Capt. Roan zumFelde
Merry Christmas to all and hope your fishing trips are wonderful and fish are plentiful! The winter winds are starting to blow and the coolness is in the air. This is not always a bad thing, it sure makes being in the outdoors more enjoyable and sometimes really stacks the fish up where they can get to a little warmer water. The bass can really fire up just before a front comes through. The only problem is if you are fishing the day after the front passes then it gets a little difficult. My only suggestion is to slow down, when you think you are moving you lure slow enough then try moving it a little slower.
Lake Okeechobee fishing should be excellent this month. Bass fishing on the lake will be in full swing and the main lake water levels should be starting to drop down and make the bass more concentrated. This should make the Rim Canal and any traditionally deeper water corridors much better. North End of the lake should really start to get good especially if the winds start to blow out of the North. Fishing for bluegills will be on the decline but Crappie should really start taking over for all you pan fisherman. Small Jigs and even flies work well on them. I like to throw small bead head Wooley Buggers for them. The bead causes a more up and down erratic action.
The Everglades Canals should really big good for all species this month. It looks like the water levels are going to get perfect for both bass and cichlids. The lack of rain in November is going to really help out and bring the fish into accessible areas of the canals were we can get a lure to them. Senko type worms this month should literally wreck them. Large or small Senko’s will not matter just be sure to bring plenty with you in multiple colors. Not only do the bass eat them in the canals but the Oscars, Mayans, and bowfins love them. Please be extra careful when handling bowfins, if they clamp down on you it is hard to get them to let go. If the water stays warm and the fronts stay to the north the fly fishing in the canals will be good on top but if the waters get cool you will need to fish weighted flies like a clousabou to fire up the fish. A great canal to fish on foot this time of the year is the Highway 29 canal between I- 75 and U.S. 41. There is some great fishing and easy parking areas along the highway and plenty of different species to catch. The closer to I-75 the more bass and cichlids you will find and the closer to 41, snook and tarpon will be a more likely target. Look for structure like down trees fallen into the canal and canal corners and anywhere there is water coming off the marshes and into the main canal. Because there can be snook and tarpon I would recommend using at least 30lb leader attached to your main line. Fly fishing this canal can be tricky, but not impossible you will just have to pick your spots. Good recon is important.
Come visit Mike and me at Mike’s Bait house and Indian Pass Outfitters on Danford Street, next to Bayview Park in Naples and we can talk fishing. We carry a full line of tackle including: fly fishing needs and both saltwater and freshwater gear, food, drink, and bait. Thanks and good fishing. Roan z
