Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay; 35 miles long and averaging about 7 miles wide is probably the only reason why I still live here. Somehow it's managed to survive Miami and it's relentless urban sprawl that has nearly choked off the Everglades. The constant flushing of the tides , the fortuitous halt to development on its western/southwestern reaches decades ago, and it's close proximity to the life giving currents of the Gulf Stream have spared The Bay from almost certain doom. Though not what it used to be, it's still home to all manner of marine life. Not to mention three of the most sought after and difficult to catch saltwater gamefish in the world; Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon. Finding them in all sorts of bottom and water depths in a single day is not uncommon. Combined with the Bay's notorious winds, it can be a demanding fishery that will frustrate even the most accomplished angler.
Permit
My personal favorite tormentor. These aren't your typical Belizan micros. Our permit hold heavyweight title status. 15 to 20 pounders abound with titans in the 30+ pound category a common sight. Nothing a well placed crab can't win over...most of the time.
On fly, you may want to leave your sanity at the dock and bring a six pack though The Everest of fly fishing is not as impossible as you may think. Keep your morale up, nerves in check, and practice, practice, practice. When one of these things slinks into range you'll be glad you did. The first cast and the second correcting cast being your most important. Done right, a heart pounding inspection of the offering is sure to come. Above all, don't be scared. It's just a fish....right.
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Tarpon
For many, the only reason to grab a fly rod. Giants can be found year round here. The winter shrimp run mayhem produce many a nocturnal bridge hero and is the easiest way to bring a fish to hand.
Spring brings us the migratory swimmers passing through on their way to the keys where there are more tarpon guides than fish. All in all, Biscayne Bay Tarpon can be found in all manner of different scenarios and sizes. Pack your lunch if you hook a fatty and pray your leader survives.
Bonefish
The Bonefish, my first love. We get em all sizes here, all year round. Tailing, mudding, waking, rumbling, flashing, and at times just being straight up d*cks. Hook one and you'll understand what the big deal is about. Unfortunately, even though the Bahamas are right across the street we don't have the numbers they do. Maybe one day the glory days will return and nature will adapt yet again. Even so, the Bay is still giving up its fair share of bones for the persistent.