It's still cool, fish are killing it!

cool story here

Ross hooked and lost a snook and the orange lure, He cast the topwater and caught the Snook which had his lure in its mouth. Very Rare to happen!

03-26--25

Flamingo /Key Largo area

If you notice in my pictures guys are still wearing jackets and sweatshirts in the mornings. It’s cool, then warms up to 80, the snowbirds love it! The fish also respond pretty good to it, Trout fishing is great in the channels and deeper flats. On last Sunday Kevin Lance and his son Dillon caught 70 trout in 1 1/2 hours in a Key Largo Trip, Dillon also had 5 Barracudas up to 10 lbs. Dillon had never caught a fish before and was very excited.

I also fished with 3 other teenagers on Wednesday part of a 2-boat trip. Jacob, Chase and Dawson. 2 of the 3 had fished before and Dawson had not ever fished. It started with casting lessons once we got thru that, the fish started to get caught. Chase had the hot hand all day, he caught Snook, Trout, Redfish, Tripletail, Jacks and Ladyfish. The other 2 caught plenty of fish also, but Chase was hot!

I fished with long time customer Mike and his wife Martha out at Holiday Park. Mike always tells me if it gets hot let me know because he lives close. I let him know and we met out there at 1,30 pm. They started catching fish right away and that lasted until 6 PM. They caught way over 100 Bass, no big ones but it was a day of catching!

I’ve done a little of everything, including a couple days offshore the past week in Key Largo.

Its the busy time of year and just glad to be busy. If you would like to fish Flamingo, Key Largo or Biscayne Bay give me a call. If you have kids that like to fish, bring them. Fishing is only going to get better in next couple months, give me a call at 305 333 8149

Let’s Go Catch’em,

Capt. JIm Hobales,

Instagram @ caught lookin charters

Companies I use and appreciate

# Bajio sunglasses,

#Biscayne Rod,

#Penn Reels,

#Purefishing.

#NLBN

Cool and Breezy, fish are biting!

This past weekend windy and nasty! I fished Saturday and Sunday with my son and friend Mike. It was nice Saturday we only saw 5 boats all day. We started out Trout fishing, we were casting NLBN 3 inch paddle tails in assorted colors. The tide was as low as I’ve ever saw it. We had to turn around because I Couldn’t get in. We just fish muds and creeks which were loaded with Trout Ladyfish and Jacks. We made the best out of cold nasty day, well over 100 fish and capped it off with a nice Snook on a NLBN 3’ Greenback paddle tail. It was late and we were hungry time to go.



On Sunday we went offshore looking for dinner. It wasn’t calm but My Skeeter 230 handles sloppy weather pretty good. We set out to catch some Cero Mackerel, it didn’t take long. My son had a small one and then another and then Mike got slammed and got a nice one. A 8lb.Cero steaks will fed a few people and it did. The Barracudas interrupted our fishing but 8-12 lb. Cudas are fun fish.



I will back to backcountry fishing for Tarpon this week, hopefully! If anything above interest you, give me a call at 305 333 8149

Capt Jim Hobales

Let’s go catch’ em

Instagram @ caught lookin charters

# Bajio sunglasses,

#Biscayne Rod,

#Penn Reels,

#Purefishing.

#NLBN

This past week the Miami Boat show was in town, every year myself and Capt. Alan Sherman get to fish with different employees from Yamaha Marine. Its always fun because these guys don’t fish much and anything that pulls drag is fun. We met them at Pelican Harbor on 79th. I had Shinoki and Yuki and it didn’t take long. I spotted some fish (Tapon) rolling and got in range to cast a live bait. We got the bait out in front of them and almost a instant bite. The big Tarpon ran 20 yards, shook its head and was gone. We caught a handful of small Barracudas, and I decided we needed some more action and moved on. The next spot was loaded with Trout. Shinoki had the hot hand and kept pulling in Trout and Jacks. Yuki finally got the hang of it and started landing a few of his own. On our last stop we started chumming with live pilchards and turned on the fish. Lots of 5-8 lb. Jacks, we did have a couple snook bites but we lost them. It was only a half day and we put allot of fish in the boat.

I have also done a couple Tarpon Trips the last few weeks in the Flamingo backcountry, been fun jumping some nice Tarpon.

I’ve been fishing out of Key Largo as well. We have been doing some offshore trips for mostly Cero Mackerels, Barracudas, Yellowtails, and some other species.

February, should be good!

Flamingo

January for us is our peak of winter, air and water get cool to cold. We wait for the 10 day stretch of warmer weather and everything turns on. Our water temps has been is the 60’s for a couple weeks. It good for some species and others slow down until it warms. Live Shimp can really change your chances on the coldest days and when it warms up, I’ll use the NLBN swim baits. The Snook and Redfish and many other species will also eat our lures.

