News

Fall 2019 Redfish Report August 24 2019

With Fall quickly approaching, our redfish bite is picking up. Check out the link below to see what Captain Roan has to say.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qelD_IIKHAI


Beach Snookin with Captain Roan Z August 24 2019

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_zPVwSeXbmk

Check out the link above to see what we use when targeting beach snook.


Necessities for Fishing the Florida Everglades August 24 2019

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-UD2i4uX-xo

Click the link above to check out what I always have in my fly box when fishing down in the Everglades.


Octopus Grouper Jigs August 24 2019

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ibu4S7_FMrk

Click the link above to check out how we make our famous octopus grouper jigs!!


Polar Fiber Brush Baitfish August 24 2019

 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gTvOXBCS5Oo

Click the link above to check out Captain Roan Z demonstrating how to tie a polar fiber baitfish pattern. All materials featured can be purchased at Mikes Bait House.


Tranluci Clouser Fly Tying Demonstration August 24 2019

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NDm9DjN8E-w 

Click the link above to get a demonstration of Captain Roan Z showing how to tie a transluci clouser. All materials used in this fly can be purchased at Mikes Bait House


Mike's baithouse and IPO weekly vlog June 22 2019

Check out this weeks vlog spot June 21st beach a d dolphin report

April Freshwater Scene 2019 April 01 2019

 

Fishing Forecast

South West Florida Freshwater Scene for April 2019

 By:  Capt Roan zumFelde. 

March Fishing has been excellent for most of the month.  Warmer than usual temps, except for a brief cold spell has charged all the fish up early this year. April looks like it is going to be warm and the fishing should continue to stay strong.  Bedding will continue and good catches on all our waters should continue.  Water in the Glades has been staying up a little more than usual for this time of the year but the fish are still hitting well in all the canals.  New update for all the fisherman we are starting a new Vlog at IPO and MBH  The Video Blog will come out weekly and be posted on You Tube and on Coastal Angler website along with our website.  It will be a short two minute rundown on our weekly fishing conditions in the Naples Marco and Everglades waters. 

Lake Okeechobee fishing in March was excellent.  Great numbers of small fish and many large ones caught on both shiners and artificial. April should continue strong and steady for both Shiner fisherman and artificial.  Sounds as if, they are going to draw the water down to below 10 feet in the lake.  Please be careful running at this level you are going to find some hidden problems for your lower units on our outboards. 

Trafford Fishing I think I am going to stop giving Trafford reports because it never seems to help since the lake conditions change so quickly.  Every time I think I know what is happening or I fish two consecutive days it seems the fish are never doing the same thing. Anyhow Bluegill Fishing seems to keep steady and strong and should be even better in April.

For the Everglades Canals If you are going to canal fish this is definitely the best month for it. Warmer water and lower water mean more fish and more kinds of fish.  Good numbers of peacock bass are showing also.

Come visit Mike and me at Mike’s Bait house and Indian Pass Outfitters on Danford Street, next to Bayview Park in Naples and we can talk fishing.  We carry a full line of tackle including:  fly rods from Echo and TFO and  Fly Reels from Galvan all fishing needs for both saltwater and freshwater, great food and  drinks, and bait. Come check out our newest line of Savage gear products.   Thanks and good fishing. Roan z

If you want to contact Capt. Roan z for a freshwater fishing trip or ask any fishing questions he can be contacted at the Shop 239-775-2248 or cell number 239-269-4426.  Check the Web Site www.indianpassoutfitters.com and www.mikesbaithouse.com

 

 

 

 

 


Too Cool Bunny March 21 2019

Check out the link below for the materials and steps to tie the Too Cool Bunny!

https://youtu.be/ZIhSQCxjWQE


Mikes Bait House Vlog 2 March 12 2019

Check out the new Vlob post featuring tips and tricks on the fishing conditions for this week!

https://youtu.be/ruoZvTEU73I  


March 2019 Fly of the Month March 04 2019

Well we are finally there laid up tarpon time.  This fly is one of my favorites for the big girls floating around the bays this time of the year  the Tarpon Snake is the fly to throw, strip it slow and steady it has the built in action to make them strike. Three colors tied on a 4/0 owner hook.  Come check them out at the shop.  


South West Florida Freshwater Scene for March March 04 2019

Fishing Forecast

South West Florida Freshwater Scene for March

 By:  Capt Roan zumFelde. 

