by Capt. Justin Napior
Happy July everybody!! I have some exciting stuff for you if you’re a juvenile tarpon addict like me, or maybe it’s on your bucket list. We are in the rainy season now and all the backwater canals and creeks are flowing and the tarpon have moved in. I would definitely take advantage of those rainy summer days! Instead of being bummed out that you can’t get on the boat, toss on a rain jacket and take a little Everglades adventure. Tamiami Trail has some amazing tarpon fishing and you don’t even need a boat! I’ve spent many, rainy summer days cruising down 41 with a fly rod in the back of my truck hunting for tarpon in ditches, small creeks and back water bays. Sometimes in spots not much bigger than a room in your house. Snook, largemouth bass, and even peacock bass can all be found in the same area.
When you find these fish look out! They are extremely aggressive and put on such a great show! They are a blast to catch on light tackle and fly. It is definitely not an easy task taming one of these guys in such tight quarters. You have all kinds of obstacles to avoid, like trees, rocks, and every now and then the local Everglades alligator! Watching these guys hammer a top water fly is breath taking. The adrenaline rush is unreal! Getting to hold and release one of these prehistoric creatures is something you have to experience to understand.
It has always fascinated me to think these little five to ten-pound fish could grow up to be well over one hundred pounds someday. Your best bet at getting a bite, and personally the most fun and exciting way to catch them, is on fly. They love white or a black/purple Gurgler. Many other flies will get the job done,
this is just my favorite because of the explosive top water strike. Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path; these fish will be in places you would never think. Exploring and fishing the Florida Everglades is something special. It’s as close as you can get to going back in time and seeing how old Florida really looked and felt. Good luck on your next adventure and tight lines!