October 11, 2013 Evergaldes Report

Today’s guides day off started with a crisp and cool fall drive in the dark to Dade Corners on Krome and Tamiami Trail, the gateway to Florida’s west coast. Here is where I would meet up with Grant and head to Port of the Islands for some Everglades fishing in the areas not affected by the federal closoures. The long drive seemed much shorter courtesy of the company and the scenic view of this stretch of the Everglades’ sawgrass, cypresses and spanish moss. After launching and clearing the long no wake zone, we immediately got into fish and had a blast under the clear blue skies. Innumerable points and shorelines held bait and we were treated to sights of porpoises feeding, bait showering and regular hook ups on our soft plastics and shrimp on jigs. As the tide slackened we set out a ladyfish chunk on the bottom of a drop off to a flat and waited while catching trout and snappers. Not long after, the rod doubles over and we are on to a BIG redfish. Just within a few feet of the boat before we could positively identify the monster, the line breaks and he is off. What a heart break! We repeated the process and this time I hook a big shark and after a few minutes of intense pressure and fight, the hook straightens. URGH! We had a great day in spite of some crippling engine problems we headed back under a gorgeous setting sun and readied for the long drive back. It was a great day and what a way to take a day off! Capt. Mo Estevez www.MiamiBonefishing.com