Issue 41 April-June 2010

Newsletter for the south Florida canal and urban pond angler Our Purpose: To identify excellent south Florida freshwater fi shing opportunities and to provide urban anglers with relevant information that will enhance the quality of their outdoor experience.

Special feature: South Florida boat ramp locator by Josh Wilsey Recently the FWC Division of Freshwater Fish- eries Management conducted a survey to fi nd freshwater boat ramps open to the public within south Florida. Over 130 ramps were identifi ed during the course of the three-month study. These ramps ranged from hard-to-fi nd, single-lane gravel ramps in the Everglades to urban, well-maintained multi-lane boat ramps with numerous amenities. Here are details on a number of the more accessible ramps in Palm This newsletter is a publication of the Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. South Region Fisheries Management Section ■ * A map and guide are available for sites of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation marked with an asterisk (*), via the contact in- Commission (FWC), and is paid for in part formation in the box to the left. Please be sure by Sport Fish Restoration funds. To contact to specify which sites you are interested in. The City Fisher , e-mail john.cimbaro@myfwc. ■ The summary map on page 5 shows the loca- com or phone John Cimbaro at 561-625-5122. tions of all listed ramps. You can also write to: John Cimbaro; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; 8535 Northlake ■ Palm Beach County Boulevard; West Palm Beach, FL 1. Loxahatchee Slough Canal (C-18)* 33412. Back issues are available. ■ Description - Single-lane concrete boat ramp You can visit us at MyFWC.com. located on the Loxahatchee Slough Canal within Sand Hill Crane Park in Palm Beach Gardens. ■ Amenities - There is a restroom, observation platform, and gravel parking lot. ■ Directions - Located on the north side of PGA Boulevard 4.0 miles west of I-95 or 2.1 miles west of the Turnpike. 2. Lake Catherine / Earman River Canal (C-17)* ■ Amenities - The fi rst ramp offers trailer park- ■ Description - Single-lane concrete boat ramp ing for 50; the second offers limited parking on within Lake Catherine Park in Palm Beach the grass. There are numerous other facilities Gardens. available within John Prince Park including ■ Amenities - There is an unimproved grass lot fi shing piers, restrooms, walking and jogging with space for about ten trailers. trails, picnic tables, and playgrounds. ■ Directions - Exit I-95 at Northlake Boulevard ■ Directions - There are four entrances to John and head east. Turn north onto MacArthur Prince Park. The fi rst is located on Lake Worth Boulevard, and the ramp will be on the left side Road between Congress Avenue and Lake of the road, just before the C-17 canal. Osborne Drive. The second is off Lake Osborne ■ Note - Motors more than 10 HP are not allowed. Drive just south of Lake Worth Road. The third 3. Lake Mangonia entrance is located on 6th Avenue between ■ Description - Concrete two-lane ramp located Congress Avenue and I-95. The last entrance on Lake Mangonia in West Palm Beach. is located on Congress Avenue between 6th ■ Amenities - Restrooms, picnic tables, trailer Avenue and Lantana Road. ■ parking for eight, and parking for handicapped Note - There is also extensive shoreline access and non-trailered vehicles. for bank anglers along most of the north and ■ Directions - Located on the western side of middle lobes of Lake Osborne. Australian Avenue. Exit I-95 at Palm Beach 6. C-16 Canal* Lakes Boulevard and head east 1.5 miles, then ■ Description - There is a two-lane concrete boat head north on Australian Avenue 1.1 miles. ramp located within Pioneer Park in Boynton The ramp is on the left side of the road. Beach. ■ Note - No gasoline powered motors are allowed ■ Amenities - There is trailer parking for three ve- (electric motors only). hicles, designated handicapped parking, fi shing 4. Okeeheelee Fish Management Area* pier, picnic tables, playground and restroom. ■ Description - Concrete single-lane ramp located ■ Directions - Located in Pioneer Park off NW within Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach. 13th Avenue (accessed by heading north on NW ■ Amenities - Boat dock, fi shing pier, fi sh 7th Street from Boynton