There are a great number of amazing people I won’t get a chance to meet and last night another one such man passed on. Rupert Leadon was one of the pioneers of bonefishing in Andros Island and owner of Andros Island Bonefish Club. He was an inspiration to a great many anglers and his absence will be felt by those who knew him.
This story talks about both Charlie Smith and Rupert Leadon (Rupert is talked about more in the second half of the piece) and it gives you a sense for some of what he’s contributed.
“Andros Island is the richest island in the world,” he said. “We’re the untamed spirit of the Bahamas, and we need to bring people back to fish here.”
Rupert, in the place he made.
While Ted McVay may have actually created the Gotcha, it was Rupert Leadon who named it.
Pink Gotcha with some white fox tail
Godspeed Rupert.
- If you liked the story above, check out these stories below
- I kinda want to do that last post again today (1.000)
- A story about Andros South and I begin my own journey. (1.000)
- South South Andros - Fishing Day 2 (1.000)
Tags: Andros, Bahamas, bonefishing, fly fishing, Rupert Leadon
“Andros Island is the richest island in the world,” he said. “We’re the untamed spirit of the Bahamas, and we need to bring people back to fish here.”- Rupert
Before bonefishing became so popular, I fished 10-12 times with Rupert. This over a period of approx. 6 years, in the early 80s. We stayed at Small Hope Bay Club and they would take me to Cargill Creek. I fly fished some, but my skill was with a baitcaster (ABU) with 8 lb Ande line. I used 1/4 oz skimmer jigs ordered from WW Sportsman. Robert seemed astounded about that, primarily due to my casting ability. He taught me everything, including how to see them and their habits. He told me several times he wanted me to fish a tournament with him. Unfortunately it didn’t happen. We always caught a lot of bonefish. The bights were full of big, unspooked fish. We let the small ones go by. Interestingly, my first double digit was on the fly. Rupert was cool and I loved that man. I think he sorta liked me too. May God keep him happy, if for no other reason, because he was!
Thanks for sharing.
It so wonderful to follow a tone where someone so modest would recognize another human for having played a part of their gaining of invaluable experience even if that person is not around to bask in the light. thank you see i am the nephew of Rupert the Son of Doy Adolphus Leadon Not speaking from personal bias but” keeping it real”.