As of this date 01/29/30 It’s warming up and the next week or so should be productive. February is a big Tarpon month, I mean BIG! The water will hit the 72 to 76 range and schools of giant Tarpon will move into the back country. These fish will stay in there as long as the water to get below 70 on the weaker fronts. These giants eat Flies, assorted lures, and of course live and dead bait. These fish attract anglers from all over the country, it really cool.

Biscayne Bay

This past week there was a fantastic Trout bite in Biscayne Bay. I was part of a 3-boat trip, we started out by catching Trout. I had 2 anglers throwing NLBN Green back swim baits, it was nonstop for over and hour. They caught s over 50 fish and the other 2 boats did about the same each. The temperature was in the 50’s. It was foggy, misty and cold and Just Incredible.

Once we had our fill of Trout we headed to Government Cut. The waves were pounding the jetties with big waves, I love these conditions. The waves come over the rocks and the fish sit there waiting for food. Its a little bumpy but we caught Snook, Snapper, Yellowjack, Grunts. We had enough of the getting pounded, we headed back into the bay and finished up. We caught another 20 Trout at another spot. trout fishing is red hot right now.

Key Largo

I also do Backcountry and Reef Fishing trips out of Key Largo. Fish for Snook, Yellowtail, assorted Snappers, and there’s always a chance at a Sailfish.

If any of these of make you want to hop in the boat and go give me a call at 305 333 8149.

Let’s go Catch’ em,

Capt. Jim Hobales,

www.caughtlookincharters.com

follow on Instagram @ caught lookin charters

Happy New Year 2025!

Flamingo / Key Largo

I would like to wish a Happy New Year to everyone. As most people in the fishing business will tell you 2024 was a tough year, we are hoping for 2025 to improve. It was a shame because fishing was spectacular from May thru our first cold front. It was nothing to catch a 100 Snook every day, then throw in some Tarpon, Redfish and other species. I fished allot of friends and family trips because it was so good. The trips I did had my customers leaving with smiles and that’s what it’s all about!

The fishing has been good since Thanksgiving along with the business, hoping this carries on into 2025.

If you notice I haven’t complained about the strong winds that we had from August thru November. They have settled down which gives us more opportunity to fish Fla. Bay, when the wind blows, I fish the backcountry which really produced during those windy months. Fla. Bay has produced some pretty good catches lately. Snook, Redfish, Black Drum, and tons of keeper Trout have been a daily catch.

There are plenty of lures out there, I choose the NLBN ‘s because they get eaten by everything! I have tried every combination of colors and they all work. One of the tricks to lure fishing is confidence, once you have it you will catch plenty of fish.

If you have teenage kids, they are probably using NLBN lures. They are popular, get some!

Don’t forget your eyes, not only will Bajio Sunglasses help you see fish they will protect your eyes against the Ultraviolet rays

If any of the above fishing gets your blood boiling, give me a call at 305 333 8149. Caught Lookin Charters is a family friendly charter so give me a call.

Lets go catch’ em.!

Capt Jim Hobales,

Instagram @ caught lookin charters

# Bajio sunglasses,

#Biscayne Rod,

#Penn Reels,

#Purefishing.



Still Blowing getting cool for Thanksgiving!

I’ve been fishing out of Key Largo and Flamingo

If you read below, It seemed like we might get some day with less wind. If it was calm, I wasn’t fishing! The benefit of wind is it makes stronger current along the Mangrove points in the back country. There is a very good Snook bite in all of Whitewater Bay, not giants but real good numbers. As of 11-16-24 the water temps were at 76 degrees, we are expecting our first real cold front on 11-20-24. We will be in a wintertime pattern before too long.

I’m ready for days with less than 30 mph winds and schooling fish.

The snook population is in great condition, the bigger Trout are starting to show up with the water cooling down some, Redfish are where they are supposed to be, and Tarpon are around the bait schools. It’s just good fun fishing with big numbers.

I have a couple days available open during Thanksgiving week, give me a call at 305 333 8149

The water and air temps a slowly getting lower the fishing like and will school up, making it easier to catch more. The mosquitos aren’t gone but they aren’t bad so you can bring the wife and kids. If this gets your blood boiling give me a call at 305 333 8149 and I’ll get you on the fish.

#Biscayne Rod

#NLBN

#Pure Fishing

#BAJIO Sunglasses

Lets go Cacth’ em

Capt jim Hobales

www.caughtloookincharters.com

Stormy couple weeks!

It’s been a while since I updated my report page. Fishing has been good even though we have had a couple serious hurricanes skirt Miami and the Keys. I fished the Take stock in children and the FNLGA tour the first week in October. The water in Fl. Bay had a pretty bad Algae Bloom that along with some serious storms made it interesting. There was a god bite but you had to run around and find clean water. I did on Saturday and my anglers did great, Top angler and second. I also had the top guide. We actually fished these 2 tournaments simultaneously which cost us time having to go to a awards that we won. It hurt us because of the rainstorms on Sunday. It was a fun weekend with the Biscayne Rod and NLBN team.

