Everglades Fishing Report
Everglades National Park, FL
January 24, 2008
The first of the milder cold fronts has already rolled through, and the fishing action remains steady. The water temperature is in the mid 70 degree range, which starts the fish moving into their Winter haunts in the backcountry - Shallow clear water, which makes for some real exciting "sight fishing". You'll be surprised how these large fish will migrate to, and live in such shallow water. Many of our recent Redfish catches have taken place with the fish's dorsal fin sticking out of the water!
This is one of the best times of year to go Everglades fishing, as the weather is traditionally clear and warm. Fishing the protected backcountry bays and rivers is some of the most beautiful and productive fishing you'll find anywhere. However, as things do start to cool off a little more, don't be fooled into thinking that you no longer need sunscreen - use plenty of SPF 30 and drink lots of water.
As expected, the Redfish fishing has remained very strong over the last few weeks, with "rats" lurking in every shallow bay. Fish for them in mouths of creeks on outgoing tides, or in the back of shallow bays around oysters on a rising tide. They have been hitting everything from live bait to jigs and flies.
Snook fishing has continued to be very good, with usual catches in the 24 - 30 inch range. There are a number of both larger and smaller Snook mixed in as well. And, like the Redfish, they are hitting on live bait, jigs, flies, and topwater plugs. The topwater plugs are the most exciting way to catch them, as they will crash these baits with an explosive attack. This time of year they can be found anywhere from the outside points, or way up in the backcountry. Keep in mind that the current which triggers their feeding can come from the wind, as well as the tide. They love to take up a position on the down tide/wind side of a point that has the current sweeping across it. When stalking them in the backcountry "stealth" is of the utmost importance - even the slightest sound can spook them in shallow water.
We are fortunate to have a resident population of small to medium sized Tarpon in Everglades National Park. They will be targets of opportunity for the next few months. Backcountry bays have been the most reliable producers of Tarpon, often suspended just under the surface. Like Snook, they'll hit a top water plug, or fly (black death, cockroach, EP mullet), early in the morning or evening hours. During the day, a live bait offering will be your best chance of success.
Call me today to go on an Everglades Fishing Charter !
Everglades-Fishing
Captain Brian Richardson
239-340-0265
http://www.everglades-fishing.com/
US Coast Guard Master Licensed Captain Licensed Everglades National Park Guide FL Guides Association Member IGFA Certified Captain
