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Fishing In The Everglades

Posted Feb 21, 2008 by Frank Sargeant

Updated Feb 21, 2008 at 12:09 PM

Dear Mr. Sargeant: First, I would like to thank you for your efforts through the years to educate and inform the public about hunting, fishing, and conservation issues.  I have enjoyed your columns for many years now and I still look forward to them each Sunday.

I also wanted to seek your advice with regards to an upcoming fishing trip.  For the past 4 years, my company has allowed myself and two colleagues to take one of our most important customers on a fishing trip.  We are all avid fishermen, but our customer is even more fortunate in that his job has allowed him to fish all over the world.  One trip that he has never done is a trip to the Everglades.  We are interested in pursuing snook and redfish primarily, but we are open to fishing for trout, tarpon, or even goliath grouper.  We would like to go in April or May (2-3 days of fishing), but we are flexible if there is a better time of year to target these species in the Glades.  I don’t know if you are comfortable recommending any specific guides, but I thought I would see if you could at least point us in the right direction.  We want to make sure we find a reputable guide with a proven track record.  Also, any recommendations on lodging or the best areas of the Glades to fish would be appreciated.  Thank you. - Don Beard

A: Captain Pat Kelly is one of the best in that area for snook, and he gets a lot of big fish in April and May. He can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 863-644-4401. Pat used to keep a house down there where he lodges his clients—may still have it. Otherwise, check with him on suggestions for lodging at Chokoloskee or Everglades City. Tight lines, Frank Sargeant