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Flamingo - Everglades National Park
Capt. Ariel Cabrera
February 16, 2002
Flamingo - Saltwater Fishing Report
The last outing to Flamingo, in Everglades National Park, proved to be a great learning experience for the captain-in-training - my six-year old son Ariel. He was so excited that he stayed awake the entire road trip to the end of the road at Flamingo Marina. A midmorning low and an overcats atmosphere made me choose Florida Bay as our destined fishing grounds. Action didn't really turn on until after the tide took a change and started sweeping back in.
My friend Capt. Mike Haines was fishing nearby and tipped me on netting some bait since live shrimp wasn't getting any takers. About 100 frisky sardines came from a subtle spot from one throw of my cast net. My son enjoyed grabbing and playing with the live bait more than the game fish. As ironic as this may seem we caught more fish on plastics than the livies. We caught a four-pound sheepshead and another one weighing three pounds.
By moving to and from different locations we were able to land new species like jacks, ladyfish, and trout. I found a grassy patch near a channel where we could actually see the seatrout swimming. Shortly, little Ariel would scoop up a 22" trout that fell for a night glow D.O.A. shrimp. My son beat me with a shorter but heavier 20" trout a few minutes later. In the end, it was all about sharing quality time together and having a being outdoors. That's what we did!
The shrimp run is in full wing right now in South Florida. Late evening fly-fishing for tarpon has been productive near South Beach. All white patterns have been producing tarpon of all sizes near the lighted bridges. Just wait until the Miami Boat Show has concluded to begin fishing there. Tarpon fishing in the backcountry should be just as romantic.
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