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