Ocean Explorer Magazine Miami show 2015 | Page 17

into the zone correctly is the difference between a snag and FISH ON. The exciting thing is that you never know what the next cast could catch. The first catch was a bass than the next cast is a snook and than the next a channel cat. There are so many species here to catch from the freshwater fish; bass, bluegill, catfish, shell crackers, tilapia, and Florida gar. The saltwater fish are; snook, tarpon, redfish, and mullet. You can even net some real nice size blue crabs for a crab steam pot dinner. Or grab a soft-shell turtle if you like turtle stew or fried turtle. The variety of species in these waters supported Indians for thousands of years. The best place to fish for pan fish (shellcrackers fossilized shark teeth and prehistoric mammal and bluegills) are the bigger log jambs, using bones crickets or worms. Snook seem to like the deeper This river is also one of the few that you can run holes, and bass are on every log or stump you an airboat in, and on a weekend you will see up to find. Mullet are moving throughout the river and 30-50 boats running the river, enjoying the wildlife, eddies, but you will need a cast net for them as fishing and camping. You can see turkeys, deer, well as Tilapia. otters, hogs, turtles, alligators, and many species Farther down the river, you can find the Tarpon of birds including eagles and ospreys. So don’t and Redfish, and don’t forget to stop and have forget your binoculars and camera when visiting lunch at the Navigator Restaurant. This place has this ancient river. There are many places to camp, great food and beautiful old Florida decor. but remember to live like the Indians and always Sight seeing trips and fishing guides also run out pick up your trash and keep this beautiful river the way it was. And if you see something that of the marina basin there. Enjoy the day exploring somebody else left, do the right thing and pick the Peace River with your family, and rememember it up. If you make a campfire, be sure to keep it to leave the river the way it has been for thousands under control and extinguished thoroughly when of years. done. Do your part to keep this river clean for many more generations to enjoy. Fishing this incredible river is not only peaceful but holds many species of salt and freshwater fish. You can throw artificial plugs or cast net live bait such as shiners, chubs, and even herring. There are a lot of logs and trees in the river, so I like to use Power Pro, as my mainline, tied to 20-30 lb. leader and a loop knot at my lure or hook to give it that extra action, especially when using small baits. I have mounted a trolling motor on the front of my Airboat to fish these waters stealthfully and thoroughly. There are a lot of trees that you have to skip your tackle under and being able to throw Page 17