Another week of outstanding weather and tides made the fishing great for inshore, nearshore, as well as the offshore trips. There were a few days when the wind picked up in the afternoons, but most of the fisherman were back in by then. We did have some sporadic rain that was well needed and should help the fishing even more.
Starting off with the inshore bite this week the back bay fishing was good. We continue to catch upper and oversized redfish on cut baits as well as artificial. Still no signs of small redfish in my area, so that’s a concern for next year’s slot size. Paddle tails in the 3.5-inch mark that mimic the white bait worked best. Snook are also prevalent these days and can be found on all the beaches, sometimes in packs of 30-plus. Throwing white baits at the snook is the best bet, but artificial as well as topwater in the morning hours will also work well. Trout continues to be easy pickings especially on the higher water.
The tarpon bite was good on the days leading up to the full moon and slowed down a bit afterwards. The local tarpon tournament had a decent day, with most of the fish caught off Sanibel and Captiva. The spawn is in full swing right now so if they are not off the beaches when you’re looking for them, they are probably out deep making future tarpon. Permit fishing continues to be outstanding from the local wrecks with good relief. Some cobia as well as a lot of sharks was the bi-catch.
The offshore trips had basically every day to give it a go. There were plenty of red grouper caught all week. Trips that started in 100-feet of water and out did well. The snapper bite was good in the day, but outstanding at night. Fishing at nighttime and chumming up the big fish off the bottom should be on ever fishermens to do list. The night trips brought back lots of 4-6-pound mangrove snappers as well as yellowtails, and a few muttons. The commercial guys came in with some nice Cabos when fishing in 180 feet, not sure what rig to use for 60-pound plus fish, but there out there.
Tight lines Capt. Greg Stamper
Snookstampcharters.com Fort Myers, Fl
239-313-1764
It’s real good
