SoFlo Cichlids

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SoFlo Cichlids SoFlo Cichlids Each and every outing is a new adventure, just waiting to unfold with unclaimed records and heart break as well.
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SoFlo Cichlids was created for all levels of anglers and fishermen alike to enjoy the sublime of the angling worlds, catering to each client and personalizing their time on the waters accordingly. My goal is to provide the tools to whom ever wishes to learn more about our amazing fishery and to show that quality game fish can be stalked and caught without a vessel. All guides are onfoot, please visit our site for more details should you want to book a trip.

It's all downhill from here...😅♿️ or, just a new beginning? Who's got "war stories"? Reply with yours. It will help some...
20/09/2023

It's all downhill from here...😅♿️ or, just a new beginning? Who's got "war stories"? Reply with yours. It will help someone you might not expect. Moving forward, staying positive.

It's been a while guys. I'm still in recovery with another brain surgery scheduled for next month, but doing well with r...
08/09/2023

It's been a while guys. I'm still in recovery with another brain surgery scheduled for next month, but doing well with rehabilitation so far. I did manage my first catch since March on 4wt this morning, soaking all the healing powers of the Glades. Thanks to my homie Tommy of Bare Bones BBQ and Jerk for driving me out before therapy & forcing me to fish fly one handed. Teamwork makes the dream work!

It finally hit me to the full extent recently. I had hardcore brain surgery in April, among a mini series of miraculous ...
04/07/2023

It finally hit me to the full extent recently. I had hardcore brain surgery in April, among a mini series of miraculous miracles perfectly timed, allows me to make this post today. I could have died numerous ways since March-April, or end up a vegetable. I've been extremely optimistic the entire time, especially during my recovery & rehabilitation. But, I was down last week when all this hit me. Then, I realized all this wasn't why I was down. I'm going to miss my first ICAST since it's been in Florida. It was one of my goals. Unfortunately, it will be my first failed goal too. It wasn't a great feeling, to be honest. But, who knows? I just might go, despite how tough the logistics will be. It's definitely nice knowing I'll have a show badge from Bull Bay Rods either way. They've had my back since day one! And, it's an awesome feeling to have that support, in more ways than one. Moving forward, staying positive. Nothing can stop me, but my last breath.

Did you miss me? While I heal up from brain & adrenal gland surgery, here's a teaser. Gettin' swirly on the strike, urba...
08/06/2023

Did you miss me? While I heal up from brain & adrenal gland surgery, here's a teaser. Gettin' swirly on the strike, urban assault in the asphalt jungles.

I caught a few more pond mates for one of the private ponds I help manage. I added a pair of mature jaguars & a couple p...
31/03/2023

I caught a few more pond mates for one of the private ponds I help manage. I added a pair of mature jaguars & a couple peas. This particular pond is full of aggressive cichlids, some omnivore cichlids, a few pleccos & a couple koi. I'll take some close ups & more video when the peas have adjusted. Bed resting has never been so much fun!

Spring is in the air. Berries are growing along the water's edge. Bees are doing their thing & we were doing ours. Dan c...
29/03/2023

Spring is in the air. Berries are growing along the water's edge. Bees are doing their thing & we were doing ours. Dan came down for his second trip from Port Saint Lucie & my buddy Dave, from Orlando for the Florida Insider Fishing Report. Dan was looking for big midas', oscars & whatever exotics mother nature threw our way. We fought local Nancy's while having fun spooking huge tiger oscars on fly. I caught a decent pea on 7wt & this 'absent barred phenotype monoculus' pea on lite spin, in between the ruckus. It's all about respect when dealing with "people". We found a ton of big midas'. I even got to hook a really big one on ultralite that ran hard & bent out my hook on ultralite, losing him to a knarly run while trying to avoid... everything. Midas are just starting to get extra frisky, just shy of munching on flys. Unfortunately, I started having lung issues the day before. And, I was a bit winded at times. Don't get old guys. But, I always feel better outdoors. It's all about balance in life. I'm still finding mine. Check out the patterns on the pea I'm holding. I'll never stop loving & respecting these gorgeous brutes. Thanks for hanging out with me fellas.

