Fishing late summer and early fall is the most predictable and productive. Let me explain why over the next few lines. The bite has been as steady as the late afternoon storms. It is hot but we have been "skunk free" every time out. Fishing near Biscayne bay aand Oceanside area has been great for permit. The permit have been very active moving in schools around flats edges, and coastal sections. Permit have even been moving close to west side of bay and area bridges as far to Card Sound and Keys. The key to catching them has been stealthy approaches with live crabs or live shrimp. Wait for them in the spots that they like to travel. There have been many different schools of different size fish so be prepared with different size baits too. If you are unfamiliar just get out during a low tide and wear your best polarized glasses while you scan and look around the coastal flats.
Permit aren't the only hungry creatures in south Florida waters. It's tough to beat a day soaking and snorkeling for spiny lobters, especially with the regular season now in full swing. I often have my skiff rigged for a flats/dive trip. Lately, I have been working the flats on the incoming for the bonefish and permit and then once I get a flood tide move slightly offshore. If the fish don't show up then I enjoy taking my kids lobstering or spearfishing with pole spears or Hawaiian slings. We always seem to find something interesting. And learn something new. One piece of advice I can give anyone when diving is to have a very responsible and safe boat operator. Engine propellers are extremely dangerous and utmost attention needs to be given when divers are around. The nice thing about fishing local waters is that no matter how hot is is-the fishing is good and you can always jump in and look for fish and lobsters, all while cooling off.
Fishing in the Everglades National Park has been incredibly hot. Great numbers of redfish have been found all over the flats. Using strictly artificial like Gulp and Fishbites baits have been getting almost instant results if the fish are there. The pole-troll zones require quite of a commitment. That means you need to shut down the motor and push the boat into the redfish flats and hunt them. Some of these areas are really coming back to life and a good guide is essential. A great guide will take all the work and labor so you can enjoy casting and catching redfish and snook of the Flamingo flats. The captain will usually have back up plans in case one flat insn't productive and well worth the price of the charter. Some local guides will also use your own boat and show you around. Visit my website for photos and boating and fishing information. Keep a tight line. And remember, take a kid fishing www.captainariel.com or call (305) 431-6936
