Fishing Frenzy

Miami fly fishing is not as well-known as the deep sea variety. However, those of you who cast lines over placid lakes and sparkling trout streams might want to consider the alternatives that south Florida offers. Think about watching a denizen of the ocean float over the sand flats in search of food and trying to fool that large, powerful fish with a wet fly moving slowly over the sand.

Fly-fishermen have such a large selection of places to go and fish to catch that a lifetime might be too short. Just learning how to use both light and heavy tackle, cast into both quiet and turbulent water, and entice large, strong fish that live in the ocean as well as smaller fish like mackerel that populate the freshwater lakes and canals takes time and dedication. Fishing, after all, is more about the experience than the catch.

Salt is very corrosive, so the reels and hooks are made of different materials. Reels, rods, and lines have to be heavier to match the ferocity of the heavy fishes of the sea. Fortunately, turbulent water can hide the heavier line from fish who are watching the wet fly move along the bottom. Dry flies are not used in the surf.

Technique, which is probably the main point of fly fishing anyway, needs to be adjusted. Casting over rising and falling waves against a stiff on-shore breeze takes much more aggression than is called for on a quiet riverbank. Keeping your balance in the surf is a challenge, as is resisting the cold seawater. Fighting a fifty-pound fish for twenty minutes may be another first that turns this sport into an obsession.

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.

It's absolutely true that there's no time of year when the fish aren't biting in Florida waters. It's a year-round sport which is especially nice when winter months bring cooler temperatures and the sun is a friend rather than a threat. There are always different species of food and game fish, as well as places to go, for many different experiences.

Apparently many feel that catching a permit - a deep ocean fish that comes warily to the salt flats to eat crustaceans - is one of life's greatest thrills. These fish are hard to engage with a wet fly, hard to stalk, and hard to land. They're so great a game fish that they're always released to provide another lucky angler with the supreme challenge.

If you think that Miami means catching fish from the flying bridge of a deep sea boat, you are missing a whole world of sport. Check out what anglers are doing in Florida waters for amazing new visions and adventures just waiting to broaden your horizons.