South Florida: Florida Keys, Flamingo and Biscayne Bay...
Capt. Pier Milito
October 12, 2012
Islamorada - Saltwater Fishing Report
South Florida:
Florida Keys, Flamingo and Biscayne Bay...
One of the best fisheries in the United States and many would agree, the world. People from all over the world and the U.S. come fish these rich and diverse waters, most fisherman that come to fish the waters here in South Florida come knowing it's a great fishery.
Those that fish the Florida Keys/Islamorada or Flamingo for the first time, leave knowing it's a great fishery and want to come back. A few, but real deterrents to many anglers is the 40 +/- mile drive from the southern end of the Florida Turnpike to the marina(s). The other two deterrents that come to mind are the navigational hazards once on the water and the large vampire like mosquito(s) (particularly in Flamingo) that force you to donate blood. But for the anglers that appreciate great fishing and great fishing locations, these deterrents tend to quickly fade into the "not so bad" and definitely worth it category.
As we approach the winter time here in South Florida, chances are we won't see snow or ice but we will see temperatures drop a bit. In fact some times the temperatures drop a bit too far which kills off some of our more sensitive species like the snook, baby tarpon and the smaller, politically correct, "goliath," jew fish. I have seen this happen several times over the last couple of decades.
As you start fishing the waters of Flamingo during this time of year remember that as the air temperature drops, the water temperatures' tend to follow. The bodies of water that have the least amount of moving water (current) and are the shallowest will tend to be the fastest to follow the air temperature drops. On the other hand, these same waters will also be the first to heat up as the mid morning, noon and early afternoon sunshine heats up the surface. Just focusing in on this bit of information can make you a better fisherman in the winter time.
Other things to keep in mind while fishing the waters off of Islamorada and Flamingo as the temperatures drop include, but are not limited to, the following. Remember that a dropping tide in the afternoon brings warmer water off of shallow dark bottom flats into channels that are holding colder waters. This brings both food and much needed warmth to hungry cold fish. Also remember that as the water temperatures drop the fish that remain tend to become lethargic. In colder waters the fish(s) metabolisms tend to slow down and the need for food is no longer in the "must kill" to survive mode.
During colder times of the year (I fish year round) I find myself telling my anglers aboard to slow down the presentation and to get the fly, artificial or bait closer to the fish. As the fish become lethargic they tend NOT to spend much energy chasing down a "kill" for food. You must present the offering as close to the fishes face/mouth as possible and not the tail, making it easy and opportunistic for the fish resulting in a hook up 4 u !!!
Islamorada / Flamingo Fishing Report
As I fish Islamorada and the South Florida region year round, I can tell you that the temperature of both the air and water have a wide range. In the winter time the air & water temperatures can plummet to a shivering +/- 50 degrees Fahrenheit and in the summer time I have seen water temperatures in excess of 100 degree Fahrenheit.
As the summer heat is turned up here in South Florida and The Florida Keys, the water temperatures will rise along with the hot air temperatures and the opposite occurs during the winter months. Remember that the shallower the water column is, the quicker it is affected by the changing ambient temperatures.
As fall and winter approaches and we slowly leave the heat of the summer months behind, cooler ambient temperatures will slowly begin to affect the shallow waters of the flats and backcountry. During the fall months you can expect an increase in the length of time in which you can target many of the shallow water species, I call this opportunity time the "window of opportunity." Because of milder ambient temperatures, the shallow waters will have a smaller range in water temperatures, keeping the water temperatures at a comfortable level for a longer period of time which in turn keeps the fish up on the flats and shallow water longer as they feed, allowing us, the anglers, to see and fish for them longer each day. Expect the bonefish, permit, snook and redfish to be active during the fall months. Look for these fish up on the flats during the incoming tides and in the creeks, creek mouths, flats edges and run offs during the dropping tides, particularly in the afternoons.
For more information please feel free in contacting me direct via E-mail or phone. Please feel free in contacting me direct with any questions and/or comments, I always enjoy hearing from you.
TACKLE STATION

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The Captain fishes Islamorada/Upper Keys, Biscayne Bay, Flamingo/Florida Bay and Everglades National Park. Capt. Pier Milito is an IGFA Certified Captain; he is a member of the CCA and a professional fishing guide for the Redbone Celebrity Fishing Tournament Series. He does tournament and fun fishing, but most importantly and loves his job. If you wish to book a trip call him at 786-295-4466 or E-mail him at [email protected]
His website: www.FishingAdventureCharters.com
The Captain is sponsored by, but not limited to:
R.L. Winston Fly Rods, Galvan Fly Reels, Quantum rods and reels, Smith Optics Sunglasses, Bass Assassin Baits, Scientific Anglers, Sol Sunguard, Mercury Outboards, Buff Headwear, Regal Fly Tying Vises, Noble Embroidery, Gamma/Frog Hair fluorocarbons, monofilaments and fly leader materials, Spike It Baits, Accurate Offshore Reels, South Dade Outfitters, Reactor Watches, Islamorada Fiber Glass Repair, Glacier Gloves, RMR Industries / Line & Lure Conditioners, Sol Sunguard Sunscreen, Yeti Coolers, Trimax Locks, Odyssey Batteries and Van Staal pliers.
Islamorada Fishing Forecast:
Islamorada / Flamingo Fishing Report
As I fish Islamorada and the South Florida region year round, I can tell you that the temperature of both the air and water have a wide range. In the winter time the air & water temperatures can plummet to a shivering +/- 50 degrees Fahrenheit and in the summer time I have seen water temperatures in excess of 100 degree Fahrenheit.
As the summer heat is turned up here in South Florida and The Florida Keys, the water temperatures will rise along with the hot air temperatures and the opposite occurs during the winter months. Remember that the shallower the water column is, the quicker it is affected by the changing ambient temperatures.
As fall and winter approaches and we slowly leave the heat of the summer months behind, cooler ambient temperatures will slowly begin to affect the shallow waters of the flats and backcountry. During the fall months you can expect an increase in the length of time in which you can target many of the shallow water species, I call this opportunity time the "window of opportunity." Because of milder ambient temperatures, the shallow waters will have a smaller range in water temperatures, keeping the water temperatures at a comfortable level for a longer period of time which in turn keeps the fish up on the flats and shallow water longer as they feed, allowing us, the anglers, to see and fish for them longer each day. Expect the bonefish, permit, snook and redfish to be active during the fall months. Look for these fish up on the flats during the incoming tides and in the creeks, creek mouths, flats edges and run offs during the dropping tides, particularly in the afternoons.
For more information please feel free in contacting me direct via E-mail or phone. Please feel free in contacting me direct with any questions and/or comments, I always enjoy hearing from you.
Target Species:
Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit
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