While poling a Florida Bay Flat at two o'clock in the afternoon it is difficult to fathom dropping temperatures... but, it is certainly evident on an early morning run or with even the slightest cloud cover. This can only mean one thing, Fall is right around the corner and fishing flamingo is fantastic.
Fall fishing in Flamingo is fantastic. Despite our lack of a "real" winter here, the fish follow their instinctual urge to fill themselves and even the spookiest of fish will eat. It also means migratory fish, like large Tarpon, will begin their journey back down the coast. A typical Fall day in 'Mingo is filled with opportunity.
This week my clients enjoyed much of the same success we had last week in Florida Bay. The wind showed little reprieve and the water was high... but, the fishing was still great. Great numbers of 10 - 20lb Tarpon, lower slot Snook and over slot Reds were commonplace. We mixed in more than our fair share of big fish by capitalizing on opportunities whenever presented. The highlight of the week was the Friday morning Tarpon bite... while the wind fought to reach its steady 20 knots, we systematically hooked dozens and brought at least 12 to the boat in a very short period of time.
My baits of choice are still Rapala Skitterwalks in the morning, possibly mixing in a Mirrodine in the mid-morning and then a Bass Assassin Paddle tail (weed less) for the remainder of the day. I have been known to switch things up in the Fall, but for now, this lineup still beats all.
I captured a few pictures during the de-hooking & release process for your pleasure...
