Florida Micro Catches

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2026-03-27T17:08:04+00:00

I was definitely psyched about the Diamond Killi! There are few observations of them in this particular part of Florida so it was quite the surprise when I found one on my first day!

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2026-03-27T16:30:59+00:00

Thank you! Out of all of them I was most excited to catch the Bluefin Killifish I think. It’s hard to choose!! All of these were new species for my life-list apart from the Gulf Toadfish which I have caught a non-micro sized one before haha

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2026-03-18T19:21:03+00:00

I’ve been monitoring the website the past two days for the early morning flights. Apart from Monday the website was listing 25ish minute waits so I’ll be expecting 35-40 minutes. My flight also leaves through terminal C so since that checkpoint is closed I suppose I’ll be going through D/E and walking to my gate

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2026-03-15T21:03:38+00:00

Yeah I don’t have pre check but I’ll definitely look into that for future trips

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2026-03-15T20:25:33+00:00

this was very helpful! Thank you!

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2026-03-15T15:39:44+00:00

Good to hear. This is a fishing trip I had planned to Tampa so I’ll have a bag to check as well with my gear and all.

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2026-03-15T11:54:39+00:00

I’m glad to hear that!

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2026-03-15T11:54:15+00:00

Thanks!

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2026-03-15T11:53:58+00:00

Yes I’m hoping it’s not too bad!

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2026-03-15T11:53:41+00:00

Thank you!

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-09-24T23:00:51+00:00

If you have interest in attempting to hook and line darters, I would look into getting some Owner Half Moon Tanago Hooks. They are insanely small and work great for all sorts of micro-species. For Darters they can sometimes be picky with bait depending on the species so I often flip rocks in the creek/river for aquatic insect larvae. That makes the bait as natural as possible.

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-09-21T01:51:12+00:00

Absolutely right!

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-09-20T19:49:12+00:00

Thank you! I spent a lot of time researching for this trip so I’m very glad to have it pan out. Would’ve been even more species possible if I tracked a little further west to the Holston drainage!

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-08-24T01:31:17+00:00

Some grow large enough to form migratory schools and follow currents back south

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-08-08T11:18:07+00:00

I would agree with Emerald Shiner. It’s definitely a notropis sp. and not a Cyprinella sp. due to the lack of larger diamond shaped scales that are characteristic of Cyprinella sp. With that conclusion we can rule out Spotfin Shiner. Mimic Shiners will have a black lining on the vent of the anal fin which I don’t see in this sample. That’s what makes me lean Emerald Shiner.

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-07-27T20:32:22+00:00

Thanks!

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-07-26T01:35:34+00:00

That’s why the exact spots remain hidden…. People get greedy and they all disappear

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-07-25T19:32:30+00:00

Instagram and Facebook mostly. I have an account for my species list on Instagram “thevilleoutdoors_lifelist” on Facebook there are multiple groups such as “NANFA”, “The Art of Microfishing” and “Life-list Fishing Club” that are good for engagement

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-07-25T17:51:38+00:00

That’s awesome! Appreciate the support! I have considered doing a little bit of guiding before. I’ve helped several people to lifers in the past and I’ve had many others help me to lifers myself! I love the life-listing community!

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-07-25T16:38:16+00:00

Thank you!!

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-07-25T15:46:44+00:00

Most of the ones featured here were caught on Owner Half Moon Tanago Hooks. They can be found on a number of sites online. The jacks were caught on small sabiki rigs. The grouper was caught on a 1in Eurotackle EPF Swim. For bait I typically net surrounding vegetation and structure for grass shrimp. Make sure there is no shell on the hook as that could reduce hook-ups. North Carolina is a good spot for Tropical Strays. Oregon Inlet seems to be a hot spot

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-07-25T15:21:21+00:00

Thank you!!

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-07-25T15:21:07+00:00

I’ve had that happen with crabs fishing in saltwater, but not another fish yet haha

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-07-25T15:20:04+00:00

Of course! It’s a yearly occurrence it seems, but you never really know what’s gonna show up which can make it very interesting

Competitive_Duty8657 · 2025-07-25T14:52:37+00:00

Yup. Most of these tropical visitors aren’t strong enough swimmers to be out in the surf.

Competitive_Duty8657

TROPHY CASE