7/25/17 July Backcountry Fishin' Report

July is rolling by and we are in the midst of summer time in Islamorada.  Fishing has been great for the most part all around which is nice to see.  We've had much more normal summe time weather - calm, hot, with passing rain showers.  Unlike last year where it was much windier than normal, and not a great direction lots of southwest wind.  This year has been more light easterly breezes which we like.  Tarpon have been a top priority still and there has still been a good number of tarpon around.  Locally there have been some fish and the evening fishing has still been pretty good.  Capt. Vinnie Biondoletti and Capt. John Johansen have reported a good evening tarpon bite.  I've been fishing the backcountry mostly and we've had good fishing back there too.  June was incredible for me I think we were averaging over 2 fish a trip, and July has been close to that as well though I haven't fished quite as much as I've been out of town a couple times.  The tarpon fishing can stay good through October, last year we actually had some of the best fishing of the year for them in September and October.  Some days you get in on the hungry packs of fish, and you may get quite a few shots at them.  Other days they aren't biting as well, or you have to take time looking for them, so may only get a shot or two.  Though what I like about the summer is typically the conditions are very good and stay relatively the same, unlike the spring when it is blowing often and the wind direction is changing as well as the tempearture if we get a cold front.  So don't think you've missed the window for catching tarpon August is still a great month to try!  Other than tarpon, some guys have been getting into some other things.  We've had good trout and snapper fishing in the bays if you want action and some dinner.  Capt. Jim Willcox and Capt. Mike bassett has been reporting decent snook action fishing the shorelines and creeks of the everglades.  Just be ready with the bug spray as the bugs have been a little over the top this year with all the rain we had in the last month.  Some areas aren't so bad, but if you get out of the wind and in the trees they can get annoying.  A few redfish have been mixed in back there as well.  Capt. Bill Bassett had some days earlier this month in the gulf catching permit that were unbeleivable.  He had double digits on permit several days, and quite a few on fly some of those days as well.  It was just the perfect conditions with some big masses of fish pushing through.  Though the big pushes of them seem to have gone through, it's definitely still a possibility if you are willing to devote the day to looking for them and OK with taking the gamble.  Capt. Mike Venezia reported a nice tarpon yesterday in the backcountry as well as Capt. Gunner Guthrie a few days ago fishing locally.  I had the last few days off though last week I had Brad and David out for 3 days, we landed tarpon every day as well as getting multiple fish one day.  Also got a bunch of nice trout, and a few snook on a couple of those days too.  Also got a few cobia on artificials one day in the gulf which was lots of fun.  I'm back to work this week during the mini season, though August we have plenty of availability.  Give us a shout if you are wanting to get out on the water!  305-664-2461

Capt. Rick Stanczyk