Species

I specialize in chasing BONEFISH on the fly.
These bones tend to be big with many going double-digit. I like using my 8wt with floating line and nice long leader. Nothing like a Bonefish!!! These fish have a value of $75,000 per fish over its lifetime for the economy. This is a statistic from the Bonefish Tagging Project which keeps track of their travels and studies them supplying up to the minute data. My 1st Bonefish literally changed my life. Better have 200yds or better of backing. The power they generate has my vote as the strongest fish I have ever caught.

TARPON

The TARPON range from 10lbs to 70lbs and are in shallow water. They can be thick at times but also can be absent for weeks. There will always be resident Tarpon on select days year round. Also there is strong freshwater stock of Tarpon in the canal systems and they can be targeted by walking the canal early or taking canoe or kayak.

 

PERMIT

The PERMIT can be very thick at times yet invisible for weeks. Much depends on the time of year but they are here year round. When I do see them they tend to be big, nasty big. Personally I always have a 10wt ready with a crab fly for when they suddenly appear. To me this is the ultimate prize and perhaps my favorite frustration.

REDFISH

The REDFISH present the biggest enigma of all. They are highly sought after here in Biscayne Bay yet their very existence considered to be a vicious rumor in other circles. They are indeed alive and well. This is perhaps the most targeted fish by me it seems. They are here year round and are not as picky during colder days such as winter time. They are tight lipped and do not behave like any Redfish I have ever seen or caught. I would say there are more Permit caught than Biscayne Bay Redfish to give you an idea. Another odd thing is that I have yet to see a monster Redfish with any black spots. All are solid red. I will be submitting fin clips for DNA study as well. The Biscayne Redfish is a supreme rejection artist. I have seen literally hundreds of quality shots taken only to be totally ignored. Sometimes they bust and other times they pretend you’re not even there and hide under the canoe. That’s about the ultimate insult. However, there are times when for some reason they become aggressive, very aggressive. Best hold on tight and bring a lunch if you hook into a mogen. I see them easy 40lbs and usually in 1ft of water but never more than 3ft.

SNOOK

The SNOOK range from baby snooklets to slabs. It is always best to target them early or late since they feed at night but also possible during the daytime. They also can be caught year round and in both salt and fresh water. Fall seems to be best but much depends on the baitfish migration and temperature. They do not tolerate cold water so well and become highly vulnerable to unethical fisherman. They are the dirtest players in the game and are quite underhanded(so to speak) which makes them a prize for any angler.

Other Gamefish can be caught as well.

These fish can save the day if utilized. Many people come to fish with high expectations of what they want to catch but actually show up at less than good conditions. Some are not in their control, such as weather. During the cold windy days in the winter the chances of the Glamour Species is not good but BARACUDA and SHARKS are often neglected and they can be quite a workout. Wire is a must and match the rod to the fish so you wont get a 300lb BULLSHARK on a 10wt. There is always SHARKS no matter what. BARRACUDA are fairly common and are great fun as long as you have durable flys. They often jump well over your head when hooked and are as fast as a BONEFISH. I have even caught a 14ft SAWFISH out on the flats so anything is possible.

I also see many other forms of sea life while fishing. Shore Birds of every description are shuffling around and always eating something. Birds of Prey such as Bald Eagles, Osprey and even owls are there as well. Saltwater Crocs are also a possibility and I see many during the year. Iguanas and Pythons are also possible. This last year I have seen otters on several days playing in the water and also on land.

Exotic Species of fish can be caught in the urban canals. Fish from all over the world. Check the GALLERY for photos.