Alligator Alley Deep Holds.

[geo g]

Saturday 8/23/14, Alligator Alley MM32 south side, Temp 94*, Humidity ridicules, Clear morning, wind SE 5 - 10, water stained.

 

Went out this morning with Steve Johnson.  We got a late start, ,making the first cast at 8:00.  This is not a great move since the bite seems to go dormant early.  From the ramps at MM 32 south side, we ran west, then under the bridge to the deep holes on the north side.  I have not been out there for some time, but I have had some successful trips in the intense heat of the summer at these deep holes.   One hole is as deep as 60 feet. 

 

On the second cast Steve had a nice 2 pounder to the boat.  He was throwing a small jig with a black trick worm.  I was throwing a speed worm weighted.  I soon hooked into a 3 pounder that attacked my worm from several yards away.  You could see the pads moving, and a wake coming.  I never get tired of seeing that.  Then a few minutes later a big bass that went airborne in the pads, and then twice more once cleared of the pads.  On the last jump she became unbuttoned, but both Steve and I got great looks at her.  She did put on a show.

 

We stayed in the east hole for an hour and then ran west to the other hole.  Although the holes are deep with straight down walls, most bass were positioned under the pads or right at the drop off edge.  We caught no fish below 10 feet.  We ended the day at 10:30 with 10 bass and one big mudfish between the two of us.  The bite just stopped as the sun got high.  I wish I could have just touched that big bass, but it was fun just feeling her tug on my line.

 

We had the entire place to ourselves.  It seems only the few are fishing out there this time of year.  It was brutal hot.

[F14A-B]

Nice Story! I don't live there now, but I did for a decade... I fished in that heat! You are so right, it's brutal. I couldn't hang for more than 4 or 5 hrs. Now, Great info!

Stay Safe....

[BassinLou]

Thanks for the report George. I was headed to the glades yesterday or maybe today for the late afternoon bite, but unfortunately some family issues held me home. I will be going next weekend. I know its a holiday weekend but with this heat I know only a brave few will take on the heat during the day. I am expecting to have the water to myself... LOL...

[Backlash123]

Nice report George.  I was out there Saturday night for a club tourney, fished as a co-angler.  We put in at mm 35 south side and ran west, we crossed over west of mm41.  After fishing a bit we decided to make a run, when all of a sudden it felt like we hit something (gator??), but we lost propulsion, only to find out later we had a big hole in the side of the lower unit with the gears sticking out.  We ended the night with only 1 fish each.  Caught mine on a junebug skinnydipper, the other was caught on a buzzbait.  Tourney was won with 21 lbs.  I'll be back there in the near future.

[geo g]

Backlash, I hit something two weeks ago just west of that MM41 south side ramp.  It was in the middle of the canal but didnt do any visable damage.   I thought it had to be a gator.

[Backlash123]

Wow George, what a coincidence.  Glad to hear there was no damage.  This was the first time I fished the area, it's pretty cool.  I'm definitely going to return.   

[Gotfishyfingers?]

The first time I stumbled upon those deep holes, I thought I found the Holy Grail of the everglades canals.