Fishing in the Everglades

Fishing in the Everglades

If you've decided to go fishing in the Florida Everglades then you are in for the treat of a lifetime. A popular area to fish is along US 41, east of US 29 and west of Krome Ave, there is a canal on the north side. You can catch all fresh water fish and several exotic species from it. The ciclids and oscars are pretty easy to catch using crickets or small beetle spinners; good to eat too! They also give a decent fight. Bass, Bluegills and Crappie are popular in the nets as well as Sheepshead and Drum. The saltwater fish migrate into the Everglades via the Tamiami Canal that parallels US 41. If you do end up fishing along US 41, remember not to feed the gators. It's against the law and causes them to lose their fear of people.

A 7" medium to heavy spinning rod and reel with PowerPro or Stren Super Braid in 4-6lb diameter (15-20lb strength), and a 12-15? leader of fluorocarbon, (Berkley "Vanish"), in 12lb works great for any saltwater application.

There is no magic bait for the bass, they will take shiners, top waters, spinners and plastic worms, just like in any other Florida waters depending on weather conditions. They get pretty big out there and double digit bass is the norm. Use a float or free-line them near a structure (lily pads, logs, sunken trees, etc.) and hold on tight. Large shiners are a bit expensive (depending on area, can run up to $12 a dozen) but worth the money for a memory of a lifetime. Your basic freshwater lures will work for both salt & fresh fish. Make sure to "juice" your lures up with either Pogey scent aerosol spray or YUM, Bang, or your favourite scent.

Other areas of the Everglades will be difficult to fish without a boat. You may also consider hiring a guide as local knowledge can be the key to a fishermans success.

Great saltwater fishing can be had off the old Skyline Bridge out of St. Petersburg. This is now a state park in remembrance of the many people who died when a ship hit the bridge. Don't worry, that can't happen any more, just great fishing.

Florida does have fresh and salt water fishing licenses. You are required to have a license if fishing from a bridge or pier but are part of the fee if hiring a boat. Stop in at Wal-Mart and check on fishing license requirements in the sporting goods department.

Written by Glen Buchanan, Keep-Fishing, Fishing in the Everglades.