As the winter fishing season is starting here in the Everglades I am beginning to spend more time in some of the backcountry areas. Many of these areas are accessed through small creeks and are hard to access during the warmer (summer) months due to the foliage and then there are the bugs (swamp angels) which can be brutal. Still being tidal waters here it is brackish and the color of the water looks like tea mostly being discolored from the tannin that leaches out from the mangrove roots. The fish that live or migrate to these waters will also be discolored from the tannin. When in these areas you will usually never see another sole and you will have the area to yourself to enjoy and fish. Some areas are no motor zones and if there are no restrictions they are still hard to access with motor craft except for maybe a canoe or kayak with a trolling motor. I find the best way is with a small kayak and even with them it can be tough sometimes especially later in the winter when we get into the dry season. Access in a few of these areas will bring you to small lakes. Some are very small and some very shallow but some are deep and large enough to hold populations of snook and juvenile tarpon up to around 30lbs. These fish migrate here for the warmer waters in the winter and the fishing can be phenomenal. Another reason for going to these areas is the protection from the elements. When the winter winds begin it can be tough kayak fishing in the open water of the bay and gulf. If you are already in Florida or will be visiting from the north this is a trip you should consider this winter and I would be happy to take you.