Today was the first day I was able to get out and sample the local fishing. Stan and I departed at 6:30AM for the canals along the Tamiami Trail (US41) in the Everglades. We hit some of our usual spots and a couple new ones. The day started out a little brisk (53F) and warmed up to a little over 70F with a bit of a breeze. We started in the big canal at the end of the Everglades National Park volunteers RV camping area. As we were rigging up I saw a couple snook and some bass cruising around in the shallow end of the canal. My small crab pattern drew some immediate interest and brought in a 12-inch bass. Many follows and some short strikes, but no more hook-ups there. We checked out a new spot I had spotted on the satellite view of one of the online mapping programs. A few follows and short-strikes from bass, but no hook-ups. We then moved down to the maze of canals behind the seagrape visitor center. As always, lots of manatees and a few 'gators. We thought we saw a few tarpon roll. I caught the smallest snook I ever saw and Stan got a small, but respectable, redfish. That is the first redfish I have seen caught in these canals. We hit a couple other places, but the wind picked up and the fish weren't cooperative, so we knocked off early. This week I think we'll rent some kayaks and fish the Orange River. Here is a video of the seagrape canal. Watch for a couple manatees surfacing.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Reporting from Florida
Today was the first day I was able to get out and sample the local fishing. Stan and I departed at 6:30AM for the canals along the Tamiami Trail (US41) in the Everglades. We hit some of our usual spots and a couple new ones. The day started out a little brisk (53F) and warmed up to a little over 70F with a bit of a breeze. We started in the big canal at the end of the Everglades National Park volunteers RV camping area. As we were rigging up I saw a couple snook and some bass cruising around in the shallow end of the canal. My small crab pattern drew some immediate interest and brought in a 12-inch bass. Many follows and some short strikes, but no more hook-ups there. We checked out a new spot I had spotted on the satellite view of one of the online mapping programs. A few follows and short-strikes from bass, but no hook-ups. We then moved down to the maze of canals behind the seagrape visitor center. As always, lots of manatees and a few 'gators. We thought we saw a few tarpon roll. I caught the smallest snook I ever saw and Stan got a small, but respectable, redfish. That is the first redfish I have seen caught in these canals. We hit a couple other places, but the wind picked up and the fish weren't cooperative, so we knocked off early. This week I think we'll rent some kayaks and fish the Orange River. Here is a video of the seagrape canal. Watch for a couple manatees surfacing.
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My friend,
ReplyDeleteDo you believe its snowing in CT to beat the band, 18 inches already.
But it sure looks good where you are.
I appriciate the warmth.
Thanks,
Alan
Alan,
ReplyDeleteYes, I have seen the weather reports/news. The snow seems to keep coming in New England. You should feel sorry for me too, since with the cold spell down here, the high will only be low 60s. Almost too cold to fish.
Stay warm and be careful driving.
Gerry