This past week we've covered a lot of ground. One of the nice features of living and fishing in south Florida is that there's always good fishing somewhere nearby... if you're willing to tow your skiff up and down the highway, of course. Most guides are gypsies, traveling from one boat ramp to another depending on where the customers (and hopefully where the fish) are... During the past week it was one day out of Everglades City, then a night trip in Biscayne Bay, then another day trip - this time out of Flamingo... That's a lot of highway time but when the fish are biting it's well worth it. Both of the day trips this past week were a bit below average with plenty of fish but the glamour species a bit hard to find. The night trip, though, was very good...
On Sunday night Biscayne Bay was alive with small tarpon. We jumped a solid dozen fish on flies and artificials (mostly the DOA 1/4oz. shrimp when we were using spinning gear). As usual most of the fish really took my anglers to school. Hooking 20 to 40lb tarpon next to concrete pilings and boat docks gives the fish every advantage when you're using light tackle and the fish sure had it their way... The fly rod actually out-performed the spinning gear on a bite for bite basis. There's just something about a small white fly those night fish can't resist. My fly angler, Brian Cottle, out of Boston had a ball even though the tarpon won every battle... One fish not only broke him off but took the last ten feet of his fly line in the process.
We'll be back after the baby tarpon again tonight which should be a challenge since the lobster mini-season is also on tonight.... I'm hoping that none of those lobster hunters choose to work the areas where the tarpon are, but we'll just work around them if necessary. The outstanding night time tarpon should continue strong for another six weeks or so. In a few days the tide cycle should also bring the backcountry of the 'Glades back on line. I'll be there when they turn on again back in the bushes.
Tight Lines
ps: I'm now on my second 90hp E-Tec motor. We hung the new motor last week and it's already had five or six days on the water. The old motor has a new owner and much life left in it. If you're in the market for a motor to power a flats skiff check out the Evinrudes. It will be worth your time...
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