MIAMI FLATS FISHING GUIDE
MIAMI
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne National Park is 270 square miles in size and is what protects and preserves Biscayne Bay. It is located perfectly in the northern most Range of its two most famous inhabitants Bonefish and Permit. Some of the Biggest Bonefish in the world call Biscayne Bay home and any given day you could see a 10 plus pound fish. Shallow grass flats, Mud banks and limestone shorelines offer a variety of Habitats for these fish to forage and frequent. The waters of the bay once was the lore of Pirates the most famous being Black Caesar who would prey on unsuspecting Spanish ships from Elliot key the park's largest island and northernmost of the true Florida Keys, formed from fossilized coral reef. Biscayne Bay offers a year round fishery Bonefish, Permit, Cudas, Sharks, snappers, Groupers and many more can be caught within the shallow waters of the Bay
WHAT WE TARGET
Late Winter/Spring: Fishing in Biscayne Bay this time of year is all about being flexible some days were poling the flats looking for Bonefish and Permit others we are fishing with live bait over the shallow wrecks and reefs for snappers, Groupers, yellow jacks and mackerels to name a few. Usually its a game time decision when we look at the weather to optimize our chances. It all depends on the Temperatures this time of year some winters are colder than others and the water temperatures are affected by the stronger cold snaps. As the Average temps start to rise and hold steady we begin to see normal patterns again on the flats to target Bonefish, Permit and the Annual Tarpon Migration begins.
Summer: In my opinion the best fishing of the year is during the summer. Success is all about consistency and the weather for the most part is consistently stable except for Afternoon Thunderstorms which at times can improve the fishing as the rain cools the waters. Bonefish and Permit are cruising the flats looking for their next meal. Permit fishing is the best this time of year with high numbers of fish around and cant resist a well placed blue crab. Bonefish are schooled up working the shallow flats and can be found all over the bay tailing in the mornings or mudding during the mid day.
EVERGLADES FLAMINGO
Everglades Back country: Everglades National Park is the third largest National Park in the lower 48 at 1.5 million Acres it makes up twenty percent of its original size. Mangrove lined bays, rivers and creeks create a labyrinth of fishing spots to chase tarpon and Snook. Brackish waters flush into the Gulf of Mexico making for a unique way to fish. Your typical day begins early for a dawn patrol to find rolling Tarpon that are staging in the Everglades before their annual migration through Florida. The Everglades is a feeding station for these giant fish and we target them effectively with large dark flies as the water is usually murky. Blind casting a shoreline at rolling fish and sight casting to laid up fish will get the most bites. Spin fishing will cover a lot of water throwing plugs and large swim baits that can be reeled in similar scenarios throughout the Back country bays and rivers. Whatever the fishing situation Capt Jerry will be ready to Guide you through it.
WHAT WE TARGET
Late Winter/Early Spring: Giant Tarpon move in the Back country of Everglades National Park. When the temperatures are warmer than normal we can have some of the most epic Tarpon fishing of the year. The Snook fishing can also shine this time of year, with good numbers of smaller fish mixing in with the trophies.
Summer: With warmer weather, the tarpon migration is in full effect from the Everglades to Islamorada and the rest of the Keys. We also have a few weeks of excellent Snook fishing mixed in on the Gulf Coast as the large Females stage to spawn.
Flamingo: Key Largo, Islamorada and West to Cape Sable encompass the grass flats of Florida Bay that will have you on more species of game fish than can be targeted in one day. As spring approaches we monitor the weather by the hour to see when that spring time pattern will take over, which means one thing“Tarpon Season” is here. Fish can be found migrating in the Gulf of Mexico. Florida Bay, with an average depth of three feet also produces shots at the big three on some of the most storied bay side flats in Islamorada. Further into the bay, closer to Flamingo, we’ll find Redfish and Snook, and we can also target Baby Tarpon, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Triple Tail, Cobia and sea trout. So whether you prefer fly or spin gear Florida Bay offers something for every angler of any skill level.
WHAT WE TARGET
Summer/Fall: Some of the best all-around sight fishing Florida Bay and the Keys have to offer. With the tarpon migration of big fish slowing down each week, the baby tarpon take the opportunity to invade the flats and mangrove creeks. We can also target Redfish (excellent), Snook (good), Bonefish (excellent), Permit (excellent), Black drum (excellent), and baby Tarpon (excellent). This is the best time of year to try for a Grand Slam!
