Greetings from Captain Buddy,
I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays! What a great time of the year. Our weather in SW Florida has turned and we’ve finally begun to have those longed-for, chilly mornings, which some anglers prefer. It was truly a warm summer and fall this year, which contributed to more challenging fishing conditions, especially when things were getting “churned up” during impending weather events.
Typical of this time of year, we’re in a transition period with the snook population. With the few cold snaps we’ve had, it’s not unusual to see them migrate further into the backcountry or off shore. When I say the backcountry, I’m referring to the shallow, easily warmed water found deeper in the mangroves. Yep, as far back as they can get, even back in freshwater bays, when they would otherwise be found in slightly brackish water. If they can find a dark bottom that retains the heat from the sun, there’s a good possibility you’ll find them congregated there. I had a charter in late November, where I used the Jon-boat, heading deep into the backcountry, almost to Highway 41. Here, we encountered 6 different super-sized snook. All were in very shallow water soaking up the sun. It was a sight to behold if you enjoy casting to large snook. While we’re discussing shallow water fishing, I’ll mention something that has helped me in the past to limit the number of fish that I startle. Instead of false casting directly over the fish, I first throw out a couple of false casts, a bit off to the side. Then, when I feel the time is right, on what is intended as the final cast, I will direct my cast to my target.
Although my best fishing recently has been in the backcountry with the smaller Jon-boat, with the past month and a half of reasonably clear water settling closer to the Gulf, I’ve managed to have some success with sight casting for redfish in my larger Maverick. I’ve discovered the redfish right now are eager to take on a small baitfish or crab pattern.
The windier and chilly conditions of December-January will, without doubt, give us a contrasting experience relative to the calm, idyllic days of the warmer months. My goal, as in the past, is to get out and pre-scout various locations for customers prior to charters, to increase the likelihood of my anglers catching fish. With some degree of consistency we’ve been catching good snook and redfish. Any captain will tell you, the fishing varies from day to day, which is why I sometimes give my customers a little extra time on the water. In the Everglades, it can be fantastic, even unbelievable, one day and then very challenging to achieve the same catch the next. Its these challenges that keep us on our toes and keep us coming back for more. It’s truly a privilege to be able to get out and experience the beauty of nature, the solitude, and the magnificent wildlife of the park as often as I do. As with Life, I remind myself every day out on the water, to keep a healthy attitude of gratitude and make any shared experience a special one for those who choose to join me.
Wishing everyone a happy holiday and hope to see you in the New Year!
Captain Buddy
