South Florida is a fisherman's paradise! From freshwater to saltwater
fishing, it is in my opinion the best place in the states to wet a line. You
don't even have to leave the city to find fantastic fishing opportunities. We
fished a few of the canals and ponds around the city, and we were landing all
kinds of species. We were using live shiner's bought from Everglades Pro Bass
bait shop. They know the area well, so if you're planning a trip, give them a
call (954-434-4495), and they can help you get into the fish. Brock also knew
some great spots to go, and had us into fish most of the day. He also found a
good hole for inland Tarpon, but we were unable to land the one we hooked into.
24 inch Large Mouth Bass.
Peacock Bass
Orinoco Sailfin Catfish
Brock with a Jaguar Garpote
Jaguar Garpote
Mayan Cichlid
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| A gator came to check us out at the Tarpon Hole Brock found. |
After a successful day of freshwater fishing, we hooked up with Captain Jeff
Maggio (
Lunkerdog)
for some Tarpon and Snook fishing. The first hour was slow, and then the bite
got really hot for Snook. To feel the strength of these fish for the first time
is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Brock and I ended
up boating seven lunker-Snook on this outing, with the biggest taping out to a
whopping 42 inches!
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| First ever Snook! |
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| Brock's first Snook. |
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| All night long... |
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| You know it's been an epic night when this is the smallest. |
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| Brock with another Lunker! |
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| The night was unreal with big Snook! |
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| 42 inch certified lunker! Thanks again Jeff! |
After the Snook decided they were done cooperating, we went after the
Tarpon. In no time at all, we hooked into the first two, but they
quickly spit the hook. The third hookup was solid, and we were off to the
races! I didn't know a fish could take out drag as fast as these fish! As I fought
him, I was amazed at watching him tail-dance out of the water. I have seen this
on fishing shows, but there is no comparison to seeing it in person. Around 20
minutes into the fight, and my lower back and arms burning, another boat drove
between us and the fish, and the boats prop cut my line! The line went slack,
and the fight was over! I was a little bent out of shape to say the least and
may have wanted Captain Jeff to chase them down, but cooler heads prevailed. We
ended up not boating any tarpon so my quest is still on for my first. We also
hooked into a Barracuda but were unable to land it. I can't wait for next
year's trip to try once again to land my nemesis! Thanks again Jeff for showing us how to "Run That Dog"!
24 inch Large Mouth Bass.
Peacock Bass 
Orinoco Sailfin Catfish 
Brock with a Jaguar Garpote 
Jaguar Garpote 
Mayan Cichlid 
