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Everglades National Park - Flamingo
Capt. Bob LeMay
December 21, 2004
Flamingo - Saltwater Fishing Report
Conditions changed dramatically in the 'Glades this past week. Water temperatures have dropped more than 10 degrees in just a few days and the usual howling winds that accompany cold fronts have shown up... The good news is that the fish are still hungry, they're just not in many of the same places they were before the weather changed. This is the time of year when tides move toward their yearly extreme lows. That shallow bay or corner that you love to fish might be bone dry at the low end... It makes getting around in normally challenging areas a bit more difficult if you plan for it. If you don't plan for it you may get a nasty surprise...
On Saturday and Sunday we caught and released more than 20 trout a day on lures in Whitewater and Oyster Bays. Some of them were really solid, winter fat fish that look as though they just arrived in from the Gulf. The season for trout will begin in less than two weeks and they should still be inside in good numbers. Most of the redfish that we caught were a bit on the small side. Those big, inside fish must be somewhere... The snook fishing was better than expected in the cold water. Every afternoon we were able to catch and release snook on lures in water that was barely 61 to 62 degrees. This time of year we're working small soft plastic lures or jigs tipped with a tiny piece of shrimp with very good success. The catch of the week was made by Allehandra Rivero from Mexico. She caught a gag grouper in a river that weighed almost 10lbs... This time of year there are some big ones around. Remember that they have to be at least 24" if you want to bring one home.
Here's one tactic that really pays off when it's cold. Remember that shallow areas are very attractive if it's a sunny day following a cold night. Particularly areas that have a soft mud bottom, hold lots of bait, and are at least partially sheltered from the wind. In winter a spot like this (I call them "warm-up spots") may hold most of the fish from nearby areas. I fish them as slowly as possible, poling only, as we look for any signs. We always spook fish that lay unseen until you approach, then start working as far ahead as my anglers can cast for fish that are undisturbed. Often the only sign that a lure or bait has been taken is a quick burst of mud, then the line begins to move to the side.. In these conditions the bite is barely noticeable until the line comes tight. If the wind has moderated for a day or two it's classic sight fishing for targets that often see you just a second before you cast. It's frustrating, exciting, and entirely too much fun!
Tight Lines
Capt Bob LeMay
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