Fishing advice for South Florida

[Surfergirl]

I will be going with the family I work for fishing during the Christmas Holidays. I am the only one on the boat that knows how to rig baits, set out lines and gaff fish. But, I have not fished out of Florida in years, I need to get some advice on where to take the family ... more inshore ... it is only a 27' pursuit, and these are yachties. So I am guessing I will have to make it a quick trip.
Any advice would be appreciated.


Surf

[FESS]

Where do you think your boat will be in So. Fl...or what area will be most convienient for y'all?
Allen

[Surfergirl]

Where do you think your boat will be in So. Fl...or what area will be most convienient for y'all?
Allen

We will be in Ocean Reef for December.

[FESS]

I'd consider flying down an expensive (former) native-guide (now) from Alabama for the week.....just kiddin'. Sounds like a nice time...I could think of worse places to hang out for the week...did I mention Stone Crabs yet...
needless to say they're in season....not sure when the green worm hatch turns on the tarpon, but you may hit that right...but that may be a spring thing...can't remember.
If your lookin for inshore action tarpon may be the best thing, I'd guess live mullet by one of the bridges....anchored up....keep a dead one on the bottom (tide permitting) and livies out each side etc...u know the drill.
Call a buddy of mine...Alex Adler, boat name = Kalex...he's outa Bud & Mary Marina...he's The MAN.
Tell him Allen from Bootlegger (Bahia Mar) days sent-cha.
Have a great time...needless to say the sailfishing could be off the chain that time of year too...right at the Ocean Reef sea buoy many days...80-120 feet of water.
Hope this helps,
allen

[Deep C]

Yeah Yeah Yeah... I hear ya... I'l point you at some dynamite places for the boys when they get here. Theres a spot very close that seems to be planets away when you get there thtas just chock full of fish. I can show you a few such spots...

[FESS]

I've heard about it, but never been there...if that's what you're refering to.
Heard it's a special place!

[Deep C]

At the north end of the property is a series of mangrove lined creeks that are home to all kinds of nifty stuff. I have a couple particular spots in there close but way remote. The bait goes in and its instant fish. Mostly small stuff but fish.

Then yes the sailfish are right in front. a trip to the ballyhoo patch is easy as they alreay have mooring balls set up. Hang a chum bag , hair hook a few baits, slide a couple more miles to the buoy and let her rip.

On the back side there are a few deeper flats that hold trout and stuff like that. Even a couple spots where you could chum up black tip sharks. Right at the dockmasters office is one of the best spots to soak a live shrimp at night and the tarpon will pounce...

[Surfergirl]

I'd consider flying down an expensive (former) native-guide (now) from Alabama for the week.....just kiddin'. Sounds like a nice time...I could think of worse places to hang out for the week...did I mention Stone Crabs yet...
needless to say they're in season....not sure when the green worm hatch turns on the tarpon, but you may hit that right...but that may be a spring thing...can't remember.
If your lookin for inshore action tarpon may be the best thing, I'd guess live mullet by one of the bridges....anchored up....keep a dead one on the bottom (tide permitting) and livies out each side etc...u know the drill.
Call a buddy of mine...Alex Adler, boat name = Kalex...he's outa Bud & Mary Marina...he's The MAN.
Tell him Allen from Bootlegger (Bahia Mar) days sent-cha.
Have a great time...needless to say the sailfishing could be off the chain that time of year too...right at the Ocean Reef sea buoy many days...80-120 feet of water.
Hope this helps,

allen

Thank you Allen for the great tips.... I will definitely try to get the Captain to drive us out to the sea buoy for some sailfish action. I will also contact Alex.

Surf

[Surfergirl]

At the north end of the property is a series of mangrove lined creeks that are home to all kinds of nifty stuff. I have a couple particular spots in there close but way remote. The bait goes in and its instant fish. Mostly small stuff but fish.

Then yes the sailfish are right in front. a trip to the ballyhoo patch is easy as they alreay have mooring balls set up. Hang a chum bag , hair hook a few baits, slide a couple more miles to the buoy and let her rip.

On the back side there are a few deeper flats that hold trout and stuff like that. Even a couple spots where you could chum up black tip sharks. Right at the dockmasters office is one of the best spots to soak a live shrimp at night and the tarpon will pounce...

Tarpon are in abundance there.. I would walk the docks at night and look at the fish swimming in the water... and I saw some really really big ones... But, I want to be able to catch some really good eating fish, I want to be able to cook their catch as soon as we get back to the yacht, that will be a nice treat.

Thanks Deep, When we get there you can talk to the captain and tell him where the fish are and I will make sure that they catch them.