Winter flats fishing report
Capt. Scott Hughes
December 3, 2009
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
We are now getting a regular dose of weak cold fronts. These fronts haven't been cold but it has dropped the water temps into the mid 60's which is fairly cold for most of the tropical species that I target most of the year. The fishing is still good for the colder water species like speckled trout, grouper and redfish.
Speckled Trout: The trout fishing in Southwest Florida is as good as I've seen it in many years. The lack of redtide the last few years has allowed for the spawn to reach maturity and right now we are seeing an explosion of keeper sized trout. I'm finding good numbers of trout in the deep and shallow water in Pine Island Sound and all along the bars of Charlotte Harbor and Matlacha. I've been using a variety of soft plastics rigged weedless and on jigheads.
Remember, trout fishing is catch and release until January 1st.
Grouper: Inshore grouper fishing is excellent right now. Any structure offshore or inshore is holding some gag grouper. The size of the structure will determine the size of the fish. Live sardines and pinfish have been the best baits.
Redfish: I am catching some nice sized redfish but its not exactly on fire. There has been some "tailers" on the shallow flats on low tide and there are a few groups that are holding way in the backcountry but there are not nearly as many redfish in our area as there should be.
Mackerel: There are plenty of spanish mackerel and bluefish near the passes. So keeping rods bent is not a problem. Look for birds and dolphins. They will be near the fish. Throw spoons and jigs or fish live sardines.
Snook: Snook are not a cold water fish but the fishing has been good on the warmer days and when I've been able to find larger live sardines. There has also been some good fishing for them in the rivers and canals. Trolling plugs and live baits are the best baits.
Fort Myers Fishing Forecast:
As its gets colder the trout fishing will get even better. The grouper should be good most of the winter but the larger fish will start to get fished out in the popular areas. Sheephead fishing really start to pick-up this month and the flounder will get better. Hopefully some better redfish action will come with the colder weather.
Target Species:
Speckled Trout, Grouper, Redfish, mackerel, snook
