Overall, this week’s fishing was decent. We have had some good days in the shallow waters early. The nearshore bite was consistent, and the offshore runs continue to be productive. There is no doubt it’s been a hot one, but with the right tidal movement it has all worked out. Those that did the long runs offshore, had to play a bit of dodgeball when it came to the thunderstorms.
We can start off with the offshore bite this week. The red snapper season will be ending soon, so anglers are going out far whenever possible. The early morning start times work best this time of the year to help dodge the storms. The best reports for the red snappers came from the 160-foot plus areas. Sardines, squid, or slow pitched jigs worked well. After the limit of red snappers has been reached bycatch of mangrove snappers, some porgies, a few vermilions, as well as the occasional black grouper come into play. Those that fished inside of 100-feet caught mainly small red grouper, mangrove snappers, and some yellowtail.
The inshore bite was good when it was cooler out. Tarpon ranging from 5 to 50lbs have been cruising around the bays. After a few hours the tarpon seem to start getting lazy, so we move on to other species. Redfish as well as snook fishing has been good. There are still lots of snook cruising our beaches as well as jacks, and pompano. In the back bays around the mangrove shorelines, look for the redfish under the bushes on the higher tides. Cut baits, live pinfish, or white bait thrown into the shady spots should get things done. Trout fishing was good for action all week, just no real size to them.
The nearshore tarpon seems to be spread out. The fishiest reports came from Boca Grande south to Sanibel. Some schools of fish have been seen along the beaches south of there, but they are more like packs of fish then schools. Permit continues to be consistent. Small crabs freelined, or slightly weighted on the higher relief wrecks works well. Snook are also on the nearshore reefs and wrecks and can be caught using big swim baits dragged within feet of the bottom. Live threadfin herring, cut baits, and big pilchards will also work well.
Tight lines, Capt. Greg Stamper
Snookstampcharters.com Fort Myers beach, Fl
239-313-1764
Good to go
