Broward County suggestions

[GonzoFishing]

Hey SoFlo anglers! Hoping you can help me out.  I normally fish smaller lakes in Dade county but feel like trying something new and maybe in the process, breaking my LMB record (8.3 lbs) which I've been stuck on for over 5 years!! I've been to Wolf Lake and CB Smith but only caught small fish. I was looking at Markham Park but being that I have never been there I don't know what to expect or bring. It seems pretty big on Google Earth with lots of shoreline fishing. I also read somewhere that you are limited to 1 rod. If that's true then i'd rather go somewhere else. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

FYI ..Strictly catch and release when it comes to freshwater fishing. Tight lines  

[drew4779]

I just fished the canal off of 75 - mile marker 49 yesterday, which I believe is right at the county line.  I did ok having never fished it before (7 bass, biggest being 4 lbs).  I talked with a few guys there and they said that stretch is very productive.  

[GonzoFishing]

42 minutes ago, drew4779 said:

I just fished the canal off of 75 - mile marker 49 yesterday, which I believe is right at the county line.  I did ok having never fished it before (7 bass, biggest being 4 lbs).  I talked with a few guys there and they said that stretch is very productive.  

Thanks! I'm not too familiar with the Broward area and for the life of me cant find a map online that shows the mile markers!! Which exit or city is that by? And if you don't mind sharing, what did you catch them on? I find canal fishing for LMB to be difficult. Usually give up on lures and end up throwing a live shiner which normally does the trick.

[Fentawn]

Good Luck, keep us posted on how you do.

[GonzoFishing]

1 hour ago, Fentawn said:

Good Luck, keep us posted on how you do.

Thanks bro! Its supposed to be cold on Sunday and this is around the same time of year and temp that I caught by pb so i'm excited! Hopefully I have some pics to post come Sunday night. 

 

1 hour ago, Fentawn said:

Good Luck, keep us posted on how you do.

 

[drew4779]

I'm from Cincinnati so it's hard for me to give you good directions. I was coming from naples and had to pass the area and go to mile marker 52 and come back.  At 52 was an Indian Reservation and a gas station along with a sign saying now entering boward county.  If you were to drive down alligator alley, pay attention to the mile markers I would think you'd hit it.  It's designated as a "recreation area" with a boat ramp.  Most of my fish came pitching to grass mats with crazy leg chigger craws near bowling ball sized boulders southwest side of the overpass and at that following bend on the east side of the canal.  I had little luck at locations not near boulders.  I also got a few smaller ones on spinners along the grass lines and one on a top water frog.  Good luck and hope this helps.

[BassinLou]

14 hours ago, GonzoFishing said:

Thanks! I'm not too familiar with the Broward area and for the life of me cant find a map online that shows the mile markers!! Which exit or city is that by? And if you don't mind sharing, what did you catch them on? I find canal fishing for LMB to be difficult. Usually give up on lures and end up throwing a live shiner which normally does the trick.

The stretch of Alligator Alley that Drew is referencing is a fairly long stretch of ramps and docks, on either sides of the alley. The last set of ramps and docks that I know of is MM51. Right at the edge of Big Cypress. As you work your way East from that location, your next set of ramps will be MM41 on the South side of the Alley, next will be MM39 on the North side of the alley, following MM35 with ramps on both sides  of the alley. Every few miles after that you will find several MM markers with ramps and docks. 

Gonzo, the best and easiest way for you to reach these areas is to take I-75 North. (This assuming you are from Miami-Dade County). 

So take I -75 N, until you see the signs for Alligator alley (Naples) exit. Continue West on Alligator Alley. You will reach a toll booth. Once you pass the toll booth, you will shortly begin to see boat ramps pop up. First one will be on the right (North) side. From that point its up to you to decide on which ramp you want to try. 

Just because I mention a ramp, doesn't mean these areas cannot be fished from land. Your access will be limited, but I see plenty of land based fisherman out there at the locations I have mentioned. 

The only ramp in the area that has restroom facilities is MM35. All the rest do not.

Best of luck to you out there. You will see its extremely easy to find these ramps. You can only go East and West on Alligator Alley. 

Best tip I can give you is GOOGLE EARTH, this is by far besides word of mouth, to find and research fishing spots. 

[GonzoFishing]

Thank you both! I'm definetely going to give it a shot. I think I've passed by there heading to Sanibel and remember seeing quite a few anglers mostly on boats. See if my brother is up for a road trip tomorrow. Thanks again!

[geo g]

If you have a truck, or rugged vehicle, go out to the Holey Lands , up 27 to the Broward/Palm Beach line.  From 27 go west, down the two lane paved road until it turns to a gravel road.  Continue west another 7 miles and then look for areas with weed beds,  culvert pipes, and unusual cuts into the canal.  Normally you will catch a bunch of bass and have an entertaining day.  You have 30 miles or more, of lonely canals to fish.   Go on Google Earth and check out all the possibilities.   You also may see all types of wildlife, native and exotic.  If its a warm day wear boots.