March is here and everyone will be looking for bedding bass this month.  Whether on lakes or canals the bass should be hungry for forage to sustain themselves through the spawning time on the new moon and full moon.  I am a big believer in not messing with the fish on the spawning beds but if you must disturb them please, catch and release them swiftly and gentile. The pre-spawn and post-spawn fish should be very aggressive and searching out food which means top water baits should be on fire. Great month to fish no excuses!

Lake Okeechobee I would expect roughly the same conditions on the lake to apply from last month. With the exception being an actual increase in the spawning fish this month.  Top waters near the spawning areas where the bass are staging or coming off the beds should be excellent. Capt Jo Gene says” The  Big  O  ,  Lake  Okeechobee  Is  LOW  ...   Boater  Must  Know  Where  They're  Going  ...   Set  Down  ...   Idle  In  And  ...  Then  Possibly  Trolling  Motor  In  ...On  The  South  West  Side   ,  Harney  Pond  Canal  Area   And  ...  West  Side  ,  Indian  Prairie  Canal  Area  ...  Bass  Can  Be  Caught  On  A  Black  /  Blue  Jig  With  A  June  Bug  Trailer   ,  A  Weightless  Senko  Style  Soft  Plastic  Worm  And  Noisy  Shallow  Diving  Crank  Bait.  Thanks Jo Gene

Trafford fishing should be as good as it will get this month with large numbers of bass being caught. Water levels should have the bass positioned on the outside reed patches so dust of you pitching sticks and get fishing. Come check out our new TFO Bass rods at the shop. We also carry the Professional and Inshore series of TFO spinning rods and a full line of TFO fly rods.

For the Everglades Canals this is the month that everything starts to come into alignment.  The canals across I-75 should be excellent for both bass and cichlids.  Hopefully for you bass guys there will still be cool water temperatures which will reign in the cichlid onslaught and give you a few more bass especially early in the mornings.  The Peacocks will still be a little shy this month they are going to need a little more warmth to the water for them to really turn on.  If you want to target the bass and the larger bass try larger flies and worms. This is going to give you less strikes but it might help you put a true lunker on the line.

Come visit Mike and me at Mike’s Bait house and Indian Pass Outfitters on Danford Street, next to Bayview Park in Naples and we can talk fishing.  We carry a full line of tackle including:  fly fishing needs and both saltwater and freshwater gear, food, drink, and bait.  Thanks and good fishing. Roan z

If you want to contact Capt. Roan z for a freshwater fishing trip or ask any fishing questions he can be contacted at the Shop 239-775-2248 or cell number 239-269-4426.  Check the Web Site www.indianpassoutfitters.com and www.mikesbaithouse.com


Mikes Bait House Vlog 1 March 04 2019

Check out our new vlogs! We will be posting a new one every week relating to fishing conditions and reports for that week as well as keep you posted on what we have going on down at the shop! Click here to check out the first one! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmZ_iXt39nw


South West Florida Freshwater Scene for April 2018 April 09 2018

South West Florida Freshwater Scene for April 2018

By: Capt Roan zumFelde.

Fresh water fishing in South West Florida has been excellent most of the month of March and looks as if it will continue great right into April. I would expect continued success on both artificial and live bait on all our waters. The canals should be crushing all this month. I would small water fishing around Naples in the canals and ponds to really pick up. Small Topwater plugs like the Heddon Tiny Torpedo should crush them and they are fun to watch. Come check them out at the shop.

Lake Okeechobee fishing in March has been just beyond words for most bass anglers. Great numbers off small fish and many large ones caught on both shiners and artificials. Although from most reports I have heard that the bigger fish have been caught mainly on the artificial not the shiners. All ends of the lake have been producing and it looks like April should be world class. Winds should calm some in April which will make running the lake a little safer and more comfortable.

Trafford Fishing has been on a high for the first couple of weeks of March. The crappie fishing has been excellent and the bass fishing has been really good also. Bass on Trafford can be tough at times but March reports say they have been crushing it most days. Now for April let us hope things stay the same or even get better. My guess is that crappie will get tougher to catch but the bass might even get better. That is if water levels stay relatively constant and heat levels stay low. If these stay the norm then fishing should be great. Still your best bets are shiners trolled behind the boat as you cast worms or top-water plugs, ahead of the boat. There might be some early school fish so keep your eyes scanning the water for explosions.  

