Thursday, April 28, 2011

Biscayne Bay Tarpon Week of 4/28

Tarpon season is in full swing and the action is hot night and day. For many, day time tarpon fishing is during the crowded weekends or the rare day off during the week day. Well, night time tarpon fishing has been good, offering an alternative to those that can't make it out during the day. Government Cut and Bear Cut have been producing plenty of big tarpons during the outgoing tides on big live crabs. Some of these are big boys in the 150lb range so rig accordingly. Get out on the water and have fun!

Capt. Mo Estevez
www.MiamiBonefishing.com
786-853-1409

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Biscayne Bay Report Week of April 23rd

Week of 4.23.11

This week has been a week of diversity for me. One day we tarpon fished the Oceanside of Biscayne Bay with Dr. Carlos V. and when that slowed down we were off to bonefish. The tarpons were moving south along the Oceanside flats and moving well in the early morning with each string holding lots of large fish. When we switched to bonefish later in the day, the bonefishing was really good as well with numerous shots at bonefish throughout the rest of the day.
The following trip would be with Dr. Daniel R. who wanted to learn how to fish Biscayne Bay. We were busy all day, first on Oceanside tarpons, then off to the finger channels for some rod bending fun and then we wrapped up the day on the west side of Biscayne Bay getting into about plenty of snook.
The last trip of the week was with a great couple from Philadelphia, Debra, Jack and their kids. With the wind blowing 20 MPH from the east and having no place to hide in the flats around Stiltsville, we pressed on and found bonefish around Soldiers including one school of big fish pushing massive amounts of water. This is always an awesome sight!

Well, it’s been a good week and off to enjoy the next one. Get out there, have fun and make that drag scream!

Capt. Mo Estevez
www.MiamiBonefishing.com
786-853-1409

Friday, April 8, 2011

Biscayne Bay Tarpon Season is Here!

4.8.2011
Well guys, tarpon season has arrived in Biscayne Bay and tarpon fever is afflicting us bad. Clear skies, warm weather and an incoming tide are ideal conditions for Oceanside tarpon fishing and today was no exception. Getting a late start this morning we expected the traditional Oceanside spots to be filled to capacity with flats skiffs and as I rounded a point that proved to be the case. However, always having a backup plan is critical and the back-up plan paid off as expected. Finding an active and unmolested school of tarpons, we staked out and took shot after shot at these big silver fish. Finally we saw a big silver flash, the line came tight and the drag started to sing. A massive jump later the estimated 90lb tarpon shook the hook free and was off to catch his breath as did we. Shots at big permit and bonefish were not rewarded with a hook set. Although, it it is always exciting to see these fish coming towards the bow of the skiff making even the most skilled angler get nervous and force himself to maintain his composure. The tides will be strong this weekend so get out there and have fun.

Capt. Mo Estevez
www.NewDawnCharters.com
786-853-1409

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Conservation News

FWC proposes catch-and-release only for bonefish



The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed draft rules on Wednesday that would allow only catch-and-release fishing for bonefish, a premier saltwater game fish in Florida. The proposed rules would also establish new provisions regarding the possession of bonefish by anglers and the possession and transport of bonefish during bonefish fishing tournaments.

“Bonefish are an extremely valuable Florida game fish,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “These proposed rules will further protect bonefish populations in South Florida, while providing anglers with opportunities to document a record catch and enjoy the exciting action of bonefish fishing tournaments.”

Bonefish are prized by anglers because they are stealthy, fast-swimming fish that are exciting and challenging to catch. South Florida is one of the few places in the United States where anglers can fish for bonefish, and the shallow saltwater flats of the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay are considered a world-class destination for catching large, trophy-sized bonefish. A recent study by scientists at the University of Miami estimated the value of a single bonefish in the Florida Keys to be $3,500 each year, and nearly $75,000 over the lifespan of the fish.

Based on bonefish’s economic value as a game fish, the FWC’s proposed draft rules would eliminate the one-fish daily bag limit for bonefish and allow only catch-and-release fishing. Most anglers already release the bonefish they catch as a conservation measure.

The proposed rules would also allow anglers to temporarily possess a bonefish where it is caught, so they can photograph and measure or weigh the fish to document a possible record catch. In addition, the proposed rules would allow anglers participating in specially permitted tournaments to temporarily possess and transport bonefish to tournament check-in stations for weigh-in under specified conditions. These fish would still have to be carefully handled and eventually released.

More information regarding the FWC’s bonefish draft rule proposal is available online at MyFWC.com/Commission, linked from the Feb. 23-24 meeting agenda, and a final public hearing on these rule proposals will take place in April.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Spring in Biscayne Bay

Winter is finally fading away and the warmer air of spring is approaching. I am excited! The bones and permit have been active and this day was no exception. My good friend Grant gave me an opportunity to take the bow for a bit and boy did I enjoyed the experience. We started off by having a great shot at a monster permit of fly but it was not to be. Then two shots on fly to two big bones, same disappointing outcome. My turn was up and Grant took full advantage. One school came by, he took his shot and the fish milled around his shrimp, but no takes. Are you kidding me?! Next school moves through and this time he connects.




After a brisk fight and a healthy release I take the bow. Just a few minutes later, another school moves through and I take my shot, same outcome and we have two bones in the boat.



A couple of schools too far away later we move on. After a checking out a couple of other areas we call it a day fully enjoying our 3-4 hours on the water. Things will continue to heat up as long as the water temps do also. Get out there and enjoy it!

By the way, check out my new website!
www.MiamiBonefishing.com


Capt. Mo Estevez
www.MiamiBonefishing.com
786-853-1409

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Biscayne Bay Report

Winter is fading away and spring is making its way towards us, what a relief! With the air temperature being in the high 70's to low 80's over the weekend, water temperatures rising and strong tides, the fishing has been very good. Bones are eating flies and shrimp well on both sides of Biscayne Bay, oceanside and west side, and some permit are being caught as well. Night time tarpon fishing has been good as they take advantage of the the strong tides flushing large shrimp out of Biscayne Bay. Government Cut and Haulover inlet have both been producing, some nights 5-7 fish pushing the 100lb range. We'll have some nice weather for the next few days including some early morning rising tides which will have the bonefish tailing. What a sight that always is! That's it for now. Give me a call if you want to experience Biscayne Bay for yourself.

Capt. Mo Estevez
www.MiamiBonefishing.com
786-853-1409

Friday, December 31, 2010

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!