Beach Boulevard). attractors, boat rentals, trailer parking for thirteen and parking for handicapped and non- 7. Lake Ida (Lake Ida Park)* ■ trailered vehicles, restrooms, picnic pavilions, Description - Concrete two-lane boat ramp playgrounds, and walking/biking paths. located within Lake Ida Park in Delray Beach. ■ Directions - Located on the north side of For- ■ Amenities - There is enough parking for 40 est Hill Boulevard between Jog Road and the trailers. Also located in the park are a fi shing Florida Turnpike (note that you cannot exit the pier, restrooms, picnic tables, pavilions, and Turnpike here). Go in through the west park regular and handicapped parking. entrance (not the golf course entrance), take ■ Directions - Exit I-95 at Atlantic Avenue and the fi rst right, and then an immediate left. travel west 0.3 miles, head north on Congress ■ Note - Gasoline motors may not be used on Avenue for 0.8 miles, and then go east 0.2 boats. miles on Lake Ida Road. The entrance to Lake ■ Note - There is also extensive shoreline access Ida Park is on the north side of the road, imme- for bank anglers along most of the shore not diately after passing under the I-95 overpass. within the public golf course area. ■ Broward County 5. Lake Osborne (John Prince Park)* ■ Description - There are two boat ramps located 8. Hillsboro Canal (G-08)* within John Prince Park in Lake Worth. The ■ Description - Single-lane concrete ramp within fi rst is on the north lobe of Lake Osborne, near Villages of Hillsboro Park in Deerfi eld Beach. Lake Worth Road; there are three paved lanes ■ Amenities - There is trailer parking for eight for launching. The second is on the middle lobe vehicles, fi shing pier, restrooms, picnic tables, of Lake Osborne within the campgrounds, and playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, and offers a single paved lane. additional parking for vehicles without trailers. ■ Directions - Exit I-95 at Hillsboro Boulevard rest stop area between mile markers 35 and 36, and head west 2.2 miles, then head north on and are accessible from either direction. Powerline Road 0.5 miles. Turn west on NW 12. L-35B Canal (Sawgrass Recreation Park)* 6th Street and go 0.4 miles; the entrance to the ■ Description - A two-lane concrete boat ramp park is on the northwest side of the road. is located in Sawgrass Recreation Park in Ft. 9. Cypress Creek Canal (C-14)* Lauderdale. ■ Description - A two-lane concrete boat ramp is ■ Amenities - There is enough parking for fi f- located within the Veterans Memorial Park in teen boat trailers, with additional parking be- the city of Tamarac. hind the concession building. Bait and tackle, ■ Amenities - Trailer parking for 24 vehicles, boat rentals, airboat tours, and R.V. campsites restroom and picnic tables. are available on-site. ■ Directions - Take the Florida Turnpike or I-95 ■ Directions - Take I-95 or the Florida Turnpike and exit at Atlantic Boulevard; head west ap- and exit at I-595 heading west. Take I-75 north proximately 4.5 miles from the Turnpike or 7 toward Naples, then exit I-75 at US 27 and miles from I-95. Turn left on Riverside Drive, head north for about 2 miles; the entrance will then left on University Drive and fi nally right on be on the right. Alternatively, if coming from Southgate Boulevard. The entrance to the park the north you can take the Sawgrass Express- will be on the right just past the intersection. way (869) south to where it ends at I-75. 13. North New River Canal (G-15) & L-35A Canal* 10. Cypress Creek Canal (C-14)* ■ Description - There are three boat ramps locat- ■ Description - There are two single-lane con- ed within Markham Park in Sunrise. One is a crete boat ramps located at the Margate Ma- two-lane concrete ramp that accesses the North rina site within the City of Margate. New River Canal and is located to the east of ■ Amenities - There is trailer parking for twelve the park entrance. The other two single-lane vehicles. Other amenities include parking for concrete ramps access the L-35A Canal and are handicapped and other vehicles, and picnic adjacent to each other near the campground. tables. ■ Amenities - The fi rst ramp offers trailer park- ■ Directions - Take the Florida Turnpike or I-95 ing for nineteen vehicles. There is also a series of and exit at Atlantic Boulevard, heading west