This week Hurricane Milton’s outer bands kept the wind up to 60 mph in South Florida, that and some rain kept us off the water until yesterday. I couldn’t take it anymore and went out into everglades Bass fishing with my son. The rain found us again but we caught Bass, Peacocks and Gar.

I will be back on the water this week and hopefully find some of the fish we were on 2 weeks ago. I’m open for business if you have the need to fish give me a call at 305 333 8149. Biscayne Bay, Flamingo or Key Largo i fish them all. Caught Lookin Charters is a family friendly charter.

I couldn’t do allot of what I do without the help of

#Biscayne Rod,

#Bahio Sunglases,

#NLBN,

#Pure Fishing

Let’s go catch’em,

Capt. Jim Hobales

Bite is still Hot!

The fishing is really good considering the heat index is 110 every day and the business side is slow.

Flamingo Snook bite continues to be fun! Hurricane Debbie blew really hard just off the S.W. coast but the watercolor was really clean for last weekend FFT tournament. Plenty of Snook, Tarpon and Redfish were caught, the Trout were tough to find keeper size. Great tournament put on by Damian of Jigalode. Get out early and you can find plenty of Tarpon/Snook before it gets really hot.

The offshore side has been decent out of Ket Largo for me. The week before the Hurricane, big weed lines held lots a Mahi’s and some early morning Blackfin Tuna’s. We aIso did some Yellowtail fishing on the reef. I don’t really charter for the Mahi fishing, but I enjoy it and its close to home in Key Largo. We did some afternoon Snook fishing and caught a few in I high 90”s. I had a few nice days with my family because it was definitely sandbar weather.

I’m available the next few weeks and I will be starting to do some Mutton Snapper fishing in Biscayne Bay as well as Tarpon/Snook at Flamingo!

If any of the above fishing gets your blood boiling, give me a call at 305 333 8149. Caught Lookin Charters is a family friendly charter so give me a call.

Lets go catch’ em.

Capt Jim Hobales

Instagram @ caught lookin charters

# Bajio sunglasses,

#Biscayne Rod

#Penn Reels

#Purefishing

Hot Bite in July!

Tarpon hooked by James Kang on NLBN “SHEESH'“!

The fishing is very dependable right now. I’m finding small Tarpon and lots of Snook to start my mornings. There’s an active Tarpon bite for the first couple hours and then we have to work them once the sun comes up. The Snook bite is all day for the most part, some days better than others.

This past 10 days the “NOLIVEBAITNEEDED'‘ Sheesh color 3 inch paddle tail worked great. Tarpon to 50 Lbs. Hundreds of Snook and plenty of Trout and a few Redfish. The lure worked in dark stained tannic water and also in green clean Gulf of Mexico. That wasn’t the only NLBN color that worked, the Green back is incredible also.

It’s been a very good month weather wise and had some of my favorite customers. I’m glad the fish played when they all showed up

I also fished the Key Largo Classic that benefits the Sheridan House. Great party and dinner the night before great time to catch up with other guides you don’t see every day. Brett, Alex and his son Jayden did pretty good tying for 1st.

I fished with Ross and Mindy a couple days while they are down and 2 days of killing it. I really don’t know how many fish they caught but they did catch a couple Grand Slams.

I fished with James Kang a really good fly angler. It was fun to watch and to talk fishing all day. He had some Tarpon and Snook bites early on using a fly tied by my buddy Ashley of Don’s bait and tackle. We also got into a school of Snook that were feeding on small fry, we had to catch 30 Snook in 30 minutes. The school would follow the hooked Snook to the boat, it seemed like hundreds of Snook. We covered a lot of water and caught Tarpon, Snook, Trout, Jacks, Ladyfish and Snappers.

Can’t catch the fish without these products,

# Bajio sunglasses,

#Biscayne Rod

#Penn Reels

#Purefishing


The Tarpon/Snook action will remain good thru September at Flamingo in Everglades National Park. There are plenty of other options in Biscayne Bay and Key Largo. Caught Lookin Charters is a family friendly charter company. If you would like to have a great day on the water and catch some fish give me a call at 305 333 8149.

Let’s go Catch’em

Capt. Jim Hobales

Instagram @ caught lookin Charters

Killing it with #NLBN!

This is the 3rd week of June 2024. The rain we had for the last 2 weeks has the Snook bite on fire. This happens every June, we get tons of water pushing out to Fl. Bay and the Snook love it. They are also in the backcountry, when it is blowing 15-20mph or more it’s a good back up plan. The fish are on the edges and points, so you just have to go fishing. I use the wind as well as the tide on the points. 7 out of 10 spots hold some kind of fish and we bend rods. We are always looking for the glamour species, but the Goliath Groupers have made a huge comeback, they will test your skills

This week we started out on some small Tarpon and Snook to warm up. Jeff and Sarah hooked and caught a bunch of Tarpon and Snook on first stop. On our second spot we had a big Snook come loose but did catch a small one and a Redfish. Jeff finished up his Grand Slam with a Trout, Redfish Tarpon and Snook and Sarah got a Slam no Redfish. We had big numbers today!

