Fly Fishing

catdog · Posted: Thu 03/02/06 2:44 pm Post subject: Any dangers in Florida Wading?

I've been going to Sanibel Island Florida these past few years in February. Just returned from a great trip and great fishing. I tend to wade into the backcountry waters around Blind Pass and always have great luck. This year was no different - I brought home and cooked up a 28 inch snook, after having released a smaller one, plus some good size jacks and trout.

But are there any serious dangers to wading in water up to 4 and 1/2 feet?
This trip lots of dolphins swam by - in three feet of water very close to me- incredible. Past trips have brought me within close contact of manatee.

The fishing is always fantastic - sea trout, ladyfish, reds, snook and jacks. But am I risking life or limb in any way? The guys at the "Baitbox" told me sharks come out later in the year. Any comments would be welcome.[/b]

waterwhippa · Location: Upstate, NY

These guys www.fliesandfinssouth.com will be able to answer your question for sure.

Marcel_Karssies · Location: Enschede - The Netherlands

The dangers: Lightning, too much sun, stingrays, sharks, alligators, addictive fishing etc.
Nothing that can be avoided though Smile

I can remember that instance when I walked up to a Naples beach entrance one morning when this lady yelled to me "Stop, do not go there. You never want to leave". Could not put it better.

Blue skies

Then heavy rains and thunder

Stingrays

Alligators

Addictive fishing

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

i personally don't worry about it to much - but then again i don't not worry at all... i am very careful where i step and i look around before getting close to any water - cuz ya just never know what might be waiting there for you... common sense - and sound judgment are certainly the order of the day when i am in any territory where i am not at the top of the food chain... i was down there a couple weeks ago fly fishing and shot this little snippet - i have no doubt that if i had coming crashing through the mangroves from the land side and stubbled into this guy - he probably would have not been to happy about it - and losing a limb on a fly fishing trip would suck.. big time...... just my 2 cents --- procede with cautiion and have fun... [url]http://www.fliesandfins.com/gator.wmv[/url]

catdog · Posted: Fri 03/03/06 11:47 am Post subject:

Thanks for the replies.
Marcel - those are some nice photos. I wish I could take more pics but I tend to go out alone (away from the wife and kids for a few hours). Sometime I'll have to just bring the camera.

I haven't heard of any fly fisherman getting chomped by sharks - but then again - not many people do it while wading.
Here was my prize (and dinner) for the day.

Marcel_Karssies · Location: Enschede - The Netherlands

Nice Snook, one from the beach ?

I have seen sharks around but never have been bothered by them.
Something did scare my pants off though when I was wading the beach
early morning when it was still dark.
I was wading out and something hit me with great force at the back of my
feet.
It turned out to be a big stingray which scooted off with light speed to deeper water after the incident.
I think I jumped clear out of the water at that moment Smile

I would take care wading murky water especially at low light conditions or in the neighbourhood of fishing piers.
I have seen some pretty big sharks roaming the shallows at Naples pier during those periods, best to avoid them.