Early Winter Bite
Capt. Ariel Cabrera
November 12, 2008
Flamingo - Saltwater Fishing Report
This is one of the most memorable times to fish waters of the Everglades National Park. Bait, wading birds, and pleasant temperatures make it easy for anglers. Now it is possible to overnight and plan that extended camping/fishing excursion. And the list of species has just extended. Expect winter residents like drum, sheepshead, mackerel, bluefish, and big redfish. The other species like the trout, snook, tarpon, snapper will still be abundant during the beginning of winter. One more important fishery is the gag grouper bite nearshore and inside river mouths. Don't miss it.
Flamingo Fishing Forecast:
A wise word of caution is to watch the tide as winter lows get very shallow. Many places that were covered in high water during summer are now completely out of reach. Use the tide charts and err on the safe side. Around Flamingo use the channel markers and approach flats and creek mouths and shorelines at an idle. The area has had a good amount of bait and even some diving birds on the deeper parts of the park. A cast net or sabiki rig will go a long way to help ensure live baits. Cajun thunders have been working great above live mullet or pilchards. Creeks mouths, islands and the Gulf rivers are all good spots to try this deadly combination. Nearshore this rig will help you locate pelagics like mackerel and cobia. Pop it hard!
Biscayne Bay area has been a little tough to fish on open areas due to increased winds on certain days. Winter fishing here will have to be on those good weather days. Otherwise best bets are in sheltered areas like the backcountry. I like to fish my canoe and locate fish in the no motor zones. Hopefully I'll have some more interested anglers this year, as the bite has been very good. One more piece of important news; check out my new photo gallery link on my website. Shortly I'll have my published boating articles linked as well. Good fishing.
My latest story is "Make it Like New Again" featured in this month's Florida Sportsman magazine. Check it out.
Target Species:
snook, redfish, tarpon
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