I am with Greg his son Luke and friend Jack. We started out with Jack getting hooked up with a Tarpon on first cast. There was action for over 2 hours, hard to keep up with how many fish we caught. There was consistently a fish in the air whether a Snook or Tarpon. The kids were throwing NLBN lures, that’s all they use. We are a great match because for the last year that’s my lure of choice, you have to try it to believe it.

We caught well over a 100 fish including Tarpon, Snook, Trout, Redfish, Goliath Grouper, Jacks, Snappers, Ladyfish and Sharks.

There are plenty of lures out there, I choose the NLBN ‘s because they get eaten by everything! I have tried every combination of colors and they all work. One of the tricks to lure fishing is confidence, once you have it you will catch plenty of fish.

If you have teenage kids, they are probably using NLBN lures. They are popular, get some!

Don’t forget your eyes, not only will Bajio Sunglasses help you see fish they will protect your eyes against the Ultraviolet rays

The fishing is good and will stay that way all summer. The fish mind the hot weather less than people do when they are hungry. If you would like to try anything I have described give me a call at 305 333 8149. Caught Lookin Charters is a family friendly charter company.

Let go Catch’em,

Capt. Jim Hobales

Instagram @ caughtlookincharters

Very active Back country!

There are a few things going on going on that’s sends me into the back country. The first one is the pea green water in Fl. Bay the second is there has been a great bite in Whitewater Bay. and then a S.W. wind. Pea green water out front sometimes turns into no fish. The backcountry has had a solid bite of Snook, Trout, Goliaths, and a few small Tarpon. There’s also Jacks, Ladyfish and plenty of Snappers.

I would like to Thank the companies that help me catch client’s fish. Biscayne rods, Pure fishing (Penn, Berkeley) Bajio, got to be able to see and No Live Bait Needed. If you add them all up, they lead to great days on the water. It’s fun working with these companies, giving them your opinions and teaching clients about their products.

I fished with Andrew who works over at No Live Baits Needed and Mike my buddy a great mechanic.

We started in the backcountry and got on some small Tarpon and Snook on the NLBN 3’ paddle tails at first light. We were only throwing NLBN products today and killed it. I had not been to the Tarpon Bay area in a long time and had guys that didn’t mind the long ride, It was hard getting there because we caught fish everywhere we stopped in big numbers. The Snook, Trout and Goliaths are really on fire back there.



Eventually we headed to Tarpon Bay big, where we managed some Snook including a 32-inch Snook caught by Andrew. The bite was tough, so we headed to the coast. We caught more Snook on No Live bait Needed lures. It’s almost too easy throwing the 3-inch baits. It was a great day lots of fish.





Today I am with John and his brother Fred at Flamingo. We started out in Whitewater Bay. Today was very similar to the other trip above. We fished No Live Bait Needed and had “incredible day”. The total numbers were 50 Trout, 30 snook and 20 Goliaths plus a bunch of Mangrove Snappers and Ladyfish. We used an assortment of colors and they all worked.

As u can see, I am excited about representing the “No Live Bait Needed”. It easy to use and it produces. The young kids know all about it and I enjoy discussing it with them. I met this kid (Dillon) today while fishing a spillway, He noticed my lure and asked Is that a NLBN, I said yes. He was all in and had 2 boxes full of their product. I gave him Andrew’s info and told him to give him a call.


If you would like a trip like this, give me a call at 305 333 8149. The next few months get hot and steamy and so does the fishing. Caught lookin charters is a family friendly charter. Bring the wife or kids and have a great day catching fish and sightseeing Everglades National Park. I also fish Biscayne Bay and Key Largo areas.

Let go catch ‘em

Capt. Jim Hobales

Instagram @ caught lookin charters.

Key Largo assorted fishing!

I’ve been fishing the Key Largo area the last few weeks targeting Mahi and Yellowtails along with fishing some really cool reefs in 15-25ft.

The common way of catching Yellowtails is to chum in 50 to 90 ft. It’s very productive for the Yellowtails but there’s plenty of by catch to keep busy.

I fished with my nephew Andrew on the holiday, after catching a few Mahi’s we went into the 15 -25 reef and caught Groupers, Mangrove Snappers, Schoolmaster Snappers, 20lb. Cuda’s, Yellowjacks, Barjacks, and plenty of Grunts to keep kids busy. All of these fish we caught on “NO LIVE BAIT NEEDED” 3' in assorted colors.

We did get Mahi’s a couple days some in 106 ft and others while chumming in 79 ft., which was really cool.

The rest if the summer I will be between Flamingo and Key Largo. There are so many fish in those 2 spots all you have to is go.

