Florida Keys Backcountry Fishing Report July 19-25 2012

Posted on 7/18/2012
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Florida Keys backcountry forecast July 19-25 2012
Last weekend storms kept most of us in the keys looking out the window wishing it would stop raining so we can go fishing. By Monday morning the weather improved and out to the Everglades National Park we went. Sight fished the Mainland shoreline and the bite was on fire! We caught some really nice Redfish, Trout and had some shots at Snook. Look for the bite to remain the same for the time being. Lots of tannic looking water on the northern areas of the park, fish the color changes where it goes from tannic color to normal as well as Mullet mud’s and you should get in to a great bite of Trout and many other rod benders. Look for the areas around Flamingo to have a great bite of Snook and Redfish with some Tarpon mixed in as well. The end of the outgoing tide and beginning of the incoming has been best. Berkley Gulp Alive baits fished wheedles or on Jigs have been getting there fare share of bites. Pinfish or Pilchards fished on the deeper channels and around Island moats have been getting eaten by Reds, Snook and Tarpon. Head over to the East Cape Sable and Middle Cape areas for great Snook action with Redfish and Tarpon as well. Dead baits or live Ladyfish in the same areas will get you in a fight with Sharks or Tarpon. The area by Schooner and Oxfoot bank has a decent bite of Trout and Snappers. Drift a ladyfish behind the boat while fishing for the Snappers and Trout and a big hungry Shark might show up for a battle. If the weather is nice head to the deeper wrecks out in Gulf waters for some Snappers, Cobia, Permit, Groupers, Sharks and the list goes on. Lots of chum on the structure and a great bite with multiple species may follow. Make sure the water is clean and not to muddy, good water quality is key out on the Gulf wrecks.
The Tarpon bite on the local bridges and channels will be best early morning and late afternoon with the best bite being at dark. Live Mullet, pilchards and Ladyfish have been getting most bites on the daytime and medium size crabs at night. Look for Permit to be feeding on the incoming tides around the deeper edges of flats and banks throughout the Keys. Schools of Bonefish can be found early and late in the day on the Oceanside and bayside flats, look for tailing fish on the lower tide and mudding fish as the water rises. Hope the rain lets us get out this weekend for some great fishing!
Capt Juan Garcia