What an outstanding week we have had! It’s been in the 80’s for the high temperatures, and in the 60’s for the lows. Not to complain as things have been good, but some of our transient fish are a bit confused. Offshore fishing was good, as water temperatures don’t fluctuate as much in deeper water. Nearshore is a mix of winter species and the regular fish that have been here for a long time. The back bays and flats have continued to be good for the usuals, as well as a few visitors that have come and gone.
Starting this week with the back bay fishing, there continues to be an outstanding bite for trout throughout the area. Some flats have produced trout up to 26 inches and its finally a good thing to say “Yeah, that one’s too big to keep.” Pompano, as well as an abondance of bluefish and small sharks, are the by-catch. Red fishing is getting better when the tides are moving. Several areas in Pine Island sound around Josslyn have paid off well. The Caloosahatchee River mouth comes in a close second, especially moving into the Matlacha area. Snook continue to be found in the rivers and river mouths consistently.
Nearshore fishing has been a mix of winter and summer fish. Black drum moved in for a few days and then disappeared quickly. Sheepshead started to show up here and there, but just like the black drum moved back out. Permit, although in the smaller size, continue to be found on the nearshore wrecks and reefs eating shrimp freelined or on small jigs. Those looking for cobia had a much slower hunt than weeks past, most likely a product of the warmer weather.
Offshore there has been some good fishing as wind has been light overall. Some of the surprises have been the Be-liners as by-catch. I am not going to lie, if you do not keep them to eat, you are missing out. Mangrove snappers, lane snappers as well as porgies have taken up most of the other cooler fillers. There has been a good bite for gag groupers in as shallow as 30 feet out, as well as some red groupers catch and release when in the deeper waters. Kingfish are confused as they showed up for a few days and then seemingly moved back North until our next cold front arrives.
Tight lines, Capt. Greg Stamper
Snookstampcharters.com Fort Myers beach, Fl
239-313-1764
Happy New Year!!! Fisher peeps.