Flamingo gets really good when its hot, if it 7 am and you are soaking wet from sweating, you are probably catching a bunch of fish.

If any thing I have written in this report gets your blood boiling give me a call at 305 333 8149.

Caught Lookin Charters is a family friendly charter.

Let’s go Cathem’

, Capt jim Hobales

Flamingo is very hot! (fishing hot)

I am sorry about the lack of reports, but computer I’ve had some issues. I’m back on fishing reports. The winds have been continuous since Christmas which don’t eliminate fishing Flamingo. wind directions play a big part of where we can fish on any given day. This is why most of us guides have hundreds of spots thru out Everglades National Park.

This is a daily challenge to always catch enough fish to please myself and my customers. No fish today you don’t come back tomorrow!

I have a ton of pictures from the last months or so but computer don’t let me bring them up. As you can see the fishing is good and we are catching Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Trout, and plenty of others like the Goliath Grouper. I am very happy to be on the No Live Bait Needed team and I promise you the lures work. Take a look at them while shopping for tackle, they work!

I’m busy the rest of the week and I’ll make sure to get the reports out quickly. I’m going to get on the Tarpon for a few days in the back country.

Caught lookin charters a family friendly charter company so wife and kids are welcome. If interested in catching fish and having a fun day give me a call at 305 333 8149.

Thanks,

Capt. Jim Hobales

www.caughtlookincharters.com

Instagram @ caught lookin charters

Spring Break 2024, Good Bite Going On!

Spring Break 2024!

Flamingo Report!

3/ 12-14/ 24

Last week was pretty good, Mike Drippe and his son Quinton had some great Fishing over 3 days in Everglades National Park. Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Goliath Groupers, Sharks, Tripletails, Jacks, Ladyfish, and Snappers. We hooked Tarpon from 30 lbs. to @110 lbs. with Quinton catching the big one. The Tarpon bite has been good, but some days you have to look for them!

Quinton weighs in at 90 lbs and he caught Tarpon and Sharks that outweighed him. He also caught a Goliath Grouper that’s was @ 45 lbs. His dad Mike caught his share, but it was Quintons opportunity to catch fish of a lifetime

We got a SLAM or GRAND SLAM every day, very impressive!

3/17/24

I am fishing with Dr. Jason and future son in law Sammy. We had a very good day, they caught Snook, Trout, Redfish, Sammy jumped a Tarpon and caught a few big Lemon Sharks. Dr Jason had a few Snook, Redfish and Trout for a Slam! They also caught numerous Ladyfish, Jacks, Snappers and of course Catfish.










3/19/24

Paul and his son Davis were staying in Key Largo. Paul’s brother Tony is a good friend and told how fish crazy Davis was. He also told me He wanted a big Tarpon. I told him it was the right time and we set up the trip. We got to the marina at 6:15 am, it was still dark. While I was getting ready to launch the boat, I handed him a rod and told him go catch a Tarpon. It was rigged with a NLBN 3-inch paddle tail in white. He jumped a couple Tarpon, by the time I got over to him he needed help landing the fish. I pulled up and jumped on dock and grabbed the Tarpon. We are on our way to a SLAM. On our first spot we got a couple Snook and we needed a Redfish. It actually got colder as the morning went on and a front passing thru the winds picked up and 25 mph but eventually slowed down. We bounced around all day and found fish everywhere. At the end of the day, we had Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, Trout, Shark, Jacks and a few missed fish that would have put us over the top. It was late and we will be back tomorrow!

3/ 20/24

We started off day 2 the same way except we are fishing backcountry today. Davis started with a Tarpon while I was launching the boat. Our first stop was for a couple small Ladyfish, the Tarpon have been eating them. We set up our first drift and it didn’t take long, we were hooked up with a jumping Tarpon 50 yards behind the boat. It was very violent, the circle hook got twisted in the bait. Fish is gone and back to drifting. I could see they were getting bored and said let’s go see if we can get a Snook or Redfish and we will come back. We went to a little spot that’s been really good lately, but not today. There are 3 points in a small bay and they all hold fish, although not at same time! We missed a fish on spot 1 and 2 but got a Snook and Redfish on spot 3. We are a Trout away from a Grand Slam! I go to a really good Trout spot and get the Trout in 5 minutes also a monster of a Tarpon. The Tarpon ate a NLBN Orane Head and white body paddle tail right next to the boat. Davis is yelling he is spooling us. Of course, it was on the lightest rod in the boat with a short leader. The first run was 200 yards and never came up, it took 35 minutes before it jumped. Davis did a good job, but odds were against us. 1 hour and 20 minutes later the line hit some and broke. We had it next to the boat 10 times, but it was powerful, and didn’t want to play anymore. The rest of the day was just catching fish and having fun.



