Fishing has been good for most species at certain times of the day. The bite has been predicated mostly on the water temperature especially, after the sun has had a chance to warm up some of the locations. Most of the mornings I go out, it proves to be slow until the warmth sets in on the flats and shallow areas. I have had the opportunity to see lots of feeding frenzies from Jug Creek Shoal, just off of Bokelia all the way down to St. James City and the Causeways of Sanibel. These feeding frenzies are including ladyfish, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Crevalle Jacks and Sea trout. Lots of game and fun!
Last week, I took the opportunity to check out the activity just off beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. There is Tripletail on the buoys and Pompano off the beaches and in the passes. The Spanish Mackerel are showing up everywhere, both offshore as well as in Pine Island Sound. The water temperature is good for these migratory fishes. Although to date, I have not had much success with the Sheepshead as I would like, but I suspect as the water cools the bigger ones will be on their way.
We are catching some small Redfish around the Spoil Islands and nice size Snook on moving tides along the creek cuts with mangroves and deadwood for bank structure. There are plenty of Grouper in Pine Island Sound holding in structure (fallen trees along the banks with deep holes of 6ft-12ft). Flounder’s are being caught in the surf off the beaches and on the harder bottom and around the channels, passes, mangroves and Spoil Islands. I understand there will be Cobia as long as the water temperature holds. The baits of choice for most species are shrimp and cut bait fish. Naturally, artificials are working as well. Watch for the birds and top water feeding frenzies as the sun warms up the water and get your presentation to them and have some fun!
Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com or contact me via email at [email protected]. I am easily reached via phone at 239-357-6829 if you have any questions on where and how to catch the fine game fish.