Fishing the Everglades

FishFactsTV

Took out the new jon boat in the everglades and got about 12 bass, 8 oscars, 8 warmouth, 10 sunfish, a gar, a mudfish and a few mayans.  Its not saltwater fishing, but its better than nothing.  Also went to the lake by the Miami airport and got a jack and a peacock on a different day.  Still learning how to fish down here, but at least im getting something.

Reelthief

That's the way to do it! Just get out there and put in some time. Lots of good info and people on this forum so don't be afraid to ask questions. Wait till you get that jon down to flamingo. Theres no place like it. You never forget your first Jon boat. No matter what you move up to,  you never catch as much as you did in your Jon boat, or so it seems. Tight lines and keep posting your reports

FishFactsTV

I was looking at the map of that area. Are those Lackes brackish or fresh water?  Like West lake?

Reelthief

Most everything down there that is accessible by boat is salt or brackish. I would strongly suggest going out with a guide the first time. Check out the posts by captain Bob Lemay. He fishes the area almost daily. Tight lines

The Cat's Eye

The only problem I see in suggesting a Jon boat owner hiring a professional guide for the ENP is that the guide is going to run a lot further then a jon boat guy is ever going to seriously consider, unless he makes some kind of deal with the guide to fish within his range….say 10 or maybe 15 miles. On top of that.... a jon boat owner probably cannot afford a pro guide.

FishFactsTV

While I probably could afford a guide, it looks like one costs about the same as my jonboat and motor combined.  I think I will do some experimentation and exploration.  I have fished a lot in North Florida, and Louisiana.  It couldnt be that much different. A redfish is still a redfish.  

lemaymiami

A jonboat is a great way to begin to learn the interior of the ‘glades (and if you run out of water... just pick up one end and drag it to where you’re floating again).  I was told years ago that all you needed was a 16 foot jonboat with a forty horse motor and a push pole...  

As far as whether you booked a guide or not... splitting a charter with one or two others is pretty affordable.  Besides, you’ll learn more with a guide in one day than in a year on your own...

The Cat's Eye

FishFactsTV said:

"While I probably could afford a guide, it looks like one costs about the same as my jonboat and motor combined.  I think I will do some experimentation and exploration.  I have fished a lot in North Florida, and Louisiana.  It couldn't be that much different. A redfish is still a redfish" 

If you don't have an electric motor already on your Jon boat I would suggest you add one. I use a stern mounted electric motor on my 16 ft Lowe, since I don't want to try and climb forward over the middle seat, dry box, cooler, live well, anchor box, etc; every time I stop to fish, plus I like to stand up sometimes while casting artificials, and that can't be done safely from the bow of my jon. An electric will allow you to work a mangrove shoreline or point without making a bunch of noise and spooking fish. Try not to send your wake into an area you intend to fish and shut down your main engine well before you get close a point or a shoreline, and use the electric to get closer.  I don’t fish the ENP much anymore after the front area of Flamingo tanked, but like it was mentioned above the interior is a great place to use a small jon boat.

 West Lake has a 6 hp limit. Many years ago it held fish. I have heard that is not the case anymore but things change.

 

FishFactsTV

I was hoping to try West Lake.  It looks fishy from google maps, but I don’t know anyone that’s been there. I do have an electric motor it’s at my parents house in Jacksonville.  I need to get them to bring it down when they can.  I agree that it’s hard to work a bank with a small two stroke.  I have been using an oar to paddle and push pole though.

Reel4Reel

Keep it up