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Welcome to 'poonville

Written by Oscar Cid

AS SEEN IN THE WINTER 2003/04 ISSUE

Lurking in the shadows of Miami, packs of hungry tarpon are waiting for you...

Gorgeous moonlit nights and silvery kings dancing below the surface to the beat of the nightlife is what I consider prime time tarpon fishing at its finest. All of the major inlets in South Florida are notorious feeding grounds during the winter months for the mightiest of all inshore species, the tarpon. When the thermometer dips below average, fish ranging in size from 10 to 200 lbs. inhabit most canals, basins and jetties in the southern portion of the State.

Year in and year out anglers cash in on some of the most consistent and exciting action Florida has to offer and nowhere is this truer than in Dade County. Here, hordes of hungry tarpon along with a big number of monster snook inhabit Haulover, Government, Norris and Bear Cuts and most bridges and causeways in between.

A certainty to count on is once the first real cold front rolls in, the night time tarpon bite turns red hot and the cooler the air temperature, the better the fishing! From winter through the first warm spell of the spring season, these fish are here to cash in on the massive bait movements spurred by the strong outgoing winter tides. Finding yourself in the middle of a strong ebb tide and a stiff cold front could very well result in a tarpon trip of a lifetime. Mastering winter time tarpon fishing requires that anglers truly understand the pattern of our annual shrimp migration. For starters, the old myth of shrimp only run during the full moon, is about to be dispelled. Shrimp do not use the moon as a tool to migrate, nor does the moon trigger a migration amongst the species. It’s the increased tidal movement surrounding new and full moon periods which cause the shrimp to move. Throughout the winter months, huge numbers of shrimp begin to gather in particular areas of Biscayne National Park and go into a holding pattern.

Areas of the Park that hold the greatest number of shrimp include Featherbed Bank, The Mudhole, Black Ledge and the entire stretch of hard bottom around Chicken Key and Turkey Point. The largest of all of the shrimp gather in the deepest part of Biscayne Bay which is just west of Black Ledge. Keep in mind, these crustaceans came from the Gulf and have traveled through Card Sound while working their way into Biscayne Bay. By studying moon phases and the effect they have on tides, you can predict when the shrimp will begin to gather and when they will begin to move. As the schools continue to grow in size, you’ll notice the shrimp changing from what are commonly referred to as Key West Pinks which are completely white, to a more pronounced shade of red. This is the first sign a shrimp run is imminent. If you are getting red shrimp at the bait shop you can rest assured that a shrimp run is about to commence or it’s in full swing. As the New Year overtakes us and the weather really turns cold and nasty, you’ll notice that the shrimp have now taken on an extremely dark appearance.

This is when you need to get out your foul weather gear and check all the lights on your boat and trailer because the night time tarpon action is about to explode! As previously mentioned, what actually triggers the shrimp run is not the full moon period. As a matter of fact shrimp are terrified of light and will bury themselves during full moon phases in an attempt to avoid detection by predators. The discoloration often seen in the tail of shrimp is referred to as tail rot and is caused by the shrimp burying itself for an extended period of time. As a former commercial shrimper, I can remember nights when the moon was directly overhead and the entire Black Point commercial shrimp fleet would moor together, patiently waiting for cloud cover or the moon to drop under the two o’clock position. The only advantage a full moon phase offers anglers and dip-netters is the added ability to see the shrimp’s small beady eyes as they drift by in the current. What actually triggers the shrimp run is a combination of an already low winter tide coupled with the extremely windy conditions associated with a passing cold front. The powerful force of the wind on an already fast tide prevents the shrimp from holding on to the bottom. The strong flow of water carries the shrimp right out the nearest inlet and into the open ocean where they head out to begin their spawning rituals.

Now that we’ve had our shrimp lesson for the day, let’s begin on the northern end of Dade County and discuss some of Miami’s ‘hot spots’. As one of the smallest inlets, Haulover Cut can be difficult and dangerous to fish. Not only does an ebbing tide roar out of the inlet at freight train speeds but a nasty chop also builds about halfway out the jetty, a place you will certainly be once you’re hooked up. This is not a place for inexperienced boat handlers. Putting that a side, if I had to pick a single favorite area for a night full of tarpon action, Haulover Cut would be it. Haulover Cut also houses an incredible snook population and these linesiders have no shame, displaying their traditional ‘popping’ feeding frenzies right before your eyes. Haulover is one of the only areas where I will use a variety of baits. My usual spread consists of a three rod drift. One rod baited with a tail hooked mullet which is fished deeper in the water column, a jumbo shrimp flat lined on the surface and a third rod with either a pigfish or grunt fished along the bottom for that monster snook prowling in the rocks. Remember that the primary forage in this area is in fact mullet, so any soft plastic, plug or jig in a light color will also produce fish. Stealth is of no importance in Haulover Cut as there’s no way you’ll be able to shut down and maintain control of your boat with the incredible tidal flow. For land based anglers, pitching jigs right under the south side of the bridge at Haulover Cut consistently yields small tarpon and 20 + pound snook. The end of the jetty is also extremely productive for snook as there have been countless fish brought up on the rocks.

