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Everglades Fishing | Fishing Knots
Everglades National Park, FL
Here are a few of my tackle suggestions:
I wish I had a dime for every one that got away, and it happens no matter how well prepared you are, or how perfectly you've rigged your gear. However, it's a sure bet if you don't get your gear properly setup, the fish will get the best of you.
If you are planning on bringing your own rods along to go fishing in Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades, then you may want to take an evening before you come to setup and groom your gear. By doing this before we get out on the water it will save some time, and allow for more fishing.
I have switched exclusively to Power Pro braided fishing line, as It is superior to monofilament in every aspect. Your casting distance is greatly increased, and the sensitivity you gain of what is going on at the business end of your fishing line often can make the difference between catching or missing a fish. In addition, there is no stretch so you are in complete control of your hook or lure. As an added bonus, the Power Pro line will last many times longer than traditional monofilament lines. NOTE: If you are going to have your reel re-spooled with Power Pro, just have the first half of the spool filled with monofilament and only the last half of the spool with the Power Pro.
My experience has been that the best knots to use with the Power Pro line are a Spider Hitch to double the end of the Power Pro line, followed by a Double Uni-Knot to attach the leader.
If you like to catch fish on artificials (lures, jigs, plugs, etc.), I have found that the D.O.A. Lures will produce more bites over a wider range of situations than any other. I have three favorites, the quarter oz D.O.A. Shrimp in glow color, the deep running D.O.A. Bait Buster in pearl with black black, and the D.O.A. TerrorEyz in root beer color. Simplify your tackle box, and save yourself some money - All you need to catch just about everything that swims here in the Everglades is one of the above.
Generally I carry several rods rigged and ready to go as follows:
Spinning Rods # 1 & 2 - St. Croix PS70MF seven foot medium power, fast action spinning rod; Quantum Catalyst CI30PTs reel spooled with fifteen pound Power Pro line; 36 inch 30 pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader secured to the running line with a double uni-knot; small weedless twitch bait, jig, or hook - This rig is used for a quick, quiet presentation at small to medium sized fish in clear shallow water, or for working in and around potholes in shallow grass.
Spinning Rods # 3 & 4 - St. Croix PS70MF seven foot medium power, fast action spinning rod; Quantum Catalyst CI30PTs reel spooled with fifteen pound Power Pro line; 36 inch 40 pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader secured to the running line with a double uni-knot; weedless twitch bait, jig, or Mustad 94150 hook - This rig is for medium sized fish in and around the Mangrove roots.
Spinning Rods # 5 & 6 - St. Croix SWS70MF seven foot medium power, fast action spinning rod; Shimano Baitrunner 3500 reel spooled with sixty five pound Power Pro line; 6 feet of 80 pound Andy monofilament leader secured to the running line with a double uni-knot; deep running D.O.A. Bait Buster, plug, or Owner SSW hook - This rig is for medium to large fish in all but a select few conditions.
Call me today to go on an Everglades Fishing Charter !
Captain Brian Richarson
239-340-0265
US Coast Guard Master Licensed Captain | Licensed Everglades National Park Guide | FL Guides Association Member | IGFA Certified Captain