Lost in the fog
They couldn't see the shore, couldn't see the fish, and weren't sure their four-fish card would be enough. Erik and Michael remember finding their way through a difficult day on Brewster Flats.
When you think back to your Schoolie victory, what scene comes to mind first?
Erik: “We fished the Brewster Flats in foggy conditions. So you couldn't see shore and you certainly couldn't see fish.”
Michael: “Windy weather with very low visibility.”
Tell us about the fish from that weekend you still think about most.
Erik: “As you couldn't see the fish to cast to them, we were blind casting to them. We figured out that they were holding in deeper water on the flat. We began targeting the deeper water and started to hook up consistently.”
Michael: “Honestly, the fish were all about the same size. Not particularly large. Approx. 25 inches.”
What went wrong—or nearly went wrong—before things came together?
Erik: “It was tough conditions. Brewster Flat is scary on a good weather day. The tide fills in fast and you can get stranded. In the fog it's even scarier as you can't see the shore behind you and it's disorienting.”
Michael: “Intermediate line was the wrong choice. My partner, Erik, had a sinking line with much success.”
What did your partner bring to the win that they'd never brag about themselves?
Erik: “Mike is the best. He is relentless and will get after it all day. And he is a little shorter than me, so I know that if he is exiting the flat in a rising tide I still have a half an hour or so. 😜”
Michael: “He caught all our fish!! lol”
What fly or pattern do you remember most from that weekend?
Erik: “Clouser with intermediate line.”
Michael: “Glass minnow.”
What did winning Schoolie mean to you in the moment—and what does it mean to you now?
Erik: “We were surprised to win. The fish we caught weren't giant by any means. I think we got lucky to win as it was a challenging day between the wind and tide. Cheeky is always a blast and we never miss it.”
Michael: “Placing four fish is what counted, not the size.”
What would you tell someone fishing their first Schoolie that has nothing to do with catching the biggest fish?
Erik: “This is a great tournament run in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It's something we look forward to every year and always serves as the kickoff to a fun summer of fishing and hanging out with friends.”
Michael: “I always look forward to this weekend! Going for over 10+ years. It's not necessarily about the size of the fish but rather the stories and memories made with your pals…”