Report: We finally got somewhat into our normal weather patterns this past month. Fishing early morning to midday before the heat of the day and afternoon storms arrive has been a typical day. Tides were also a big factor in determining where to fish. This area is known for great snook and tarpon fishing in the summer months and that fact has held its own. There have been a lot of snook around and caught averaging from 20 to over 36 inches. Fishing for snook with topwater plugs has been the ultimate way to fish for them and along with the snook, the chances of catching a nice redfish or trout have been very good. Tarpon have been around although their pattern changes constantly. A lot of the bigger fish have moved on but some are still here and can be found in the deeper passes that lead from the back bays to the gulf. The smaller and juvenile tarpon hold up in a lot of creeks and open areas where there is deeper and moving water especially with bait fish. If you’ve found these smaller tarpon in a particular area once odds are you will find them there again. Some other fish caught this past month have been nice sized redfish, some oversized, and also trout though scarcer than in the cooler months. I haven’t targeted them but I have seen a lot of sharks in the backcountry (bulls, blacktips and lemons) and you have to be aware and prepared should one go after a game fish that you may be fighting.

Unlike a lot of Florida the waters here in the coastal region of the Everglades especially in the rainy season, are tannin stained and muddy from the water flowing out from the backcountry creeks and rivers. This makes it almost impossible for sight fishing. Knowing the habits of the fish along with some other factors determines where the fish are and if you’re going to have a successful day. If coming to this area to kayak fish for the first time your odds of success will be greatly increased if you have me or one of our other guides lead you to the fish.

“Catch the Experience”