Biscayne Bay - Miami

[Rupe]

Hi - I'm over from the UK in Janaury and will have approx 1.5 days to do some fly fishing. I'm staying in Biscayne Bay - though I won't have a car (taxi's for me) I'm interested in what fishing may be availble and where it might be worth me looking.

I've read the Key Biscayne can be good. Is it just a case of getting myself up there and start to have a look round - or is it essential to get a guide? What species will it be at this time of year and what weight rod? 8 weight or will a 10 be better?

Are there any hazards I should be aware of (no-go areas for night fishing / quicksand / tides / alligators(?))!

I'd be interested to hear any thoughts on what may be on offer.

Many Thanks.

[flyjon]

Hi Rupe,

I fished Biscayne Bay over the Christmas holidays last year, and had some success over 3 days with a guide. We had good shots at bonefish on all three days, ( I had the weather co-operating as well which always helps).

If this is your first trip for bonefish in Florida I would recomend a guide. Send me a note if you would like the name of the guide I fished with.

Cheers,

flyjon

[mctrout]

They say it is the hardest fishing on the planet with a great guide, cant imagine without one.
I know a great one call him if you want at 561-271-6006. His name is Steve Horowitz. he will pick you up from your hotel.
I am jealous!!!

[Rupe]

Many thanks guys - it seems like there can be some good fishing for baby tarpon under the road bridges at night too, which I quite like the sond of.

Though baby for you guys (to 20 pounds) is a huge fish for us UK based fly anglers!

[soundownsam]

I am not sure that night fishing for tarpon from bridges on the fly is even possible. I have spent many night drifting bait and artificials under the bridges of Miami, but always by boat. Even if you could cast the presentation would be horrible from on top of the span or way out of the zone if you fished from under the bridge.

Sam

[Rupe]

Should have clarified when I mentioned fishing the bridges - I was expecting to be in a boat as opposed to being shore based / bridge based.

[soundownsam]

Most of the bridges in the Bay will hold fish. Will you be in a rented borrowed boat or with a guide? I can probably get you some names of good guides from friends who regularly fish the area if that would be helpful.

Sam

[confluential]

I just got back, went out with Capt. Dave Saddler for bones. He put us on a school of 100 8 lb. bones the weekend before last!! Check out Turtlegrass Charters ... I think Dave is on this board pretty regularly.

Awesome guy, knows the tides in Biscayne Bay like the back of his hand. In fact, much better than that. Dave, I was the guy who broke your Sage Xi2 first thing in the morning, and I still feel like a douche.

Happy Holidays all!

-Mike

[Rupe]

Was going to give Bob LeMay a shot....?

[soundownsam]

Bob is certainly well known and people say good things about him.

Sam