By Rich Hastings
A warm January is leading to some outstanding bonefish and permit fishing. Typically this time of year, the fishing includes an hour boat ride into the Everglades for snook and redfish. Weather this nice makes it hard to pass by the flats in town.
Bonefish have been plentiful and biting — when you can find them. Instead of seeing a few on each flat, we’re finding larger schools congregating in certain areas. I’m always impressed by the beauty of the way they move in such large schools, hunting together and working across the flats, turning and swimming as one. Casting larger bait and shrimp flies has been effective.
Tailing permit in January? The thrilling conditions we’re seeing are what anglers and guides dream about. These fish are slicked out with fins out, rooting around the flats for shrimp and crabs. Sometimes you forget to breathe watching them tip up. Sight fishing tailing permit will test the skills of even the most experienced angler. With that comes a high reward. Big or small, they put up an outstanding fight.
FISH FACT
Per the National Park Service, one-third of Everglades National Park is covered by salt water; the rest is a freshwater wetland. Both offer ample opportunity for recreational fishing.
FISH TIP
Want a picture of your bonefish catch? According to the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, use clean, wet hands (no gloves or sunblock) and gently lift the bonefish from the water, leaving it over the water. Take the photo, and gently place the fish back in the water. A bonefish removed from the water for longer than 10 seconds is six times less likely to survive, so doing this quickly is key.
