Here we are one week later and not much has changed. The back bays, rivers and creeks still gave anglers plenty of fun all week. Those fishing nearshore continue to catch tarpon and permit as well as gag groupers. The offshore reports have been good for gags, mangrove snappers and Aj’s with a bit of a slowdown for the red snapper.
Nearshore and in the back-bays the juvenile tarpon fishing has been fantastic. Black and purple flies, and pinfish have been the winners all week. Pilchards and finger mullet did come in a close second. The redfish bite was just ok all week with plenty of reports of fish on the incoming tides, and a few on the outgoings off the flats in 1-3 feet of water. One thing you should be able to bank on this week are the snook on the beaches. Several times this week I had to hesitate from throwing my cast net to ensure I would not net several.
Nearshore the reports of tarpon fishing were good with several 100 plus pound fish caught several days. We have had a bunch of calm days all week, that should continue so if you want to fish tarpon over 70lbs you will have a chance. Permits continue to pop up from 35 feet out and are readily available for anglers with 1-2-inch crabs over most of the wrecks. Surprisingly, a few cobias showed up as well for those that were in the right place at the right time.
Offshore fishing was all about gags and red snapper this week. Those that got out past 130 feet did reasonably well, but the new moon slowed things down a bit judging by what I’ve seen on the fillet tables. Mangrove snappers, blackfin tuna, and lanes continue to be found from 70 to 100 feet regularly.
Tight lines Capt. Greg Stamper
Snookstampcharters.com Fort Myers Beach
239-313-1764