[stevegibson]

I use none other than my D.T. Special (variation). Haven’t used any other snook fly in years.

D.T. Special:

Snook:

Voila!:

[stevegibson]

Steve,
What are you using to build up the body before putting on the mylar?
D.

I use Bodi-Braid.

Here’s a link to the recipe:

http://floridaflyfishing.ning.com/forum/topics/tying-the-myakka-minnow

[stevegibson]

Yeah, FL resource managers put the peacocks there on purpose and consider them to be valuable.  Most of the guys that target them are pretty hard core about C&R.  They provide a great backyard/golf course/urban fishery for south Floridians.  I’ve always wanted to make a south FL trip focusing on all exotic spp.  Recent posts have really re-kindled that interest.

G

One of my favorite things to do is drive a couple of hours south to The Everglades and fly fish for the exotics. On one trip the Holiday Everglades Park last May, we got 59 largemouth, 47 peacock bass, a dozen large oscar, 20 Mayan cichilds, several bluegill, shellcracker and speckled perch.

I used a popper and dropper for a short while and actually caught two peacock bass at the same time!

It’s a very amazing fishery.

[stevegibson]

Dan, I’d love to! I’ve always wanted to return to my home state and do some trout fishing! Would love to offer you a trade for trips!

[stevegibson]

Those peacocks probably screwed things up pretty good as well.  You might have caught a tilapia.  I think they have a lot of them in HI.

It’s interesting, though, that peacock bass were stocked in South Florida waters by the state in 1984.

[stevegibson]

Dan, the link doesn’t work.

Here’s one that does: http://www.mtnriverhome.com/Berger_Chronicles.html

BTW, I was born in WV.

[stevegibson]

They’re invasives that the good people of Florida let go from their aquariums into the glades and canals to give their pets a better life, screw things up a bit more, and also give the local anglers another target species.  Kinda like the giant goldfish that scare the crap out of me from time to time here.

Steve-  Do you get rio grandes too?

No Rio Grandes as far as I know.

[stevegibson]

Well done, but tell me about the Oscars if you can. I have had freshwater aquariums in the past, and I had Oscars and Tiger Oscars. I always thought they were aquarium fish, but I guess they are local for you? I think they are S. American Cichlids, so I guess I don’t understand how you would be catching them in your neck of the woods. Are they indigenous fish?

D.

Oscars trace their roots in Florida back to 1954 when an aquarium owner dumped his/her fish into the backyard pond or canal.

Florida fisheries biologists dislike them (and other exotics), but they’re here to stay.

[stevegibson]

Thanks Steve, that looks like a very effective warm water pattern.  Nice pattern, thanks for sharing.

I hope you don’t mind, but the link below describes the recipe for others to follow the instructions. Are you Southern Steve on that board?

http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/f40/mighty-myakka-minnow-3822.html

Do you use Epoxy to finish the fly?  

Yes, I am Southern Steve on that forum. And, yes, I use epoxy to finish the fly.

[stevegibson]

Nice job Steve.

Is that the Tamiami Trail in the background of #3?

My father used to take me to the Glades and Lake Okeechobee when I was a kid (early 60s). Your photos jogged the memory some. I remember the Seminole Indians had chickees along the highway that were on stilts. I also remember Frog City as a place to gas up the car and boat and get bait.

I’ve been to the Keys several times since but not the Everglades. A spring trip to Flamingo may be in order.

Thanks again for posting.

No, that’s Alligator Alley. There are several recreation areas along the Alley. We launched at Mile Marker 42.

[stevegibson]

Thank you for your kind words — and for the referrals. I appreciate it very much.

I owe you a trip. Contact me and let’s go fishing!

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