Florida Fly Fishing
Atlantic snook to close in state and federal waters
The recreational harvest of snook in Atlantic state and federal waters closes June 1.
Brad Lowman Photo
Snook will reopen for harvest in Atlantic federal, state and inland waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, on Sept. 1. Snook remains closed for harvest in Gulf of Mexico state waters, including Everglades National Park and Monroe County. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will decide at its June meeting in Lakeland whether to allow the Gulf snook harvest to reopen Sept. 1.
State waters in the Atlantic extend from shore to 3 nautical miles and in the Gulf from shore to 9 nautical miles.
Seasonal harvest closures protect Florida’s valuable snook populations and help sustain and improve the fishery for the future.
Learn more about recreational fishing at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater” and “Recreational Regulations.”
Tarpon- Presenting the Fly
Presentation is key – listen to your guide!
It was a tarpon fisher’s dream, a school of at least 200 fish, tightly wadded up, slinking over each other, finning out, flashing, real relaxed, real happy, one of the finest sights in all of angling. Harry Kant was trembling with excitement. He’d been trying for 11 seasons to take a hundred pounder on fly. It was practically certain that the deed would now be done.
Everglades Fly Fishing Report May 2013
Capt. Jason Sullivan
Is that a crease fly hanging out of Mr. Snuke’s jaw?
The snook fishing out of Flamingo is just about to get into to full swing with summer approaching and with the clean water along the coast we have had. This is also really exciting because I like to use topwater plugs on these cruising fish.
No reds, but….
Short trip, last minute plan to hunt some redfish.
Cobia!
Having picked two nice trout out of a hole on the low tide, one 24″ one 25″, my good friend Keith Sawyer and I took my East Cape Lostmen across the bay to hopefully find redfish on a flat we know well. It was my turn on the bow, and Keith began slowly poling us through about 2′ of water. Armed with a Clutch TSx 908 8wt, Cheeky Mojo 425 (in custom color pattern) and a self-tied 3″ trusted redfish fly (on a #4 owner fly liner hook) I saw nothing but sting rays on the flat.
Bluefish
Bluefish are one of my favorite target species simply because of their aggressiveness and hard fight. While wading in Melbourne one morning I watched a school of (always) ravenous bluefish trap a school of mullet against a seawall. The water frothed red as mullet tried to grow wings. I actually felt bad for them, knowing at that moment it sucked to be a baitfish. I was really glad I was no where near them!
Get into a school of bluefish with any fly that resembles a baitfish in any way, shape or form and be prepared to have it destroyed. Long-shank hooks are called for; some folks simply tie silver tinsel at the bend. …and keep your hands out of the water! Ed.
