Most all species of fish are alive, well and active in the SW Florida Waterways. Inshore and offshore species alike are ready for anglers to ‘bring it on’! I love it when spring arrives as fish become more available and much more aggressive. The bite has been good, for the most part since March and continues to deliver good fishing. I will admit however, persistence on some days will be required to locate feeding fish, be it inshore or offshore.
March and April winds have played a negative role in regards to going offshore. Nonetheless, when the opportunity arrives, the bite and harvest should be good. However, as we approach the hot summer months, the heat will move the offshore fish to deeper waters. Right now, grouper, snapper and other bites are good from 85ft. of water depth to 110 feet.
Inshore; plenty of opportunities now exist for Redfish in ‘back country’ areas and around the Mangrove Islands. The springtime higher tides provide sufficient water depths to fish them. Snook are moving out of the river and creeks to the beaches and passes to spawn and enjoy to stronger currents. Baits of choice for Redfish will be shrimp or crab. Best baits for Snook in my opinion are Pilchards.
Larger Seatrouts are on the grass flats in Pine Island Sound and Estero Bay areas in 3ft. to 5ft. of water. Spanish Mackerel are off the beaches and in the passes. Also, expect to catch Spanish Mackerel while fishing for Seatrout in the grass flats together with an occasional Pompano. Like any late spring or early summer fishing, the Catfish will be plentiful.
As I stated above; the way to be successful on the grass flats for Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel and Pompano is ,‘relentless’ persistence. Move around frequently to locate the fish. Hang in there and eventually success will come. I recommend shrimps for better results.
Mangrove Snapper and Sheepshead are under the docks. Larger inshore Mangrove Snapper can be harvested in about 34 ft. of water on a ‘Knocker’ rig while floating the passes. Light tackle such as; light 7-20 pound ‘butt’/line rating with 15lb. and 30lb. leaders should suffice for all of the inshore species. Anything larger will spoil the action.
The migratory Tarpon have arrived and are along the beaches of the outer islands. Likewise, they are in the passes, Pine Island Sound, Estero Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Naturally, larger tackle should be used on them; such as 6000 Series spinning reels, with 65lb. line test, 60lb-80lb. leaders and 6/0 to 8/0 Circle Hooks. Baits of choice depends on their ‘mood’. Fish with Pinfish, Ladyfish, Threadfins or Pilchards under a cork or on the seabed with a 1-2oz. weight.
Pictured are some of the more recent catches while fishing during March and April. I look forward to good fishing during the month of May.
This is Captain Terry Fisher with Fish Face Charters. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Call me at 239-357-6829 or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com with any boating or angling questions or for a charter on my vessel. I am also available on your vessel as ‘Captain for Hire ‘(by the hour) for navigation, fishing locations and techniques.