The Thrill Of Miami Fly Fishing

By Gwen Lowe


Most people think that Miami means deep sea fishing, with fast boats taking people out of sight of land to catch giant sailfish or tuna. However, Miami fly fishing charters take people inland to the salt flats, to freshwater canals, or to sheltered bays. Fishermen also find the adventure of casting into the surf an exciting challenge.

The prey is both freshwater and saltwater species. Although casting an artificial fly into the quiet waters of a lake takes tackle and techniques that are different from the equipment and skills needed to fish in the surf, many sportsmen enjoy both challenges. Since the experience is just as important as the catch, both the peace of a quiet shore and the exhilaration of the waves make for memorable times on the water.

Saltwater tackle is made of different materials, since saltwater is very corrosive to metal. Fish in the ocean are often heavier, larger, and stronger than freshwater fishes, so hooks also need to be stronger. Line needs to be heavier, which is OK since the movement of the waves helps to keep it from being noticed by the fish. Wet flies are used rather than dry, since the lure will be set on the bottom rather than perched on top of the water.

Surf fishing means learning how to be more aggressive when casting into waves, fighting strong currents, and coping with in-shore winds. Waders are recommended to combat the chill of sea water, with non-slip boots for sometimes treacherous footing off the shore. For atmosphere, think about surf casting in the evening light, with the brilliant skyline of the city behind you.

Guides take their clients to Biscayne Bay, Flamingo, the Keys, or to Everglades National Park. They know the best spots for seasonal sport. Although there are many permanent fish, there are also migratory species that give great sport when they're around. A boat trip includes a license, ice to preserve food fish that will be kept, tackle, and an experienced guide. Guests bring their own food, water, drinks, sunhats, sunscreen and protective clothing, and cameras. They also absolutely have to have a good pair of polarized sunglasses, since the glare off the water is murderous.

The great thing about the Miami area is that fly fishing is fantastic all year round. Some species of game fish are year-round residents, while others come for spawning. However, there are always plenty of sport fish of many species.

It's fun to explore the online sites that concern the fish, the waters, the scenery, the skills to be used or learned, and the memories that can be made in southern Florida. Magazine articles posted online can open up new avenues for even experienced fly fishers to explore. Apparently stalking the elusive and shy permit, an ocean fish that comes to the flats to feast on crustaceans, is a life experience to be coveted, while actually catching one is a great achievement.

Southern Florida offers so many opportunities to fish that a lifetime of vacations might not be long enough. Go online to read excerpts from magazines, descriptions of charter trips and the captains who conduct them, and lots of information on why many find saltwater fly-fishing addictive.




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