For those in search of a real trophy snook, try fishing a live croaker right at the edge of the sandbar at the Cut. You have to be there at daybreak as the bite only lasts for a very short period, but if you time it right you’re almost guaranteed a nice fish or two. Another exciting tarpon hole made famous by one of the best guides in South Florida is the many charter and party boat slips just north of Haulover Cut. On any given night tarpon of all sizes cruise from slip to slip looking for fish carcasses. Drifting just outside the area with chunk baits rarely goes unnoticed and fresh bonito chunks take top honors here. The trick comes in landing one between all the pilings, props, rudders and shafts littering the area. If you know someone who has managed to accomplish such a feat, let me know. Early in the winter season, drifting under the light of the moon along the beaches around Haulover Cut can be fantastic. The key is to drift along with the tide roughly 100 yards from shore. When fishing for tarpon in this area, one rod should always be rigged with a shrimp and one or two more with crabs. This simple spread will present the tarpon in the area with two primary food sources at different depths. Let’s talk a little bit about Oleata State Park which ends at the Sunny Isles Bridge. A great spot that consistently holds fish, however, much less frequented due to boat traffic.

The Oleata River will hold tarpon almost to the end but the fish tend to be smaller the further up you go. This area is geared more for the inshore fisherman since quarters are a bit more confined. If conditions are a bit too nasty to safely fish Haulover Cut, try moving into the Surf Side area where you can fish a little bridge in Bal Harbor known as Kane Concourse. The preferred bait here is a medium sized mullet fished right in the shadow lines. Again, an outgoing tide is preferred for this particular situation. In and around Haulover Cut there are hundreds of lit docks that hold teenage tarpon throughout the winter so don’t be afraid to explore the vicinity. With the exception of the sandbar just west of the inlet, there is plenty of water so navigating your way around shouldn’t be too difficult. If you still feel uneasy navigating in the dark, head out before sundown and familiarize yourself with the area. This is also a great time to get some quality baits for the well! Another of my personal favorites and probably the most consistent area to fish for tarpon in Miami would have to be Government Cut. It boasts one of the most beautiful skylines in the world. Starting at the turning basin, all three bridges hold tarpon.

The multitudes of bayside dock slips also hold lunker snook and you’ll continuously see tarpon rolling right in the marina amongst the thousands of partygoers! A bit more south and into the mouth of the Miami River, you’ll find the SE 8th Street Bridge (Brickell Key Dr). This bridge holds a decent amount of fish but only if the water coming out of the river is clean, an unfortunate rarity. McArthur Causeway, made famous by the purple neon lights is also home to a decent tarpon population as fish of mixed sizes can be seen busting the huge schools of baitfish holding between the spans. Anything goes here as one minute you might be tangling with a huge ladyfish, the next with a 3 lb. mangrove and finally with a leaping 100 lb. silver king. The Venetian Causeway is the next small bridge and is almost within casting distance of the McArthur. This small bridge provided a much more productive fishery prior to its renovation. The good thing is that all the monster tarpon that were held here went right into the marina just few yards to the north. Good luck soaking a bait in here though as if the security guards don’t get ya, the pilings most certainly will. If all else fails, the small bridge just a bit further north on the eastern end of 195 is a great backup spot. You can also make the run there through protected areas if the weather isn’t cooperating. All of these locations can be effectively fished with a variety of natural and artificial baits although a live mullet is the #1 recommendation. A second choice would be a large shrimp pitched to any rolling fish you might see. Regardless of bait choices, having a pitch rod ready to go at all times is definitely a good idea as you just never know when a pack of tarpon will pop up.

In Government Cut, moving into the port itself puts you in a completely different world and a whole new set of circumstances. Here the ONLY bait to use is the biggest, baddest, meanest shrimp you can get your hands on. When the bad boy hurts you more than it hurt him to get a hook through his head, you know you’ve got the right stuff! What you’re looking for throughout the port are the many lights that shine brightly into the water. These lit areas will have fish holding either in the perimeter of the light or directly underneath it, providing easy and quick access to passing baits. Nothing is more exciting than watching several tarpon charging your jumbo shrimp. I have found the most productive approach when fishing these shadows is to hold steady off a bumper or just outside the area with a trolling motor and cast to rolling fish in the shadows. These tarpon are not boat shy and will rarely spook. A hooked fish will scatter the pack but they’ll quickly return to continue feeding. During the peak periods of a shrimp run, the action throughout the port can be intense. Often, you can choose the individual fish you’d like to catch by simply waiting for him to pop up again. For those that can punch a fly into the wind, fishing these shadow lines throughout the port is an incredible opportunity to land a king size ‘poon on fly. Any shrimp pattern will work great as long as it’s big.

