A Year in Fish: 2023

2023 was one of the best years ever fishing (seems I say that every year).

This year I fished new waters in New Mexico, Ontario and the Rio Gauriba in the Brazilian Amazon. Caught new species of fish in Brazil, and had some amazing fishing days here locally in Miami, both inshore and offshore.

Let’s break it down, starting at home here in South Florida, sports fishing capital of the US, and ending with the major highlight the Amazon trip. See photo album at end of post.

Miami: Inshore

Inshore fishing in Biscyane Bay and Everglades National Park for snook, bonefish, tarpon , redfish and various other species is my all-time favorite. And Capt. Mo of Miami Bonefishing is my go-to guide for these waters.

This year we did five trips (two others were canceled due to weather) and the best day we had was 9 for 11 on trophy bonefish, with half the fish over 8 pounds!

Other days we caught snook, lemon sharks mutton snappers, yellow jacks and more. I am already working on my 2024 fishing schedule with Mo for a minimum of 5-6 trips!

Pro Tip: Book a full day and you will have time to hit multiple spots throughout the bay and both incoming and outgoing tides.

Miami: Offshore

I made five offshore trips this year with Double Threat Charters in Coconut Grove. Which is four more than I typically do or can afford. But what a year offshore this was.

Offshore saw amazing action where I landed a total of 4 out of 5 sailfish as well as dolphins (mahi-mahi) grouper, sharks, barracudas and tunas.

In May I fished with two Marine buddies of mine and for Veterans Day the American Legion Post 98 went offshore fishing for sails and tunas.

Last trip of the year in late December was with my Brazilian nephew for sailfish. Paulo hooked a nice sail but after 15 minutes it broke the line with its bill. We went on to catch mahi and king mackerels.

Pro Tip: Double Threat offers half, three-quarters and full day charters, but the sweet spot is the 3/4 day.

Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Ontario

Last July I visited my son who lives in Toronto and we headed up to the Bruce Peninsula which juts out into Lake Huron. Stalin in the small fishing village of Tobermory we chartered a boat and went salmon fishing. Even though we went 0-2 on the salmon, we had great day on the water, as usual.

Pro tip: dress appropriately as the weather on the lake changes quick, for the worse.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

As New Mexico was the last of my 50-state quest, Decided to celebrate my last day in the in the Land of Enchainment, fishing with the guides from the Orvis endorsed Land of Enchainment guides and outfitters.

As this was an early spring trip, first week of May, the spring run off made fishing the streams tough, but the high alpine lakes held nice rainbows. All in all caught a bunch of fish and had a blast.

Pro Tip: it’s an Orvis endorsed shop, that’s all you need to know. Real professional and great equipment.

Rio Guariba, Brazil Amazon

While catching trophy bonefish, Atlantic Sailfish or spring run trout are all amazing and for most people would be the highlight of the year, for me it was a week of remote jungle fishing deep in the Amazon with world-famous Amazon Anglers and Steve Townson.

The jungle lodge was so remote it took a 2-hour bush plane ride out of Manaus followed by a 4-hour boat ride to our location. While we were in the middle of the jungle the lodge was comfortable, food was great and the fishing was spectacular.

The rivers were wild, the scenery amazing and the days were spent fishing from sunrise to sunset. main targets were peacock bass, payara, catfish, awarowna and others.

Here are a few highlights videos, plenty more on my channel’s Amazon playlist.

Pro Tip: this is not for the faint of heart or arm chair travelers. Also, you need an outfitter that’s an expert in the Amazon such as Steve from Amazon Anglers. (I have two more trips booked with him one in Brazil and the other in Guyana).