Everglades Holiday
Capt. Benny Blanco
December 22, 2008
Flamingo - Saltwater Fishing Report
This week could easily be another page in a Capt. Wejebe "Vida Del Mar" manual, as we certainly took "the road less traveled." I had three trips into the beautiful Everglades National Park and fished entirely different water during each. Most who have fished with me know I prefer to stay away from the masses... sometimes pushing into unknown water, but always avoiding commonly traveled paths. This week was no different... we caught fish from the salty Florida Bay flats to the blackest fresh water ponds dozens of miles from the Flamingo marina. Although, many trailers were in the marina parking lot, only a handful of skiffs were seen during the day. It often felt as though we had the entire Park to ourselves.
The highlight of my week came during a coastal trip with a longtime and recently lost friend (one of my first loyal clients). It had been many years and in his words "way too long" since his last guided trip. Fortunately, we were treated with light NE winds and a cloudless sky. The air and water temperatures were warmer than previous days, which helped jumpstart a phenomenal Snook bite. Personally, I am convinced it was just the Park's way of welcoming an old friend back.
We hit the Cape early with hard baits on the surface and just below... we continued a slow progression North, stopping only for creek mouths and large structure. There were pods of finger mullet and white bait being chased everywhere we went. Near one downed tree, Snook were busting clear out of the water to attack bait when they got too close. We stopped briefly for a sandwich and enjoyed the show. Later, the water rose and we switched to jig heads and swimming baits... the strong bite continued. I live for days like this... good company, good weather & great fishing!
Here are few of the better images captured this week. Enjoy!
Flamingo Fishing Forecast:
The warmer days between fronts are the best bet for success in the Park right now. The fish are still in transition and can be caught from the Coast to the black water bays within.
Happy Holidays!
Target Species:
Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Trout
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