Islamorada Backcountry Wrap March 10

March can be a fickle month for fishermen.  A warm day tease followed by a snow squall.  Migrating fish are on the move, but not yet ready to be on the hook.  So, when the opportunity presents to be in southern climes, in consistently warm temps with a fly rod in hand, the only answer is yes.  I found Capt. Jayce Chamizo through Florida Keys Outfitters.  Some of the best guides in the Keys can be found through their service and as a bonus, they have a well-appointed fly shop owned and operated by Florida Keys fly fishing legend - Sandy Moret.  

Heading down to the Keys for several days at Cheeca Lodge, the forecast did not look promising.  While temps were forecast in the low 70s with little chance of rain, the wind was forecast to blow 15 - 25 knots throughout the week.  Jayce suggested that we consider spin fishing in the Everglades for snook, redfish, and maybe a random tarpon.  I was adamant that we break out the fly rods if at all possible.  Luckily Jayce was able to position us on his maverick flats boat in very skinny water edging along the mangroves.  

The mangrove hammocks helped to knock down the stiff breeze and it wasn't before long before Jayce's well-trained eyes began spotting snook in the protection of cover along the shoreline.  A couple of errant shots left me frustrated but determined.  It wasn't long after that Jayce spotted a redfish actively feeding on the opposite side of the skiff.  I placed a muddler minnow a couple of feet from his nose and he darted toward the fly.  The first strike was a false take, but he wasn't to be denied and charged a second time.  A strong strip set had him tight to the line.  It was great to feel the pull again after a long winter and a 10-minute fight eventually brought him to the boat.  

A word about my guide for the day, Jayce Chamizo.  If you are a regular reader of our blog, Capt Felker and I have been on the water with plenty of guides.  A few bad, most good, and a few great.  Jayce is a young guide but not inexperienced.  He's been on the water most of his life and plies his trade with patience and skill.  He knows the water, spots the fish, and provides timely tips that make the difference between fishing and catching.  Most importantly, he does all that with a relaxed attitude. That's all a fly fisherman can ask for and it puts Jayce in the great category.

Not long after we caught the red, Jayce spotted a snook tucked under some mangroves.  I dropped a the fly about 3 feet over him and stripped it across his nose.  He reacted almost immediately and inhaled the fly and simultaneously darted for the cover of grass and mangrove roots.  I followed with my rod tip but it took some twisting and handlining to get him in our grasp.   First snook on the fly!

The catching was limited, but the fishing was great.  How could it be anything less when you are in the Keys and on the fish?!

The next day, I had an opportunity to feed tarpon.  Sure, it's a little contrived, but the tarpon are huge, wild and ravenous.   For a few bucks you get a bucket of bait, fight off some pelicans, lean over the edge of the pier and wait for a 100 pound plus silver king to grab the pilchard from your grip.  A lot of fun!   As the video shows, it is also important to wear your mask since social distancing from the tarpon isn't possible :)  

Tight Lines!

Mikey D Fishing