Sight Fishing In Flamingo Report

When fish are even the slightest bit spooky, the first cast and bait presentation may be your only real chance at a hook-up... After that first presentation the fish may not move very far or at all, but it knows you're there... and the game may be over. Make that first cast count by doing the little things right. Leave enough tag end when casting, so the leader to line knot does not hit the top guide... that distinct sound can spook weary fish. Make sure the boat is positioned correctly so your bait can travel well passed the fish without casting a visible shadow. Your line and lure should stay clear of the fish... I witness at least 15 fish daily that spook because the line or lure hit them. If possible, maneuver the bait in such a manner that it appears to be fleeing the fish. You can instantly increase your odds by paying attention to the little details...Right place, right timeJoe Vasquez has been trying to plan a trip to Flamingo for over a year, but his timing couldn't have been better. He wanted to sight fish big tailing Redfish and well, I'm not one to disappoint. After spending some time on technique and presentation, Joe was ready... As we poled up onto the first flat, we were greeted by very active fish and Joe warmed up with this solid 28 incher...

It pushed a large wake as it tracked down his bait... Joe was thrilled.

His next presentation to this tailing Redfish was perfect... he wanted the bait so bad, he hit it three times.

 

Later in the day, after catching his share of Trout and Snook, we made our way to a particular flat in hopes of intercepting a school of breeding Redfish. Boy, did we ever... they were there in huge numbers and eating everything in sight. This one measured just over 34 inches.

Say cheese!

This one was just over 36 inches!

Then, Big Mamma joined the party... Joe made another perfect cast and then held on for dear life.

Nice job, Joe... Congrats on a back country slam and some Flamingo Lunker Redfish.

Joe and Carlos were greeted a "Good Morning" by over 300 Black Drum... they were everywhere. This was Joe's first Black...

As we pushed up onto the flat a little further, we were greeted by happy tailing Redfish... Carlos capitalized on his first attempt.

Joe's first Redfish!

Mike and Scott were back again. After catching a few nice Snook on topwater, we switched over to sight fishing the flats... and were greeted by a large school of Redfish... it wasn't long before they were doubled up.

Nice fish, guys.

Noah of Mystique Landscaping treated his top performer, James Garrison to a day in Flamingo and they wasted no time... this Redfish was the first of the day after it inhaled a Rapala Skitterwalk.

Noah and James countered each other for hours... good fish after good fish.

I spent a free day with Kenny... we stuck with the long rod in spite of high winds and zero visibility.

The first of many...

We were on tailers for several hours... but, we finally pried ourselves from them to search out other species.

We took turns at the next spot, practically catching Snook on every cast.

Kenny's homemade fly concoction passed the test with every species that day... the Snook and Tarpon were blasting out of the water to eat it. Summertime in Flamingo is awesome... and this year is no exception. Until next week...