This past weekend I traveled down south to fish the Tamiami Trail and visit the Clyde Butcher Big Cypress Gallery – boy did it not disappoint.
The Tamiami Trail
Running parallel to Alligator Alley, the Tamiami Trail cuts through the Everglades and stretches across Florida from the Naples/Golden Gate area to Miami.
This entire area is filled with creeks, canals, bridges, drain pipes and culverts that hold multiple fresh and saltwater species. Common catches include snook, tarpon, bass, gar, Mayan cichlids, peacock bass and oscars.
For those spin fishing, paddle tails and suspending twitch baits are the way to go. If you’re throwing flies, white closer minnows, black and purple baitfish flies as well as mullet imitations will work well here. Fishing the trail does present unique challenges, however. You essentially have to pull your car over on the shoulder and either climb over the railing or cast from the shoulder as cars scream by behind you at breakneck speed. At least if you die, it’ll be instant. Additionally, clouds of mosquitos are an ever-present annoyance as well as ants, spiders, sand spurs and the occasional swamp puppy (gators and crocs).
The particular pond where I found these snooklets also held a ton of gar, cichlids and baby poon. Underneath the overpass that I was standing next to it sounded like someone was throwing cinderblocks into a kiddie pool. Snook non-stop popping on fry baits kept me throwing my fly and letting it drift back under the bridge with the current time and time again.
Other Tamiami Trail Activities
Clyde Butcher Gallery
While the fishing was a huge reason for this trip, the other big factor was visiting Clyde Butcher’s Gallery. There is one in Naples, but I wanted the original, real experience in Ochopee, Florida – down the trail in the Big Cypress Preserve, 729,000 acres of pure, natural Florida. Clyde photographs the Everglades but has also shot nature scenes around the country. What makes his work so cool is that he shoots using early 1900s camera gear – all in black and white. His gallery also includes works from his wife Niki as well who photographs gorgeous nature scenes, but not in the same black and white aesthetic as her husband. Learn more about Clyde Butcher here.
The Skunk Ape Research HQ
Who or what is the skunk ape? Simply put, it’s Florida Bigfoot. However, what distinguishes the skunk ape from other Bigfoot types is that he stinks to high heaven (hence the name) and he only has four toes. As for me and my house. I believe.
At Skunk Ape HQ, you can also find a variety of animal exhibits including snakes, alligators, tortoises and snapping turtles.
We were lucky enough to be there during feeding time, the animal handler fed the gators chicken and the snakes dead rats- quite a sight to see. One of the main attractions to see is a 24-foot Burmese Python – the largest snake that I have ever seen.
It’s a fun place that is worth the stop – check it out!
In Sum
The Tamiami Trail is simply awesome. From the fishing to the scenery to the attractions, it is 100 percent worth the trip down. The coolest part about it, in my opinion, is that it is a choose-your-own-adventure scenario.
Want to book a guide? Easy. Head to Everglades City and you can find a captain to take you way into the backcountry for an incredible fishing adventure. Just want to try your luck on the trail? Sure thing. One bridge might have gar, bass and cichlids, the next might have tarpon and snook, and the next may be a mix! Try it out. Of course, you can simply go as a person who appreciates nature and just kayak or canoe, walk a nature trail, see a beautiful art gallery, or enjoy it in whatever way that you see fit. You can also easily book an airboat or swamp buggy tour as well!
If you enjoyed this piece, then perhaps you’ll enjoy some of my other works as well. You can read my latest blog here.
Until next time, tight lines.
