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South
Florida Fishing - Flamingo Bay & Miami |
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| South
Florida is one of the finest destinations for a fishing
excursion for it offers some splendid scenery and a
wide variety of gamefish in fresh and salt-water. I
fish four general areas that all offer a little something
different. They are: |
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Everglades
National Park (Flamingo) |
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This
is truly one of Florida's last frontiers located deep inside
the park where the freshwater marshes of the everglades meet
the salty waters of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Here you will witness lush foliage, numerous birds, and an overwhelming
population of marine and wildlife. This is an area that I highly
recommend for sightseeing if fishing isn't your thing. |
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But
for the fishing enthusiast you will find enlightenment here
as you indulge yourself in a rich game-fish population. Armed
with the gear of your choice you will have an opportunity to
catch: snook, tarpon, redfish, seatrout, cobia, grouper, mangrove
snapper, jewfish and some rather large
sharks just to name a few. The ramp at Flamingo is
approximately 80 miles from Miami International Airport. The
average drive time is between 1 1/2 to 2 hours, but is always
worth the trip. This area offers full accommodations for multiple
day stays which I do recommend; as well as houseboat rentals
for a lengthier adventure. |
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Upper
Keys (Key Largo) |
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This
is unique area is the eastern border of Everglades National
Park and offers some of the same species such as snook,
redfish and tarpon. But you are now closer to those
ocean-side flats of the Atlantic that are inhabited by bonefish and permit which are in a class by themselves.
The water is very clear in this area and is basically a huge
expanse of shallow flats. |
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Sight-fishing
here is the norm, where you actually hunt the fish in these
shallow waters and make delicate presentations with either spin
or fly gear. This is probably the most challenging style of
fishing, but when it all comes together it is truly art and
a testament of an anglers skill. The boat-ramp that I access
this area is a MM 113, which is approximately 50 miles or a
little less than an hour from MIA. |
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Biscayne
Bay (Miami Beach) |
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When
you mention Miami Beach to someone the usual visuals are laying
our on a warm sandy beach, spying on a frosty beverage at a
resort hotel, or visiting the hotspots on south Beach. But for
all you fisherman out there you can incorporate some phenomenal
inshore fishing in with the above mentioned activities. One
of my departure points is located on South Beach just minutes
from most of the resort hotels such as the famous Fontainebleau
Hilton. |
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Here you have access to flats that are regularly patrolled by
bonefish, permit and tarpon.
Landing either one of these fish is a feather in your cap, for
all three are known for making your drag scream and your pulse
throb. An during the spring and summer months multiple shots
at all three are common, giving you an opportunity for catching
the elusive grand slam. In this area I also highly recommend
night charters, with neon lit downtown Miami as your backdrop,
the surrounding waters come alive with snook
and tarpon when the sun goes down. |
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Everglades
(Tamiami Trail) |
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Located just 30 minutes west of
MIA is the eastern border of the Everglades. If you like to
fish freshwater with fly or light tackle this is the place for
you. This can also be a great alternative on those days when
the wind is really blowing. Here you will target species such
as largemouth and peacock bass
in the maze of canals, creeks, and ponds that span the river
of grass. There can be nonstop action in this area and you always
have a chance at trophy bass. |
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