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Miami Fly Fishing Is Year Round

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.

Of course, another alternative is casting over the waves, while keeping your footing and balance in the turbulent surf and hoping the strong current doesn't sweep your fly away from the school of fish the seagulls are telling you about. Meanwhile, the members of your family that don't fish are enjoying the resorts and beaches of Miami. Talk about a wonderful family vacation.

Saltwater tackle is made of different materials, since saltwater is very corrosive to metal. Fish in the ocean are often heavier, larger, and stronger than freshwater fishes, so hooks also need to be stronger. Line needs to be heavier, which is OK since the movement of the waves helps to keep it from being noticed by the fish. Wet flies are used rather than dry, since the lure will be set on the bottom rather than perched on top of the water.

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.

Guides take their clients to Biscayne Bay, Flamingo, the Keys, or to Everglades National Park. They know the best spots for seasonal sport. Although there are many permanent fish, there are also migratory species that give great sport when they're around. A boat trip includes a license, ice to preserve food fish that will be kept, tackle, and an experienced guide. Guests bring their own food, water, drinks, sunhats, sunscreen and protective clothing, and cameras. They also absolutely have to have a good pair of polarized sunglasses, since the glare off the water is murderous.

It's absolutely true that there's no time of year when the fish aren't biting in Florida waters. It's a year-round sport which is especially nice when winter months bring cooler temperatures and the sun is a friend rather than a threat. There are always different species of food and game fish, as well as places to go, for many different experiences.

Apparently many feel that catching a permit - a deep ocean fish that comes warily to the salt flats to eat crustaceans - is one of life's greatest thrills. These fish are hard to engage with a wet fly, hard to stalk, and hard to land. They're so great a game fish that they're always released to provide another lucky angler with the supreme challenge.

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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