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Flamingo - Everglades National Park
Capt. Ariel Cabrera
October 17, 2007
Flamingo - Saltwater Fishing Report
FLAMINGO FALL SEASON IN FULL SWING
The first cold front, a very mild one has already reached south Florida. This one will lead the way to other changes in temperature that will be ongoing over the next few months. Winter will be here shortly and that means fishing strategies will change a little. Now is the time to make long runs to the rivers, inland and coastwise. Look for bait and predatory fish pushing schools. Be prepared for exciting days on the water.
Flamingo’s best fishing is often the late fall time, right before it gets cold enough to wear that windbreaker or sweater. This is the time to land large snook and redfish, and those tarpon are still around.
Mullet and shrimp are choice baits, and the pilchards. I like using semi-circle hooks under a cork and allow it to flow through points and edges. It’s still a good idea to cast around jigs and lures before settling on one area. Probe and test the water with artificials first. Don’t forget to bring a flyrod.
Keep an eye out for those wading birds and occasional frigate further offshore. USE BINOCULARS. They are fishing too and will tell you what is biting, if you look closely. Porpoises are another sign of life but if they are in an area too long, they too will outfish you. Careful on the shallow end. The water will begin to thin out quickly and may not get as high as you’d like for your boat to float again.
Most local guides are reporting good snook and redfishing on inside and outside waters. This is really a great time to get out and fish. If you don’t go, you won’t know. You will be surprised with the variety of species biting during this time of year throughout the Everglades.
Boating tips: Check your fluids before you go. Top off your gas tank and engine oil reservoirs. If you run a four-stroke, check out the level and condition by using the dipstick. Don’t forget to change lower unit gear oil frequently, at least once per season or better yet, according to your engine specifications. If you haven’t run your engine, crank it up always before any long trip, even immediately after it has been serviced. Last season, my outboard shop failed to align my lower engine shaft when they changed my water pump kit and impeller. I found out when I reached Flamingo. My client was waiting to fish and he had a 6 PM flight back to California that very evening. Both my engine shop and client, Matt Isle, were absolutely awesome. The mechanic arrived shortly and we caught some real nice snook and grouper.
Capt. Ariel Cabrera is available for fishing charters, instruction, and boating advice. Contact him at (305) 431-6936 or online www.captainariel.com
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