For the Everglades Canals This is one of the best months for canal fishing in the Glades. Bass will still be burning it up and the Cichlids that made it through this year’s freezes should be on full seek and destroy mode. So far not see much in the way of peacock bass but there are some mayans showing up and plenty of oscars. Bass in the canals along Hwy- 27 and the Alley are just pulverizing poppers. Catching them on two specific poppers so far, the Trail Hopper and the Wiggle Minnow, both are available at the shop.  

Come visit Mike and me at Mike’s Bait house and Indian Pass Outfitters on Danford Street, next to Bayview Park in Naples and we can talk fishing. We carry a full line of tackle including: fly rods from Echo and Fly Reels from Galvan all fishing needs for both saltwater and freshwater, great food and drinks, and bait. Thanks and good fishing. Roan z


South West Florida Freshwater Scene for March March 15 2018

March fishing should be red hot in our Freshwater lakes and Canals in South West Florida.  Check out the Blog and learn more

South West Florida Freshwater Scene for December December 08 2017


Fishing Forecast
South West Florida Freshwater Scene for December
By: Capt Roan zumFelde.

Merry Christmas to all and hope your fishing trips are wonderful and fish are plentiful. The winter winds are starting to blow and the coolness is in the air. This is not always a bad thing, it sure makes being in the outdoors more enjoyable and sometimes really stacks the fish up were they can get to a little warmer water. The bass can really fire up just before a front comes through. The only problem is if you are fishing the day after the front passes then it gets a little difficult. My only suggestion is to slow down, when you think you are moving you lure slow enough then try moving it a little slower.

Lake Okeechobee fishing should be excellent this month. Bass fishing on the lake will be in full swing and the main lake water levels should be starting to drop down and make the bass more concentrated. This should make the Rim Canal and any traditionally deeper water corridors much better. North End of the lake should really start to get good especially if the winds start to blow out of the North. Fishing for bluegills will be on the decline but Crappie should really start taking over for all you pan fisherman. Small Jigs and even flies work well on them. I like to throw small bead head Wooley Buggers for them. The bead causes a more up and down erratic action.

Ski Oleski, out at Trafford Marine is not only excited about it being the Holidays this month but thinks it is one of the best months to catch crappie on the lake. He says small jigs will catch them but Missouri minnows work the best. He believes the fishing is really getting better all the time on the lake and from what his anglers are telling him and me I do believe it is true. Bass fishing on the lake this month should be excellent as well. From top to bottom you should find plenty of bass action. If an early front brings the temps down I might suggest fishing slow sinking creature baits, or jig and pig combo in heavy cover. Something that falls relatively slow like a Senko type worm should also work well.

The Everglades Canals should really big good for all species this month. It looks like the water levels are going to get better for both bass and cichlids. The lack of rain in November, is going to really help out and bring the fish into accessible areas of the canals were we can get a lure to them. Senko type worms this month should literally wreck them. Large or small Senko’s will not matter just be sure to bring plenty with you in multiple colors. Not only do the bass eat them in the canals but the oscars, mayans, and bowfins love them. Please be extra careful when handling bowfins if they clamp down on you it is hard to get them to let go. If the water stays warm and the fronts stay to the north the fly fishing in the canals will be good on top but if the waters get cool you will need to fish weighted flies like a Clousabou to fire up the fish.

Come visit Mike and me at Mike’s Bait house and Indian Pass Outfitters on Danford Street, next to Bayview Park in Naples and we can talk fishing. We carry a full line of tackle including: fly fishing needs and both saltwater and freshwater gear, food, drink, and bait. Thanks and good fishing. Roan z
If you want to contact Capt. Roan z for a freshwater fishing trip or ask any fishing questions he can be contacted at the Shop 239-775-2248 or cell number 239-269-4426. Check the Web Site www.indianpassoutfitters.com and www.mikesbaithouse.com






We are adding new Fly Lines from Airflo like the Gulf Redfish November 30 2017

New Fly Lines from Airflo have finnaly arrived The Gulf Redfish

New Christmas Ornaments at the Bait House November 26 2017

Pick your favorite colors or your favorite NCAA team color.

