Biscayne Bay and the keys
Capt. Alex Zapata
March 12, 2018
Biscayne Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Stable weather patterns with little to no cold activity produced great fishing in south Florida during February and March so far. Hot water temperatures had all the glamour species such as bonefish, permit and Tarpon ready to eat our offerings. I ran trips from Biscayne down to islamorada with bonefish being the highlight of most outings. Both Fly and spinning trips, we consistently caught some nice bones with a few silver bullets in the 8-10lb range. Most fish were mudding and cruising with a few here and there tailing during low water.
Some permit were around, although not in the same numbers of bones. Things should change as we get into March, which with the right weather, can be one of the best months of the year for permit fishing in Biscayne Bay and the Keys.
Tarpon of all sizes have been around Miami, flamingo and the backcountry areas of the keys. These fish have been either rolling, cruising or laid up in bays, shorelines, river mouths, banks and basins. Plugs, soft plastics and flies have been getting the job done. We had some windy days coupled with murky water that made locating the fish a bit more difficult but the fish were still there willing to bite if you knew were to look. I've also found good baby tarpon fishing around islamorada in their usual whereabouts.
Another great fish we have been targeting is the Barracuda. Often underrated, These toothy critters are one of the most exciting fish to catch on the flats. With lighting speed runs, jumps and extremely aggressive bites, the Barracuda has all the qualities of the perfect sport fish. When the weather gets cold and windy in the winter, barracuda are always the target of choice, fly or spinning gear. Give Barracuda fishing a try and I guarantee that you'll be hooked.
A cold front is coming in as I am writing this report, which means the backcountry tarpon and Permit will be off until the weather starts warming back up. The situation may be the opposite for the tarpon bite off Miami Beach, as cold weather kicks off the shrimp runs this time of the year and the Tarpon join the party to have their shrimp cocktail. Bonefish will still be available if we don't get extended periods of cold weather. Barracuda fishing thrives whenever the temperatures plummet so don't let changes on the weather discourage you from going fishing on your own or booking your favorite guide. There is always something to be caught if you're willing to adjust.
The 3 month tarpon marathon is right around the corner and the fish are beginning to stack up in all the traditional areas before they start their migratory pattern along both coasts. I mostly run fly fishing trips out of the keys during the spring tarpon season but I'm happy to accommodate a few bait trips in between. As today, I still have a few days in May and some more towards the end of June.
If you want to live the experience of hooking a big silver king, there is no better time of the year to do it. Contact me and I'll be happy to show you why tarpon fishing is so addictive.
This is all for now. Tight lines and I am looking forward to fishing with you.
Capt Alex Zapata
Flats fishing guide
IFFF certified fly casting instructor
Miami, Everglades and the keys
(786) 317-4733
www.silverkingcharters.com
[email protected]
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Biscayne Bay Fishing Forecast:
The tarpon migration is right around the corner. Fish are starting to stack up in the inlets, beaches and bays around Miami Beach before they start the migration. Cold fronts will create great tarpon fishing in the metropolitan area. Expect great permit fishing in March with the right weather. if the weather stays hot, they will be feeding hard before heading out to the wrecks to spawn in the early spring. Bonefish should continue strong and seeing way less pressure as everybody starts to focus on tarpon. Barracuda are always available and even more when the weather gets cold.
Target Species:
Tarpon, bonefish, barracuda, Jacks, permit
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