3/21/24

I fished with Mitch and Jill today. We started out with Jill catching a couple Snook and Mitch had something pick up his NLBN and run about 100 yards. We were just out bending the rods and had some Tarpon blow up a school of mullet, I had Mitch cast a NLBN K -Tail. Mitch put it in the boil where Tarpon blew up. The rod doubled over but it was a Jack. There were a few more blow ups but no Tarpon hook ups. They caught a bunch of Trout, Jacks and Ladyfish also.

I can do this for You if you like. Caught Lookin Charters is a family friendly charter so give me a call at 305 333 8149. Great days with great people is what it’s all about!

Let’s go Catchem’

Capt. Jim Hobales

follow on Instagram @ caught lookin charters

Slammen the Backcountry!

01-27-24

It’s been kind of slow, but I still need and want to be on water. I can always call my buddy Mike to help me stay on the fish, Mike keeps my boat running and I appreciate. He' also catches allot of fish. I asked him if he wanted to go Target some giant Tarpon in the Flamingo Back country. I was watching the water temp’s last few days waiting for them to get above 72. We left marina at 6;15 in the dark hoping to find some Tarpon that were eating before the full moon set. I have had some luck over the years doing this. We found some giants and made allot of cast but there was no interest. We did catch a bunch of Trout while fishing for Tarpon.

I said let go find some Snook and Redfish? We ran north and found some more Tarpon that seemed happy just not happy enough to eat our #NLBN Baits. The tide was falling and really a full moon low. We ran out looking for Tripletails and Mackerel, they were scarce. We ran back inside and waited for the tide rise. While we waited, we got into a pretty good snook/Trout bite. We were only throwing #NLBN products, Paddle tails 3 and 5 inch, the new K tails. We used all colors to see if it would make a difference, they ate them all. We were using #Biscayne Rods and #Penn Reels

Don’t Forget your Bajio Sunglasses!

We kept casting and the tide came in some, that’s when Redfish showed up. There were also Trout to 23” s feeding in the area. We fished the rising tide for around 2 hours, until the bite slowed down. We caught 20 plus Redfish and even more Trout.


We had caught some Jacks and I said let’s go play with the Goliath Groupers. First cast produced a small but tough Goliath, I let Mike go first because he caught the first Goliath on this spot while Tarpon fishing. I also caught a 13-inch Snapper on a 5 Inch white NLBN paddle tail that I was using for Goliath Groupers.

We decided to go back and look for Tarpon. It was breezy but water temps got up to 75, there were a few other guys somewhat in the area.

We continued to cast the 5-inch Paddle tail in white, I also put out a live Ladyfish. It’s kind of Ironic since we were casting a lure called NO LIve Bait Needed but sometimes you have to try things you know work, when fish aren’t biting. The Ladyfish worked! I was the lucky one standing closet to the rod when it doubled over, when a giant Tarpon jumped behind the boat. The Monster Tarpon pulled allot of line first run, his second run almost spooled me. It’s hard to put a poundage to the giant fish because people won’t believe what you say. I don’t exaggerate and when I say big it’s big! It took about 20 minutes to get the giant boat side, she wasn’t ready, but I tried to get her to jump one more time. The leader got frayed trying but I got the leader release, awesome come and try it .You will love it!

We left today with 1 grand Slam Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, and Trout and 5 Slams Snook ,Redfsih and Trout!

If you are interested in this kind of trip, give me a call at 305 333 8149. I fish Flamingo which is in Everglades National Park, Key Lago and all of Biscayne Bay. Caught Lookin Charters is a family friendly charter.

Let; go Catch’em,

Captain Jim Hobales

Instagram @ caught lookin charters




Winter in South Florida!

When you think of winter you think of cold and snow up north, but in South Florida it’s not that way. Most of the cold fronts this year affect us with a little cold and plenty of wind. Its been a really consistent pattern with a day or 2 of decent weather and then another front and more wind.

It’s not always unfishable in the backcountry of Everglades National Park, you just have to go. It’s a great time to learn new spots! It’s possible you fish an area that’s usually protected, doesn’t work unless its blowing. Wind moves fish and baits around. This is something you learn by fishing in terrible conditions.

This past week I fished Flamingo on Sunday 1-14-24. It was blowing 15-25 out of the S.W. and usually a wind people stay home on. Some people don’t care, it just about getting away. This day I fished with my friend Mike, and it started out slow. We were fishing NLBN against Gulp. They both catch fish although the Gulps need to be replaced after every fish while NLBN lasted thru allot of fish. I don’t ever remember getting so many hits as or before NLBN hit the water.

We worked around and fished all the islands that had protection in Fl Bay. Lots of big Jacks up on edge of flats, they were swimming on the backs of Sting Rays. They are fun when they blow up the lure, as it comes over the back of the Ray. We caught a bunch waiting for a Redfish to show up. They never showed up on that spot. We moved around a decided to fish into the wind. We fished the edge of a channel that was loaded with mullet. We cast at the potholes as mullet swam through and found Snook and Redfish sitting in them. The wind really picked up, so we called it a day.