[GonzoFishing]

On January 24, 2016 at 8:54 PM, geo g said:

If you have a truck, or rugged vehicle, go out to the Holey Lands , up 27 to the Broward/Palm Beach line.  From 27 go west, down the two lane paved road until it turns to a gravel road.  Continue west another 7 miles and then look for areas with weed beds,  culvert pipes, and unusual cuts into the canal.  Normally you will catch a bunch of bass and have an entertaining day.  You have 30 miles or more, of lonely canals to fish.   Go on Google Earth and check out all the possibilities.   You also may see all types of wildlife, native and exotic.  If its a warm day wear boots.

Awesome! I've heard a lot about the Holey Lands. Didn't realize you could fish it from shore. It's pretty far but if my "big fish" chances goes up then it's worth it.

Thanks again to all who responded. Last weekend went to Amelia Earhart park. It's was really cold and blue bird skies. Fishing was tough. We caught a handful of dinks with biggest being approx. 2.5lbs. All on senkos and a couple of bumps on a lipless crank. Cool park worth giving it another shot maybe later this year. Tomorrow heading to Markham for the first time. Hopefully have a better report ?

[Fentawn]

Amelia Earhart Park is my 2nd home.  Next time you head out there give me a shout!

 

Fishing is tough there because it receives a lot of fishing pressure, but their are nice sized largemouth in the large lake. 

[BassinLou]

On 1/30/2016 at 2:12 PM, GonzoFishing said:

Awesome! I've heard a lot about the Holey Lands. Didn't realize you could fish it from shore. It's pretty far but if my "big fish" chances goes up then it's worth it.

Thanks again to all who responded. Last weekend went to Amelia Earhart park. It's was really cold and blue bird skies. Fishing was tough. We caught a handful of dinks with biggest being approx. 2.5lbs. All on senkos and a couple of bumps on a lipless crank. Cool park worth giving it another shot maybe later this year. Tomorrow heading to Markham for the first time. Hopefully have a better report ?

I have fished Amelia for more than 18yrs. Sadly, I have seen such a great fishery quickly decline. With the ski boat and water park in place. The remote control hobby boats and meat hunters coming in with their live bait and decimating the fish stocks, the fishing is has gotten to be terrible. I haven't pulled out a decent fish (5lbs +) in more than 6 months. And I fish this park often. 

[soflabasser]

23 hours ago, Fentawn said:

Amelia Earhart Park is my 2nd home.  Next time you head out there give me a shout!

 

Fishing is tough there because it receives a lot of fishing pressure, but their are nice sized largemouth in the large lake. 

I have been fishing Amelia for +2 decades,and in that time I have caught lots of nice sized bass there. It's gotten a little harder to fish compared to a decade ago,but I still catch nice ones often there.

[Fentawn]

On 1/31/2016 at 6:59 PM, BassinLou said:

I have fished Amelia for more than 18yrs. Sadly, I have seen such a great fishery quickly decline. With the ski boat and water park in place. The remote control hobby boats and meat hunters coming in with their live bait and decimating the fish stocks, the fishing is has gotten to be terrible. I haven't pulled out a decent fish (5lbs +) in more than 6 months. And I fish this park often. 

Have seen people numerous times fishing and not releasing over 10 largemouths and smaller fish(not sure their names but i know they are what the bass eat).  I have asked them for their fishing license, informed them of the rules, asked them to release the fish, and even called the cops before (but they were of no help). 

It's a jungle out there in Hialeah.

[BassinLou]

6 hours ago, Fentawn said:

Have seen people numerous times fishing and not releasing over 10 largemouths and smaller fish(not sure their names but i know they are what the bass eat).  I have asked them for their fishing license, informed them of the rules, asked them to release the fish, and even called the cops before (but they were of no help). 

It's a jungle out there in Hialeah.

Yep... and because of that, the fishing at this park has deteriorated quickly over the years. Even park staff don't know the fishing rules. Lol!! 

[GonzoFishing]

On January 31, 2016 at 9:03 PM, Fentawn said:

Amelia Earhart Park is my 2nd home.  Next time you head out there give me a shout!

 

Fishing is tough there because it receives a lot of fishing pressure, but their are nice sized largemouth in the large lake. 

Cool bro! I'll hit u up next time I head that way. Appreciate the invite. 

In regards to the poachers, yeah it sucks watching them decimate a small lake or pond. I've seen people completely disregard the law and keep every single fish caught! Love releasing a fatty in front of them. Never fails that they ask why I released it so I take advantage to school them on the merits of not being an a-hole ?.....all zen like of course since I'm not interested in getting into it with some idiot....lol

[soflabasser]

9 hours ago, BassinLou said:

Yep... and because of that, the fishing at this park has deteriorated quickly over the years. Even park staff don't know the fishing rules. Lol!! 

I think you are fishing the park wrong since I still catch nice ones there almost every time I go!I release all the bass so they should still be there.

[BassinLou]

Just now, soflabasser said:

I think your fishing the park wrong since I still catch nice ones there almost every time I go!I release all the bass so they should still be there.

When was the last time you were there? 

