Late December into January - Everglades National Park
Capt. Brandon Acosta
December 20, 2016
Chokoloskee - Saltwater Fishing Report
Winter is here but you would not know it with our daytime air temperatures still in the 80's every day. Water temperatures are still in the mid 70's. Looking forward, January is typically our coolest month of the year. Gulf water temperatures typically average in the mid to high 60's and this can make for some awesome fishing!
January is another month that you should keep an eye on your tide chart before planning your day on the water. We have some extremely low tides around both the Full and New moons. If you get caught in a -.5 low tide that you did not anticipate, it could ruin your day! Use caution with the morning low tides January 9th – 15th, and the 24th – Feb 2nd . These dates are also the peak Solunar bite days of the month. Try to arrange your day to push off the dock at the start of the incoming tide and fish that rising tide for your best bet. The current Solunar bite times can be found at a link on the front page of our website.
Speckled Sea Trout regulations for our southern region allow licensed fishermen to keep up to 4 per person, between 15" and 20", and allow you to keep just one over the 20" mark. These rules do vary so be sure to confirm them with current regulations by the FWC at www.myfwc.com.
The shallow grass flats are alive with Trout, Bluefish, Ladyfish, Jacks, Spanish Macks, and some Pompano. One my favorites are DOA jerkbaits and shrimp, both in rootbeer and white color. You can also use 3/8 oz bucktail type jigs tipped with a very small piece of shrimp.
The oyster bars hold Sheepshead & Redfish. If presenting natural bait, they both like to eat crustaceans like shrimp, sand fleas, and fiddler crabs. Fish for these guys on the oyster bars on the incoming tide.
Snook are being caught but please remember that they are catch and release only. Take a quick photo and quickly set them free.
Capt. Pete Rapps
www.CaptainRapps.com
[email protected]
239-571-1756
Captain Rapps' Charters & Guides offers year round expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades National Park, and spring time Tarpon-only charters in the Florida Keys. Capt. Rapps' top notch fleet accommodates men, women, & children of all ages, experienced or not. Between our vast knowledge & experience of the area, and easy going demeanors, you are guaranteed to have a great day. Book your charter 24/7 using the online booking calendar, and see Capt. Rapps' first class web site for Booking info, Videos, Recipes, Seasonings, and more at www.CaptainRapps.com
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