March Fishing on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Ed Mitchell

March Fishing on Florida’s Gulf Coast

If you live on Florida’s Gulf Coast, you know that March is a corner in the year. The alluring winter weather that attracts millions of people down to the land of palm trees is fading. Up ahead lies the rainy season and the heat and humidity of summer. And by April 1st the roads north will be jammed packed with cars and RVs as the snow birds hit the trail home.

Dave with a Redfish

But there is good news too. In March the fishing on the Gulf Coast is picking up. As the waters warm, snook, who have been hiding in the backcountry all winter, begin to drop out to open water.  Shivering in deep hole since late fall, spotted seatrout are doing likewise, headed to the grass flats. Tarpon are slowly arriving daily. And forage fish return as well. Yes indeed, March fishing on the Gulf Coast is a time for anglers to rejoice.

Pete with a Redfish

Redfish are only fish that never really seem to feel winter’s wrath. Even in the chilliest days they are out and about. Why? Well Florida is the southern end of the redfish’s range. So, they doing okay down here. Check out these photos of my friend Dave – aka the redfish whisper- and his buddy Pete. Wow! Those are some nice reds on a fly rod.

(2/9/2025  A large red tide bloom may ruin things this year)

https://edmitchelloutdoors.com/2025/02/28/dave-got-a-nice-redfish/

Dave again with a Red

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Articulated Streamers are Hot!

Posted on February 23, 2022 by Ed Mitchell

Articulated Streamers are Hot!

Yesterday Phil and I went to see Kevin Pelletier. Kevin is one of the finest fly tyers I have ever seen. He is a real artist at the vise, believe me. Presently, Kevin is into articulated streamers, something I know very little about. So this was a chance to not only visit with Kevin, but as well learn about articulated streamers.

What are articulated streamers? Traditionally, streamers have been tied on long shank hooks, going all the way back to the famous flies tied by Carries Stevens on Rangeley Lake in the 1920’s. Articulated streamers, however, do not require long shank hooks. Instead they are tied on micro shanks – small metal shanks that are linked together to form a chain. Together they act much like vertebrates, capable of curving and wiggling. As a result the finished streamer fly seems to literally swim through the water like a living fish. Deadly!

Kevin’s tying desk is filled with a a wide assortment of materials to make these unique  flies.  Micro shanks in various sizes, tungsten beads, weighted fish heads, specialty hooks from Kona, Firehole and others.  And even a tool to make what are called “brushes”.

One of Kevin’s Articulated Streamers

Another one of Kevin’s Articulated Streamers

Both Phil and I were deeply impressed with Kevin’s work. His flies are exhibition grade, suitable for framing. Kevin has been a fly shop manager and owned two fly shops over the years. He is also a talented rod builder. In fact he built my all time favorite saltwater 10 wt. some 3o years ago. Like to purchase some of Kevin’s flies? You can reach him at 860-707-0156. Be patient, these custom creations take time.

Kevin’s Crayfish Fly

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Major Outdoor Gear Companies send a letter to Utah

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Ed Mitchell

Major Outdoor Gear Companies send a letter to Utah

Some of the major manufactures of Outdoor Gear are not pleased with Utah. And have written a letter to Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox. Who am I talking about? Big names like Patagonia, REI, and North Face.  All three are members of the Conservation Alliance, a group of roughly 300 companies founded in 1989. Their mission is to support environmental groups that protect wild lands around the country. To that end they have donated millions of dollars, and had great success.

Okay give me a moment to explain the problem. You may remember that back in December 2016, then President Barack Obama established the Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah. It is beautiful country and scared to many tribes. About a year later, Utah lawmakers asked rogue President Donald Trump to eliminate the newly formed Bears Ear National Monument. Trump acted by reducing the size of the Monument. President Biden reinstated it, but Utah is still trying to reverse that. In response to Utah’s actions, outdoor gear companies objected and moved the Outdoor Retailers Trade Show from its home base in Salt Lake City to Denver. The impact of the show is huge, over 10 million dollars to the local economy every year. That stung Utah.

Recently Emerald Expositions, the company that runs the show, decided to return it to Utah.  Well, the shit hit the fan. Over two dozen companies objected, suggesting they will pull out of the show. How will Emerald Expositions handle this? It’s unclear. But here’s a tip of the hat to the Conservation Alliance and especially their Pinnacle Membership Program. You guys are doing a terrific job!

 

Posted in Environment, Fly Fishing in Freshwater, Fly Fishing in Salt Water, Gear | Leave a comment

Bonefish on Drugs?

Posted on February 5, 2022 by Ed Mitchell

Bonefish on Drugs?

Is this click bait? Am I just kidding around, pulling your leg? Unfortunately no. Some bonefish are on drugs.

Bonefish

Recently The Tarpon & Bonefish Trust did a 3 year research project with Florida International University. The goal of this effort was see if pharmaceuticals could be found in bonefish from Biscayne Bay.

Well, the results are disturbing,  to say the least. All 93 bonefish tested had a long list of drugs in their system ranging from high blood pressure meds to antidepressants. Below is a link to the study. Please read it.

Read the Report Here

How did the drugs get there? Through wastewater discharges from sewage plants. Almost everybody takes medications. No news there. What you may not realize, however, is that those medications are released in our urine. But sewage plants can’t filter out them out. So they exit the plant in the wastewater stream. Wham, bonefish on drugs.

Yet in a way the report is not completely surprising. Wastewater discharges have been polluting the Biscayne Bay for years. But the fact that bonefish are absorbing these drugs into their blood and tissue is scary news, truly frightening. How will this affect the fish? Will it  permanently damage the fishery? Will it harm the fish’s ability to reproduce? These and a long list of questions need answers. And remember they only tested bonefish! All the other fish in the Bay are likely affected too. Including fish people put on the table. And what about recreational drugs? Are the fish exposed to fentanyl, heroin, crack, and special-K as well?  Christ I feel a rant coming on.

Posted in Bonefishing, Environment, Fly Fishing in Salt Water | 2 Comments

Ice Fishing for Redfish?

Posted on February 2, 2022 by Ed Mitchell

Ice Fishing for Redfish?

My Truck in New England

Christ its been pretty damn cold. In my neck of the woods, Saturday brought a bomb cyclone blizzard. Around 14″ of snow with 35mph winds, followed by mornings in the single digits. Deep freeze dude. Put on your wool undies.

Dave’s Truck in Punta Gorda

Its been chilly elsewhere too. A day ago, my buddy Dave reports it was 31 degrees done in Punta Gorda, Florida. That’s near record stuff for that part of the subtropics. Forget the t-shirt and flipflops. Did that stop Dave from fishing for reds? Hell no. Nothing does. He has to catch them reds. Even when there is ice on the windshield.

Dave’s frozen Redfish

Yeah he went out on the flats with his fly rod. Man is unstoppable. And you guessed it, he caught a nice one. While nearby frozen iguanas fell out of trees.  Is a crazy world out there. Dave you rule!

Here’s Dave’s suggestion for a fly to use when ice fishing for redfish. Ha

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