It has been an interesting week as temperatures touched the high thirties early in the week. This last cold front was really something as we had record lows around these parts. One thing for sure is that our fish are Floridians, and they do not like cold weather. Luckily for us temperature did get back into the high 70’s by midweek making for some decent trips.
Inshore continues to be a find the clean water and find the fish story. The water is very different as you move from the north to the south. The water in Pine Island sound seems to be a bit cleaner than that in Estero Bay and adjacent areas. After we get a few more tides moving in and out combined with low winds, this should change. Trout as well as black drum bit during the cold and windy days. As things warmed up a few snook finally decided to eat, as well as the redfish. Most of the snook and reds were caught on cut baits just sitting along shorelines.
The offshore guys did have three days that they could get out. Those that got out to 100 feet plus found red grouper, lane snappers, as well as mangrove snapper. Sardines as well as cut chunks of threadfins got the job done. Limits of all species were caught both days. There has not been much of a kingfish bite so far this year, so having a flat line out while bottom fishing has not done much. Tunas, sailfish and wahoo have also been hard to come buy as well.
The near shore bite continues for permit. The permit schools are moving around a lot with this constant weather change. Some days the guys are finding them in as close as two miles, other days they find nothing until 9 miles plus. One thing for sure though when you find them, they will eat. Shrimp and crabs freelined or on a small jig will be your best bet. Sheepshead and small snappers are the bycatch. Tripletail fishing has been decent when anglers find the cleaner water. So, when your running from place to place keep your eye out for them.
Tight lines, Capt. Greg Stamper
Snookstampcharters.com Fort Myers, Fl
239-313-1764
When will it warm up?
