Duct Tape, Pelicans & Divine Intervention

It’s one thing to land these fish from a boat with beefed up tackle, but it’s an entirely different ball game from the surf on a fly rod.

If you didn’t already know, summertime beach fishing on the Space Coast can get WILD. Every year, new and increasingly unbelievable tales emerge from the beach that are forever woven into local angler lore. Last week, nineteen year old Andrew Berube staked his entry into legend when he landed a ~100lb tarpon on a fly rod in the surf. The feat of landing the fish itself is incredible, but the story of the fight is simply epic.

Armed with his self-tied fly and 12 weight fly reel, Andrew was determined to catch a monster tarpon in the surf. Having lost a 150 pounder in heartbreak fashion the previous day, he hoped for a shot at redemption, but was shocked when he found himself almost immediately locked into battle with his white whale.

The homemade fly tied by Andrew.

Persevering through the fish’s massive runs, Andrew overcame both a broken rod shaft and a busted guide. Fortunately, he was able to work some magic to keep the fight alive with Gorilla duct tape, a pair of pliers, and a little help from his friend. But, just when Andrew found himself back in the driver’s seat, a cruising pelican flew right into his line, as if delivering a message straight from the fishing gods, “Not today, friend!”

Repairing the rod shaft mid-fight, with some help!

An angry, snapping pelican, tangled in braid, was the only thing literally AND figuratively separating Andrew from his fish. He was not about to give up. Luckily, a few kind (and brave) bystanders granted an assist. They were able to swim out and safely free the bird from the line. Finally, the long battle ended in glorious victory; Andrew landed his tarpon in the surf on fly!