win. I like to think people would know by 2019 that ladies can figure out where the fish are and even reel them in.”
Justin: “I remember waking up a little bit later than we were supposed to and scrambling to get to our spot. This was due to a few too many Dale's Pale Ales the night before.
“It was an overcast morning, and as I waded into the water I could immediately see bass swimming on the mud flat.”
Tell us about the fish from that weekend you still think about most.
Caitlin: “There is not one fish caught on tournament day that I think of more than the others. I could say maybe the first, because it set the mood, but they just kept biting after that. Every catch was as exciting as the next!”
Justin: “We basically caught our first fish almost immediately and for the next three hours we were catching fish nonstop with a lot of double hookups.”
What went wrong—or nearly went wrong—before things came together?
Caitlin: “I honestly don't remember anything going wrong on tournament day! The weather, tides and newly found location were all on our side.”
Justin: “My waders were leaking, which led to my phone getting wet and no longer working by the end of tourney day. It was a good thing we had shared the fish photos to Caitie's device.”
What did your partner bring to the win that they'd never brag about themselves?
Caitlin: “I don't think he would brag about his enthusiasm. Any sign of a fish gets him going. Every fish he hooks ‘is a monster!’, even when it turns out not to be.
“He commentates every catch as it is happening. It keeps the vibe exciting and fun and his vibes that day set us both up for an amazing day of fishing.”
Justin: “Not only is Caitie a great fly fisherman, she is a great navigator and good with maps. She has an ability to find fishy spots on the map and also find access to them.”
What fly or pattern do you remember most from that weekend?
Caitlin: “No striper will ever ignore a fly tied by Justin Jones.”
Justin: “We fished one fly pattern all weekend that I tie. It is a baitfish pattern that uses a flatwing-style technique for the tail, but carries more side flare and bulk towards the head.”
What did winning Schoolie mean to you in the moment—and what does it mean to you now?
Caitlin: “In the moment of winning Schoolie, I felt rewarded for the work we put into it. The win proved that we are a solid team.
“We found each other because we love doing cool things. Even after marriage, amidst raising children, working, and the chaos of life, we still got it! We will continue showing up every May, thirsty for another big win.”
Justin: “Winning the biggest fly-fish-only tourney in the world seemed crazy. The best part of all was that I got to win it with my wife!”
What would you tell someone fishing their first Schoolie that has nothing to do with catching the biggest fish?
Caitlin: “Schoolie is all about the atmosphere. The experience of fly fishing the shores of Cape Cod in the spring is a win in itself.
“Combine that with the people we meet, friendships we make, new gear we discover, all while raising money and awareness so that we can hang on to the striped bass fishery as long as we can—it is all worth putting the Cheeky Schoolie Tournament in your schedule.”
Justin: “Get there as early in the week as you can because the fishing around Cape Cod is awesome this time of year! Also try and go to all the Schoolie events and parties. It's a great group and tons of fun.”