Capt. Roan zumFelde
Well, summer is upon us, this month can be a little difficult for fishing in South west Florida. More rain and hot conditions make it, well, let’s just say it, wanting to spend more time indoors than outdoors. Now the good news is that you fisherman can still get out and get in some good fishing. Maybe not as much in our canals or at least the ones in the center of the state, but there are always the canals closer to downtown Miami and when the water is running through our water structures over here they can be on fire with all different kinds of fish like tarpon, snook, bass, peacocks you name it. Just realize early mornings or late evenings are going to be the most comfortable for you and the fish.
Lake Okeechobee: more water means the fish will venture further into the tight cover and overhead cover. Flipping & pitching will probably be the necessity over open water fishing, but if you can find scattered cover near to heavy mats, especially if you can find any hyacinth that they have not been sprayed, then early morning top waters can be pretty good.
Trafford Fishing is still only fair. With higher water you can reach back further and there should be some good activity in the most dense cover areas. I would suggest getting live shiners and slow trolling them behind the boat while you are casting top waters early and then worming any heavy cover you find with some water over it. Fly fishing for shell crackers if you can find the beds should be productive, wooly worms or san-juan worms will work but you have to find the spawning beds.
The Everglades Canals are going to be difficult. High water sends the fish deep into cover areas and out on the marshes. Not impossible to catch fish here, just do not expect to be putting the 100 and 200 fish days together. Good days would be 25 to 50 fish and you are going to have to work tight to any structure and cover. Early morning is your best shot. Interceptor early would be a good canal to try. Golden Gate canal around any of the water structures should also produce snook, tarpon, and bass.
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
If you want to contact Capt. Roan z for a freshwater fishing trip or ask any fishing questions he can be contacted at the Shop 239-775-2248 or cell number 239-269-4426. Check the Web Site www.indianpassoutfitters.com and www.mikesbaithouse.com