Today my two clients from New Zealand and I had a ball putting around the narrow creeks inside Hell's Bay, Pearl Bay, and Lane Bay. On 10 pound spinning gear we caught over 50 Snook, a few redfish, and one 15 Pound Goliath Grouper. Our day started about 8:00A.M. with the weather blowing 10-15 out of the Northeast and a light overcast cloud cover. We started inside Hell's Bay throwing Rapala X-Raps (XR-8) in the mullet and silver colors working the shorelines ever so diligently. When picking a shoreline in these type of areas I often look for ambush points. Snook just love to hang out next to broken branches and submerged logs eagerly waiting for un-expecting baitfish to pass by. I will often point out to my clients that a Snook has a long lateral line down the side of his body and he uses that to pick up vibrations in the water to hunt. So if you are constantly twitching that X-Rap in the water a Snook can key into that vibration in the water and mistake that for a wounded baitfish. You will see this especially in dirty water conditions.
If you are one of those weekend warriors that wants to learn how to fish in these remote areas here are a few pointers. First and foremost is safety. Remember these areas often do not have cell phone coverage so you should leave a float plan with a friend on land. Let them know what areas you might be and what time they should expect your call at the end of the day. Also, slow down! Most of us go fishing to get away from the Rush of the big city so there is no reason to floor it down the canoe trail going from one spot to the next. You never know who or even what fallen debris is around the next corner. I can't tell you how many times I have turned a sharp corner and found a terrified party on a canoe wondering if I would see them in time. If you have ever been on a canoe you would know what a feeling this is. Also please remember that these are beautiful untouched places and we want to keep them this way, so please don't splash your trash.
Tight Lines and Get Out There and Fish!
Captain Rich Smith is a Native South Florida Full Time Fishing Guide based out of Homestead, Florida. He fishes Biscayne Bay, Everglades National Park and the Upper Florida Keys. If you would like to get in touch with the captain you can reach him at www.CaptainRichSmith.com or (786) 299 - 4813
