Mid and late October fishing proved to be somewhat better than I actually expected, given my comments on my latest report. One may recall, I mentioned many fishing guides presented dismal accounts of inshore catches and I was concerned that my luck would run out. Nonetheless, I was fortunate to find and catch a variety of species, including Redfish at some of the more productive, pre-hurricane (Irma) locations.
By Captain Terry Fisher
Early October proved to produce a variety of fish, even though Hurricane Irma played havoc on water levels and water quality. I just returned from a diving and fishing trip to the Turks/Caicos Islands, but prior to departing I had the opportunity to take out some truly good anglers out and test the inshore fishing grounds for Seatrout, Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Sheepshead, Black Drum and Redfish.
By Captain Terry Fisher
Early October failed to produce a lot of charters as well as opportunities to boat or fish in as much as strong winds and rain put a damper on things. The weather forecast for the week of the 8th of October is looking pretty good and should allow access to both inshore and offshore locations. Unfortunately, I will not get to join the hunt for RED OCTOBER (Redfish) until the week of the 15th as I am traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Fortunately however, I will have a week of Scuba Diving and some fly fishing, on the flats of those islands and cays.
By Captain Terry Fisher
The waters are still dark and dreary from Hurricane Irma. However, Mullet are everywhere and in bigger schools than I have seen in a long time. A variety of fish are biting, if and when you locate them, as there is not a lot of fishing pressure, due mostly to the time of year along with efforts to clean up after the storm. Baits such as shrimp are as good as I have seen prior to the storm. Other baitfish; for cast netting are off the beaches and are more active during mid-morning hours.
During the end of September focus on redfish and tarpon over on the west side. You’ll be able to find a group of 3-4 redfish holding out under the mangroves in a slightly deeper pocket. A shrimp with a rockport head or just free lined will help pull them out of their spot to eat. The tarpon seem to be just out from the mangroves or out on top of the bar. It may take a while to find that sweet spot this time of year but after you find it, you’ll stay busy.
Fishin Frank
By Captain Terry Fisher
Prior to hurricane Irma, the fishing was fairly good if one could stand the hot, humid, mid-day temperatures. I always prefer the early morning hours during August and September so long as the tides are high. Once that temperatures top out above 95 Fahrenheit, the bite has a tendency to slow down.
OK, well the bad news is no one has time to fish. We are cleaning yards, helping friends, or just getting back in the swing of life. But if your family and property are OK and you can manage a trip down Harbor, there are fish to be caught.
We are getting reports of Sheepshead in the Canals around Cape Coral and in Punta Gorda Isles. Seems like winter time in some of the canals. Yes, Fourteen inch and larger fish. How strange is this?
Spanish mackerel are growing in numbers around Charlotte Harbor. We are seeing more and more from the reef off Alligator Creek to the passes and out into the near gulf waters.
ON THE FLATS REPORT
Red Fish were hiding from me this weekend, but on the East side against the first row of Islands Snook, Snapper and Tarpon, all were pretty easy. The tarpon wanted top water plugs. The larger Heddon Torpedo or The Skitter Walk, and it was darker colors, like gold or bronze colors. The Trick to the hook up was starting and stopping the lure with a short hard pull. Then a complete stop for 2 seconds, and repeat.
The inshore bite has been as good this year as any I recall. Snook are in the passes, under docks and in the back areas of Pine Island Sound. Plenty of white bait, Pinfish and other offerings will entice these fish. Snook season opens September 1st, so I suggest one takes the opportunity to practice up on angling skills so as to land and harvest a slot-size fish when the opportunity arrives next month.