Yesterday's trip was with new client Wayne Szeto from LA, California. His goal was to learn how I catch local baits, my ...
24/03/2023

Yesterday's trip was with new client Wayne Szeto from LA, California. His goal was to learn how I catch local baits, my tactics & variations to targeting peas & how to apply my fish ideologies. We definitely had a learning curve early this morning. We ended up catching his first few, almost beating his PB lmbass & we had a shot at a true trophy pea! We had him too, but you don't often get to drop back or even a follow-up cast at most of the really big ones. This guy was so smart. He did make a rookie mistake, especially in gin clear waters. And that's OK, its what we are here for. More importantly, he continuously learned throughout the guide & was literally a different fisherman by noon. We finished the trip strong with an urban solo double up at the last spot, going into bonus time at the last, last, last spot. It's not always about the money for me, although it is a business & Daddy has some medical bills now. Jokes aside, guiding is much more to me than any of you will ever really know. So much more! Shout to the homie Damian Rodriguez & his student .3.0.5 for letting us slide thru.

Why is it in the 50's in Miami this morning? It's very hard to fish like this! Can someone please tell mother nature its...
20/03/2023

Why is it in the 50's in Miami this morning? It's very hard to fish like this! Can someone please tell mother nature its spring? 👀🥶

Sunday Funday, got some breakfast & went hunting for King Kong in the "forest". We didn't find him today, but saw some c...
19/03/2023

Sunday Funday, got some breakfast & went hunting for King Kong in the "forest". We didn't find him today, but saw some cool clues. We did see a big racer snake & heard tokay geckos near us. We decided to catch some fish afterwards. The world around you is there to explore like a child. Don't let the inner child die. I'll always be a Toys 'R Us kid!

Today's short trip was with new clients from Quebec, Canada. Luc Bonneville came down to battle the 'Silver King' with C...
18/03/2023

Today's short trip was with new clients from Quebec, Canada. Luc Bonneville came down to battle the 'Silver King' with Capt. Greg Hutchisson. Greg was kind enough to refer me, and hopefully get Luc, his wife & two sons on their first few peacocks. We ended up with several doubles, constant bent rods & deep belly laughs. Shout out to the homie, Damian Rodriguez for the private lake access. I'm honored & blessed to have such great friends & networks, especially when I'm still recovering from being in the hospital. Don't tell the fish that! Today's big boy was pushing 5-6lbs+, welcome to Miami!

I caught this guy minutes after the bigger one posted a couple weeks ago. They looked similar in size, so I'm posting hi...
17/03/2023

I caught this guy minutes after the bigger one posted a couple weeks ago. They looked similar in size, so I'm posting him now to give him the respect. He got extra swirly in the air & relocated the lure twice. I thought the lure was going to shoot at me at one point. It turns out the right side of his mouth had a huge gap from an old injury, crazy fish & way too much fun on lite tackle!

Plenty of time to sleep when I'm dead. I'm still recovering from being in the hospital with spontaneous internal bleedin...
12/03/2023

Plenty of time to sleep when I'm dead. I'm still recovering from being in the hospital with spontaneous internal bleeding... cabin fever is real. One & done, 31 1/2" on 10lb FINS Braids XS, tied to a Monster3XUSA shrimp strapped on one of my new client setups courtesy of Bull Bay Rods, Sniper & Florida Fishing Products, 2500CE. I almost died weaving through the weekend warriors! Bro, don't touch my line... and no thank you. I don't need your help Mr. Catfish rod. But, I appreciate it. I'm pooped... I'll clean her tomorrow.

Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone again for checking up on me, visiting, texting, calling, messaging & all that good s...
09/03/2023

Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone again for checking up on me, visiting, texting, calling, messaging & all that good stuff. It really made a huge difference.

I admitted myself last Sat evening due to extreme discomfort & pain in my lower left backside. I initially thought it was gas. I took Tums on Fri & tried Gas-X on Sat, no relief as I had gas building up as well. Through some research of my own, I thought it may be an impacted colan as I've been a bit constipated. I took a softner for that, nothing. Literally nothing.

I admitted myself Sat evening as the waves of pain intensified. The ER team initially thought it may be kidney stones from the symptoms.

