SWFL’s Freshwater Scene

by Capt. Roan zumFelde

Temps make you want to wear a jacket but the fish will still bite.

Merry Christmas to all and hope your fishing trips are wonderful and fish are plentiful.  The winter winds are starting to blow and coolness is in the air.  This sure makes being 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 your 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.  The bead causes a more up and down erratic action.

Ski Oleski, out at Trafford Marine is not only excited about it being the Holidays this month but thinks it is one of the best months to catch crappie on the lake.  He says small jigs will catch them but Missouri minnows work the best.

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 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 and mayans love them.  If the water stays warm and the fronts stay to the north, fly fishing in the canals will be good on top, but if the waters get cool you will need to fish weighted flies.

I hope everyone has a great holiday season come by the shop and visit with Mike and I and have a cup of coffee or get some of the best beef jerky for your stocking stuffer.  Merry Christmas nad see you next year.

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