FishingFlamingo.com Weekly - 10.14.08
Capt. Benny Blanco
October 14, 2008
Flamingo - Saltwater Fishing Report
Another week of exploring and adventures in Flamingo ends, but the memories have undoubtedly been burned into the minds of the new friends I met. While I write this account many ears are buzzing with stories of the Monster Redfish or Hundred Pound Tarpon... but, more importantly, they tell stories of this wondrous place we locals take for granted. A place with hundreds of square miles to explore and multitudes of different angling tests... surely, there is not a single boring day in Flamingo.
This week would prove challenging in all respects of the word. First, I would have a rookie with very little experience in the Park. Then, I was joined by a pair of Fly foolish magazine execs who have broadcasted my exploits to the world. Each would pose their own challenges, but with some good old fashioned hard work, each was rewarded tenfold.
The Rookie
I could see the excitement in Jorge's eyes when he loaded into my truck at 4:45 am… after a hundred questions and some of the butterflies massaged, we reached the Flamingo ramp around 6:00 am, still dark. After a short boat ride we arrived at spot numero uno only to powerpole down and wait. It was still dark, but we could hear nervous bait and the crashes of predator fish taking advantage. Lesson one, sometimes timing and patience is necessary to give yourself the best opportunity. As the sun rose, so did the Tarpon and Snook… after a few missed attempts and likely a little nervousness gone, Jorge lands a Flamingo Tarpon… mission one, accomplished.
With Redfish tails on his sights, we reach spot numero dos… 8 – 10 inches of clear water and healthy green grass, it was not long before orange tails shown. Lesson two, stealth is key for shallow water species… stealth is many things, like using hand signals, avoiding lateral movement and waiting for boat positioning to have the right casting opportunity. One beautiful tail and one good cast later, his first tailing Redfish came to the boat.
This would prove to be the last spot of the day. I could not pry him from the tails and he could not stop catching fish… mission two, accomplished. Jorge was an excellent student and great guest, who wore his appreciation & respect on his sleeve… welcome on my boat anytime.
Fly Foolish
Unfortunately, I cannot divulge too much of the two day trip with Jack & Jake, as the story will be told in a few form & fashions on a national stage. However, I can share my story & a few of the discarded photos from what was an unforgettable weekend.
The weekend started with what is a typical fly fisherman's request to land Tarpon, Snook & Redfish on fly… Usually, my goal for this sort of request is to accomplish it early and then switch to spin to ad versatility. However, I didn't intend on early being three hours into the first day… Tarpon nearing triple digits, over slot Snook & tailing Redfish. They switched to spin early and often, which lead to a fish catching mania that I'm sure will make for a great article. Fortunately enough, my brother (www.DannyRobitaille.com) was hired for pictures on day two and he rode along with my friend, Captain Tim Shabareck (www.tdscharters.com) aboard his Maverick HPX-T, both of which I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude.
Here are some of the discarded pics (you can imagine the rest)…
Until next week...
Flamingo Fishing Forecast:
With Fall in full swing, anglers will be torn with the decision to fish the flats of Florida Bay or the Gulf Coast... both are great options as the fishing will be insane!
Target Species:
Redfish, Snook, Tarpon & Trout
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