2 abdomen CT scans (with contrast & without) were ordered. They initially thought it may be kidney stones, but turns out my left adrenal gland was bleeding into my stomach cavity. The bleeding seemed to have stabilized some time Sat/Sun & confirmed on Monday.

They also found several nodules in my lungs from the CT scans. An MRI was ordered to get more information & better images. Another CT scan was also ordered for my chest.

Nodules are very common. Many people have them & never know. Some find out when they are hospitalized for something else, like in my case. Typically, only about 5% of nodules in the lung become cancerous. Follow up CT scans & tests will show if they are growing. There are 5 or 6 nodules total, possibly more. The largest one is only 1.3 cm, big enough for concern, the others are only millimeters.

I was discharged on Mon with relatively great news. My adrenal gland should heal itself over the next week or so. I still have a lot of discomfort & some pain, mostly when I move in bed or walk around too much. I freaked out a bit when 15 doctors walked into my room. They were the surgery team, pulmonalogists & other doctors/specialists. One referred to me as "The Hai Truong?", the one I see all the time on social media? It made me smile...

All-in- all, things look pretty good for now. I need to do some follow up tests for my adrenal gland.

Thanks again to everyone who has reached out. I ❤️ you guys!

Please get yourself checked regularly.

💙

I've been seeing people catch spawning bass all over Florida recently. It's hard to time this depending where you live i...
23/02/2023

I've been seeing people catch spawning bass all over Florida recently. It's hard to time this depending where you live in Florida, unless you fish for bass all the time & the know water temperature there. I went to an old spot looking for bedding bass, but didn't see a single one. I'm not sure if I'm early, or late this year. I'm leaning towards the latter, unfortunately. I still managed to have a sick run, starting the gorgeous day with three largemouth bass on my casting setup, pitching vegetation. Then, a few big peas wanted to party & join the fun on the twitch plug. I pushed deeper into the sticks & caught a few more species, playing with the ultralite & tenkara rod. I ended the day by visiting some alligators I've known for decades. I know I say it all the time, but the Everglades should be the 8th Wonder of the World.

Played with a few peas with my old friend Golan for a bit this morning, Bull Puppin'.
21/02/2023

Played with a few peas with my old friend Golan for a bit this morning, Bull Puppin'.

Today's trip was with new clients David Hovis & his son Winston, from Tennessee. Both guys set out to catch their first ...
19/02/2023

Today's trip was with new clients David Hovis & his son Winston, from Tennessee. Both guys set out to catch their first peacock. It took a bit longer than usual to get bait, but we filled up mostly by hand lining them. We had very weird water activity today across Miami (79 miles). Some areas were the dirtiest & darkest I've ever seen in 40+ years. Other spots had gin clear water, but was a ghost town. We manage a few volunteers at my friend's private lake, where it was abnormally slow too. We had enough sun when it wasn't hiding behind clouds, it wasn't too windy for sight fishing & the temps are warming up nicely. The three main variables for peas, not so much today. I'm stoked we definitely caught a few in the morning & a largy kicker. That's why it's called fishing & not catching, sometimes... hopefully, I'll get another chance at some sweet redemption in the future. Great meeting, good luck at Head Waters tomorrow & safe travels fellas!

Ultralite fun in the Glades. This should be the 8th Wonder of the World.
17/02/2023

Ultralite fun in the Glades. This should be the 8th Wonder of the World.

I've been thinking about hitting some snook spots just before the small front coming. The tide was low, just starting to...
12/02/2023

I've been thinking about hitting some snook spots just before the small front coming. The tide was low, just starting to trickle in. I usually fish for snappers & look downs between tides. But, it was a ghost town. The water was moving harder at the next spot as hoped. I tied on a Monster3XUSA shrimp instead of my normal hard twitch or swimbait for snook, since the tide had just started to push, usually pulling shrimp along. I drift the shrimp, nearing the end of my first cast when I see a huge push behind my shrimp. I drop it back a second & popped it twice. She thumped it hard & immediately went airborne with 5 or 6 feet of line out, not my favorite scenario. I quickly open drag several clicks knowing she's going to make a hard run soon & I couldn't see how well she was hooked. She tried jumping several more times, shutting that down each time allows a much higher land ratio when possible. First & only cast of the night. Sometimes, you have to make it count. I just get lucky a lot, especially on 10lb braid to 20lb flouro. It must be that Bull Bay Rods, Florida Fishing Products & FINS Braids combo!

