Fly Lines
RIO Redfish Fly Line
A heavy front taper for quick shots at tailing fish in warm, humid conditions.
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A maze of mangrove islands from Everglades City to Chokoloskee with snook, juvenile tarpon, and reds.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Ten Thousand Islands for redfish, snook and tarpon. The best months overall are Apr to Jul, Sep to Oct. In October, redfish and snook are in season, and Clouser Minnow, EP Baitfish and Spoon Fly are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles (2 fly, 10 bait and tackle); the closest is Everglades Bait Tackle And Marina in Everglades City, 1 mi away. Biscayne Bay is 76 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Apr to Jul, Sep to Oct
In October
Redfish, Snook
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Ten Thousand Islands Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
11 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Clouser Minnow #1/0-8
FlyStreamer · Redfish
Shop This FlyEP Baitfish #2/0-2
FlyStreamer · Redfish
Shop This FlySpoon Fly #1/0-2
FlyFlats Fly · Redfish
Shop This FlyWalking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater · Snook, Redfish
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Snook, Redfish
Shop This LureWeedless Gold Spoon 1/4 to 1/2 oz
LureSpoon · Redfish
Shop This LurePopping Cork Rig 18 to 30 in leader
LureRig · Redfish
Shop This LureLive Shrimp 2 to 4 in
BaitLive Bait · Snook, Redfish
Sand Fleas Small
BaitLive Bait · Redfish · Surf.
Cut Mullet Chunk or strip
BaitNatural Bait · Redfish · Surf and passes.
Live Pinfish and Mullet 3 to 6 in
BaitLive Bait · Snook
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Redfish
Fly 9 ft 8 wt rod, floating redfish line, 16 to 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid with a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Snook
Fly 9 ft 8 or 9 wt rod, floating or intermediate line, 30 to 40 lb bite leader.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy spinning rod, 4000 reel, 20 lb braid with a 30 to 40 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Tarpon
Fly 9 ft 11 or 12 wt rod, floating or intermediate tarpon line, 60 to 80 lb shock tippet.
Spin / Cast 7.5 ft heavy spinning rod, 6000 to 8000 reel, 50 lb braid with an 80 lb leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Ten Thousand Islands
Leaders & Tippet
Seaguar Tarpon Leader Material
Heavy fluorocarbon shock leader that survives tarpon jaws and gill plates.
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RIO Tarpon Fly Line
A tropical line that stays stiff in heat for long casts to rolling tarpon.
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Gamakatsu Circle Hooks
Circle hooks set themselves in the corner of the mouth and make release easy.
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Costa Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
Polarized lenses cut glare so you can see fish, structure, and flats.
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Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.
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Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod
A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.
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PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Ten Thousand Islands
Bait & Tackle
Everglades Bait Tackle And Marina
Everglades City, Florida· 1 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Everglades City, FL.
Bait & Tackle
Marco Island Bait & Tackle
Marco Island, Florida· 19 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Marco Island, FL.
Bait & Tackle
Marco Fishing Company
Marco Island, Florida· 20 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Marco Island, FL.
Bait & Tackle
Floridas Finest Fishing
Marco Island, Florida· 21 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Marco Island, FL.
Make It a Trip