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Everglades National Park & Biscayne Bay
Capt. Jim Hale
March 17, 2006
Flamingo - Saltwater Fishing Report
Cane Polin’ Charters March Fishing report
Transition time is here again with cold fronts moving in about once a week, some stronger than others. In March they became weaker making for some great fishing opportunities. In between fronts are producing some nice calm sunny days great for sight fishing. Bonefish have been making a strong presence on the Oceanside flats with 10-20 fish in a school, but good amounts of schools. Some of these bonefish are showing up on the inside flats now as well. Peter Santini from Boston and Gustavo Hernandez from the Galapagos, both first timers landed bones of 9 and 10 lbs. respectively with opportunities for more.
Tarpon in April and May will be a strongly sought after, as the silverking makes their way north on the Oceanside edges. Expect them to show up in large numbers. These fish will be in the 40-130 lbs category with the smaller fish being closer to the shore in shallower water. All these fish can be taken on fly this time of year and Green Clousers is a good fly for these fish in the clear waters. Tarpon fishing in Everglades National Park will tend to eat more on Red & Black or Cockroach Brown, as the water sometimes is not as clear. Tarpon have already made a good showing in White Water Bay as well as out front of Flamingo. Remember a strong front can push these fish back out, but they will return quickly as the water warms. For those of you who do not fly fish, Tarpon can be taken on large live shrimp, pilchards or finger mullet. Fishermen have good shots as well by finding rolling fish that are feeding in creek mouths. A great plug is the Rapala Skitterwalk silver and black or a red and white subsurface Yozuri worked slowly.
Tarpon are also making a strong presence in Government Cut. Redfish and Snook are cruising the flats. Reds are there in some places in a good number with up to 100 shots at fish in one day and that number should remain strong going into spring. Small jerk baits on weedless rigs are working well. I find fishing dark colors in clear water and light or silver in murky water works best. Gambler 3” Ugly Otter was crushing the Reds and always the Excude Gold RT Slug Saltwater. I personally like the Holographic Spike-It Bait myself.
The Snook are still in potholes waiting to ambush mullet as they swim by, so look for an area with a good amount of white holes in shallow water and you should find your snook. Large trout are mixed in as well with the Reds and Snook. In late March we boated 8 fish over 24” which were all released. After a great Tarpon run we are looking forward to a stellar run of Permit in May and June.
Tight lines and Gin Clear Water!
Capt. Jim Hale
www.canepolincharters.com
786-255-1788
800-950-FINS, Ext. 1
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