Florida Keys backcountry fishing report September 12-18

Posted on 9/19/2012
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Florida Keys backcountry fishing forecast Sept 14-15
 
The fishing in the Everglades National park continues to be very productive. The wind during the week made it a little tougher but everybody ended up having some great days on the water. Picking a spot that is protected from the wind, like the lee side shoreline of an island or bank can make a huge difference. The Redfishing in the park remains excellent. The shallow areas from Snake bite to Terrapin bay have plenty of Redfish, Snook, Trout with some Tarpon as well. Casting jerk baits rigged wheedles while working the shorelines have been very productive. If you are looking for a fight fish some dead baits on the bottom in the Flamingo area for a big shark or Tarpon. Continue West toward the Cape for more great action. Fish the shoreline from east cape to middle cape casting Berkley Gulp baits for a mixed bag of Redfish, Snook, Trout, Pompano, Tarpon and many more. The area from Sandy Key to Sprigger bank continues to have a hot big Trout bite with fish up to 28 inches being caught regularly. The almighty white bucktail jig remains my favorite, everything will eat it and the ways you can work it are endless.

The Permit fishing around the local banks and flat edges has been good with guides reporting many sightings. Be stealthy and ready, when you see one stay calm and try to control the excitement, concentrate on making that perfect cast. Easier said than done, I have been there many times and the excitement still is overwhelming. The Bone fishing has been good on the strongest incoming tide on the Oceanside flats. With the new moon tides this weekend early in the morning and late in the afternoon expect the bone fishing to be great through out the keys. Tarpon fishing remains descent in and around Keys bridges and channels. Live pilchards have been getting their fair number of hook-ups. If you don't have live bait fish dead baits on the bottom. The bait has been easy to find lately so get those cast nets out of their buckets and ready to load up your live wells for a great day on the water. Enjoy your Weekend and take the kids fishing.

Captain Juan Garcia