Friday, March 21, 2014

The Thrill Of Miami Fly Fishing

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.

The prey is both freshwater and saltwater species. Although casting an artificial fly into the quiet waters of a lake takes tackle and techniques that are different from the equipment and skills needed to fish in the surf, many sportsmen enjoy both challenges. Since the experience is just as important as the catch, both the peace of a quiet shore and the exhilaration of the waves make for memorable times on the water.

Salt is very corrosive, so the reels and hooks are made of different materials. Reels, rods, and lines have to be heavier to match the ferocity of the heavy fishes of the sea. Fortunately, turbulent water can hide the heavier line from fish who are watching the wet fly move along the bottom. Dry flies are not used in the surf.

Technique, which is probably the main point of fly fishing anyway, needs to be adjusted. Casting over rising and falling waves against a stiff on-shore breeze takes much more aggression than is called for on a quiet riverbank. Keeping your balance in the surf is a challenge, as is resisting the cold seawater. Fighting a fifty-pound fish for twenty minutes may be another first that turns this sport into an obsession.

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.

The great thing about the Miami area is that fly fishing is fantastic all year round. Some species of game fish are year-round residents, while others come for spawning. However, there are always plenty of sport fish of many species.

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.

Think about casting into Miami's surf while the city lights up the evening sky behind you. If that's not enough to lure you to this great fishing region, check online for magazine articles, videos, and fish tales galore.




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