Conservation Areas 2 and 3 in south Florida's Everglades is torrid right now (as in "rat now") for largemouth bass, Oscars, shellcrackers, bluegills, Mayan cichlids, warmouth, chain pickerel and, if lusting for a good Pier 6 brawl, mudfish to 12 pounds and gar.

According to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Biologist Jon Fury, water levels in Areas 2 and 3 are down, which, in turn, concentrates all of these fish in deeper canals.

What's more, Fury estimates this proviso will continue through June and, possibly, even into July.

"When water levels are high," Fury said, "fish are scattered throughout the marshy areas.

"During droughts, they tend to congregate in deeper canals such as L-35B in Area 2, and L-67A in Area 3." Daily catches of up 60 to 70 bass per person (and sometimes more) are regular occurrences. (Note: The bag limit is five bass and only one bass over 14 inches may be kept, the rest must be returned. This recycling helps maintain an excellent fishery in South Florida.) While conducting a survey recently Fury met two disappointed anglers who, in just their first hour of fishing, had caught "only" a dozen fish each. About the only problem faced by most bassers, however, is, getting baits or lures past smaller fish in order to reach the lunkers.

Fury suggests that we toss topwater plugs during the early a.m. hours and switch to plastic worms in late morning through warmer afternoon periods. (For more see tips). A Mercury advisory is in effect throughout the Everglades, and we're cautioned not to consume any bass, and eat Oscars no more than once per week (check with the Department of Health (850/488-4070) for more details).

Flyrodders will score heavily on bluegills, shellcrackers and warmouth, while those using artificials won't go wrong using small spinnerbaits. Live worms and crickets are also tickets to success. (see Fishes for descriptions of these and other fish)

Oscars and Mayan cichlids to two pounds or more are both relatives of the Tilapia and will ambush small, black plastic worms with mucho gusto, as well as the same poppers, spinners and live baits used for panfish. For fast, exciting angling combat, we shouldn't overlook the powerful mudfish, spectacular chain pickerel (jacks) or numerous gar that also have moved into these canals by the seemingly blue zillions.

It should be noted there are no size or bag restrictions on the number of chain pickerel that can be taken in Conservation Areas 2 and 3, though who really wants or needs to take more than can be used?

Due to high water conditions throughout the Everglades from 1993 through 1997, this south Florida region has experienced a population explosion encompassing all finny species.

Now, these vast, divergent 'armies' of piscatorial dandies, along with alligators by the thousands, have migrated into easily-reached and confined locales, providing fisher folks with that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch and release fish until their arms give out, and photograph gators and the voluminous varieties of tropical bird life until a film supply is depleted.

Both conservation areas are truly tropical and expansive wonderlands to be enjoyed by everyone.

Area 2 embraces 210 square miles while Area 3 takes in a staggering 920 square miles, larger than some countries.

Those wanting to fish the L-35B Canal in Conservation Area 2 can launch from the Sawgrass Recreation Area off State Road 27, two miles north of Alligator Alley (S.R. 84). Area 3 anglers can put in at Holiday Park, also off S.R. 27, six miles south of the Alley.

In addition to excellent launching ramps and ample parking, both Sawgrass and Holiday Park have bait/tackle shops and boat rentals available.

There's an old, hackneyed cliche to the effect that "he who hesitates is lost." A word to the wise: Don't get lost and (sorry about this) "better strike while the iron is hot." Fishing too.