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Everglades National Park - Flamingo
Capt. Bob LeMay
May 21, 2003
Flamingo - Saltwater Fishing Report
This past week the fishing changed considerably along the Gulf coast from Cape Sable north to the Rogers River. Our great spring-time tarpon fishing has finished for now (they'll be back by mid-summer and stay solid well into October). One day we had fish in many spots, the next nothing as the giant fish left to join the spawning migrations. The emphasis on big tarpon will shift now to the south as the fish head down to Islamorada. Along the Ten Thousand islands the fish will be all be moving west toward Naples then north to Boca Grande. Some day it would be nice to know whether the fish in my area head south or north... I've heard accounts that would support either theory. At any rate, we're chasing other fish now...
The good news is that the snook fishing has gotten pretty good. With Charlie Shenker and Alan Grossman aboard we had a good day on Saturday. We caught and released snook up to almost 11lbs on lures in the morning, then switched to bait in the afternoon. With one throw of the castnet we loaded the well with razor bellied pilchards, scaled sardines, large bay anchovies, and small menhaden. They were pounced on everywhere we tried, with occasional double hook-ups. Even losing two fish for every one brought to the boat it was great fun. If anyone comes across a large snook or two with Equalizers for ornaments, they were ours... We ended the day in Whitewater Bay where a blitz of 10lb jacks, another few snook, and a large redfish showed that the fish were definitely on the feed. The snook fishing should remain strong in all the usual places, particularly spots that combine current, structure, and at least a few feet of water for big fish to prowl... The currently closed season for snook means greatly reduced fishing pressure and lots of fish since they all have to be released. Snook heaven! With live bait now available, the prospects for chumming up a really big snook for a fly rodder are pretty good. My personal best on fly, a 21lb fish on 12# tippet, was taken this time of year while live chumming.
The only surprise this past week was a small permit on the edge of Whitewater Bay on a small shrimp. That was a first on my skiff. This time of year all of the permit should be around wrecks and other structure out in the Gulf...
For first timers contemplating a trip to Flamingo in summer (it's been summer for a few weeks now..) here are a few guidelines. The place is fiercely guarded by mosquitoes and other biters. This is no place for shorts and sandals. Long sleeve shirts and trousers along with good quality bug spray or "bug suits" are standard gear. Once away from the ramp you're clear for the most part as long as you stay a respectful distance from mangrove shorelines... Bring a lot more water to drink than you think you'll need and keep a weather eye out for afternoon storms. Don't leave the dock unless your boat and safety gear are in good shape (that includes radio, compass, and chart). Beginners should try to work with another boat since there aren't many other anglers out there in summer and it's a long way to pole home. With a little care the great summer fishing from the inside out to the Gulf won't be a bigger adventure than you had planned..
Tight Lines
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