Greetings all. I am new to salt water fly fishing and was looking for some recommendations on a good understanding and patient guide in the 10000 islands and everglades area. Also what would be the best time of year to to fish the area for snook and reds. Thanks in advance.
Dear Beaty, call Capt Tom Shadley at Mangrove Outfitters in Naples at 239-793-3370. Tom is an FFF Certified Casting Instructor and knowledgeable guide. There is some great backcountry fly fishing in Rookery Bay and in close to Naples. Tell him that Mike Franz sent you. Best Fishes, Mike
errr, Mikemv beat me to it…also an excellent guide, Capt. Dave Prikett out of Chokoloskee’s Outdoor Resorts. Dave cut his teeth down there.
ps…you’re in for a treat, “God’s Country” for sure.
here are a few sites that may answer your questions…I’ve fished down there for 15 years, and love it. [url=http://www.chokoloskee.com/fishing.html:9faf8]http://www.chokoloskee.com/fishing.html[/url:9faf8]
[This message has been edited by Flats Dude (edited 02 February 2005).]
[This message has been edited by Flats Dude (edited 02 February 2005).]
Hmmmm, the link I put in for Dave didn’t work, he may have moved on…oh well, good luck.
[This message has been edited by Flats Dude (edited 02 February 2005).]
Mikemv, Flats dude, Thanks for the suggestions. Flats dude, I really enjoy your articles. As a fifth generation Floridan I can relate, even though I am from the other Florida (north). No snook up here.
Thanks Beaty…the old Florida was surely a better place, more laid back and not so crowded. I haven’t spent too much time in North Florida, but the areas around the bend area have always looked interesting.
As a native, multigenerational Georgian in ATL, I can tell you that your yankee problem is contagious and has spread here as well. The lakes, rivers, fileds, and woods all get more crowded too, b/c they don’t just stay at work or in the suburbs.
Yankee problem???
Them’s fighin’ words 
This used to be a very interesting area, but St. Joe co. entered the land develoment business and it has become nothing but strip malls, condos, and subdivisions. There even building a Wal-Mart. Wakulla county has sold its soul and I hate it. If it wasn’t for the school system and the sand gnats, I don’t know what I would do.
I was just venting. Once you get this marsh mud in your toes, it is hard to leave. It is still a great place to live and fish.