Report Date: January 23, 2010
Well it was a bad front that killed thousands of snook and tarpon here in Everglades National Park ( Chokoloskee).
I was worried about hearing of the cold front that was comming to south florida, and how it would effect the fishing.
I have been threw many fronts here in Chokoloskee threw the 25 plus years of fishing,but nothing like what took place this time.
I was in the backcountry the 2nd day after the front went threw, and everywhere you looked their were Snook,Tarpon, jewfish,and loads of hardheads dead threw out the park.
I have never seen such a bad kill before.
The National Park has finally put in place only Catch and Release on snook.
If I had it my way,I would have done this many years ago.
On the upside,last night at dinner, with a few friends,I ws told that a few people have been seeing snook busting bait out back.I personally havn't seen that, but it came from a very good source.
On the gulf side the fish had time to move offshore as the front came threw.
It couldn't have been any worse out back,Minus-6" tides,water in the high 40s for days, and oxygen deprived waters dew too the kill.
Only time will tell what the true effect it will have on the fishing.
This type of occurance will not be good for guides who anglers want too keep snook,but my anglers do not keep snook,We practice Catch and release almost 100% of the time.
I may kill 1/2 dozen snook a year,but thats about all.
At the present time the waters have warm up to the low 70s,Blue bird skys,and no wind,Perfect for going fishing,and that what i'm going to do right now.
The Trout bite is excellent,and i'm going to take advantage of it right now.
Tight Lines,
Capt Bert Brakus
Lostmans5@msn.com
www.ChokoloskeeIslandCharters.com
239-695-1044