Although not a stream report for PA, I thought I'd post a report of a recent trip to FL as this may be of interest to members of this board and there has been recent interest in fishing in FL. Of course, mods may move this post to the OT Jam Forum if that is deemed appropriate.
Took a "trout bum" trip to the Keys last week - was delayed one day due to the weather. I've made this trip quite a few times, often on a shoestring budget. From my home in Gettysburg to Islamorada Fl is 1160 miles which makes for two days driving each way. If you try this trip, I strongly recommend a stop at the International Game Fish Assoc Museum in Dania Beach FL. It's worth the visit. Unfortunately, March in the Keys has not been good to me in the past, and this year was not an exception. Last year, in May, I got bonefish, permit, and tarpon but this year didn't so much as see any of them (except the dock bum tarpon common in Keys marinas). The cold front that gave us the snow last week plunged water temps in south FL and that was the problem. I have never seen a Keys bonefish when water temps are below 70 degrees F. They were in the upper 60s when I got there. With cold water, however, one can usually count on barracudas but even they were few and the only ones I got were small. There area I focused on was mostly Islamorada and Long Key. I usually take a 50lb stand up rod for sharks and with this set-up baited with a whole fresh cuda I couldn't even catch a shark. I have never put out a fresh cuda and not had it taken by a spinner or lemon shark in a few minutes. I couldn't believe it. Needless to say, my 12 WT with shark fly was never cast. The flats were also barren save for a few small sharks which refused my crab flies. To not even see a bonefish was demoralizing. On Sunday, the water warmed up into the 70s and I hoped for some action but still no bones. I did get a thrill with a school of big crevalle jacks that were prowling the flats at attack speed and blowing up on mullet and needlefish. I hooked up on my 8WT but, lacking a shocker, quickly lost the jack. By the time I paddled back to my car to get heavier mono and more of the big flies they wanted, the school had moved offshore. Had I employed a guide (like last year) I likely would have had better fishing but I chose to go it alone this year and hit the usual spots I'm familiar with. Did manage some snappers, grunts, and pinfish on bonefish flies (although shrimp was better) and they made for a couple nice dinners at the campsite. Kayaking and camping by itself felt great even if the fishing was slow. On the bright side, it was, of course, great to get out of the cold here in PA and escape the cabin fever we've all had. So anyway, put on your shorts and sandals, grab your sunscreen and 8WT, and join me for a wade in some warm water. Maybe the fishin will be better next time. Enjoy the pics
Took a "trout bum" trip to the Keys last week - was delayed one day due to the weather. I've made this trip quite a few times, often on a shoestring budget. From my home in Gettysburg to Islamorada Fl is 1160 miles which makes for two days driving each way. If you try this trip, I strongly recommend a stop at the International Game Fish Assoc Museum in Dania Beach FL. It's worth the visit. Unfortunately, March in the Keys has not been good to me in the past, and this year was not an exception. Last year, in May, I got bonefish, permit, and tarpon but this year didn't so much as see any of them (except the dock bum tarpon common in Keys marinas). The cold front that gave us the snow last week plunged water temps in south FL and that was the problem. I have never seen a Keys bonefish when water temps are below 70 degrees F. They were in the upper 60s when I got there. With cold water, however, one can usually count on barracudas but even they were few and the only ones I got were small. There area I focused on was mostly Islamorada and Long Key. I usually take a 50lb stand up rod for sharks and with this set-up baited with a whole fresh cuda I couldn't even catch a shark. I have never put out a fresh cuda and not had it taken by a spinner or lemon shark in a few minutes. I couldn't believe it. Needless to say, my 12 WT with shark fly was never cast. The flats were also barren save for a few small sharks which refused my crab flies. To not even see a bonefish was demoralizing. On Sunday, the water warmed up into the 70s and I hoped for some action but still no bones. I did get a thrill with a school of big crevalle jacks that were prowling the flats at attack speed and blowing up on mullet and needlefish. I hooked up on my 8WT but, lacking a shocker, quickly lost the jack. By the time I paddled back to my car to get heavier mono and more of the big flies they wanted, the school had moved offshore. Had I employed a guide (like last year) I likely would have had better fishing but I chose to go it alone this year and hit the usual spots I'm familiar with. Did manage some snappers, grunts, and pinfish on bonefish flies (although shrimp was better) and they made for a couple nice dinners at the campsite. Kayaking and camping by itself felt great even if the fishing was slow. On the bright side, it was, of course, great to get out of the cold here in PA and escape the cabin fever we've all had. So anyway, put on your shorts and sandals, grab your sunscreen and 8WT, and join me for a wade in some warm water. Maybe the fishin will be better next time. Enjoy the pics
