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Flamingo - Everglades National Park
Capt. Ariel Cabrera
December 12, 2001
Flamingo - Saltwater Fishing Report
Snook fishing in Whitewater Bay has improved. This year's snook migration into the backcountry was slow to start with in the first place but many anglers are complacent to see more fish playing the game. This type of fishing requires patience and perseverance because everything looks alike. Look for dead wood to find the snook, the rough tips of mangrove islands; river mouths, and deep trenches along shorelines are sure producers. The most exciting way to catch snook in the backcountry is to hunt them by poling atop gin-clear bays while they cruise or lay basking.
Many hard-core fisherman and guides that I've spoken to are doing well catching redfish on the flats. Some of these have been big bruisers. You will have to choose your days on the flats if you intend to sight fish. Warm days with southeast winds blowing less than 15 knots are ideal. Hurry because this may be the last good month to find reds with any consistency especially if temperatures cool down. If forecasters are correct this winter will be a warm one and may keep many on the flats. Otherwise, try for a less glamorous species like the reds cousin, the black drum.
Now is the time to catch the Flamingo drum you've been waiting for. These fish don't grow as large as the Canaveral ones but a drum run is like an adrenaline rush. Last season's black drum fishery was excellent! My logbook indicated catches of 8 fish over ten pounds and two fish over 15 pounds all caught the same day. Please release the large fish since the meat is coarse and usually contain worms.
It looks like I'll be on the water more often during the latter part of December. My heart goes out to the Rossell's for being brave and taking the time to visit South Florida. I am looking forward to your next visit soon and promise to keep the alligators and crocodiles at a distance.
Good fishing,
Capt. Ariel
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