Fishing South Florida

Fishing in South Florida is my version of therapy. When you think that the pressures of everyday life have become too much, you can always spend some quite, relaxing time fishing.

No matter what your style, conventional tackle, fly fishing, artificial lures, or live bait these waters have plenty to offer. Not only are there some of the world's best game fish here, the natural beauty that surrounds you is awesome.

Bass Fishing

We also have a variety of fishing areas here. You can fish for some of the finest Large Mouth Bass in the United States in famous areas like Lake Okeechobee. There are also great fishing in the local canals that surround Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Here you will find Large Mouth Bass, Peacock Bass (a species transplanted by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Comission from South America), and even salt water species like snook and tarpon. Some local golf course ponds have become hot spots for these species. Although some days you couldn't prove it, there are fish everywhere.

Salt water anglers can try their luck offshore for Marlin, Sailfish, and the ever popular Dolphin (not to be mistaken for Flipper). Backcountry fishing, done primarily in Florida Bay, will consist of species like Redfish, Snook, Sea Trout, and Tarpon. Then there are the flats, shallow areas that surround the Florida Keys, where Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Barracuda, and Sharks are you're quarry.

When fishing the backcountry or on the flats, tide changes play an important role in locating fish. When the tide is low, it is best to search "pot holes" which are small depressions where fish will lay up until the tide begins to rise.

On a rising tide, fish the edge of the flat where it meets deeper water. Here fish will be waiting to move up on the flats to feed once it starts to flood.

On the falling tide, fish the mouths of creeks and rivers where fish are waiting to capture food that is being flushed out by the current.

The coolest part of fishing here, especially in the shallow waters, is that it's so clear. You are sight fishing. Spotting your target, presenting your lure or bait, and watching as one of these formidable opponents takes you on is quite exhilarating.

Basic tackle, with the exception of heavy duty offshore gear, should consist of nothing more than high quality bass tackle. Rods are 6 to 7 foot medium heavy action. Reels should hold at least 200 yards of 8 to 12lb test line.

Lures like top water poppers and minnow imitations as well as bucktail jigs will provide for some heart pounding fun.

Fly fisherman should bring 9 and 12 weight outfits with at least 200 yards of backing. Flys such as Dahlberg Divers, clouser minnows, Lefty's Deceivers, and shrimp imitations will produce nicely.

Me and a Tarpon

For the latest on what's biting and how to catch em, check out my "What's New" page. If you want to just sit back and trade stories about fishing, visit my "Chat" room.

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