Everglades City, Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park

Capt. Charles Wright
December 11, 2006
Everglades City - Saltwater Fishing Report

Happy Fishing Holiday!!

It is really hard to believe that another Holiday season is already upon us, but it is just around the corner. Vickie and I want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a happy Holiday. Most of all, however, we would like to thank you for your patronage and support the past years. It means a lot to us both.

The past year was a good one for Vickie and I but it was made especially nice having no hurricanes! The 2004 and 2005 were tough on everyone in the Southeast, but in October of 2005, Chokoloskee took a direct hit (and over nine feet of water) from Hurricane Wilma. The area has rebounded well, although slowly for some.

A few weeks ago, we launched www.EvergladesAreaTours.com This site is still very much in its infancy, but will be growing in content with time. Its sole purpose is to provide folks with a source of information and reference for the Everglades City and Chokoloskee area. There is so much more than fishing … hiking, canoe and kayaking, birding, aerial flights, spas, museums, B&B’s etc. The next time, you are here, bring the family and really enjoy the flavor of the area. Stay tuned …

Fishing had been very good recently with and should remain so for a while the water temperature is above 70 which keeps the snook happy. Winter did arrive early, however. In middle of November we had a very strong front that rattled the fishery for over a week. I thought the fish would starve from not eating. However, once they decided to feed again, it was bedlam! Over all, this fall was one of the best for snook both in the backcountry and on the outside.

Redfish are still plentiful, but you have had to look really hard for a tarpon recently. Speckled trout are really making their presence known. As the season has progresses, the water has really cleared and the sight fishing has really improved. It seems that there are not as many cobia as in past years, but we certainly have not been after them as much. It has been really hard to get off the snookin’. When we have ventured to the near shore structure, there has been a lot of action.

Again, from both of us, have a wonderful and safe Holiday and thanks for everything!

From WHAT'S New section of the website...

• Please congratulate the winners of this month's drawing for the free fishing trip!!! Mark Michael (Oldsmar, FL) and Marty Gum (Lake of the Ozarks, MO). Remember, you must register for each drawing to be eligible to win.

• www.EvergladesAreaTours.com ... Please visit our new website and see what the Everglades City area has to offer.

• We have absolutely been wrecking the snook in the creeks recently ... see the Current Fishing Report

• Kayak Fishing "Yak Attack" Schedule ... If these dates do not work for you, call us and we will set a trip that does!

• Kayak Fishing Drift Trips. Beginning in '07, we will be offering several unique trips to fish the mangrove lakes and creek tunnels. On these trips, we launch kayaks at the head waters of a creek or river. Timed with an outgoing tidal flow, we drift/paddle through lush mangrove tunnels between connecting lakes to reach a saltwater bay where a transport boat is waiting to return us to Everglades City. The scenery is spectacular, but these places can hold a lot of tarpon and snook.

• The cobia and mackerel are here ... December Fishing Forecast

• This was just picked up by MSN. .... Catch the big one by kayak

• Finally ... FAQs for Kayak Fishing

• Cape Sable Camping/Fishing Trip -- February 9-11. We will be camping on Cape Sable and fishing Whitewater Bay and the No Motor Zone ... camping Fri and Sat night ... fishing Fri/Sat/Sun. We still have room for a couple more anglers. If you are interested, please contact us soon.

• FEB 24th is the date for the Third Annual Everglades Kayaks Paddle-In ... Bratwursts and Vickie's Famous Conch Chowder will be on the menu ... Mark your calendars. Friday the 23rd and Sunday the 25th we will be doing kayak fishing trips in the Yak Attack

• The RV lot and boat slip on Chokoloskee comes available in December ... It is the best access to Everglades National Park in the area ... more info..

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