Ever been to the Florida Bay? If you want the best of shallow water fishing, you can't afford to miss this natural fisherman's paradise. Most of Florida Bay is considered part of the Everglades National Park. As such, it combines fresh water from the Everglades with the salty brine from the Gulf of Mexico, working together to provide some of the best fishing around!
This estuary winds its winning way through hundreds of small islands. The shallow water fish you are likely to come across includes snook, redfish, snapper and tarpon. Not to mention the abundant variety of wildlife, such as alligators, turtles and birds. But what about the boats necessary for such pleasure trips?
"Flats fishing," as it is also called, requires special shallow water boat called a skiff. These boats are specially designed to be wide and stable, affording sportsmen the opportunity to fish in water as shallow as three feet. When you can actually SEE the fish you're after, it really adds to the experience.
Even the shallow water anchors are unique; you will see hydraulic 'power' poles which can hold the boat steady in up to 8 feet of water, or simple manual poles which can also be used as a push pole, to maneuver skillfully around the banks, and in the shallower waters.
With a boat and a guide, you can explore Florida Bay, and go after such prizes as the afore-mentioned tarpon, trout, snapper and redfish. These fish can be bigger than expected. For example, tarpon can get up to 40 or 50 pounds.
The skiff will have a platform that enables the guide to scan the horizon, thus ensuring the visibility needed to navigate for optimum shallow water fishing. The boat's motor may not even be used, as loud sounds can frighten away shallow water fish. All the better, then, that the guide is able to use the pole to steer among the banks, and move silently.
While the shallow water boat treks smoothly along the back country, this will be the fisherman's chance to take in Florida scenery at its most pristine. He can view all manner of plant life, from orchids and primordial fern to the draping Spanish moss so typical of Florida forests. He can catch a glimpse of turtle or deer, in addition to the shallow water fish just inches away.
The appeal of shallow water fishing is best found in places like Florida Bay. With mangroves aplenty, there is always something primal and unspoiled to enjoy, whether it be the challenge of landing a largemouth bass, or spotting a wading ibis just a few feet away.
This estuary winds its winning way through hundreds of small islands. The shallow water fish you are likely to come across includes snook, redfish, snapper and tarpon. Not to mention the abundant variety of wildlife, such as alligators, turtles and birds. But what about the boats necessary for such pleasure trips?
"Flats fishing," as it is also called, requires special shallow water boat called a skiff. These boats are specially designed to be wide and stable, affording sportsmen the opportunity to fish in water as shallow as three feet. When you can actually SEE the fish you're after, it really adds to the experience.
Even the shallow water anchors are unique; you will see hydraulic 'power' poles which can hold the boat steady in up to 8 feet of water, or simple manual poles which can also be used as a push pole, to maneuver skillfully around the banks, and in the shallower waters.
With a boat and a guide, you can explore Florida Bay, and go after such prizes as the afore-mentioned tarpon, trout, snapper and redfish. These fish can be bigger than expected. For example, tarpon can get up to 40 or 50 pounds.
The skiff will have a platform that enables the guide to scan the horizon, thus ensuring the visibility needed to navigate for optimum shallow water fishing. The boat's motor may not even be used, as loud sounds can frighten away shallow water fish. All the better, then, that the guide is able to use the pole to steer among the banks, and move silently.
While the shallow water boat treks smoothly along the back country, this will be the fisherman's chance to take in Florida scenery at its most pristine. He can view all manner of plant life, from orchids and primordial fern to the draping Spanish moss so typical of Florida forests. He can catch a glimpse of turtle or deer, in addition to the shallow water fish just inches away.
The appeal of shallow water fishing is best found in places like Florida Bay. With mangroves aplenty, there is always something primal and unspoiled to enjoy, whether it be the challenge of landing a largemouth bass, or spotting a wading ibis just a few feet away.
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If you've enjoyed all the exciting information you read here about Shallow Water Fishing, you'll love the free book (Bass Fishing 101) you find at Stay Put Fishing and shallow water anchors.
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