This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Peter Rigstad may not be the person you want trying to net the big steelhead you have on the end of your fly line - long and painful story - but he is a fun guy to go fishing with. Peter and several of our angler buddies make an annual trip to Mexico. Things went very well for Peter this last trip, until the Hurricane came calling. Here's Peter's report of landing a swell permit. Look for it to run as Hook Shot in the Tribune.

By Peter Rigstad, Holladay.

I checked the weather before we left and there was a low to the south and east of the Yucatan. I emailed the guys and told them there was a 30 percent chance that it could develop into a tropical cyclone. I checked again just before going to bed the night before we flew to Cancun and it was a 60 percent chance. After being bounced around for hours on the road to Punta Allen we arrived at some time past 1 a.m. We woke up a little later than normal and had our coffee and huevos Mexicanas. We loaded up the gear and headed out across the bay.It was a nice cool day with a north wind. Blah blah blah..... Get to the fishing. Jdub [also known as John Weis] was up first and in the first spot we fished we didn't see anything. We moved to a new spot and after a bit I was up. We were doing 30 minute rotations. We spotted the first group of three or four permit and decided to wade after them. The Jr. guide slipped into the water and I followed. We wade quickly in chest deep water to try and get into position to make a cast. As we approach I begin to prepare to cast and guide says "cast cast" and I'm there flailing around trying to get my line unwrapped from around my rod and my fly free to make a cast. I miss the first shot and curse my first-day nerves, but these are happy permit. They're feeding and they don't move off far. We wade into position again and I try to make the cast but I'm up to my armpits and I'm trying to overpower the cast. I can't get the fly to the fish. The adrenaline is pumping too hard. I need to slow down and remember to breath. One more chance at these same fish and I just can't pull it together and make the cast. The fish move off and I head back to the boat wondering if I've screwed what might be my best chance of the trip. It was a great opportunity. The fish were eating, they weren't nervous, and we were able to get within range that I know I can easily cast even into the breeze. So, I gave myself a good cussing out and then tried to calm my nerves and repair my confidence. I was still up and it didn't take long and suddenly another few fish showed up. We waded after the fish trying to catch up. We got close enough for another try and this time I was able to make the cast. It was the right distance, on line with they were headed and led by the right distance... Wait wait ... Strip strip strip. The fish see the fly they turn and charge it, follow, tip and shake. It's an eat. Set the hook, set the hook. I set the hook with a good firm strip set and the fish is on. It takes off and I feel alive. It's a decent fish maybe 7 or 8 pounds. We land the fish and take some pictures. I'm happy. The trip is already a great success. Jdubya was up next... He caught a small permit. We looked at each other and one of us asked do you want to try for a slam now. We both smiled and together said let's keep permit fishing. This will turn out to be one of the best decisions I've made in along time. John gives me one of his Avalon flies that he had tied based on the recommendation of our Scottish fishing buddy from LA that set up this trip and is fishing with we three old dudes from SLC. Then I catch a really big permit... We spot a fish. A good sized single. We slide quietly into the water and wade into position. I make the cast. I strip the fly and the fish eats the fly. I set the hook and set it again. The fish doesn't realize its hooked. It keeps swimming around and doesn't take off. We know its going to make a crazy long fast run and I need the fish to move off so I can get him on the reel. I still have to clear all this line in the water next to me. The fish finally sees us and I look right into that big dark permit eye and he finally realizes it is time to try and get away. The fish takes off and I was able to keep the line from catching on anything or wrapping around the butt of the rod, which has resulted in lost fish in the past. The guide says prepare for an hour long fight. It was about a 40 minute fight on my 8wt. Those first few runs took me deep into my backing. I don't remember how many times I got the fly line back on the reel only to have the fish take me into my backing again. We land the fish 27 lbs on the Boga grip. Fish of a life time. I'm still grinning ear to ear. Great trip. Later that day I caught a nice sized cuda on the fly. Which turned into some yummy sandwiches the next day and fed a few Mayans. Next I landed a bone to complete the less prestigious cuda slam. Our Scottish buddy landed a permit on the other boat that first day. That was four permit for our group of four on the very first day. More fish we're caught and lost the next couple days including a few good tarpon. On the evening of the third day as we ate fresh barracuda cheviche that we made right there and then from the five fresh cudas caught by us that day; the local officials accompanied by a young kid, looks like he's 16, with a machine gun over his shoulder, and they tell us we must evacuate. Rina is Class 2 hurricane that is supposed to become Class 3 and we were right in its path... The story after that is a good adventure.....