interconnected lakes within the park that are ac- 2.5 miles from the Turnpike or 5 miles from cessible to bank anglers. Other amenities include I-95. Turn left on Rock Island Road and then restrooms, picnic tables and pavilions, racquet- left on NW 1st Street; the ramps will be on the ball/tennis courts, biking/hiking trails, a swim- immediate right. ming complex, campground, and a dog park. 11. I-75 Canal ■ Directions - The entrance to Markham Park is ■ Description - There are several multi-lane located west of the Sawgrass Expressway (869) concrete boat ramps located along I-75 / Alliga- and just north off West State Road 84. tor Alley. ■ Note - There is an entrance fee on weekends. ■ Amenities - All of these boat ramps have simi- 14. North New River Canal (G-15)* lar facilities. They include paved parking areas ■ Description - There is a two lane gravel boat capable of accommodating several vehicles with ramp located within Riverland Woods Park in trailers, designated handicapped parking, and Ft. Lauderdale. parking for non-trailered vehicles, picnic tables, ■ Amenities - There is trailer parking for eight and docks. vehicles, restrooms, picnic tables, playground, ■ Directions - Located at mile markers 31.5, additional parking for vehicles without trailers, 32.1, 35.1, 35.2, 35.4, 35.9, 38.1, and 40.7 along and a courtesy dock. I-75 / Alligator Alley. ■ Directions - Exit I-595 at SR 7 / US 441 and ■ Note - Boat ramps located at mile markers head north 0.6 miles. Take the fi rst right onto 31.5 and 38.1 are only accessible from the west- Riverland Road, then take another right to con- bound lane, and ramps at mile markers 32.1 tinue on Riverland Road. The road dead-ends and 40.7 are only accessible from the eastbound at the park entrance. lane. All other ramps are located within the ■ Note - This is a brackish water canal. 15. L-67A Canal (Everglades Holiday Park)* ■ Amenities - There is trailer parking for fi ve ■ Description - There are two concrete boat vehicles and an additional space for handi- ramps with two lanes each located at Ever- capped parking. glades Holiday Park in Southwest Ranches. ■ Directions - From the intersection of Tamiami ■ Amenities - There is space for over 100 vehi- Trail (US 41 / SW 8th Street) and Krome Av- cles with boat trailers. Other amenities include enue (Hwy 997), travel west on Tamiami Trail bait and tackle shop, fi shing pier, dock, boat 1.3 miles to Structure 334. Turn right and cross rentals, restrooms, airboat tours, live alligator over the water control structure. Turn left on shows, and camping. Levee Road and go 3.0 miles to the ramp. ■ Directions - Exit I-95 or the Florida Turnpike ■ Note - The S-12D and S-12C Boat Ramps (also at I-595 and head west. Take I-75 north toward accessing the L-29 Canal) are located farther Naples, then exit I-75 at US 27 and head south west, 12.9 miles and 16.0 miles west of Krome Avenue, respectively. Each offers a single-lane, for about 6 miles. Turn west on Griffi n Road concrete ramp and an unimproved lot with at the traffi c light and it will dead-end at the space for about 25 vehicles. park. Alternatively, if coming from the north you can take the Sawgrass Expressway (869) 19. Tamiami Canal (C-4) & Airport Lakes* south to where it ends at I-75. ■ Description - A two-lane concrete boat ramp is located within Antonio Maceo Park in Miami. ■ Miami-Dade County ■ Amenities - There is parking for seventeen vehicles with trailers. Also located on site are 16. Snake Creek (C-9) Canal* ■ Description - There is a single-lane concrete docks, restrooms, picnic tables and playground. ■ ramp located in northern Miami-Dade County. Directions - Located on the north side of NW ■ Amenities - There is an unimproved parking lot 7th Street between N Red Road (NW 57th Av- with parking for approximately fi fteen vehicles enue) and NW 47th Avenue, to the south of the with trailers. Dolphin Expressway. ■ Directions - Located on the eastern side of ■ Note - There is a launch fee on weekends and NW 2nd Avenue / US 441 just north of the C-9 holidays. Canal itself. 