Map 3: LopezRivertoSundayBay(5.5 miles)

From markt:r 127 at the mouth of the Lopez River up the smooth waters there will be no markers until 126 at the Crooked Creek turnoff.

Between the mouth of the river and the campsite there are several oyster bars-be alert to avoid running aground. The north side of the small island near the mouth of the river has the deepest water. At this point there are oyster bars in the middle of the river.

At the next bend upstream there is an oyster bar on the north side. At the next sharp bend there is a mud bank on the north side.

The Lopez River bears the name of the Spanish family that settled in this area in the late I 800's and lived on the river for two generations, and whose descendants are still living on Chokoloskee Island. The Lopez homesite is located about halfway up the river on the right bank, just after the sharp bend. You can spot the site by the huge stone cistern that remains.

The National Park Service has cleared a campsite here, and a table and grill are provided. The boater who wants to do some fishing can camp here and have his choice of fishing among the Ten Thousand Islands or farther inland among the many rivers and creeks. Observe fishing regulations where they apply (see p. J 6 for fishing regulations in the Park).

Map 4: SundayBay to OysterBay(3.8miles)

Markers 123, 121, 120, I 19, 117, J 16, and I JS can be followed with ease across Sunday Bay and into Oyster Bay. Run close to shore between markers I I 3 and J 14 while entering Oyster Bay.

Sunday Bay is the first or northernmost of eighteen major bays along the Wilderness Waterway. Most of these bays are brackish, affected both by Gulf tides and fresh water flowing from the many creeks and rivers that drain from the everglades. This brackish water zone may be as much as twelve miles wide. The width depends on the quantity of fresh water entering the coastal area and hence is greatest in wet years and is reduced during times of drought. It is most extensive in the fall when high ocean tides combine with the peak fresh water runoff to produce extensive flooding of the coastal marshes. The brackish water zone is generally associated with or adjacent to the mangrove belt.

Fishing Regulations In The Park

Salt Water

No license is needed for salt water fishing in Florida except for out of state residents who plan to sell fish or for seafood dealers.

Observe closed seasons: check with local game wardens or Park Rangers for dates of closed seasons on oysters, crawfish, stone crabs, etc.

Return undersized fish to water unharmed. Minimum sizes pennitted:

Bluefish-10 inches

Flounder-11 inches

Mackerel-12 inches

Mullet-12 inches

Observe limits on gamefish: Sailfish-2 only in possession

Pompano-10 inches

Redfish (red drum)-12 inches

Snook-18 inches

Trout (spotted, sea, weakfish)-12 inches

Shad-15 a day by hook and line

Snook-4 a day; l day bag limit

Tarpon-2 only in possession

Fresh Water

A state fishing license must be obtained to fish in the Park's fresh waters. All state fishing regulations apply in Park boundaries. Obtain a copy of the Florida Fresh Water Fishing Rules from the Florida Fish and Game Commission, Tallahassee, Florida.

(continued on p. 18)

Continuing southward through the brackish bays, follow the markers as indicated on the map. Marker I09 is on anoyster bar; runnext to shore in thisarea.

If possible, also take time to look for themanyaquatic organisms that thrive in thiszoneof mixingwater,the most highly productivelife zone in the Park. Collecting land-derived nutrients andconverting them toorganic food material, this life zone provides an abundant food supply for many small aquatic organisms that areinturn feduponbylarger ones.

Killifish are the dominant fishes of the brackish marshes. In shallow areas these fish are fed upon by large wading birds such as great blue herons, Louisiana herons, and many others. In deeper waters theyare the food for many large fish, such as trout, which are in turn prey for larger fish such assnookandtarpon.

FISHING REGULATIONS - continued General

The following regulations apply to all waters within the boundaries of Everglades National Park:

Collecting, attracting, or feeding fish is prohibited.

Seahorses, starfish, and tropical fish may not be taken for commercial purposes. It is unlawful to buy or sell gamefish. Persons engaged in commercial fishing must have an annual permit.

The taking of oysters or clams for sale or commercial purposes is prolubited. Visitors may gather, only by hand or rake, a reasonable amount of oysters or clams for personal use only.

The taldng of crawfish by any method for commercial purposes is prohibited. Crawfish may be taken by hand or bully net during the open season prescribed by the State of Florida.

Ask a local conservation agent or Park representative about local rules of interest concerning nets, traps, etc.

There is plenty of fishing for everyone in these waters. Don't infringe on the other fellow. Respect his privacy, give him plenty of room, and don't interfere with his catch. When anchoring to fish be sure not to block boat channels and narrow watenvays. Doing so may cause accidents or make other boats go aground trying to avoid your boat.