By: Capt. Eddie | Tight Lines, www.facebook.com/eddie.yerdon
Looking for a fun day out in Southwest Florida? Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, fishing in this beautiful region offers something for everyone. All you need is some bait, the right gear, and a sense of adventure.
Start by gathering small baits like 1/4 oz jig heads, road runners, beetle spins, or bucktails. If you’re looking for alternatives, bacon or frozen shrimp will do the trick. Head to the Everglades to find your perfect fishing spot. Areas like Alligator Alley, Fakahatchee Strand, Monroe Station, and Tuckers Grade, off US-41 south of 951, have plenty of boat ramps and fishing opportunities. Be mindful if you’re fishing along the ridges on US-41, as the road is narrow, and vehicles often speed by. It’s a good idea to bring a large cooler with ice to store your catch, and don’t forget the bug spray to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay.
Fishing in Southwest Florida offers a wide variety of species to target. Expect to catch plenty of Oscars and cichlids, peacock bass, tarpon, snook, garfish, snakeheads, and more. Remember that there are limits in place to protect certain species: the peacock bass limit is two per person, with at least one being over 17 inches. Snook season runs from March 1st to the end of April and again from October 1st to November 30th. If you plan on keeping a snook, don’t forget to purchase the snook stamp.
While many of the fish are excellent table fare, Oscars can be a bit tricky due to their tough skin. If you don’t want to clean them, consider using them for cat food or placing them around trees to deter pests. Better yet, pass them along to neighbors or those in need, but be sure not to release them back into the water. Oscars are an invasive species and harm native fish populations, so it’s important to remove them from the ecosystem responsibly.
For those heading to Everglades City, be aware that you’ll need a saltwater fishing license. And if you’re planning on hunting turkey, spring turkey season runs from March 1st to April 6th, south of Highway 70. Don’t forget to get your turkey stamp, and keep in mind that all turkey kills must be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Whether you’re fishing with the family or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Southwest Florida offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Enjoy the wildlife, take in the sights, and of course, have fun!
Tight lines and happy fishing!