There's no other place in the world quite like the Florida Everglades.
11/02/2023

There's no other place in the world quite like the Florida Everglades.

Happy 1 Year Anniversary SoFlo Cichlids, 12th year guiding full-time.
09/02/2023

Happy 1 Year Anniversary SoFlo Cichlids, 12th year guiding full-time.

Today's trip was with my good friend Matthew Wyatt. He brought down a couple clients, James Kirtland of Row Jimmy Guide ...
08/02/2023

Today's trip was with my good friend Matthew Wyatt. He brought down a couple clients, James Kirtland of Row Jimmy Guide Service NY & his friend Todd. Both guys were looking for their first few peacocks. After loading up on local livies, jumping around on the urban run n' gun, we found a few volunteers despite the mad overcast skies. We had to work for a few today, but got the job done. We even got several on fly. Shout out to my homie Damian for the private lake access. Good times & safe travels!

Freshy p**n on 4lb Crappie braid & 12lb mono spooled on that 1000, tied to a 2" twitch bait by Eurotackle. Way too much ...
03/02/2023

Freshy p**n on 4lb Crappie braid & 12lb mono spooled on that 1000, tied to a 2" twitch bait by Eurotackle. Way too much fun on ultralite!

Linked up for a couple hours with my homie, breaking in some gear. Found this chunk on my new 6wt. This guy hit so hard ...
23/01/2023

Linked up for a couple hours with my homie, breaking in some gear. Found this chunk on my new 6wt. This guy hit so hard & ran even harder!

Sunday Funday with one of my oldest friends. I've been fortunate enough to know this guy & his family since kindergarten...
22/01/2023

Sunday Funday with one of my oldest friends. I've been fortunate enough to know this guy & his family since kindergarten, and throughout grade school. He was one of my original fishing partners way before I started guiding. I still enjoy messing around with him, Jedi mind tricks game strong. Good times, we need to fish more brother!

Hey guys, the south Florida bite is about to get crazy as the temps rise. It's a small window where these tropical glutt...
19/01/2023

Hey guys, the south Florida bite is about to get crazy as the temps rise. It's a small window where these tropical gluttons come out of their winter pent houses & gorge. Book a trip today to properly learn how to target these gorgeous brutes year long, never on a bed or with babies. Click the link & let's start planning your custom trip. www.SoFloCichlids.com

Fun day crappie fishing for the first time in Lake Okeechobee with the homie Artist Pierre, showing me his bag of tricks...
19/01/2023

Fun day crappie fishing for the first time in Lake Okeechobee with the homie Artist Pierre, showing me his bag of tricks. Good times!

Daniel Posner drove down from Port St Lucie, FL, better later than never with an 11 am start. It was probably a good thi...
17/01/2023

Daniel Posner drove down from Port St Lucie, FL, better later than never with an 11 am start. It was probably a good thing with recent cold fronts lingering. The plan was to get his first jaguar guapote, oscar & PB pea on fly. We didn't even see any jags or oscars, but we did manage a couple of PB's. Not bad for a late start & only two hours on the waters. Follow the patterns, not the hype & let's fish! www.SoFloCichlids.com

11/01/2023

Round two for Mickey & Marc, 54 degrees this morning. Let's chase big peas & upgrade yesterday's PB, challenge accepted! Done by noon, what cold? Follow the patterns, not the hype & let's fish.

