An Ode to Mike Conneen Photo Essay
Thank you for reading this ode to Mike Conneen, something a little different than my usual blog. I did not fish again this week, and thought of doing this photo essay about an amazing human being.
Mike and I got to know each other while paddling on the 2013 Indian River Lagoon Paddle Adventure. We have taken a paddle trip every year since, in Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Mike added River the Dog to the equation a few years ago, which changed the dynamic some, but overall was an awesome thing. River is just as amazing as Mike is. Mike’s been an incredible fishing and travel partner, from who I have learned tons. I consider it an honor to be his friend.
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Dawn at Jensen Beach, 2013 IRL Paddle Adventure.
The final crew at the 2013 IRL Paddle Adventure- Mike, Rodney Smith, Nick Colantonio, Mim Duncan, Bones Benton, John Kumiski.
Mike and snook, Peace River.
Among the crocodiles, Everglades National Park.
At Cockroach Bay, near Tampa.
On the Gulf of Mexico, Big Bend Paddling Trail.
Filming rampaging jacks, Manatee River.
Little Manatee River.
In the marsh near Venice, Louisiana.
On the Myakka River.
On the Suwannee River.
At Fellsmere Water Management Area.
Salt marsh along the Big Bend Paddling Trail.
On Rock Springs Run.
River and Mike, Jewell Key, Everglades National Park.
River and Mike, Everglades National Park.
A contrast in techniques, Manatee River.
Near Venice, Louisiana.
In Everglades National Park.
Mike’s first fish with fly tackle was this snook. Everglades National Park.
Loading up, 2013 IRL Paddle Adventure.
Paddling into the wind, Big Bend Paddling Trail.
On the Peace River.
At St. George Island.
Me, Mike, and River, Jewell Key, Everglades National Park.
Near Venice, Louisiana.
On the Peace River.
Near Venice, Louisiana.
In St. George Sound.
Shark Point chickee, Everglades National Park.
On Hillsborough River.
Outer Banks, North Carolina.
Bodie Island Light, Outer Banks.
Wright Brothers Memorial, Kitty Hawk.
Atop Bodie Island Light.
He got this rat red from his kayak, while it was on the trailer, from the western side of Pamlico Sound.
That’s the ode to Mike Conneen. Thanks for reading!
Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a bike ride! Stay active!
John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog
All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.
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