About Little Shark River, FL

Little Shark River is a 9.5-mile-long freshwater river in Monroe County, Florida, empties into Mexico's Gulf. The river is 10-15 feet deep, with its mouth at Ponce de Leon Bay, west of Whitewater Bay, and on the southwestern edge of Everglades National Park. Many boats and ships passed through the river's coastline as an anchorage.

Monroe County prides itself with the Everglades National Park. Its Wilderness Waterway has a recreational waterway route that comprises many creeks, rivers, lakes, and other bays offers various waterway activities for visitors and locals alike. The county mainly consists of isolated land, wetland, and natural aquatic habitats. Because of this, a large number of the county's river population live only in the Florida Keys. Apart from fishing, many other activities can be done around Little Shark River. These include kayaking, canoeing, nature viewing, boating, camping, hiking, picnicking, and swimming in designated swimming lines. Mangroves in the Little Shark River are also paradise to birds, making for perfect bird watching of seabirds, shorebirds, and songbirds among many.

All About Fishing in Little Shark River, FL

Little Shark River is in the west of Everglades National Park and is as isolated as other bodies of water in this part of Monroe County up to the Gulf of Mexico. The natural water ecosystem proves to be very healthy for wetland animals, birds, and primarily for marine species. Mangroves are abundant in the Everglades Wilderness Waterway and the routes of Little Shark River. Mangroves are wonderful breeding grounds and habitats for different types of fish and other animals such as frogs and some crustaceans like crabs. Fish species grow well in the river after spawning in the mangroves or the river banks. However, many alligators are also found along the water banks, making small amphibians prey to them. Bull sharks are also found on the river, so swimmers need to be careful and follow regulations. Other fish species in the river include redfish, sea trout, snook, yellowtail, channel catfish, blacktip shark, tarpon, and cobia. 

Anglers in the Little Shark River are mostly locals and visitors that love to fish in solitude. New anglers in the river must be aware that the place is very isolated, and there is little to no dry land to stand or walk around on. There are no docks, no facilities, and poor signal for mobile phones. A national park ranger will visit occasionally, but it is best to have a guide, especially for newbies. Anglers must also beware of big tarpon that randomly jumps and fly above the surface of the water. A dinghy is advisable for exploring upstream. Jigging, fly fishing, and spinning are commonly used for fishing in the river.  Anglers who want to do drift fishing need to watch for strong currents.  Any live bait works on different types of fish. These live baits include small frogs, crayfish, peeled shrimp, mullets, and minnows.

Fishing Seasonality

Anglers have to note that January is the coldest month in Little Shark River, with an average temperature of 55.9 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest is in August, with an average temperature of 90.3 degrees Fahrenheit. August also has the highest precipitation, and December gets the lowest. There are many insects and bugs in the area, so bug repellent, pants, and long sleeves are a must when fishing in the river or just visiting for long hours. It is most recommended to go to Little Shark River during the dry season, which is November through May, because there are relatively few bugs, and it is tolerable to wear covered outfits because it is not summer.

Fishing Seasonality

Anglers have to note that January is the coldest month in Little Shark River, with an average temperature of 55.9 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest is in August, with an average temperature of 90.3 degrees Fahrenheit. August also has the highest precipitation, and December gets the lowest. There are many insects and bugs in the area, so bug repellent, pants, and long sleeves are a must when fishing in the river or just visiting for long hours. It is most recommended to go to Little Shark River during the dry season, which is November through May, because there are relatively few bugs, and it is tolerable to wear covered outfits because it is not summer.

All About Fishing in Little Shark River, FL

Little Shark River is in the west of Everglades National Park and is as isolated as other bodies of water in this part of Monroe County up to the Gulf of Mexico. The natural water ecosystem proves to be very healthy for wetland animals, birds, and primarily for marine species. Mangroves are abundant in the Everglades Wilderness Waterway and the routes of Little Shark River. Mangroves are wonderful breeding grounds and habitats for different types of fish and other animals such as frogs and some crustaceans like crabs. Fish species grow well in the river after spawning in the mangroves or the river banks. However, many alligators are also found along the water banks, making small amphibians prey to them. Bull sharks are also found on the river, so swimmers need to be careful and follow regulations. Other fish species in the river include redfish, sea trout, snook, yellowtail, channel catfish, blacktip shark, tarpon, and cobia. 

Anglers in the Little Shark River are mostly locals and visitors that love to fish in solitude. New anglers in the river must be aware that the place is very isolated, and there is little to no dry land to stand or walk around on. There are no docks, no facilities, and poor signal for mobile phones. A national park ranger will visit occasionally, but it is best to have a guide, especially for newbies. Anglers must also beware of big tarpon that randomly jumps and fly above the surface of the water. A dinghy is advisable for exploring upstream. Jigging, fly fishing, and spinning are commonly used for fishing in the river.  Anglers who want to do drift fishing need to watch for strong currents.  Any live bait works on different types of fish. These live baits include small frogs, crayfish, peeled shrimp, mullets, and minnows.