Capt. Barry Hoffman's
Flyfishing Report
for the Upper Keys and Florida Bay
flats and backcountry.
November 7th, 2000

     The past week was hit or miss for the fishing. Although the fishing was a bit slow early in the week, we managed to catch a couple of very nice bonefish. It's been a bit breezy for most fly casters that are new to the saltwater technique. Switching to a spinning rod and shrimp has usually salvaged the day.

    The flats are beginning to cool off a bit, with water temps at around 75 in the morning. The wind has kept most of the back country channels muddy. The seatrout are beginning to show in the deeper channels around Flamingo. Redfishing has been only average, the wind being the most determinate factor in finding them.

    Tuesday I fished with Barry Brudgers and his friend Chuck. It was one of the worst days for sunlight I'd had in a while. We had a small five minute stretch of sun in the morning when Chuck caught a bonefish of about 7.5 pounds. I struggled in the haze and cloud cover the rest of the day, trying to find them a few fish to throw at. Needless to say, without the sun, I couldn't find the fish.

    On Wednesday I fished with Capt. Duane Baker in preparation for an upcoming bonefish/redfish tournament. The wind was up to 20+mph. We were scouting a few less traveled flats and caught a couple of redfish on fly.

    Thursday, Bryant Wade and Dave McClaughtery went bonefishing with me. It was a pretty productive morning finding the fish, the latter half of the day slowed considerably. Dave caught one on spin about 9.5 pounds.

    Unfortunately I lost a few days to last minute cancellations and no shows. We've a nice span of weather for the upcoming week. I expect the fishing to pick up as the Fall migrations of bait fish continue down the coast. 

    Just a note for those who may have an interest in sight fishing for bonefish with me or any other guide. If you're typically throwing flies at a swirling eddy on a stream or structure on a lake for largemouth, it pays considerably to practice your casting technique before you make it down here. Although most guides are happy to help you with your cast, be it fly or spin, getting an experienced buddy or fly shop to help you with your casting accuracy or distance helps immeasurably.

    The ability to cast a fly quickly, accurately and into the wind with a minimum of casts is extremely important. Casting a spinning rod to an upwind, moving target is tough stuff when the wind kicks. Learn to cast upwind, downwind and side wind.

     When I review the past day or so with a prospective angler over the phone, I'll tell them sight catching one or two bonefish in an eight hour day is pretty much the average. The usual response is, "Is this not a good time for them?". It's a great time. Just that most haven't the abilities described previously. Practice up beforehand and you'll be waaayyyyyy ahead of the game.

Until next week,  Practice that casting, Take Care and Good Luck Fishing!- Capt. Barry Hoffman-

For more information please contact Capt. Barry Hoffman at:
www.flatsguide.com    guide@flatsguide.com
home 305-852-6918  cell 305-664-6460