01-19-24

I am fishing Flamingo today with Dennis, Bill and Greg. We are fishing the backcountry, starting in Whitewater Bay. It was cool and water Temps were 70.52. A small front went thru last night and chased away whatever Tarpon were around the last few days. We stopped in Whitewater anyway and took a look for Tarpon. I had them casting some NLBN Twisted Tea colored Paddle Tails. The Trout were there, they caught about 20 or so and more Ladyfish than that. It was a great warm up! We ran back looking for Redfish a friend had found a couple days earlier, we only caught 1. We made a move and ended up fishing creeks on the coast.

We had a good bite of Trout along the shoreline. The tide was starting to come in and the Redfish bite was on. They caught Redfish and Trout on every cast for a couple hours. The Reds were 16 to 26 inches, and the Trout were 12 to 20”.

It was getting late, and we had 1 stop on the way in. We saved a few Jacks and Ladyfish so we could hook some Goliath Groupers. Dennis had already caught a small Goliath on an Artificial already, so it was Bill and Greg’s turn.

I hooked up a bait and to Greg where to cast it, tossing a 1-pound bait isn’t easy. It took a couple cast and then the hit, he couldn’t believe it. The Goliath ate turned and ran into mangroves and cut us off. rerigged and another bait was a similar result. We are down to our last Jack. Its a bout 1 1/2 lb.’s. He cast aand before it hit the Goliath ate it. Greg fought it for 5 minutes and landed a 40lb. Goliath.

Its Bill’s turn now and we had 1 Ladyfish left. He made a good cast, it was instantaneous. He came out of mangroves pretty quick and boatside for some photos. Great day with great guys but we were 20 miles from the dock and it was time to go.

01-19-24

I fished with neighborhood friends A.C and Ian in Key Largo today. We Caught allot of Yellowtails and then went offshore with the Cigar Minnows we netted. We had a few Kingfish eat our Baits and then my buddy A.C got this nice Grouper which was released.


Our weather will get really nice here in the next couple weeks, when it does Tarpon time! The coolest Tarpon fishery there is, and they are big! I really live for the 4 weeks or so that they are here, it fun. There will also be Snook and Redfish. Fishing at Flamingo the next few months is plenty of fun, lots of rod bending!

I also do charters out of Key Largo and Biscayne Bay for an assortment of species. If your interested in a fun day of fishing give me a call at 305 333 8149.

Let’ go Catch’em,

Capt. Jim Hobales

follow on Instagram @ Caught lookin Charters

Happy New Year, 2024!

The last couple months were strange at best. We had a few Lows come out of the Carribean and cross the Keys and South Florida. The storms reached winds in the Tropical storm range twice but because the storm hit out of season you can’t call it a Tropical Storm. We got lots of rain in all the places I fish and then it got cold.

All that and we still catch fish either in Biscayne Bay, Flamingo or Key Largo. If you are lucky enough to fish on one of the good days in the middle it can be awesome. Some people cancel and some go fishing, sometime probably wrong decision.

Flamingo Area-

We are all hoping for a warming stretch so the Tarpon will get into the back backcountry, meanwhile we will keep catching whatever we can wherever we can. Snook, Trout, Redfish.

This past week in rough cold weather there was a great yellowtail bite in Key Largo 2 days just loaded up.

I am waiting for the good days but will go any time you want. Give me a call at 305 333 8149

Happy New Year,

Captain Jim Hobales

Late Tropical season should be over!

The last couple months have been slow business wise. The fishing was pretty good until we started getting Low pressures systems late in the season. 3 separate storms flooded and had gale force winds in south Florida and the Keys. We had no hurricanes but some water/wind issues which just stopped everyday life.

If that wasn’t bad enough I had back and knee issues which made me take a break. I took advantage and had my boat restored during this time. My first day on the water since Thanksgiving was 12-20-23 and of course it was cold and windy. I fished Biscayne Bay although it was tough, we caught Trout, Mackerel, Jacks and jumped a 40 lb. Tarpon. It was miserable and the wind was relentless.

I am open a few days during Christmas break, it looks like some good weather coming next week. The backcountry Tarpon will show up as soon as this weather levels off. If you are interested in fishing Flamingo, Key Largo or Biscayne Bay give me a call at 305 333 8149.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Captain Jim Hobales

www.caughtlookincharters.com

Instagram @ caught lookin charters

A little work, a little fun, and some nice fish!

I fished the patch reefs in Key Largo the last 2 weekends and had a couple good days of Yellowtail and Mutton Snapper. I fished Flamingo a couple a few days but I was down with a bad back last week.



11-25-23 I was a part of a 5-boat trip, part fishing and part Celebration of Life. It started out good with a 3 Tarpon, a bunch of Snook, Trout, Jacks, Ladyfish and a bunch of Catfish. All the boats met up at a 11 o’clock

to remember someone, I would of like to know. We finished off the day with some more fishing and more Snook. It came down pretty hard and ended the day.

