We are a group of anglers in the central Florida Area who fish from kayaks in fresh and salt water.
By: Philip Richen
Saturday October 18th 2008 7:00 AM – Lake Eola
The kayaks began arriving before dawn broke. The wind was calm, the weather was perfect. The swans had no idea to what was about to happen.
Old fishing friends, some of which had not seen each other in a while, exchanged handshakes and of course their latest stories. We continued to assemble and check out each other’s rigs. It seems that we are all the same, trying to create the ultimate fish slaying yaks. How did you rig that anchor trolley? Nice set of PVC scupper wheels. How did you …
Well, after exchanging ideas and stories, it was time to be rounded up at the amphitheater. Tim, our MC from last year made several announcements about doing the swan wrangling and added a few comedic one liners. Sheila then took over the microphone and told us about the changes since last year. We now have the largest collection of regal swans in the world and they are adding new species, so that Orlando can be known for its swans.
We knew this year could prove to be more challenging that last year. For one, we had far less kayakers, the swans had already experienced our techniques from last year and we also had the addition of several immigrant swans who did not have clipped wings. We were warned about the possibility of receiving a fairly large size bird on its attempt to take off and ending up in our kayak.
At 9:00 we entered the water and began by forming a straight line. The real challenge was to keep that line straight from one edge of the Lake to the other while we coaxed the Swans to swim to the far side towards the pen.
Bit by bit we edged them on. The Black ones were definitely more adventurous and even challenged us at different times, but they did continue. Slowly and steadily we advanced until we began to form a horseshoe and brought them in. Suddenly, a big white swan began to run on the water, flapping it’s wings and picking up speed like a cargo laden 747. Seeing the opportunity, one swan began to follow another until six had successfully flown over our heads. We let them go and focused on rounding up the majority. The DJ from the Walk for Cancer event on shore began to play YMCA from the Village people and KC and the sunshine Band just to give us some background music. After another ten minutes, all the remaining swans were brought into the pen.
We then turned around and headed to the other side of the lake to catch the remaining birds. After several inept attempts and one nearly successful foray, the swans decided to become airborne and keep on flying. These majestic birds flew around the whole lake and even headed towards some of the high-rise condos. Sheila decided that the wild ones should be left alone and the rodeo finally came to an end.
We all headed back to shore looking for a break from the sun and the rumor of a lunch.
“I’m a Swan wrangler, it’s what I do.”
-Stan Henkle 2007