Some recent reports from the Everglades.

[22acrowd]

Went kayaking down in Everglades National Park in December and then headed down for a solo trip last week. The weather didn't cooperate in December but it couldn't have been more perfect the second time around. I had the place to myself last time out. Love the solitude the Everglades provides if you head out during the week. The fishing on both trips was the best it has been since I've been going down there. The snook are a little thin from the freeze the past couple of years but it is improving. The redfish and trout population is just out of control. They are everywhere. With less competition, the redfish fry from two years ago had a really large survival rate. There are 16-20 inch reds on every flat and cut.


Picnic Key









Storm building behind Rabbit Key



Back in Chokoloskee



Last week:



Sunset on Crooked Creek



Cooking breakfast on the chickee



Drifting down the Lopez River on slack tide



The Lopez Cistern. Built in the 1800 from sand, water, and shells. It has survived floods, hurricanes, and people



Had trouble with my zoom lens out there or I would have gotten some epic shots of this guy. He was feasting on a pompano. Guess he doesn't like mullet.



Paddled out in the gulf to enjoy the sunset off Rabbit Key





Sunrise on Rabbit Key



Woke up to a bobcat on Rabbit Key. Crazy stuff. I wonder how he got out there.



Breakfast on Rabbit Key



Osprey





Back in Chokoloskee



Obligatory fishing pics

Nice 31 inch snook



Big trout were everywhere.



So were the lower slot reds.

[JoeS]

Nice report nice trip.......I am guessing the Boa's and Pythons chased the B-Cat onto the island

[ChrisR]

Thanks for sharing. Love that place.

[Manning]

Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.

[Todd]

The bobcat out on that island is pretty crazy, wonder how he ended up out there. That is quite the swim.

[vivian]

Loved the report and pics! Saw the post of the bobcat on glades go deep. Wild!

Stayed on crooked creek this past new years eve and liked it but not as much as the old Sunday bay chickee. It can get buggy with no wind. What did you think?

That loop you did is a favorite of mine.

[22acrowd]

I liked Crooked Creek enough but it is no Sunday Bay. It is pretty close to some choice backcountry fishing spots which is convenient. I had a couple really large pleasure boats cruise through the creek while I was there which I didn't enjoy. The view from Sunday Bay was outstanding plus I saw a sawfish wading right next to the chickee one afternoon. For various reasons, Sunday Bay will always be a favorite place of mine and am kind of bummed it is no longer.

BTW Vivian, I met a woman named "Mike" while I was launching from O.R. who said she knew you. She was coming in from a solo trip to Lopez. She was a pretty inspiring person. I enjoyed our 20 minute or-so conversation. She was all up to date on the latest technology and was scoping out my rig and gear. Her Lake Placid canoe was sweet. I helped her load it and was amazed how light it is. I might have to get me one of them canoes.

[22acrowd]

edit: double post.

[fishpirate]

Man, that is great stuff!! Love the photos!

[vivian]

Ha! You met michealeen! I love her, she is an inspiration to me and also a good friend. That rapidfire solo canoe is sweet. My hemlock kestrel used to belong to her and I got it for a great price,it weighs 29lbs.

Yeah, crooked creek is nice but honestly, Lopez is one of my favorite places to stay at.

Hope to see you out there one of these days, I paddle a beige solo canoe.

[jbdba01]

Just curious what are you shooting and lens? Shots are nice and crisp. Well done.

[22acrowd]

Just curious what are you shooting and lens? Shots are nice and crisp. Well done.

Nikon body and various lenses. Mostly a 70-200 zoom and a 12-24 wide angle.