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Flamingo - Everglades National Park
Capt. Ariel Cabrera
April 24, 2002
Flamingo - Saltwater Fishing Report
Janet Joists Jewfish
The last outing was a memorable one when my wife, Janet, hooked up with a miniature goliath grouper that decided to head for the roots. This jewfish was put to shame when it tried to wrap us to a submerged branch full of barnacles, hooks, and monofilament. The 20 braided line and fifty-pound leader held up nicely while I unleashed my spare push pole and chased this creature to the core. I tried picking up the branch by pulling it upwards from beneath the water but it was difficult against the quick current. It was here when we met "eye to eye" with Mr. Grouper but it only forced this fish deeper into the brush. Suddenly, Janet grabbed a rag and stuck her hands and arms nearly to her shoulders and forced the jewfish into the landing net while our son, Ariel, held the fishing rod. The jewfish weighed seven (7) pounds on the boga and made a great family picture.
Snapper fishing has improved much and while the trout bite remains strong. Snook and redfish have also been biting real well. Redfish are being caught up to around 30" but the average fish has been around 22"-24." Plenty of sharks have also been around and have also provided fantastic sight-casting opportunities on the flats.
The real secret has been the tarpon fishing during the early hours. This bite has been hot and should get even better!
As for bass fishing it is just plain awesome. The bass bite has been excellent inside and outside Park waters. According to my log book last year two anglers that fished with me caught 35 bass, three tarpon, two snook, and a dozen trout during a full day from Flamingo. Obviously, the fish were caught in a freshwater estuary, except for the trout.
Anglers are catching over forty largemouth in a day's worth of fishing this spring. I will be fishing the next couple of days and will keep everyone posted shortly after. Meanwhile give me a call and let's "hook up."
Hasta la proxima pesqueria,
Capt. Ariel
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