Fishing report for Boca Grande to Fort Myers
Capt. Scott Hughes
December 14, 2009
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
Week tides and a 20 knot wind slowed the flats fishing this past week. But the ingredants are still there for excellent fishing. The tides are going to be better this week and with highs in the mid-80's the fishing should get HOT!
Speckled trout: Trout fishing was good last week but not as good as it has been. Lower slot sized trout were in the shallow pot holes from Boca Grande to Pine Island but I couldn't find those 20-27 inch "gator" trout that I like to target. The tides were high most of the week and i believe that alot of fish were scattered over the grass beds.
Redfish: We didn't catch a lot of redfish last week but we saw alot. I saw plenty of "tailing" redfish feeding on the grass beds but with high winds and groups of 3-4 anglers on every trip we weren't set up well for sight fishing. We gave it our best shots but didn't get any hook-ups. The lower tides this week should move the reds in the depressions and this will allow us to blind cast for them or soak bait.
Grouper: There are still pleny of grouper nearshore and in the bay. Live bait, cut bait and shrimp with catch them.
Snook: Most of the snook have migrated into the rivers and canals. Live sardines have doing good for the guys that have going up there. I don't fish docks and canals but I do fish natural habitat in the rivers. I'll hitting some of those spots as it gets colder.
Sheephead: I haven't been fishing for them but the sheephead are moving in. I'm seeing quite a few near the passes and on docsks.
Bluefish, Jacks and Pompano: There has been alot of action from these species near the passes. Boca Grande, Captiva and Redfish Passes very active on thr rising tides. Look for the birds. You'll also find tons of ladyfish mixed with the Blues and jacks.
Fort Myers Fishing Forecast:
The fishing has been better on the full and new moon tides. The lower water has helped concentrate the fish. A little cooler weather won't hurt. The fish are a little confused with all the mid eighties highs.
Target Species:
Speckled trout, redfish, snook, grouper, bluefish