20. L-31W Boat Ramp (L-31W Canal) 17. S-333 Boat Ramp (L-67A Canal & L-29 Canal)* ■ Description - There is a single-lane unim- ■ Description - There is a single-lane, concrete proved boat ramp located on the L-31W canal, boat ramp located off Tamiami Trail just north southwest of Florida City. of structure S-333, west of Miami. ■ Amenities - There is an unimproved gravel ■ Amenities - There is an unimproved lot with parking lot with space for about ten boat trailers. space for about 30 vehicles with trailers. ■ Directions - Located in southern Miami-Dade ■ Directions - From the intersection of Tamiami County on the north side of Ingraham High- Trail (US 41 / SW 8th Street) and Krome Av- way, just before the entrance to Everglades Na- enue (Hwy 997), travel west on Tamiami Trail tional Park. Start from the intersection of US 12.3 miles to Structure 333. Turn right and fol- 1 and Palm Drive / SW 344th Street in Florida low Levee Road 250 yards to the ramp, which City and head west on Palm Drive 4.2 miles. will be on the left. Head south on SW 217th Avenue for 3 miles, ■ Note - The L-67C Canal Boat Ramp is located then head west 2 miles on Ingraham Highway. about 0.3 miles north of this ramp, off the same The ramp will be on the right side of the road. levee but on the right. It offers a single-lane, concrete ramp and parking for fi ve trailers. ! Caution - Anglers should be aware that van- dalism occurs at some boat ramps. Therefore, 18. Three Mile Boat Ramp (L-29 Canal) care should be taken to secure your vehicle and ■ Description - There is a single-lane, concrete keep valuables out of sight or take them with FWC boat ramp located along Tamiami Trail, you when you leave the ramp. west of Miami. Record cold causes 710 widespread fi sh kills Boat Ramp C-18 Record-setting low temperatures 1 across Florida caused an unprec- Locator C-17 edented number of fi sh kills earlier 2 Map this year. In salt water, cold-sensitive 3 native species including snook, tarpon and bonefi sh died in such numbers that FWC issued an emergency order Palm Beach 80 4 (EO 10-03) temporarily closing the County 95 seasons on these three fi sheries. The 5 closures were slated to remain in effect TP until August 31 for snook, and March 6 31 for tarpon and bonefi sh, pending WCA-1 FWC evaluation of the cold’s overall 7 impact on these fi sh populations. In fresh water—the focus of this article—illegally introduced non-native fi shes died by the thousands. These ex- G-08 8 otic fi sh (with the exception of the but- WCA-2 869 terfl y peacock) were illegally released Miami Canal into Florida waters and subsequently C-14 WCA-3 L-35B 95 became established here. Originating 9 10 from warm tropical climates, they are not adapted to cold temperatures— 12 L-35A 11 75 13 even the Sunshine State’s normally I-75 Canal Alligator Alley G-15 14 moderate lows. Florida is one of the 595/8 4 few states far enough south for some of Broward 15 these species to begin reproducing and County 75 TP 27 become established, but when tem- peratures take a dive, so do exotic fi sh 16 populations. Ultimately, these fi sh are victims—victims of those individuals

L-67A that originally broke the law and re- 95 leased non-native fi shes into a foreign TP and inhospitable environment. Some kinds of exotic fi sh were 836 17 L-29 18 Ave. 997/Krome 19 affected by the cold more than others, 41 Tamiami Trail C-4 because different species have differ- ent lower lethal temperatures (the tem- Miami-Dade perature at which death occurs due to County 1 cold). As a result, certain species will begin to die sooner than others when Everglades temperatures fall. National Park An extremely critical factor was how long the low temperatures lasted. A fi sh exposed to even its lower lethal L-31W temperature only briefl y may recover 20 when the water warms back up. But 1 prolonged exposure to that same temperature will certainly be lethal. Florida’s exotic invaders received a “double County offers the best bet for any exotic quar- whammy” when temperatures not only plum- ry. However, Mayan cichlid and oscar anglers meted to record-setting lows, but stayed there might consider concentrating on bream or crap- long enough to set additional records. In the pie this year (check the “Top Spots” for both at end, nearly all south Florida waters were affect- FWC’s Fishing Forecasts, at Myfwc.com/RECRE- ed, and even relatively cold-tolerant exotics such ATION/FW_Sites.htm). as blue tilapia died in droves. The other species most widely observed among the dead included Mayan cichlid, spotted tilapia, oscar, sailfi n cat- Wanted—your