New Dolphin Delights are not Just for Dolphin July 07 2017

Dolphin Delights  This is July's Fly of the month for IPO and Mike's Baithouse.  This fly is great for just about ever fish that swims and eats baitfish.  Tied with lots of flash and SF blend synthetic that sheds water and is easy to cast for a big fly.  We fish this fly offshore and inshore and I even fish it on schooling bass in the freshwater.  I tie this fly in Two sizes a 2/0 and a 4/0 but can tie it as big as a 6/0 and down to a #2.  I also like to tie it weighted on an 45 Degree Jig Hook for deeper fish and passes with lots of tide.  Come check them out at the shop or contact us for an order.

July Freshwater Scene for South West Florida July 07 2017

Summer JULY, stay inside and soak up the A/C. July and August are two tough months for freshwater fishing in this part of the world. Not impossible but tough with high water and heat and just an overall lack of enthusiasm with both the fish and the fisherman. Anyhow here is my best shot for South West Florida.

Lake Okeechobee water levels should be returning to normal. The fish should be in the heavy areas of cover in the deepest water. Most of the lake is fairly shallow but if you find good cover in deeper than usual water, flipping and pitching this cover with creature baits should work well. Fly Fishing in open water where there is light vegetation might work if you can find any schooling bass. Keep your eyes peeled that might tell you were they are.

Trafford Fishing is still only fair. With higher water you can reach back further and there should be some good activity in the most dense cover areas. I would suggest getting live shiners and slow trolling them behind the boat while you are casting top waters early and then worming any heavy cover you find with some water over it. Fly fishing for shell crackers if you can find the beds should be productive, wooly worms or san-juan worms will work but you have to find the spawning beds.

The Everglades Canals are going to be difficult. High water sends the fish deep into cover areas and out on the marshes. Not impossible to catch fish here, just do not expect to be putting the 100 and 200 fish days together. Good days would be 25 to 50 fish and you are going to have to work tight to any structure and cover. Early Morning is your best shot. Interceptor early would be a good canal to try. Golden Gate canal around any of the water structures should also produce snook, tarpon, and bass.

Come visit Mike and me at Mike’s Bait house and Indian Pass Outfitters on Danford Street, next to Bayview Park in Naples and we can talk fishing. We carry a full line of tackle including: fly fishing needs and both saltwater and freshwater gear, food, drink, and bait. Thanks and good fishing. Roan z

If you want to contact Capt. Roan z for a freshwater fishing trip or ask any fishing questions he can be contacted at the Shop 239-775-2248 or cell number 239-269-4426. Check the Web Site www.indianpassoutfitters.com and www.mikesbaithouse.com

 

 


The December Freshwater Scene for South West Florida December 12 2016

Fishing Forecast

South West Florida Freshwater Scene for December

By: Capt Roan zumFelde.

Merry Christmas to all and hope your fishing trips are wonderful and fish are plentiful. The winter winds are starting to blow and the coolness is in the air. This is not always a bad thing, it sure makes being in the outdoors more enjoyable and sometimes really stacks the fish up were they can get to a little warmer water. The bass can really fire up just before a front comes through. The only problem is if you are fishing the day after the front passes then it gets a little difficult. My only suggestion is to slow down, when you think you are moving you lure slow enough then try moving it a little slower.

Lake Okeechobee fishing should be excellent this month. Bass fishing on the lake will be in full swing and the main lake water levels should be starting to drop down and make the bass more concentrated. This should make the Rim Canal and any traditionally deeper water corridors much better. North End of the lake should really start to get good especially if the winds start to blow out of the North. Fishing for bluegills will be on the decline but Crappie should really start taking over for all you pan fisherman. Small Jigs and even flies work well on them. I like to throw small bead head Wooley Buggers for them. The bead causes a more up and down erratic action.  

Ski Oleski, out at Trafford Marine is not only excited about it being the Holidays this month but thinks it is one of the best months to catch crappie on the lake. He says small jigs will catch them but Missouri minnows work the best. He believes the fishing is really getting better all the time on the lake and from what his anglers are telling him and me I do believe it is true. Bass fishing on the lake this month should be excellent as well. From top to bottom you should find plenty of bass action. If an early front brings the temps down I might suggest fishing slow sinking creature baits, or jig and pig combo in heavy cover. Something that falls relatively slow like a Senko type worm should also work well.  

