We had a good week of fishing overall. Even as our second dose of cold air moved thru Tuesday, things worked out well for most fishermen that got out ahead of it. Offshore trips ran over the weekend when the weather and seas were best. The nearshore continues to be some of the best fishing and was doable for most of the week. Back bays are in good shape for action or a chance at a trophy.
One thing that is nice about our first few cold fronts is the fish begin to move around. In the back bays snook, redfish, and our local tarpon are now in search of that slightly warmer water. Estero bay as an example, is very shallow so it cools off quick and can also warm up quick. Moving into the super shallow areas is now a sight fisherman’s dream. Fish these areas moving forward when you know you are going to have sunny mornings, as we typically have the lowest tides during the am hours the next few months. You will need a boat that goes in the skinny water, and those that do will have a great time. The rivers and creeks will also find new residents moving in while the water is in the 60’s. Tarpon, snook, jacks, and snappers will be found regularly in these areas now. Lastly for the back bays sheepshead fishing will now be targeted regularly.
The nearshore bite especially for cobia continues to be excellent. These fish are up and down the coast on all the wrecks and rock piles. Live pilchards and threadfin herring have been the best baits, however squid on jigs and even swim baits have caught their fair share as well. Kingfish continue to be found in the same general areas chasing baits along with the Spanish mackerel. Do not forget to keep an eye out at any debris or crab traps when running from place to place as the big tripletail have made their way into Southwest Florida with the cool off.
The offshore bite was good for both the grouper getters and the snapper hunters. Gag groupers are being caught more frequently, as well as plenty of red grouper. Most of the red grouper have been found in 90 feet plus of water and caught on grunts, pinfish, and sardines. The snapper bite was good for numbers all week, but not so much size. Most of the mangrove snappers that came in were between one too three pounds. Lane snappers are part of the bi-catch as well as mutton snappers occasionally.
Tight lines, Capt. Greg Stamper
Snookstampcharters.com Fort Myers beach, Fl
239-313-1764
Cool offs
