Everglades and new species

I took Bob Parker, president of the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers, on his first Everglades exotic expedition. Fishing actually was a little slow, but picked up in the afternoon.

I caught a species that I've neer caught before. It's some sort of cichlid, but I cannot find it on the Internet. The fish is very strong and determined.

On the day, we caught 150-175 bass, bluegill, stumpknocker, Mayan cichlids and the three mystery cichlids.

We caught 95 percent of our fish on gold No. 12 Myakka Minnows.

Bob also was introduced to oscar, the bulldog of the 'Glades. He was defeated easily, breaking off the only two he hooked in the afternoon.

'Glades fishing will be good for another month, then it will be too hot and rainy until fall.

Mystery cichlid:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...1/DSC03803.jpg

Bob's first Mayan:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...1/DSC03812.jpg

Bob getting defeated by an oscar:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...1/DSC03806.jpg

I don't think its new. Looks like a Spotted Tilapia. Link below.

Spotted Tilapia

Hmmm, I didn't even think about tilapia. Anyway, what I meant was that it's a new fish to me.

Fought pretty decently.

I think its a blast to catch beautiful fish like that. A nice change of pace to the bluegills I normally catch here. And those exotics sure ARE strong!

Color me green with envy.

Greg