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Everglades National Park - Flamingo
Capt. Bob LeMay
February 1, 2003
Flamingo - Saltwater Fishing Report
It's been a few weeks since my last report, but that doesn't mean that we haven't been on the water almost every other day... Here are the highlights:
The good news is no sign of any fish kills in the areas that I fish inside at Flamingo from recent cold weather. We have had a few days when the water temp in Buttonwood Canal was at 51 degrees and the warmest water anywhere was only 58 to 60 degrees at the end of the afternoon. The best fishing has been sight-fishing reds and snook in warm corners. The kind of sun warmed coves that are at least partially protected from wind and have shallow, clear water, over soft mud bottoms. On days with good sunshine a warm corner may attract every fish in the vicinity. The redfish that we found were approachable and feeding. The vast majority of snook were mostly just trying to warm up and were very difficult to approach without spooking.
The warmer weather forecast for the next few days should really get things going again. Giant tarpon, in particular, should return to Whitewater Bay after a few days of mild weather. When they do show up again (they were around for a few days two weeks ago before cold weather chased them away) they shouldn't be hard to find. All of the other winter action should return as the water warms up a bit and doesn't cool off too much at night.
The one afternoon we spent in Biscayne Bay this week was wild. Lots of large ladyfish and schooled up bluefish were eating anything we put in front of them. Any of the finger channels from Key Biscayne south could hold them. The trick is to prospect with jigs and noisy surface plugs until you find the right channel then hang on. Once you locate fish break out that fly rod or light spinning gear and the action should be non-stop. With all of the ladyfish and blues, spanish mackeral should be nearby. The first area that I would check would be Hawk's Channel and nearby patch reefs on days when the weather will allow it...
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