By: Capt. Greg Stamper
Playing off the waning moon this week in Southwest Florida will make for some low tides early in the mornings. No worries though, as the incomings and outgoings will be strong making those time frames very good for fishing. Typically, in this area winds will help or hurt tidal movement, so paying attention to that will also be a factor.
Redfish should continue to be plentiful early on the tides around the oyster bars. Once things start heating up, which will be every afternoon from 11am on, I’ll beat the bushes where there’s shade. Targeting these fish can be done with both artificial lures and live bait. Topwater early in the morning is a favorite of mine even when I have live baits already out. You never know what may be lurking out on the open flat, a topwater blow up never gets old. Typical baits this time of year include shrimp, cut mullet or ladyfish, and pilchards.
Snook fishing both on the beaches and under the docks near our passes and river mouths will continue to be great. On days with low winds, I’d recommend slow rolling our beach shorelines on a trolling motor. Sight fishing beach snook is a blast and I’ll warn you; it can become very addicting. The docks especially those with direct current will hold lots of snook. Should you choose to go after these fish, upping your tackle will be important. Dock snook can range in all sizes just like beach snook, however, they now have structure to get caught up in and that can make things challenging. Typically, 40lb braid and at least 40lb leader around docks is a must.
Tarpon fishing both in or back bays and near shore waters will continue to be available. The pattern of fish out in front of our beaches should continue until we eventually get a cold front. Targeting the big fish 60-150lbs can be done with crabs, threadfin, and even cut baits like catfish and ladyfish. No worries though, we don’t expect anything to cool us down till at least November. With that said the tarpon in our back bays will follow the same plan. Although many of these juvenile fish are locals and will hunker down in a lot of our rivers, canals, and lagoons during the cooler months verse heading South.
Offshore will continue to be about gag grouper, red grouper, and many different snapper species. The continuation of this warm water will keep most of these fish out deeper. 80-120 feet of water will be the depths most offshore boats will be targeting. Sardines, squid, and live baits are the typical choices. There is a chance that you’ll find some nice mangrove and lane snappers in closer. 35-50 feet along ledges can be productive, especially if you chum them up for a while before putting a hook in the water. Those that are lucky to get the calm days, may also try their hand at the permit fishing. There’s still a bunch of fish around and this crab-eating silver bullet is a blast to catch. You never know what else may pop up while fishing wrecks and reefs for permit. Always have a rod ready to pitch a bait at a cobia or kingfish when permit fishing, as you won’t have much time when you see one come cruising by.
Tight lines, Snookstampcharters.com