We used a local guide to start things off in search of Sheepshead, wading the balmy waters SOTE. She went through a small box of lures before the guide finally gave up his secret; cast your line out, tell a little story, stop paying attention, reel in a fish. The action continued as the oysters sang their popping song and Daniela crossed species number 1 off her list.
We continued our journey south and day 2 found us deep in the Everglades in search of Mayan Cichlyds. After more than an hour of short-strikes on top waters, we invested in some gas station shrimp and starting pulling one after another out of a local tidal pool. Daniela figured out that the little bait stealers were following the bare hook in and proceeded to catch a baker's dozen on nothing but a hook.
Day 3 was dedicated to Snook. In all of her 16 years, this particular sport fish has eluded her grasp. Looking for moving water, we ended up in Everglades City at the confluence of three rivers. Daniela managed to leave two DOA shrimp attached to the opposite shore in the first 10 minutes. Casting upstream, she worked the last shrimp and found this little beauty hanging off a ledge.
Our last day was dedicated to the elusive baby Tarpon. Local reports were sketchy and I gave her the option of having some more fun with the Mayans, but she wanted to pick a venue and fish hard for the time we had left. I had caught Snook early that morning and we opted to stay at the same place and work top waters for the little Poons. The bite was slow, but an hour later, she hooked her first Tarpon. A three or four pound beauty that wrestled with her for all of 10 seconds before going back to wherever Tarpon go. Not an official catch, but jumping a Poon on the last day of the year is something anyone can be proud of.
So call it 3 1/2 out of 4. I am a proud papa.
On the way home, we stopped to check out one more species.
This may well be our new annual trip.
UT
