
Young fisherman with Redfish. PHOTOS BY CAPTAIN RAPPS
Capt. Pete Rapps
CaptainRapps@gmail.com
Here in the 10,000 Islands we target many different species of fish throughout the year. As the seasons change, so do our target species and methods of how and where we fish for them. Our top shallow water targets include Snook, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Tarpon. In addition to these four, we catch Snapper, Sheepshead, Shark, Tripletail, Pompano, Permit, Cobia, Gag and Red Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Flounder, Catfish, Jack Crevalle, Ladyfish, and a few others. Below is a very brief explanation of our top four targets.
Snook: There is great prestige in catching this very elusive, highly sought-after sport and table fish. We target them all year long. Currently, you can only target them as “Catch and Release”, however when the season is open, you can keep one that is between the length of 28” to 33”. That is a 5” slot for the table, which really limits the amount taken from our pristine fishery, and has helped repopulate these fantastic fish. In the months of April through November, I like to fish for Snook in and around the mangrove islands along the edge of

Highly sought Snook.
Speckled trout are one of the premiere game fish of our shallow water grass flats. Not only are they great table fare, but they are terrific topwater fighters! When hooked on light spinning tackle, it will give you quite a show as it dances and thrashes wildly on the surface as it attempts to regain its freedom. Speckled trout are known by many different names such as spotted sea trout, trout, or just specks. They are silver in color with olive-green tints on their back, and numerous small black dots

Speckled Trout.
Redfish are a super challenging opponent on the grass beds and flats using light spin tackle. The shallower the water, the more thrilling the fight. The bulk of small marine life and food will be found in shallow water around structures and near grassy cover. This offers the small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks protection from predators. Therefore, Redfish will be found near this abundant food supply. Redfish are easily identifiable by the body spot near their tail. They typically have one spot on each side, but I have seen as many as twelve spots on these pretty fish.
Tarpon: These acrobatic sport fish come in all different

A mighty Tarpon.
Captain Rapps’ Charters & Guides offers family friendly expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades National Park, and Tarpon-only charters in the Florida Keys. Capt. Rapps’ top notch fleet accommodates men, women, & children of all ages, experienced or not. Between their vast knowledge & experience of the area, and easy going demeanors, you are guaranteed to have a great day. Book your charter 24/7 using the online booking calendar, and see Capt. Rapps’ first class web site for Booking info, Videos, Recipes, Seasonings, and more at www.CaptainRapps.com
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