Greetings from Captain Buddy,
We wrapped up January, traditionally our coldest month of the year, starting out our day (on more than one occasion) in the bitter high 40’s. Despite the cooler temps, we still managed a respectable catch on each outing. And if I’m entirely honest, January landed us more small catch than we would have preferred, with the larger cousins eluding us on many days. On the upside, I have to add that both December and early January produced some decent sized Snook, several in the 30-35” range, giving us some reason to celebrate with high-fives! So far this year, we’ve observed Redfish making their way around on the outside, as well as in the back country. Again, although the bulk of what was coming through was smaller, we still managed to land a few in the 28-inch range. The water has been clear, so we’re enjoying opportunities to do some sight casting. A fly fisherman wishes that it would stay clear year around, but it’s just not that way in The Everglades. Things get stirred up. Lots of blind casting near the mangroves, points, channels, and creeks. Don’t be fooled though, there are plenty of fish to catch on dark water days, which is why it helps to work on your casting technique in advance of chartering a day or two in The Everglades.
February is a time of year when you can hear the Osprey chirping loudly, and actually get glimpses of them hovering over their nests. Also, the Black Vulture typically begins to nest in early January and can be seen along the mangrove’s edge. They do not make nests in trees, their 1-3 eggs are deposited on the ground, with both male and female sharing the incubation process. The Red-headed Turkey Vulture begins to nest in late February into March. The Black Vulture is very aggressive, and although primarily a scavenger, they also are known to kill small or newborn mammals and feed on the eggs of other birds. If you enjoy seeing a wide variety of bird species, there are many varieties of all sizes and colors migrating that flock to The Everglades during winter months.
As weather warms going into March, water temperatures will increase, and watch out! Here come the tarpon! The fish biologists claim that water temperatures must be in the mid 70 degree range for the tarpon to become much more active. Tarpon are scarce during December and January, and this year there were a whopping 13 days in January that were colder than historical average temps recorded for SW Florida!
My goals for 2019 haven’t changed at all from previous years. Still looking forward to enjoying good health and family time, as well as continuing to share my passion for fishing in The Everglades with fellow anglers. Though times in the world seem to be changing all around us, days on the water, gliding through the mangroves of The Everglades in search of the day’s prize, continues to provide both a peaceful escape and an amazing adventure, all at the same time!
Thanks for a wonderful 2018!
Signing off…..
Captain Buddy