I'm coming down the last week of February with my family and looking at fishing Clam Pass. I have a 5 weight 8'6" rod with a CFO reel -- is this a workable setup? Do I risk damaging the CFO reel in a week of saltwater fishing?

Curious, too, about wading equipment. I can bring felt-soled wading boots, Tevas, or chest waders. What makes sense? Are stingrays only a summer concern?

Lastly, how important is time of day? I'm at the mercy of my 2 young children (I'm not just talking fishing, here). Am I wasting my time if I can't be on the water between certain times?

Hi,

Thanks for the post. A 5 is a little light. We usualy use 8's but if that's what you have you can make it work. Our flies are bigger , it could be windy, longer cast etc...but if your wading you can be stealthy and get closer to the mangrove shorlines or casting across the sloughs depending on the tides. Feb. 25 - March 1 you'll have very low tides in the early am, around sunrise, with a nice incoming tide. The snook and redfish can come in with the water and move into the bays. It is a little early for the pass but if it stays warm and calm snook, redfish, trout, snapper, jacks and more can be caught.

Mark Ward
Owner
Everglades Angler