South Florida inshore anglers are understandably chomping at the bit to return to Flamingo in Everglades National Park (ENP). Closed since Hurricane Wilma roared through on October 23, the park boat ramps leading to both Florida Bay and Whitewater Bay sustained major damage, as did the marina store, hotel, cabins, campground and employee housing. Much of the restoration effort since Katrina passed by earlier in the year was a wash as well.

Rumors had it that the boat ramps would open by the week of December 12, but updates today confirm that this is not the case. According to an ENP spokesman, the official opening date is still in question. So for now, anglers hoping to fish the outside flats and Cape Sable region will have to access ENP waters from the Keys or Southwest Coast. FS online will provide updates when they become available.

FS