Doubled-Up Fishing...

The weather got fair on Thursday and was expected to remain that way over the weekend. For me, this meant doing some fishing on Friday and Saturday.

The first day was devoted to South Biscayne Bay and whatever that body of water would yield up. It was clear that the chilly remains of prior fronts were operating via cool water temperatures and light northwest winds. Not surprisingly, the tarpon were scarce in that area. Tides were low and current was minimal, which added two more negative factors in gamefishing these shallows. I opted for jigging the channels and caught some large ladyfish and modest-sized jacks during the last part of the outgoing tide.

As the tide swung in, I headed towards the oceanside flats. By mid-morning, my electronics indicated that the water temperatures had risen from 70 to 74 degrees. I put out a bit of chum and within a minute had a large form come tracking in. I made a good cast and hooked up, all the while wondering if the chunky shape I saw on arrival didn't mean a big boxfish. After a long run and three-minute battle, that impression was confirmed as I brought the fish alongside. The boxfish easily weighed eight pounds, which was large for that species. In the next two hours, I had three pods of bonefish in (and out) of the chum- all of which were skittish in the cold "still" water.

Back at the boat ramp, I spoke with Captain Ken Collette, who reported similar bonefish activity. He also said that while there were scads of tarpon off the beaches of Miami Beach as well as Government Cut, the fish were not eating.We both concluded that warmer water, more current, and perhaps a southeast breeze would do the trick.

On Saturday, the plans were to complete a story on Captain Greg Poland that also featured the Cheeca Lodge. It was clear that the Weather Gods were smiling, so the drive from Miami to Islamorada was a slam-dunk in the wee hours under starry skies a few hours before dawn. I'd brought my friend Jim Porter with me. We'd be meeting photographer Pat Ford in front of Greg's house to rendezvous around his twenty seven-foot Conch. Greg's friend, Brigette, rounded out the group.

While all the specifics of this experience belong to another story, our party caught yellowtails, kingfish, grouper, big blue runners, and amberjacks. I was gratified that there was ample story material. Later that day, Jim, Pat and I had lunch at the Fish House in Key Largo. This was a first for me, and I found the seafood entirely satisfying.

On the drive back to oh-so-placid Miami, I kept asking myself where I might plop myself on Sunday to make the doubled-up fishing triple.

Jan