Things got interesting this week as Southwest Florida was dealt its first red tide event of the year. We almost got through an entire year without large lake Okeechobee water releases. Unfortunately for us the last month of 4 billion plus gallons being dumped down the Caloosahatchee river has taken its toll once again. Nearshore waters from Captiva into Pine Island Sound all the way down to Naples had areas of red tide. Fish are still being caught as the fish kills so far have been mostly the small baitfish that were along the beaches and unfortunately the mullet that were just finishing up their yearly spawn. The back bays have been affected a bit in some areas and not in others. The nearshore bite was tough as it has been most effected by the algae bloom. The offshore guys did very well this week as we had an abundance of good weather. So hopefully this event will be over shortly, and we can get back to normal before Santa arrives. Even today it seems like the algae bloom is moving south of us and did not get going full speed as it would have during the summer months.
The offshore bite continued to be good from about 70 feet out. Most of the offshore trips did not have to go more than 40 miles from shore to limit out quickly. There have been a lot of mangrove snappers up to 4 pounds along with a mix of lane snappers, and even a few sea bass. The red grouper bite has also been good in almost the same areas as the snapper have been caught. Gag groupers have also been found both out deep all the way into 40 feet. Shrimp, sardines, and squid have been the popular baits along with flutter jigs and big trolling plugs.
The back bay bite was surprisingly good this week. We stayed away from the beaches and the passes as you could feel the red tide in your throat and smell it as boats stirred the water up. Fishing towards the back as we call it, worked out very well. Redfish of all sizes have been caught mostly near our creek mouths and local rivers. The snook that were left on the beaches, have moved into the back bays or ran off to some of the local wrecks. We caught snook up to 35 inches several trips this week. Pompano have been a surprise for many anglers as well. We have been seeing pompano on our flats in just a few feet of water this week, so I am guessing they too left the passes and beaches to get out of the bloom. We have all switched to shrimp or artificial lures this week because even if you find bait, the chances of it staying alive in the well is 50/50 depending or where you run through.
Those in our southern region will probably have a few more days of this. It is looking like we may have had the worst of it pass through most of Southwest Florida, giving many a week of uncertainty. Even today, “Thursday” the bait I had with me had no issues staying alive, as well as myself and clients never coughed because of it. This is a positive note as we had winds blowing from the West Northwest all day as the next front moves in.
Tight lines, Capt. Greg Stamper
Snookstampcharters.com Fort Myers Beach, Fl
239-313-1764
Curve ball
