Winter in Biscayne Bay

We've had a cold winter so far and while the fishing can be tough during the cold, the days in between can be banner days. The latter part of Christmas week had the bonefish feeding extremely well with double digit catches of bones per day. The mackerel have also been consistent. This week however, the waters temps were 59-60 degrees making fishing difficult. Stick to the ocean side and wait for a few days of consistent sun for the best fishing. Happy New Year!

Bonefish Conservation Comment Period

The FWC will hold workshops to gather public comments on possible rule changes that would make bonefish a catch-and-release-only fishery. Possession exceptions for record purposes and tournaments are being considered. Creation of a tournament exemption permit for tournaments in which bonefish would be temporarily possessed and transported for weigh-in purposes will also be discussed.

Previous Rule Changes for Bonefish
In July 2010 FWC extended state regulations for all Bonefish into federal waters and prohibited all sale of any bonefish.
Public Hearing Locations
All hearings are from 6pm – 8pm

Wednesday, Dec. 8
IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum
300 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach

Thursday, Dec. 9
City of Key Colony Beach City Hall Building - Auditorium
Mile Marker 53.5
600 W. Ocean Drive
Key Colony Beach


If you are unable to attend please send your email comments which can be very simple to: marine@myfwc.com

Biscayne Bay Fishing Report

Last week there were plenty of trouts and some redfish caught in south Biscayne Bay. The trouts were caught on soft plastics and flies while the redfish were caught on soft plastics. This winter seems like it will be a cold one and that can put a damper on some fisheries while getting others red hot.

Give me a call if you want to book a trip and see how red hot the fishing can be in the Miami cold.

Biscayne Bay Fishing Report

This week I had Dr. Carlos Velazqo occupy the bow for some Biscayne Bay west side fishing action. We started the morning in some familiar creeks that have been holding large numbers of active snook and sure enough, they were there. We were treated to a recurring scenario this time of year, mullet schools showering, snook popping and the sweet sound of baits being demolished all around the west side of the bay. We also saw small schools of small reds, always a welcome sight indicating a reproducing population. With many opportunities but no snook released we changed plans and decided to fish for trout, something I seldom do but is always fun. For the next hour the trout fishing was off the charts, with more double headers than we cared to keep track of. A good number of the fish were in the 20 plus inch range and hitting artificial and flies with reckless abandon. Getting our fill of trout, we briefly checked the finger channels for muttons and mackerels but no one home.

Bonefish Conservation News

FWC seeks comments on possible bonefish
catch-and-release-only fishery



The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has scheduled two public workshops to hear what people think about possible rule changes that would make bonefish a catch-and-release-only fishery. The workshop discussions will also include consideration of bonefish possession exceptions for record purposes and tournaments, and creation of a registration program for tournaments where bonefish could be temporarily possessed and transported for weigh-in purposes.

The FWC encourages interested people to participate at the workshops, which will take place from 6-8 p.m. as follows:

Wednesday, December 8

IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum

300 Gulf Stream Way

Dania Beach



Thursday, December 9

City of Key Colony Beach City Hall Building - Auditorium

Mile Marker 53.5

600 W. Ocean Drive

Key Colony Beach



If you need special accommodations to participate in the workshops, please advise the FWC at least five days prior to the workshop by calling 850-488-6411. If you are hearing- or speech-impaired, please contact the FWC using the Florida Relay Service at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (voice).

For online information regarding bonefish management in Florida, go to MyFWC.com/Fishing; click on “Saltwater Fishing,” then “Bonefish.”

Biscayne Bay / Miami

Fall is here and so are the lower water temperatures that cause bonefish to remain active all day, snook to feed with reckless abandon on finger mullet and the finger channels to heat up. For fast rod bending action the finger channels are hard to beat right now. Large mutton snapper, mackerel, grouper, permit and more can all be caught right now. This week large muttons and permit were being caught on live pilchards and bouncing jigs off the bottom of the finger channels. So grab the rods, hitch up the boat and make that drag scream! Don't have a boat or need some pointers? Give me a call and we'll set up a trip.

Capt. Mo Estevez
www.NewDawnCharters.com
305-495-7397