Bob Burkard: We have two outings in April
(1)Hillsborough River and (2) Everglades Canals
We are having two official club outings this month. On Saturday, April 21 we are fly fishing the Hillsborough River from Trout Creek Conservation Park . Then, we are having a second multi-day outing April 26-30, Thursday-Sunday where our members will be fly fishing for exotics and native fishes in the Everglades canals.
#1: Trout Creek Conservation Park on the Hillsborough River, Saturday, April 22
It’s just a little north of Temple Terrace. You’ll Take I-4, then go north on I-75 and exit on Morris Bridge Road. Kayak and canoe fishers will find lots of fishy locations. There are a few places near the park where you can fly cast from shore. Here’s a link to more park info.
Fly fish in the morning then meet up by noon for a picnic lunch at a park picnic table. You’ll see the Suncoast Fly Fishers sign. A $10 gift certificate goes to the member catching the longest bass. Measure it and take a picture of it before you release it.
#2: Everglades Exotics Outing, April 26 to April 30
Fly fishing for bass, bream, and exotics in the Everglade canals has become a Suncoast Fly Fishers tradition. Since joining our club 10 years ago, I have heard many stories of hundreds of fish caught per day in these canals. I am excited to be a part of this adventure this year.
Two groups of our SFF anglers will be heading to the Everglades in late April to catch hundreds of exotics—peacock bass, cichlids, oscars, jaguar guapotes – plus native fishes– snook, bass, bream. And, yeah, mudfish. A $10 gift certificate awaits the member who catches the longest exotic. That’s probably going to be a peacock bass.
Bruce Evensen and Bill Scarola are leading one group which will be staying at Roland and Mary Ann Martin Marina & Resort in Clewiston, which is on the south side of Lake Okeechobee. This group fishes on some especially productive waters off of the New River Canal that parallels Highway 27 south of Clewiston. Talk to Bruce or Bill at the meeting.
Alan Sewell is your go-to person for fishing canal waters farther south. This group will be staying at the La Quinta Inn in Sunrise near Fort Lauderdale. Talk to Alan at the meeting.
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P2/Bob Burkard: We have two outings in April
(1)Hillsborough River and (2) Everglades Canals
If you’re interested in either of these expeditions then attend Thursday’s meeting to get up to date information as well as what gear to bring and where the groups will be fishing. You can call the hotels to reserve a room (if available). Be sure to tell them you’re with the Suncoast Fly Fishers to get a discount.
Club Picnic on Saturday, Alligator Alley (I75) Rest Area, Mile Marker 34
Both fly groups will meet up at noon on Saturday or a club-sponsored picnic lunch and to compare fishy stories. Look for the SFF sign at one of the picnic tables. This rest area is about 11 miles west of the Toll Plaza. It has a boat ramp, too. Here’s a link to more rest area info.