help! fi sh, brown hoplo, and (within the Osborne-Ida Whether you are an occasional angler or an system) clown knifefi sh. avid fi sherman, whether you fi sh with a cane pole in your back yard or travel to Florida— the Fishing Capital of the World—from afar, o 100 F or if you have a business that depends on quality sportfi shing, we want your opinion. Butterfly The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation peacock — 60 o F Commission is developing a Long-Term Black Bass Management Plan and is interested in your input. Oscar — 55 o F The link below will provide some intro- ductory material that you may want to review prior to taking the survey, but it is not critical Spotted that you do so. We mostly need your opinions tilapia — 52 o F to help ensure that we create a plan that ad- dresses everyone’s concerns. Mayan cichlid — 48 o F MyFWC.com/BassPlan_survey

0o F Blue tilapia — 43 o F Different species of fi sh have different “lower lethal temperatures,” the temperature at which death due to cold will occur. Sadly, the butterfl y peacock—the only legally established exotic fi sh in Florida—was also severely impacted. Introduced by FWC in the mid-1980’s to control spotted tilapia, their preferred food, peacock bass are especially sensitive to cold. It was acknowledged well in advance that the peacock bass would have a limited northern range (probably never far- ther than Palm Beach County) and be subject to cold-weather kills. However, their role in reducing overall exotic fi sh numbers in south Florida—in addition to creating a new multi- million-dollar sport fi shery—has continued to justify their introduction. Anglers targeting exotic fi sh in the near future should think “south.” Miami-Dade Staying on top (Part 2)

!

Last issue provided an introduction to the ex- marshy habitat. It can be worked erratically citement of topwater fi shing, and covered fl oat- through the vegetation, or retrieved almost like ing-diving minnows, poppers, the Zara Spook, a buzzbait; two “curly legs” provide the action. and propeller lures. This quarter we’ll cover several more surface lures, and address the Pork rind— topic of night fi shing with topwaters. Hawgs love pigs! Or put Jitterbug—The Arbogast another way, big Jitterbug is a true clas- bass love pork rind baits! sic, and has remained Most anglers use pork unique over the years. rinds as an add-on for their The only other lure spinnerbait or buzzbait, but rigged I’ve seen that comes with a weedless hook such baits as the Uncle Josh Original Pork Frog are standalone close to matching the bass catchers in their own right. Pork rinds are Jitterbug’s left-right-left wob- typically worked across lily pads or other heavy ble is the Heddon Crazy Crawler. cover with erratic twitches and stops. Although Working this lure is a snap—just cast not entirely a topwater lure, pork rinds fi shed it out and reel it in. Most anglers simply use this way stay close enough to the surface to a steady retrieve with no stops or twitches. A be considered part of the topwater angler’s weedless version of the Jitterbug is available for arsenal. Anglers can pause before setting the fi shing waters with heavier cover. This lure also hook to ensure a good hookup, as bass tend to happens to be a night fi shing staple (below). hang on to pork rinds longer than they do other topwater offerings. The traditional hook for Frogs—A variety of topwater frog lures have this rig is the Mustad W3369A or Eagle Claw come and gone over the years. One that has 449W with the double wire weedguard (rigged endured the test of time is the Snag Proof Frog so the hook point rides up), although Uncle (still available as “The Original”). Its soft, air- Josh makes their own brand of weedless hook. fi lled body fl oats well, and as the name implies A variety of other pork rind baits suitable for allows this lure to be snaked over lily pads or topwater tossing are available, including Uncle other vegetation without hanging up. Experi- Josh’s Spin Frog and Big Daddy Frog, along enced frog anglers like to use erratic starts and with several other frog and “Craw” style baits. stops when working this lure, claiming that it mimics the predator-avoiding moves of a real Jerk baits— frog. A newer entry in this category of lures is Think of jerk the Zoom Horny Toad, a soft plastic