And if I fished the park wrong. Please be so kind to enlighten us with a report and pics. I have yet to see one from you since you have become a member on here.

 

[soflabasser]

Just now, BassinLou said:

When was the last time you were there? 

And if I fished the park wrong. Please be so kind to enlighten us with a report and pics. I have yet to see one from you since you have become a member on here.

 

Less than a month ago.Its common to catch 2-4 pounders there, and my biggest from that park is +8lbs. As for pictures I won't post any from that park,that will give the exact spot away.As you already know there's lots of "meat hunters" as you call them there already,so I won't give that info up in open forum buddy!

Amelia is a still a great park to fish regardless what others say.Its true it's become a little more difficult compared to a decade ago,but it still holds nice fish.Just got to think outside the box when fishing a highly pressured lake.

[BassinLou]

16 minutes ago, soflabasser said:

Less than a month ago.Its common to catch 2-4 pounders there, and my biggest from that park is +8lbs. As for pictures I won't post any from that park,that will give the exact spot away.As you already know there's lots of "meat hunters" as you call them there already,so I won't give that info up in open forum buddy!

Amelia is a still a great park to fish regardless what others say.Its true it's become a little more difficult compared to a decade ago,but it still holds nice fish.Just got to think outside the box when fishing a highly pressured lake.

Very convenient response, and I expected this answer.  You are very quick to boast your fishing achievements, but til this day 0 reports and or pics. Here is a tip for you in regards to pictures. Don't have the area you don't want to show in the backround. Also, there is a feature on smartphones that allow you to crop your pictures. 

[soflabasser]

I don't mind giving a good general area to fish to someone  , but you can't expect someone to give the exact spot and lure they used to get a +8 pound bass from a highly pressured  lake.It was over a decade ago anyways so there's no guarantee anyone will get another +8 pounder from that park.Still a great place to fish and a great place to take your family to spend time in a beautiful park.

I posted a couple reports when I joined this forum,I believe you where the first one to respond to the first one to it since you wanted to know where I was fishing. Looks like we both like to fish the same park!

[BassinLou]

31 minutes ago, soflabasser said:

I don't mind giving a good general area to fish to someone  , but you can't expect someone to give the exact spot and lure they used to get a +8 pound bass from a highly pressured  lake.It was over a decade ago anyways so there's no guarantee anyone will get another +8 pounder from that park.Still a great place to fish and a great place to take your family to spend time in a beautiful park.

I posted a couple reports when I joined this forum,I believe you where the first one to respond to the first one to it since you wanted to know where I was fishing. Looks like we both like to fish the same park!

I understand where you are coming from. The miscommunication,  I am having with you, is the fact of what a good report entails. I good report provides general location,not specifying exact location. For example, I went to Amelia today and caught a 5lb fish. By a grass line. I didn't say, I caught a 5lbr by the 1st set of soccer fields on the west side of the lake. Also the pic will not show the lake in the backround showing the ski boat. However, a pic of a  bass with a little tree in the backround is not giving you away. As far as baits are concerned saying you used a soft plastic is pretty general. 

I am/was not asking for your "spots" I know this park like the back of hand, I don't need your spots. I will applaud your efforts on keeping the meat hunters away however.  

[SFL BassHunter]

I fish that park as well and I have to concur with BassinLou. The fishing has gotten progressively worse in the last two years.

 

As far as pictures, my pictures never give a location of where I am fishing. I put up reports of where I fish but not the exact location. The pictures can be taken without giving out any landmarks that could make someone aware of where you are at.

I believe in providing pictures to show what I have caught. Otherwise I could sit right here on this side of the internet and write up a nice report or even just a comment stating that I catch +8lb bass on a daily basis. Good luck disproving my claim.

BTW I caught a state record 25lber on Monday. But I have no pictures to prove it.

[soflabasser]

14 minutes ago, SFL BassHunter said:

I fish that park as well and I have to concur with BassinLou. The fishing has gotten progressively worse in the last two years.

 

As far as pictures, my pictures never give a location of where I am fishing. I put up reports of where I fish but not the exact location. The pictures can be taken without giving out any landmarks that could make someone aware of where you are at.

I believe in providing pictures to show what I have caught. Otherwise I could sit right here on this side of the internet and write up a nice report or even just a comment stating that I catch +8lb bass on a daily basis. Good luck disproving my claim.

BTW I caught a state record 25lber on Monday. But I have no pictures to prove it.

Good deal man,glad you let her go!

25 minutes ago, BassinLou said:

I understand where you are coming from. The miscommunication,  I am having with you, is the fact of what a good report entails. I good report provides general location,not specifying exact location. For example, I went to Amelia today and caught a 5lb fish. By a grass line. I didn't say, I caught a 5lbr by the 1st set of soccer fields on the west side of the lake. Also the pic will not show the lake in the backround showing the ski boat. However, a pic of a  bass with a little tree in the backround is not giving you away. As far as baits are concerned saying you used a soft plastic is pretty general. 

I am/was not asking for your "spots" I know this park like the back of hand, I don't need your spots. I will applaud your efforts on keeping the meat hunters away however.  

Good luck!