In the Naples area there are very few wade fly fishing locations where you can get a fly over these great game fish from land. I have located and fished excellent areas where Baby Tarpon frequently can be seen rolling and 'laid up' (resting). These "Babies" can range from a few pounds to over 50 pounds. Persistence, correct fly selection and accurate casting plus hook setting concentration are necessary for a fly angler to cast to and hook these fish. But the reward is a spectacular aerial fight worthy of the title "Silver King".


Jack Cravalle

These strong and voracious fish often roam the inner estuaries in schools, sometimes cornering baitfish in coves and crashing on them either singly or in groups of several fish. Amazingly fast, the Jack is also surprisingly strong and has remarkable endurance when hooked. They come in all sizes and if they are present in large numbers they can give any angler a memorable day...and a sore arm! Jacks aren't always easy to fool and can be very selective on the baitfish of the day.


Speckled Sea Trout

A reliable resident of the Passes and estuaries, especially near grass beds, this Trout is as scrappy and strong a fighter when hooked as their Northern brothers. They often will school together in the channels ambushing minnows, and I have caught dozens of them in a single outing. They often take up positions in current flows similar to locations Rainbow Trout prefer. The average size "Speck" is about 15 inches but they can reach 2 or three pounds or more and over 20 inches in the passes. Beware the tooth in their top jaw!


Snook

Always wary, often selective, and a battler when hooked, the Snook is a difficult-to-fool game fish and worthy of the respect of all fly-rodders. The Snook is always my primary target when I fish the Passes. They will take up lies wherever the optimum ambush location is on any tide, often staying in one location throughout an entire tide. They will cruise the mud flats, suddenly charging small bait fish, and giving their location away. They have incredible eyesight and that lateral line is one huge sensor! Snook in the passes can be as big as 30 inches. Beware the gill plates...razor sharp!

Butterfly Peacock Bass

Miami has miles of canals where you can fly fish for these exotic game fish. Springtime brings the fish to the spawning beds where they become fiercely territorial and they will attack a small Clouser or Deceiver without mercy.

A six-weight rod and floating line is the recommended armament and these fish will give you a great fight.