Florida Keys Backcountry forecast April 23-31

Posted on 5/23/2012

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The fishing in the Everglades National Park is going on strong right now. The Island flats and moats around Flamingo have plenty of Redfish and Snook around them. Casting jigs with Berkley Gulp baits at shorelines and runoffs have been producing great action. Sight fishing conditions have been off and on due to the scattered rain showers and cloudy conditions we have been experiencing lately. If the skies clear up were you have some good visibility in the flats get on them and it won’t be long before you run across some hungry Redfish. I have been sight casting some Berkley jerk shads rigged weed less with great success. The shoreline from east Cape to middle Cape canal have been producing great Snook, Trout and Redfish action with some Tarpon mixed in. The use of a trolling motor on the shorelines lets you move around while casting artificial baits therefore covering more area and catching more fish. The Trout bite throughout the bay remains very productive as well. Find the mullet muds and cloudy water around grass flats and you will find some trout. Soft plastics under a cork will help you find the fish once you’re on them try different stuff like top water plugs and have some fun. Out on the Gulf waters there have been some Cobia and Permit in and around the wrecks and bottom structure with big Sharks, Snappers and Goliath Groupers there as well.
The Tarpon bite on the Keys bridges and channels has been best from dusk till dawn but many fish are being caught on the daytime as well. Drifting live baits such as Crabs, Mullet and Pinfish mixed in with a little patience will get you hooked up with the Silver King. Anchoring up on the channels adjacent to the bridges with good current flow and fishing both live and dead baits is a good way to get you in to some Tarpon action. Another great catch we have been running in to while Tarpon fishing on the bridge channels have been big Mangrove Snappers and the occasional Grouper. This Snappers and Groupers have been eating dead Mullet on the bottom. A nice keeper Grouper or fat mangrove Snapper is always welcome as this fish make for an incredible table fare. There has also been a few Permit caught on the bridges. Pitching small crabs on a ¼ oz jig around bridge pilings and structure can be very rewarding. Out on the Ocean side flats the Bonefish bite will be best on the first part of the incoming tide. If the weather does not cooperate to sight fish, try chumming for the fish to come to you. Some crushed shrimp on a weighted chum bag on the bottom behind the boat will do the trick. Set a couple of rods with shrimp behind the boat making sure you check your baits often. Do your homework on your favorite areas and soon you will find out the traveling patterns of the fish. The cloudy weather has made it difficult to sight fish the Permit but if the skies are clear and you go looking you will find them. Hope the weather cooperates for the weekend and that everybody gets out on the water for some fun.
Capt Juan Garcia