Sunday, March 23, 2014

Year Round Miami Fly Fishing

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By Gwen Lowe


Talk about Florida fishermen and most people will probably think of groups of tourists on the flying deck of a fast boat racing out to deep sea waters in search of giant tuna or sailfish. However, Miami fly fishing trips take people to inland salt flats, Biscayne Bay, the Everglades National Park, Flamingo, or the Keys. There are also canal systems throughout Florida that present good fishing opportunities.

Fly-fishermen have such a large selection of places to go and fish to catch that a lifetime might be too short. Just learning how to use both light and heavy tackle, cast into both quiet and turbulent water, and entice large, strong fish that live in the ocean as well as smaller fish like mackerel that populate the freshwater lakes and canals takes time and dedication. Fishing, after all, is more about the experience than the catch.

Salt is very corrosive, so the reels and hooks are made of different materials. Reels, rods, and lines have to be heavier to match the ferocity of the heavy fishes of the sea. Fortunately, turbulent water can hide the heavier line from fish who are watching the wet fly move along the bottom. Dry flies are not used in the surf.

Surf fishing means learning how to be more aggressive when casting into waves, fighting strong currents, and coping with in-shore winds. Waders are recommended to combat the chill of sea water, with non-slip boots for sometimes treacherous footing off the shore. For atmosphere, think about surf casting in the evening light, with the brilliant skyline of the city behind you.

A chartered trip comes with boat, tackle, ice, license, and expertise. Guides know the best fishing spots, which change according to the season, the weather, and the presence of migratory species. They also have the knowledge to help visitors catch trophy fish. The tour guests bring their own food, drinks, lots of water, sun hats, sunscreen, and cameras. The most important thing to take along is a good pair of polarized sunglasses, since the glare of the sun off the water can actually be harmful after a few hours.

The great thing about the Miami area is that fly fishing is fantastic all year round. Some species of game fish are year-round residents, while others come for spawning. However, there are always plenty of sport fish of many species.

It's fun to explore the online sites that concern the fish, the waters, the scenery, the skills to be used or learned, and the memories that can be made in southern Florida. Magazine articles posted online can open up new avenues for even experienced fly fishers to explore. Apparently stalking the elusive and shy permit, an ocean fish that comes to the flats to feast on crustaceans, is a life experience to be coveted, while actually catching one is a great achievement.

Southern Florida offers so many opportunities to fish that a lifetime of vacations might not be long enough. Go online to read excerpts from magazines, descriptions of charter trips and the captains who conduct them, and lots of information on why many find saltwater fly-fishing addictive.




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