Florida Keys Backcountry Fishing Report June 10-17, 2012

Posted on 6/12/2012
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Florida Keys backcountry forecast June 15-17
The heat is on! It sure has been hot here in the Florida Keys, not only the temperature but the fishing as well. The trick is to be out on your favorite fishing hole early before the temperature heats up or late as it cools off for the best bite. The fishing in the Everglades National Park has been phenomenal especially the shallow flats. Redfish schools are holding on many of this Island flats waiting for a well presented bait to have a meal. Along with the Redfish expect to run in to some very nice Trout and Snook. There are also some Tarpon and Permit hanging around the deeper edges and shorelines around the Islands. Jerk baits rigged wheedles have been producing the best bites, silver dollar size Crab for the Permit. A freshly live pilchard presented in front of a Snook, Tarpon, Trout or Redfish will surely get you hooked up as well, good water flow in your live well is a most to keep your baits healthy in the hot water. The deeper channels and runoffs around Flamingo have some Tarpon, Snook, Redfish and Trout. Work these edges with Gulp Alive soft plastics on a Ľ oz jig heads bouncing it on the bottom for the best action. Soaking dead baits on the bottom in the deeper channels is a good way for a hot workout with the Silver King or a hungry Shark. The Trout bite has been great on the northern parts of Florida Bay in between banks and basins find some Mullet mud’s and you will be in the action. Don’t forget the insect repellant you will regret it if you do!
This is a great time of the year to get out of the heat of the day and get in to some great night time Tarpon bite. Drifting Crabs on the outgoing tide on the local bridge channels is guaranteed to get you on an epic battle with a giant Tarpon. The daytime bite has been best on the outgoing tide fishing live Mullet or Pilchards both anchored and drifting. When you get to your favorite spot wait and see what the other boats are doing and follow. You don’t want to anchor up on a channel were everybody else is drifting or vise versa. The point of the ocean side flats have some Tarpon pushing thru them offering anglers great shots at cruising fish. Stake out and wait, soon enough here they come! The early mornings and late afternoons are best for the Bonefish, with tailing fish at the end of the outgoing tide and mudding fish as the water rises. If the shrimp are too small at the bait shop get some small Crabs, they work great and a hungry Bonefish or Permit will not refuse it. Remember to drink lots of water and reapply sun block often!
Capt Juan Garcia