bait which baits as softer, has become particularly popular locally in the subtler versions “fl ats” (marsh) within the Water Conservation of “stick baits” like Areas. Rigged Texas-style but without a weight, the Zara Spook. Their primary this weedless lure is ideal for working such advantage is that these soft plastics can be rigged weedless, similar to a Texas-rigged Night fi shing—Fishing with worm (sans weight). The Slug-Go, which re- topwater lures during the day portedly started the jerk bait craze, is still one is pretty exciting; seeing big, of the industry standards. It’s closest contend- splashy strikes is what gets most er is probably the Shad Assassin from Bass anglers started down this road. Assassin lures. When worked, these baits But night fi shing with topwaters has an allure have more forward motion and a less distinct and mystery all its own. Despite not always side-to-side action than heavier hard lures being able to see strikes, the quiet of the night like the Spook, but fi ll a similar role in the often makes them sound loud well out of pro- angler’s tackle box. They don’t fl oat as high as portion to their size. Night fi shing can also the hard baits, but make a more subtle sur- provide a quiet and solitude you won’t fi nd dur- face commotion. Being weedless means they ing the day, especially on busier waters. can be tossed into cover that would eat hard While topwater gear will be essentially lures whole, and still come back—maybe even the same for day or night fi shing, most an- with a fi sh attached. These lures have also be- glers will want to use a heavier line. Fish come especially popular in marshy areas like won’t be able to see the difference, but it will the Water Conservation Area “fl ats.” give you an advantage in playing a fi sh when you can’t see the cover it might dive into, and Buzzbaits—I usu- a heavier line will also make it more likely ally save this that you get your lure back if it lands in lure for last in weeds you can’t see. Anglers should also con- my bass fi shing sider weedless lures. Unless you’re fi shing a repertoire, mainly fairly open area, a lure with a weedguard has because it creates such a better chance of making it back to you. a ruckus that under some Several topwater lures do particularly circumstances it may scare well for night fi shing. The Arbogast Jitterbug fi sh. This lure has also seemed is a classic for night angling, as is the Hula to work best for me in areas (or other branded) Popper. Work these as that don’t receive much fi shing you would during the day. A weedless Jitter- pressure and the bass aren’t as suspicious. bug is available if you night fi sh waters with However, I’ve had lots of fun fi shing with vegetation or structure. Buzzbaits can also buzzbaits, and these lures also seem to really be used at night, and have the advantage of bring out the aerial antics in bass. Several putting out lots of vibrations that bass can times I’ve had bass actually leap out of the zero in on in the dark; they’re also weedless, water and land on top of the buzzbait when another night-time plus. When night fi shing taking it. This lure also covers more real buzzbaits, stick with a steady retrieve instead estate in a hurry than any other topwater, of the throwing in the usual daytime twitch- because of the speed with which it is retrieved es; in the dark, a bass may be more likely to and the distance at which it can attract a miss a lure worked with an erratic retrieve. bass’ attention. I stick with a quick, steady This may also be the reason a steadily moving retrieve that keeps the bait up and running lure like the Jitterbug, or a slow-working lure briskly. I’ll throw occasional twitches into my like a popper, are proven producers at night. retrieve but haven’t become convinced that Other topwater lures can be used, but these a simple steady retrieve isn’t just as effec- are the real standbys. tive. White-skirted lures have worked well for Alligators and some species of snakes me, but black and chartreuse are also popular. are active at night, so of course exercise cau- Various colors and designs with single blades, tion when near the water. Also ensure that double blades and even counter-rotating blades you have enough light to check your footing are available from numerous manufacturers. and move about safely.