Went out today in the boat and took Steve Johnson of Miami.  We found some clean water on the Alley and found bass.  We caught over 50 bass and Steve caught 8 big mudfish.  One was the biggest, widest, mudfish I have ever seen.  Thank God the rod he was using had 50 pound braid.  Later in the day a big 10 foot gator suddenly surfaced right next to the boat and a fish I was landing.  It looked like he wanted to come in the boat and visit.

 

We caught them today on stickos, flukes, speed worms, beavers and trick worms.  Most of the hook ups occurred in the pads close to the canal drop off.  It was another nice day on the Alley.

Nice report! Crazy with that gator, they came be intimidating.. Ya, there are some chunky mudfish out there to.

What is it you guys are calling "mudfish"?

Bowfin

What is it you guys are calling "mudfish"?

 

 

A mudfish is a Bowfin.  It is a native fish in Florida.  They can get big, and a top of the line predator in their environment.  Their mouth is loaded with teeth.  They can do very well in poor quality water, and they can destroy baits and gear all the time.  The only rods I have broken fighting a fish, have been on mudfish.  Once hooked they will put on a good fight, and big head shakes.  They are usually regarded as a nuisance fish.

I went to Loxahatchee on sunday and boy those d**n mudfish were active. They were cutting my senko worms in half. Cut my line 3 times as well.

Gator? Man, I think I'd have to change my pants after that!

Gator? Man, I think I'd have to change my pants after that!

 

Glenn, they are so common out in the glades you usually don't even take notice of them.  This guy was different, either territorial with the breading season, or someone has been feeding him..  When you think of how quick they can move in the water, a big gator at the boat make everyone uneasy.

Sounds like a good trip.  Gar and Mudfish are thick this year.  My last two trips to the Alley we have boated at least one.

Scary