Nice Action In The Backcountry

Lesli and Ray Rogers spent 3 days fishing with me this past week. On day 1 we did not go far as it looked as if it could start raining at any time. We had no problem loading the live well with fish candy, Live Pilchards. Using FOX Sport Fishing Bonefish Trek travel rod fitted with a Diablo 350 spinning reel we caught plenty of nice sized Mangrove Snapper. Then the rain started and turning into a downpour and the wind came up. Getting chilled we moved to the leeside of the island we were fishing to warm up. Right away we saw Tarpon rolling. That warmed us up right away. Lesli and Ray had a ball the next hour releasing 4 Tarpon and jumping another 10. These small Tarpon were from 3 lbs to 15lbs and great jumpers. But then it started pouring again and we headed home on a half day.

Backcountry baby Tarpon

FOX Rage ultralight rod was perfect for
small Tarpon around the islands

The next 2 days were spent in different areas of the backcountry.The weather was warm and sunny. In one spot we were catching a variety of Spanish Mackerel and Ladyfish. I rigged up a Fox 9 weight flyrod with a flashy fly that I tie for the macks.

Bonefish Trek travel rod and a Diablo 350 spinning reel
were perfect for Spanish Mackerel

Great catch! Gag Grouper caught
by Lesli on a Fox 9 Weight fly rod

Mangrove Snapper were on the menu

Lesli and Ray caught Snapper, Ladyfish and Spanish Mackerel on fly which was great fun but Lesli hooked up with a fish that got well into the backing on its first run. After a 15 minute fight she landed a 27 inch Gag Grouper on the flyrod. Heck of a catch and a complete surprise. We were fishing in 7 feet of water over grass bottom. Later on we fished a creek near the mainland and got into more baby Tarpon and Snook.

Day 3 we fished near Flamingo around island "moats" and had more Snook action as well as a few big Redfish. As the tide dropped we moved onto the flats and caught Crevalle Jacks and Seatrout and jumped off a 40lb Tarpon. The water has been unseasonably warm so Tarpon are still in the feeding mode.

what we call a "gator Seatrout"

Lesli Rogers with a  nice Snook

Lesli with yet another Snook

Ray Rogers with a fine Snook on the
Bonefish Trek Diablo 350 combo

Ray scored a big Redfish

Bonefish Trek rod is strong, sensitive and pack down to 4 pieces making them easy to travel with.

Captain Skip Nielsen