Florida Keys backcountry fishing report July 25-31

Well it has been a great week of fishing here in the Florida Keys.The bite in the Everglades National Park is Phenomenal right now. The rain stopped for now and the winds came down making the fishing opportunities endless. Head to the Flamingo area for a great Redfish and Snook bite with Tarpon and big Sharks as well. Berkley Alive baits fished on jig’s or rigged weed less have been producing great catches when fished on the deeper channels around run-off’s, Island moats, flats and shorelines. The beach and shorelines from East Cape Canal to middle Cape have been producing great Snook and Redfish action with many other species to be had. Live baits like Pinfish or Pilchards are best but artificial baits will help you find the fish faster. The Trout bite remains great on the northern parts of the Everglades National Park find the Mullet mud’s and drift through them casting soft plastic baits under a popping cork. If you don't get a bite on the first drift move on to the next mud. Out on the south western areas of the park expect to get in to a nice bite of Snappers and Trout with many other rod benders as well. The bugs are hungry in the park so make sure to bring plenty of repellent.

Fish for Tarpon on the local bridge channels early and late in the day when the water temperatures are at their lowest. Dead baits on the bottom have been getting the most bites during the day and live crabs drifted under a float at night. Look around the local Island shorelines and adjacent banks for Tarpon, jerk baits and plugs will get there attention but a couple of freebie Pilchards followed up with a hook will guarantee the bite most of the time. Look for the Bonefish bite to be best early and late in the day with the incoming tide with the fish going to the deeper edges on the hottest parts of the day. Make sure you keep hydrated and apply plenty of good sunblock, it is Hot ! Be Safe and have some fun...

Captain Juan Garcia