Everglades City, Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park

Capt. Charles Wright
November 29, 2005
Everglades City - Saltwater Fishing Report

Wilma Packed a Punch ... But We Are Up and Fishing!!!

Wilma packed quite a wallop and affected the whole area. She moved fast, thank goodness, or things would have been much, much worse.

We faired well in Everglades City ... minimal boat, dock and house damage. We have all services and are back in operation!!! However, some dirt bags broke into own home while we were evacuated the night before the storm. They ran-sacked the place, stole almost allof my fishing gear and all of Vickie's family jewelry. They left prints, however … (he-he).

Chokoloskee did not fair as well... it looks as though a bomb went off ... we lost two docks and parts are in the midst of a diesel spill clean up that soaked everything. The Everglades Airpark hangers were destroyed, but somehow the airplane received no structural damage. The aircraft is trapped in the hanger, however.

We received many concerned calls and emails after the storm. It is really comforting to know that there are those that you can call on. Help to the community came quickly and in many forms … food, generators, equipment, labor, etc.

There has been substantial alterations to the marine environment. Many new passes have opened up, some beaches and islands are all but gone and there are a lot of damaged and stressed mangroves. Many of my old favorite “holes” are not the same. However, I am looking forward to learning the “new” area as I expect many new fishing opportunities.

This is an important economic time for the community. What we now need is for all to ignore the sensationalized reports in the media and treat things “business as usual”. Come on back and enjoy the stone crabs, the fishing and our small town ambience.

See you on the water and THANKS!!!!

WHAT'S New ...

· Hurricane Wilma was BAD!!! But we are GOOD! Despite what is portrayed in the news media, we are in full operation and living life!!! Yes, we have power, water, restaurants and hotels in Everglades City. Chokoloskee did not fair as well, so we are fishing out of Everglades City. Come on in, "the water is fine"!!!

· Please congratulate the winners of this quarter's drawing for a kayak fishing trip on the "Yak-Attack" ... Jesse Waldron (Chrystal Lake, IL), Kathy Rex (Naples, Fl) and John Humbert (Dallas, Tx)!!! The next quarter's drawing will be for a 1/2 day traditional Fly/Spin trip, but please remember that you must register for each drawing ... register

· Fly Fishing in Salt Waters is hosting an on-line benefit auction for Katrina Relief. We have donated a 1/2 Fly Fishing charter that includes lodging...bid high it is for a good cause!! ... bid

More Fishing Reports:

• All Reports by Capt. Charles Wright
• Everglades City Fishing Reports
• Southwest Florida (Cape Sable to Boca Grande) Reports
• Florida Fishing Reports
• Browse All Fishing Reports