Interestingly, we found this interesting little economic tidbit suggesting a bonefish was worth $75,000 over the course of its lifetime:

The census, conducted in collaboration with local fishermen and guides, as well as the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), and the Florida Keys Fishing Guide Associations, is important because bonefish are a major component of Florida’s $5.5 billion sport-fishing industry. Based on past results, Ault estimates each bonefish in Florida is worth about $3,500 per year to the industry or about $75,000 over its lifetime.

Frankly, the Underground could use a few extra bucks, so I’m heading down to Florida, catching a few bonefish, then holding them hostage (I’ll take $50K a head).

See you at the bank, Tom Chandler.

(Hat tip to the Outdoor Pressroom)

How’d you like to live on a bonefish flat in Belize surrounded by hot fly fishing babes in bikinis?

We thought so. From Greg Thomas of Fly Rod & Reel:

Despite a bleak economy inside and outside the angling industry, a fresh fly-fishing job—located in a tropical paradise no less—is there for the taking.

Call it the best job in the angling world if you’d like because the Fishing Manager and Guest Relations position at El Pescador Lodge on Ambergris Key, Belize offers ample opportunity to take in Central America’s most appealing qualities, clandestine or otherwise.

If you prefer sand and year-round sunny skies to the rat race and winter dregs—and you’re privy to the ways of tarpon, permit and bonefish—you have a leg up on the competition for this key senior management position. But don’t think it’s all about the fish; the ideal candidate is a self-motivator, understands people and, above all else, caters to guest satisfaction.

During copious time off you can wander San Pedro and dine on fresh conch fritters at Caliente’s or cut some rug with locals at Jaguar’s Temple Club. When you’ve had your fill of town chase the big three, which often fin within a double-haul of the lodge.

In addition to a great lifestyle, the Fishing Manager receives free meals and a private flat to live in. The position offers unique professional challenges, a competitive salary, paid vacation, and the potential to take unpaid summer leave so you can tap into the northern fly-fishing scene.

For more information, including a full job description and application details, visit www.elpescador.com

While the Undergrounders didn’t score the last two Ultimate Jobs we posted, we’re still hoping one of you slobs ambitious types hammers this one – and is so grateful to us for bringing it your attention – that we’ll score a free week in bonefish heaven.

It’s just a suggestion. Don’t feel indebted or anything. It’s just another free service.

See you in Belize, Tom Chandler

Remember that warm, satisfying catch & release glow? If you were using a grip, you might have killed nearly half your catch:

the lip-gripping device caused mouth injuries to 80% of bonefish restrained in the water and 100% of bonefish held in the air, always when fish thrashed while being held. Some of the injuries were severe (40%) and included separating the tongue from the floor of the mouth, creating tears and holes in the soft tissue of the lower jaw, and splitting the mandible.

See you on the bonefish flats, Tom Chandler.

It’s very cool, and yes, I’m doing one of these babies on my next big trip.