This weekend we have our friends Mike and Polly at our little Key Largo get away.

Saturday morning the plan was get up early catch bait and go mutton snapper fishing, well it didn’t work out that way. The winds were a little stiff for a bay boat offshore that day. We ran into the back country, and it paid off pretty good. Mike had 3 nice Snook before I ever made a cast, all on the “NLBN “Twisted Tea paddle tail. We fished till noon, went home and waited for our sons to show up for an afternoon trip.

It was still bumpy, but we gave it a try. We did manage a few small fish and something that fought pretty good for a while but broke off. This is a view off sunset off Key Largo on our way in.


On Sunday morning the winds were strong. I was trying to come up with an idea while watching wind blow and drinking my coffee. I said let go fish the Aero Jet Canal which is on the 18-mile stretch. It worked out 20 Peacock Bass 4 Black Bass. My son saw a big Black Bass on the side of the canal. He made a cast and hooked a small Peacock Bass. The big Black Bass came up and ate it after a little fight it came loose but chased the peacock and ate him again. This was cool that fish was at least 8Lbs. It was 11 am and we were beat and hungry time to go.


If you are interested in fishing during the holidays give me a call at 305 333 8149. Caught Lookin Charters is a family friendly charter.


Let’s go Catch’em

Capt Jim Hobales

Instagram @ Caughtlookincharters

Change in Season!

The past week or so the weather has changed. We have had hard NE winds which pushed the mullet through Biscayne Bay. I got out with my son James on a cool morning and had for the fish to wake up. We found some Snook on a sea wall chasing mullet, lucky we had NLBN lures rigged up. It didn’t take long, and James was hooked up. It was a great fight but not a giant at 28inches. There were some Tarpon and big Jacks also blowing up on the mullet which is lots off to watch. I was throwing a 5-inch NLBN and had the Jacks chasing it. I netted some mullet and headed to Government Cut and It was nasty.

It was blowing @ 20 MPH, but we were able to fish inside the rip. We had a couple big Cudas eat the first couple baits and then a hard fighter that stayed deep. It took a few minutes, but James landed a nice African Pompano. We fished around the bay chasing mullet schools. We stopped on a bar that’s been holding some nice Trout lately. We caught about 20 Trout up to 21 inches and headed back toward Haulover.

I fished with my son a bunch this week. We fished Holiday Park on last Sunday with our buddy Mike for Peacocks. The day was beautiful, and I had sat around all morning doing nothing. We got out about 2 pm and there wasn’t anyone there. We are still using the NLBN on everything that swims and they work in salt or freshwater. The water is still high out there and the fish aren’t easy, but we managed @ 30 fish between all 3 of us. We had Bass, Oscars and Blue Gils as by catch. Not to bad in 3 hours!

Peacock Bass on NLBN paddle tail!



I fished with my friend and accountant Fred this past Sunday at Flamingo. The winds have been steady 20-25 mph all week. Fred just got done with busy season and needed to get away. The morning was beautiful until a front started moving in. The moon was still up as we got out into open water, sometimes the small Tarpon will eat until it sets. Well they didn’t today, as a matter of fact. The Ladyfish were just in giant schools and not letting anything else eat. We eventually found some Snook and I had Fred hooked up to a few big back-country Goliath Groupers. They can’t refuse a live Jack but I also had one on a 5 Inch NLBN lure which was fun. None of these fish were landed today, they are just getting bigger back there.

It was along day and weather was getting nasty but we always have a good time togethe


Flamingo Lodge Opening!

A one-bedroom suite at the Flamingo Lodge. Photo: Courtesy of Flamingo Everglades Adventures

 

You might have heard of glamping. Now imagine sleeping in an air conditioned hotel room in the Everglades.

Driving the news: The new Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant opened today nearly 20 years after Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma destroyed the original lodge.

  • The neighboring Guy Bradley Visitor Center, which was also recently reconstructed, opened this summer.

Details: The lodge — designed with climate resiliency in mind — features 24 rooms made from shipping containers that are elevated off the ground by stairs and columns.

  • Each room has east-facing balconies, ideal for watching the sunrise and sunset over Florida Bay.

  • The downstairs restaurant, also made from shipping containers, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner — and doubles as a bar.

If you go: Nightly rates start at $259 from November through May, plus the park entrance fee. Rates start at $159 for June through October.

  • The maximum stay is 14 days.

  • Boat slips are available at the Flamingo Marina and Store for those arriving by boat.


The water is cooler and the temps are getting there. Theres plenty oif fish around you just “got to go”.

If you are interested call me at 305 333 8149, Caught Lookin Charters is a family friendly charter.

Let’s go Catch’em

Capt Jim Hobales

Instagram @ Caught Lookin Charters

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