The Everglades Canals should really big good for all species this month. It looks like the water levels are going to get perfect for both bass and cichlids. The lack of rain in November, is going to really help out and bring the fish into accessible areas of the canals were we can get a lure to them. Senko type worms this month should literally wreck them. Large or small Senko’s will not matter just be sure to bring plenty with you in multiple colors. Not only do the bass eat them in the canals but the oscars, mayans, and bowfins love them. Please be extra careful when handling bowfins if they clamp down on you it is hard to get them to let go. If the water stays warm and the fronts stay to the north the fly fishing in the canals will be good on top but if the waters get cool you will need to fish weighted flies like a Clousabou to fire up the fish.  A great canal to fish on foot this time of the year is the Highway 29 canal between I- 75 and U.S. 41. There is some great fishing and easy parking areas along the highway and plenty of different species to catch. The closer to I-75 the more bass and cichlids you will find and the closer to 41, snook and tarpon will be a more likely target. Look for structure like down trees fallen into the canal and canal corners and anywhere there is water coming off the marshes and into the main canal. Because there can be snook and tarpon I would recommend using at least 30lb leader attached to your main line. Fly fishing this canal can be tricky but not impossible you will just have to pick your spots. Good recon is important.

Come visit Mike and me at Mike’s Bait house and Indian Pass Outfitters on Danford Street, next to Bayview Park in Naples and we can talk fishing. We carry a full line of tackle including: fly fishing needs and both saltwater and freshwater gear, food, drink, and bait. Thanks and good fishing. Roan z

If you want to contact Capt. Roan z for a freshwater fishing trip or ask any fishing questions he can be contacted at the Shop 239-775-2248 or cell number 239-269-4426. Check the Web Site www.indianpassoutfitters.com and www.mikesbaithouse.com


Testing the New Pola Candies with Mike and Ritch February 15 2016

Blk Purple Polla Candy

 

Went out testing the new flies that we will be listing in the near future. Still tweaking a little.  They are the Pola Candy.  They will be tied in 6 or 7 color combinations.  This one is the Black and Purple.  This fly uses a new material that we will also be stocking from now on called Pola Fiber Brushes.  You will not believe what these things look like in the water.  These are a couple of fish we tried them out on the other day.  Keep checking with us for them.  We have a small stock of them at the baithouse now, but working on more in the future.  Still getting the new brushes in also.  Slow in coming but Fishient products has never been easy to get!


Fly of the Month For February TRAIL HOPPERS February 12 2016

The CJ’s Trail Hopper

This Fly is a condensed version of a Gurgler with  a little more Foam and Buoyancy.  It really Wiggles a splashes in the water.  This is one of my favorite Bass Flies in the Everglades and even on the Clear lakes in Highlands County.  We tie this fly in lots of colors, but these pictured are the best colors I have found.  This fly was originally tied for Snook and Tarpon on the Trail Canals, but has quickly become my favorite for Bass in the Glades. You can see them in person at the Shop or check them out on line at www.mikesbaithouse.com 

Easy to tie and to Fish.

Materials List:

Flat Waxed Nylon Thread

Gamakatsu B10S or Mustad Signature BLN52S Size 2

Craft Foam Color of Choice.

Pola Fiber or Craft Fur, Either works well

Medium Pearl Estaz or your choice of Color but pearl can work for all Foam Colors

Couple of Strands of Flash either Polarflash or Flashabou.

 


Fly of the Month for January Synthetic Clouser Chartreuse January 08 2016

Synthetic Flash Clouser in Chartreuse

 

This Version of the Clouser Minnow is tied with All synthetic materials.  IT has large dumbbell eyes and the eyes are coated with Epoxy to resist chipping and to protect the thread wraps.  Plus it just looks cool.  We tie this fly in multiple colors and two sizes.  IT can be fished just about anywhere from beach to Backcountry.  Many people say if they had only one fly to fish it would be this one. 

 

Materials list for the fly:

 

#4 or #6 Mustad Shrimp Hook.

Ex-Small and Medium Dumbell Eyes color of choice

Any type of synthetic material, I like SF Blend or Kinky Fiber color of choice

Polarflash For the Flash material and to create a lateral Line

The top of the fly has Minnow Back Shimmer Fringe your choice of color. 

Finish with either Clear Cure Goo or Epoxy. Over eyes and thread wraps

 

The color combinations are endless for this fly along with its uses.  I have caught just about everything on this fly at one time or another.

Most productive Color Combinations:  White Chartreuse, White Pink, White Pearl.

These flies are available at Mike's baithouse in Naples or online at Indian pass Outfitters.