S14:E6 - “Everglades Snook And Reds” (2019)

Captains Tom Rowland & Rich Tudor head to the fertile grounds of the Everglades to target game fish.

Fishing on the flats is can be a challenge to get those skittish fish that face significant fishing pressure and boat traffic. Rich and I will frequently stake out and try two or three times before we can get their attention. Fish like this we refer to as suffering from “lockjaw” as they will refuse to eat.

When Rich and I fish for easily spooked fish we like to get to a strategic location and then stake out there and cast for a bit before moving another 20-30 yards and repeating the process. In this case we use our Power-Poles to stop the boat while we wait for the fish to come within casting range. In some cases we will make enough blind casts to cover a stretch of shoreline or a bottom feature - like an oyster bar, sand hole or other structure.

My question: is there a way I can alter my leader setup to target large redfish while still being able to handle a shark up to 200 pounds and cast long distances?

Can I use quality bass fishing equipment to fish for red fish?

Most bass tackle will work just fine for redfish.  Alot of redfish situations are found in brackish water, rather than full salt, however there are certainly many situations where you will be fishing in pure saltwater.  I had the opportunity to fish with the guys on Sweetwater TV recently and they had all freshwater tackle.  It worked well for us, but there are a few things that you will want to watch out for:

Fishing out of Islamorada in August can be very good.  Generally the weather pattern calls for very calm days and slick conditions.  Often, the Everglades can hold some incredible fishing for tailing redfish...

I was ready to give the super quick answer of The Florida Keys, because it is the very best area in Florida to fish year round.  When you ask about other areas, I have to say that I don't have as much experience in other areas as I do in the Keys...

"What was the rod action when you were fishing out of the house boat. The rod was a smoke but what was the action ? It seemed you were having way to much fun and I want that too. I have a 30 PT that needs a home.

I can not tell you how many fish have been lost at the boat, including potential tournament winners. One time we were trying to land a big fish in Louisiana with a cheap, small landing net and missed it over and over.  I decided right then that we needed...

First off, fishing from an SUP is totally cool.  I would actually like to do that up there some day.  I think that the SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) is a trend that is here to stay...

The best part of my job is that I am constantly entertained by the things that fish do...

Often when it gets too cold for bonefish or permit on the flats, it might set up a situation that is perfect for something else.  Winter conditions bring in bait and predators...