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Everglades National Park - Flamingo
Capt. Bob LeMay
September 12, 2004
Flamingo - Saltwater Fishing Report
Thursday was an exploring day with 85miles logged on my GPS. At least once a week I try to be on the water so my info is current (that's my excuse...) even if I don't have any bookings. I didn't see more than one or two other boats in all the areas that I visited during the day. Weather conditions were perfect, in fact the last hurricane seems to have moderated water temps. They were down almost four degrees with around 80 at dawn.... For those that haven't run the coast in a few weeks a word of caution. There's lots of new hazards along the coast since hurricane Frances, even though the area was never hit by the storm. Lots of barely visible downed trees in still murky waters, particularly just outside of creeks and rivers where tons of stormwater must have flushed them out. I don't want to think about what the area will be like if Ivan gets anywhere near it...
Fishing was good with a backcountry grand slam of trout, redfish, snook, and tarpon. I noted lots of small to medium tarpon up and down the coast at river and creek mouths. Although the water is still murky at best, finding slot sized snook with artificials was no problem. As usual during the hot months start with surface lures or flies, then bump the bottom after 10Am. I saw lots of bait, mostly mullet in small pods, all moving quickly to keep from being eaten. The best part of the day, though, wasn't the fishing. It was a three eagle day!
In the areas that I operate eagles are always present but only seen at a distance. They very carefully depart the area when you're still some distance away. I was lucky enough to see what I'm guessing are a breeding pair that sat in a tree only a hundred feet away and watched me catch a small snook. Although I ran into the area, stayed a few minutes then ran out, they never budged. A third eagle at the boat ramp in the afternoon completed the day. In addition, I had another odd situation at a creek mouth near Lostman's River. Small pods of mullet were leaving the creek on a falling tide and a half dozen adult 'gators were ambushing them as they came by. Quite a show! The gators stationed themselves without moving until the big mullet came within range then exploded them. I don't know how successful they were but they were stationed where I've seen big snook wait in the exact same feeding spots... Recent weather events may have both fish and animals feeding now when they can.
As I said in my last report (before Frances) this may be my last report for a while. Everglades National Park closed today and will be closed for some time if there's much damage. After hurricane Andrew it was closed for half a year... Although I've lost some bookings, staying safe is the only priority. As soon as I'm able after the event I'll post a brief report about how guides in my area have fared. If the electrickery and phones are down it may be some time even if we're in otherwise good shape
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