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Videos

Alligators in the Florida Everglades, another generation is born & the cycle continues. Check out the love taps on momma, signs of mating. Spring is in the air. #sofloexotics #HaiTruongFishing #SoFloCichlids

Warmouth bass are not only a lot of fun to catch. They taste amazing too. Don't tell anyone! 😅🤤 #everglades #warmouthbass #sofloexotics #HaiTruongFishing #SoFloCichlids

Recent run in the Everglades on ultralite & tenkara, catching almost everything that swims down here mostly on a variety of @eurotackle baits. @island_life16 & I found a non stop bite of warmouth bass, then really found them extra thick. We even got a pike killifish on topwater. The bite was insane most of the day. We left them munching hard! #HaiTruongFishing #SoFloCichlids

Alligator babies & an unhappy momma gator in the Florida Everglades. I hate to see garbage out here, especially deep in the Glades & I couldn't remove it. Unfortunately, the momma gator wasn't gonna leave her sunning babies. #keepfishing #neverstopcasting #putinthetime #dowork #knuckleheads #alligator #reptile #sofloexotics #miami #broward #florida #everglades #guide #HaiTruongFishing #SoFloCichlids

Donating blood for PB's, on fly. What cold? Follow the patterns, not the hype & let's fish.

Please share & tag me if you fish, swim, canoe, kayak, boat, ski, jet ski... F jet skiers. The main reason they spray is for pesticides & herbicides, sometimes it's a dye to make the water blue & mostly used in residential lakes. These chemicals most likely come out of your HOA dues. WTF? They're all for ambiance, a certain manicured look. The Florida aquifers will only take so much before it is too late. Our springs are sold daily, outsourced to companies like Zepherhills when that money should stay right here in Florida, for Floridians. Let's see how far this simple video will go? #stoptheSPRAYING

www.SoFloCichlids.com

DRAVE USA for targeting snakeheads & big lmbass, or any hard-hitting species. I'll post more as I break them in.

Early Christmas presents from the boys at Star brite Solutions. Huge thanks to my man Ryan Grubbs. You guys always take care of me & my PWC's, much appreciated 🥰. Merry Christmas everybody! #festivusfortherestofus #StarBrite #SoFloCichlids

Early sesh, putting in the time. #keepfishing #neverstopcasting #putinthetime #dowork #knuckleheads #sofloexotics #miami #broward #everglades #florida #guide #HaiTruongFishing #SoFloCichlids

Hooked up this solid pea & had to flip him in tight quarters, 6' up from the water 😅. 🥶=lower+slower

Freshwater snook action on artificial & lite tackle in the Everglades. #HaiTruongFishing #SoFloCichlids

Happy Sunday Funday on the 1000, despite that overcast weather. #HaiTruongFishing #SoFloCichlids

Wild caught veiled chameleon, always something to chase in south Florida.

Let them go, let them grow.

Coming Soon
Coming Soon

One of my client's property in Homestead, FL. It will be open to the public soon, available for parties & events.

Sold my custom jon boat today, sad day. Hopefully it will bring many years of joy to the next guy. Time for a new toy!?! #Hopper #HaiTruongFishing #SoFloCichlids

Midas Touch?
Midas Touch?

Big lips = red devil cichlid. Thin lips = midas cichlid. Big head = typical male cichlid. Book a trip to learn more & sight fish a variety of south Florida exotics. www.SoFloCichlids.com

Freshy Snook
Freshy Snook

Easy math, rain = snook. www.SoFloCichlids.com

Today's big boy & first few peas on a short trip for a new client. See new post for full report. #sofloexotics #miami #florida #guide #HaiTruongFishing #SoFloCichlids

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Stalkin’ Patterns in the Asphalt Jungle

Hai Truong Fishing was created for all levels of anglers and fishermen alike to enjoy the sublime of the angling worlds, catering to each client and personalizing their time on the waters accordingly. Each and every outing is a new adventure, just waiting to unfold with unclaimed records and heart break as well. My goal is to provide the tools to whomever wishes to learn more about our amazing fishery and to show that quality game fish can be stalked and caught without expensive gear or boats.

Learn the tactics, fish ID, behavior and the links to catch South Florida exotics through sight fishing onfoot. While I run three boats, I only guide by land in freshwater via my fully loaded sport utility vehicle. This allows a much stealthier approach targeting various cichlids, largemouth bass and freshwater snook or tarpon. More importantly, it allows me to first see if peacocks are on a nest or with fry. I never target in this case as it greatly reduces the fry survival and not much a challenge. The list is seemingly endless and a candy store for those looking for a species count, bucket list or simply a fun time throughout Miami-Dade. The freshwater species list can be over double digit. Simply contact us here or book through my website and tell us what you’d like to do and we’ll come up with your unique game plan.