(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
August 17, 2016
Fishing remains good inshore, especially early mornings on high incoming or outgoing tides for Seatrout on the flats. Troll for Spanish Mackerel around Sanibel Lighthouse, in Redfish, N. Captiva and Boca Grande Passes, using spoons with swivels and 40lb monofilament leaders. Fish for large, Mangrove Snappers in the passes using small circle hooks, 3oz. lead weights with shrimps or small Pinfish for bait.
Snook are on the beaches and easy targets with Pilchards, shrimps and artificial presentations. It is a little tougher in Pine Island sound as the summer heat, high and dirty water seems to have displaced some of the species. I suggest fishing under docks and at creek mouths for best results. Snook season opens September 1st and now is the time to locate them and practice one’s angling skills for when harvest season opens. These are ‘slot’ fish and must be at least 28” long, but not longer than 33”. Inexperienced anglers will find this ‘slot’ size will test their ability.
Redfish are becoming a good to target along the mangroves on the high incoming and early outgoing tides. They are biting on big shrimp, but will take artificial presentations, cut ladyfish and pinfish as well. Patience is the key to catching this species on live or cut baits. Look for them during the high part of the tide along the spoil mangrove islands, on and around mud or sand bars holding oyster clusters. The larger shrimp from Tampa vendors are the better bets for the Snook and Redfish.
As always, small shrimp for other inshore species will produce. Decent size Pinfish and pilchards in good numbers are available for cast netting in numerous locations in Pine Island Sound. Try Picnic Island, Chino, Wulfert Keys sand bar, the northwest or southern areas of Usseppa in about 4 foot of water (to name a few locations).
Pictured here is my friend Mr. Roger Chase of Marshalltown, Iowa with a 24” Redfish he caught on a large shrimp under the mangroves. I took 2nd ‘Mate’, Moby ‘Dick’ along for the ride. It was Moby’s maiden voyage to catch a Redfish. Moby is pictured relaxing out of the sun after boating the fish.
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I am excited to fish the next few days on the higher tides and water levels during the full moon phase. I suggest this is as good time as any to fish the passes, offshore and inshore, so long as one does not wait until late afternoon when storms may arrive. Lighting is dangerous and the winds can be brutal.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone safe boating and tighter lines! Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for charter information. I am also available as ‘Captain for Hire’ on your vessel by the hour for safety or navigation instructions, fishing techniques and fishing locations that will insure you get the most out of your time on the water. I am easily reached by phone at 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected]. Check out my August 2016, national and local published articles: ‘Fishing The Mediterranean’ and ‘Top Ten Inshore Fishing Tips’ in the Coastal Angler Magazine at many retail locations or on line at www.coastalangermag.com.