INSHORE; fishing should be good over the next couple of months, especially for Redfish and Snook. The ‘BULL’ Redfish should continue to move in during these hot months and remain throughout September. I know that a lot of anglers prefer Pilchards, but for Redfish I recommend large shrimps, quartered Blue Crabs, cut Pinfish and cut Ladyfish. The tides (together with rains) will be high offering access to more remote locations (Mangrove Islands) normally not accessible from late November thru early March.
Snook, larger Seatrouts together with Mangrove Snappers will be in and around these same remote Mangroves and Oyster Bars. Just get in there and move until you find the fish. I suggest for those preferring and targeting Snook to look to the passes, docks and beaches, ‘freelining’ Pilchards instead of shrimps for better results.
It appears that the Redfish population is in good standing based on my sightings and catches. They are showing up in good numbers around the Mangrove Islands located north/northwest of the power lines in Pine Island Sound. There are a number of uninhabited Mangrove Islands to choose from in this ‘Theater’ which include MacKeever, Clam, Big Panther, Rat, Cat, Benedict, Josselyn, Wood and Black Keys, to name a few. Understand that there are a number of other islands, and locations in Matlacha Pass, Punta Rassa Charlotte Harbor and other ‘Theaters’ (areas) not addressed in this report.
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During high summer tides, Semi-Bay boats will have access to some of these more productive Mangrove Islands. Be sure to move in and move out on the higher tide tables. The Caveat is to have some knowledge of the area one intends to fish. Use a vessel that will get you in and out safely. If one is unsure of where to go and how best to get there safely, I suggest hiring a guide to take you around and show you. It’s a good investment as once one experiences that, they should be able to go and catch Redfish on their own.
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OFFSHORE; longer offshore runs appear the be the ‘key’ to catching big Red Snapper and larger reef species such as, Yellowtail, Mangrove, Lane Snappers and bigger Groupers. The reports that I am receiving is 150-180 feet of water. The closer reefs, wrecks and rubble bottom will produce some Pelagic and smaller species. However, those looking for the big Red Snapper should plan on the longer and deeper runs as mentioned above. Use big Pinfish for big Red Snapper baits!
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters, LLC. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or call me direct at 239-357-6829. In addition to charters on my vessel, I am also available
as ‘Captain for Hire’ (by the hour) on your vessel for both inshore and offshore to assist with navigation, fishing locations and techniques that ensure every trip produces fish.
By Captain Terry Fisher