South Florida Fishing

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:

Everglades National Park (Flamingo)

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.

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.

Upper Keys (Key Largo)

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. 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.

Biscayne Bay (Miami Beach)

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. 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.

Everglades (Tamiami Trail)

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.

Flats to Fathoms Inc.
273 Florida Ave.0
Miami Springs, FL 33166
Business: 305-613-8193
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