These fish are hungry and generally choose the largest baits of the bunch while ignoring the smaller guys. While fishing Government Cut one thing to keep in mind is matching your tackle to the surrounding water depth. This area including the turning basin is at least 40’ deep and big tarpon will often sound after only a few jumps. Personally, I’m an avid light tackle angler however raising a 70+ lb. fish from the deep will push anything lighter than 20 lb. class gear to its very limits. Beefed up tackle will also provide that extra power needed to turn a fish quickly and decisively. You can also count on the smaller fish in the 10 to 50 lb. range running you all around the place. Don’t forget about that tide either. You’ll be amazed how much distance you will travel while in the heat of battle. No worries though, the ride back is a welcome break and provides plenty of time for high five’s and a refreshing drink.

In Government Cut there are many slips that line the port and luckily for us, most are well lit. All the way to the south rock jetty these slips will hold fish. In addition to tarpon, you’ll often find schools of ladyfish, jacks and spanish mackerel busting the schools of bait. The elbow, or loading dock on the south side of the port is another one of those “oh my goodness” spots that can leave you breathless during all out shrimp runs. Fishing the actual inlet at Government Cut can be a bit tricky and requires good electronics and an even better skipper. A quality fish finder will help locate the tarpon and pinpoint the depth they’re holding at while a good captain is required to handle the conditions and any additional traffic. At this point, the shrimp will have begun to work their way deeper into the water column and you’ll sometimes be fishing as deep as 40’ to 45’. After you’ve determined the correct depth, a two rod spread is sufficient and allows for a picture perfect presentation.

A crab on one and a shrimp on the other both rigged with breakaway sinker rigs (see sidebar). You’ll land a greater percentage of tarpon when using breakaway sinkers since there is no additional weight pulling the hook from the fish’s mouth. Finally and to the south, there are Norris and Bear Cuts. Tarpon action along the beaches around these Cuts can be exceptional. Throughout the winter months fish these areas in the same fashion as you would in the northern end of the County, with both shrimp and crab presentations. Although as 2004 progresses and April finally rolls, you might want to fish crabs exclusively. Norris Cut is famous for the exceptionally large late season fish it yields and some day a 200+ lb. tarpon will be pulled form there, if it hasn’t already. Bear Cut also holds some very large tarpon and can be much easier to fish providing the weather cooperates. The size of this particular pass consumes about 20 minutes per drift, allowing you to maximize the amount of time your bait is soaking. While in Bear Cut, it’s definitely worth exploring the University of Miami docks on the southwest end of the bridge. The largest concentrations of both tarpon and snook seem to be held up here during the winter months. The island inside of Crandon Park Marina is also worthy of mention. If and when the weather turns really cold, try throwing a livie under one of the many moored sailboats. Believe it or not, the keels of these boats retain heat and always deserve a cast or two.

About the only drawback to winter tarpon fishing would have to be the elements. Unfortunately the shrimp run best during the worst of conditions. Everyone knows that cold fronts are commonly associated with strong winds which can create extremely nasty conditions. Take into consideration that it’s January or February and were faced with the chilliest temperatures of the year. Safety is paramount when fishing in inclement weather and for all of those in small skiffs, especially while fishing in the dark. All of the above waterways can get real bad, real fast. Security is also an issue at the above mentioned ports so use common sense. And remember; never, ever leave the wheel and/or throttle unattended. A good situation can turn bad in only seconds so always pay close attention to your surroundings. If you’re one of those anglers who has no fear of inclement weather and doesn’t mind fishing at night, then winter tarpon fishing in Miami was made for you. Combining an outgoing tide with the right conditions during approaching cold fronts will result in some of the most spectacular tarpon action you’ve ever seen. Whenever you did get a chance to fish at any of the above areas, keep your eye out for a baby blue Sterling 17. That’s me chasing silver kings in Poonville.

breakaway sinker rigs:
A break-away sinker rig is designed to allow the sinker to break away from your line as a
fish picks up the bait. One secret to successful tarpon fishing is to only use enough weight
to keep your line as vertical as possible as you drift. On occasions you may have to bump
the boat in and out of gear to achieve the desired presentation. I prefer a 10’ length of leader
material for a breakaway sinker rig as the extra long leader keeps the sinker well away from
the bait, allowing for a more natural presentation. Once a fish picks up the bait, your line
will come tight and the sinker will fall off.
STEP 1 —
Cut rubber band into 1”
piece and store in a safe place
STEP 2 —
Make a simple loop
in the leader and slide
through the egg sinker
STEP 3 —
Place 1” strip of rubber
band into end of loop
STEP 4 —
Pull leader into sinker
until rubber band is secured
and barely exposed

About the Author:

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Oscar Cid has spent the past 20 years fishing both the inshore and offshore waters of South Florida and the Keys. After ten years of fishing the southeast coast, Oscar moved to Tampa and began exploring the backcountry areas common on the west coast. Finding a passion for the sport, Oscar began posting reports for several fishing related websites and provided content on various fishing related topics. He became the Tampa regional editor for Woods and Water Magazine supplying reports and feature articles for the publication. After 15 years in a corporate environment, Oscar hung up his suits and became a commercial shrimp fisherman, fishing the lower Biscayne Bay and Card Sound. He now represents the South Florida Sport Fishing Magazine as Inshore Editor. You can reach him at 954-942-7261.

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