Location: Eagle Lake Vermilion Bay, Ontario | i was there 1st part of dec. .1st time . usually head to keys islamorada area and fish with capt Kilgore. if heading there he is bad a#s!!
this was more of my honey's trip and for us to get reaquainted again after my 6 month stint on Eagle at AML. she likes that area for relaxing and just hanging out. i spent spare time whenever i could get away during moving tides fishing st johns pass area off the shore and beach. (the passes are good for shore fishing as everything flows through them back and forth from the Bay and the ocean) caught snook,reds,sheepshead,and some assorted other creatures mostly on Gulp shrimp in new penny,Hard and Soft/kalin flukes,kastmasters,and free lined live shrimp and white bait (a small shad looking forage you can can easily catch with a small throw net even off the shore). there are also good wading opportunities on the bay side at many of the state parks , beaches,and fishing piers.
while there i bumped into (incidently at dinner one nite) Skylar Wilkes and after talking fishing with him (he helped me alot on places and techniques for wading and shorefishing opportunities in the area) hired him for a day. he's an upcoming, young energetic guide who fishes mostly inshore and close off shore which is fun,and more akin to fishing a big lake with walleye type spinning gear than the ocean .we caught alot of lady fish which are easy to catch,acrobatic and fun for kids (nick named baby tarpon), lots of sea trout,some reds and snook.
his boat is a smaller flats boat but clean and totally adequate,equip was excellent if you need to use it.energetic and a very nice kid. did a great job trying hard, was genuinely concerned about the day we had. he fished hard and we had success on a tough cold front day. we fished from daylight till 5;00pm,charged us basically for 1/2 day . i dont know your budget and yes there are others alot more expereinced with bigger and more expensive boats but if its inshore on tamps bay area or the passes it's not that tough and Skylar will do his best for you at a very reasonable rate. kinda reminded me alot of me and some of my friends in the industry when we started many yrs ago.its great to se honest enthusiasm and desire.
there are some great guides/charters available in the area for both inshore and off shore .Hubbards marina at st johns pass is a good general place to inquire.
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inspiredfishing.net
good luck!
STEVE HERBECK , AML PROP. EMERITUS,GUEST FISHING INSTRUCTION PROGRAM COORDINATOR, MASTER GUIDE |
