Greetings from Captain Buddy,
Hallelujah! Welcoming the cooler water temperatures and the seasonal changes in fish migration it brings to the Everglades. If the number of baby tarpon we’re seeing now is any indication of what’s to come, we’ve got some adventures up ahead. Though we’ve been seeing an abundance of healthy 3-12 lb young Tarpon — an angler’s wish is that the larger, somewhat more elusive adults would go after our flies with the same enthusiasm as their younger counterparts.
During recent pursuits into the deeper backcountry, we’ve stopped to cast to and reel in some of the plentiful snook, and, as always, being careful on the catch and release. This year’s fall fish are as feisty as ever and demonstrating good size and power. The smaller snook, on the other hand, are few and far between. Typically, this time of year, we see higher numbers of younger snook, so taking note of that change.
Looking ahead, I’m about 10 days away from my annual adventure west, scouting the Kansas and Colorado terrain, in all its variations while on the lookout for seasonal whitetail. If you’re wanting to get out and fish while I’m away, just contact me– I’ll be happy to match you up with a reliable and experienced guide. Otherwise, hope to see you when I get back.
Floridians in southwest Florida and along the gulf have certainly come together to once again rebuild in low-lying and wind-damaged areas affected as Hurricane Ian barreled through. Like Irma 5 years ago, we learned afterwards of unspeakable devastation and tragedy experienced by many families and individuals. On a brighter note, to see the resilience and to hear the stories of those who made it through near impossible challenges, has been nothing short of amazing.
Whereas the built-up coastal areas, including Naples, took a beating and sustained significant property damage from storm surge and wind, the Everglades National Park itself, from what I observed in traveling its water routes in the days following the storm, was, with the exception of some ‘foliage rearrangement’, calm and pristine. In taking it all in, it seemed a strange irony that nature can usher in such breathtaking blue-skied stillness and calm waters right after lashing out so powerfully and unpredictably, carrying on as though nothing ever happened. And Life…and fishing the backcountry…is there for us to experience and appreciate for another day.
Signing off for now…
Captain Buddy
