RELEASE DELICATE SEA TROUT WITHOUT REMOVING THE FISH FROM THE WATER.
NO GAS MOTORS BEYOND THESE SIGNS.
GO-TO LURES FOR SNOOK, REDS, TROUT AND TARPON.
CHART YOUR COURSE
HOME BASE For a luxury kayak fishing experience, connect with the guides at Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada (
www.cheeca.com). Your family won’t mind staying behind, either. They’ll enjoy a full spa, a variety of options for accommodations and other fun stuff to explore while you fish with the salty pros at Bay and Reef Company (
www.bayandreef.com). More modest accommodations can be found at La Siesta Resort a couple miles down US Route 1 from Cheeca. La Siesta’s namesake marina is right across the Overseas Highway. Fish with the guys at Bamboo Charters (
www.bamboocharters.com).
BEST MONTHS
Winter and its shoulder months are the best time to kayak fish the Everglades. From April through October the bugs will drive you batty. To avoid the aerial assault, fish the open waters of the Snake Bite PTZ where the breeze will keep the bugs at bay.
BEST BAITS
I threw a simple jig and paddle-tail combo. I also used mullet-pattern Rapala Skitter Walks and MirrOlures, DOA shrimp and Gulp! soft plastic jerk baits. Once the tide started moving, I never went more than five minutes without a bite. Natural colors and a subtle presentation worked best in the clear water of Florida Bay. When fishing the tide-roiled interior waters, white or bright-colored baits and loud presentations attract snook, reds and trout.
DON’T MISS
Hand feeding giant tarpon off the dock at Robbie’s Marina (
www.robbies.com). Then head to the Nikai sushi bar at Cheeca Lodge and eat some bait.
LOCAL INFO
For information on reserving backcountry campsites, maps and paddling trail info:
www.nps.gov/ever.
For information on visiting the Keys:
www.fla-keys.com; 1-800-FLA-KEYS.
www.kayakanglermag.com… 39
THE NEW SCOUT EXPEDITION TANDEM Coming soon—Summer 2013
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