Boca Grande Fishing Charters January Forecast
Capt. Danny Latham
January 4, 2012
Boca Grande - Saltwater Fishing Report
Happy New Year Everyone! I hope everyone has a blessed 2012!
The first couple of days of 2012 have seen a dramatic drop in temperatures here in Southwest Florida but it is supposed to warm up by next week and I can put my flip flops and shorts back on. Boca Grande fishing charters have continued to produce some outstanding Redfish action although they have slowed down a little from the 80-100 fish days this fall. I have had multiple 40 plus fish days and that's not including all of the Trout, Pompano and Flounder that are mixed in. The Punta Gorda fishing charters have been just as productive with a few Snook mixed in. As we get into January the Redfish and Trout fishing will remain outstanding as well as the mixed bag of Pompano, Flounder and Sheepshead.
The 2012 Tarpon fishing season is only a few months away and for those of you who are looking to book a trip for the 2012 tarpon season I strongly urge that you start planning ASAP as my calendar is already close to half full. 2012 looks like it is going to be a great year here at Reelfishing Charters and I would hate to miss seeing some of my repeat clients this tarpon season.
Trout season opened up on January 1st. I have been seeing a ton of big trout on the flats and catching fish in the 22"-24" range seems to be an everyday occurrence. From now thru April is hands down the best time to catch big trout here in Southwest Florida and I don't mean 20" fish I'm talking about 25"-30" fish that can weigh as much as 10lbs! Those are true "gators" and this is the time of year to catch them!
The Redfish fishing this January will continue to be very productive. I am still catching a ton of fish in the 3lb-5lb range but have been catching more and more fish over 27 inches in the past week. I think this trend will continue as long as the weather remains nice and we don't get hit by a bunch of cold fronts. Shrimp have continued to be the live bait of choice and I still have to buy between 6 and 12 dozen depending on how long I am fishing that day. When I run out of shrimp I have also been catching a lot fish on artificial. The Mirrolure "Lil John" rigged with a 1/4oz jig head has been killing the reds and the trout can't get enough of them.
Pompano remained in Southwest Florida this December and it looks like they aren't going anywhere. I have continued to consistently bring Pompano to the boat. The nice thing is that they are all fairly large, weighing 3lb-5lbs. These fish make excellent table fare as well as fighting really hard. Nylure jigs and Silly Willy's in pink have been the ticket for catching these tasty fish.
Another fish that has been making a good showing lately is Flounder. This has been one of the best years for Flounder in at least 4 years. I have been catching a lot of 1-3lb fish while fishing for reds and they are a wonderful fish to eat.
The Snook have migrated off the flats and into their winter homes where they have been feeding fairly well although the recent cool weather will slow them down a bit. The deep-water creeks and canals of Charlotte Harbor have been holding the best numbers and live sardines have been very effective if you can find them. For you night owls, the night time Snook fishing around the lighted docks in Punta Gorda, Ft. Myers beach, Little Gasparilla and Boca Grande may be your best bet for some August Snook action. Lures like Mirrolure 3" Soft Sardine and Mirrolure Mirrodine should both be good choices for for catching spring time Snook. Please remember that Snook season will be catch and release only until at least September 2012.
The near shore fishing has slowed down a little. Gag Grouper went out of season on November 15th although you can still catch some nice Red Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. The last few fronts also moved most of the big kingfish and Spanish Mackerel South for the winter but they'll be back this spring.
Whether you want to catch the fish of a lifetime or just relax with friends, you can count on Reelfishing charters to put together the ultimate Southwest Florida experience! Capt. Danny is the guide that will bring everything together for a fun, exciting fishing charter that you'll remember.
Reelfishing is a Fort Myers fishing charter as well as a Boca Grande fishing guide service. We pick up at several locations around Southwest Florida including Burnt Store Marina, Pineland Marina, Placida and the Boca Grande guide docks. Other arrangements can be made if necessary. We try to make fishing with Reelfishing charters as easy as possible.
Catch Fish, No Excuses!
Target Species:
tarpon, redfish, trout, snook, pompano, flounder
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