This past week the 'Glades along the coast north and south of the Little Shark River were the destination of choice during the daytime. I was able to add one night in Biscayne Bay where the tarpon action was pretty strong (and will stay that way for weeks to come...).
A week ago I had John Micali and his two sons aboard out of Flamingo. We caught and released a variety of fish including a half dozen snook, and everyone had their turn. Here's a pic of his oldest son with a nice snook to start off the day....
Here's another that was the perfect size for a young angler....
Lastly here's a pic of two brothers and it's the kind of shot you couldn't pose....
It's always a treat with kids and I'm guessing their dad will remember it as well...
Two days later I had a long time customer and skilled fly angler Dr. Nate Mayl aboard for a quick night trip in Biscayne Bay. We hit a docklight or two where snappers and jacks attacked every fly they saw, then headed for a nearby bridge looking for a few tarpon. Nate was equipped with several 8wt fly rods and we weren't disappointed. That night he jumped eight fish in the 20 to 30lb size range and all behaved like they were on fire with that small fly.... Along the way he broke a Sage rod, lost 30 feet of a new fly line and just in general had a great time. Here's the only pics I had time for....
All of the fish that night were sight-fished... Nate was looking at every fish as it turned and attacked the fly...
On the 4th it was back to Flamingo with local anglers Neil Franklin and Tony Phillips along with Marco (and it was Marco's first fishing trip ever...). Once again variety was the routine with snook, redfish, trout, more than a few grumpy sharks, etc. Here's two pics of Tony with a nice jack and a snook...
Towards the end of the day Marco hooked up on what turned out to be a big lemon shark of about 150lbs on a rod with only 15lb line. It was a pretty good introduction to the 'Glades.... as he worked hard to bring that fish to the boat. At the end of the day we made one stop at a snapper spot in the interior on the way home. We were rewarded with at least a dozen mangrove snapper up to about 18" on small jigs, and Marco brought a few home for dinner. Tony liked the day so much that he came back on Friday with his son Scott, and his friend Austin. Our last day was a bit frustrating since every big fish we hooked just cleaned our clocks - both snook, sharks, and tarpon.
Our last hookup that day was a great 60lb tarpon on a light rod with a jig. Austin had the fish to the boat after lots of jumping but the fish wore through the very light 30lb leader.... A great end to the day.
The best bet now has to be the night scene - and it's perfect for a fly rod or light spinning gear.
Tight lines
Bob LeMay
(954) 435-5666