Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor

Capt. Van Hubbard
August 22, 2004
Boca Grande - Saltwater Fishing Report

we do have some great fishing if you can get away.

8-22-04 web.

We have been lucky and shared our good fortune with some friends.

The Law family of Rochester, New York was scheduled to visit us and then go stay on Sanibel. Charley of course changed their itinerary and they spent a few days here in Englewood. We are very close to the damage but just missed the really damaging winds by about twenty miles. So after helping the Red Cross for a few days at the shelters, we had the chance to entertain friends. The time back on the water was refreshing. We observed some heavy damage around the Boca Grande Island and wind blown vegetation all up into Charlotte Harbor. Extensive mangrove tree defoliation, only a few green ones, left an eerie feeling. The fish shacks in Bull Bay were blown apart and will be missed. They were a reminder of a life style rapidly disappearing. The best news was the fish and baitfish are thriving. We saw more minnows than we had so far this year and it was already looking good.

We found some nice sized mackerel with lots of ladyfish and small trout off of Devilfish Key. With a youngster to please this was a blessing. Steady action is critical with young attention spans. Aunt Sue did land one Spanish so big I needed the gaff to bring it into the boat. But as only a few others were slot fish we decided to look around some more. We cruised around Gasparilla Island and noticed how quiet the waters were; only a few boats are able to play around here right now. We’ll pray for those effected and enjoy the time with our friends.

The Gulf was calm and some baitfish were showing with no striking fish around the bait that was up on top. I had expected more activity because the minnows were concentrated like fish were around them. We saw a lot of mackerel and little tunny around Tampa Bay cruising last Wednesday. We slipped back inside and tried a red fish spot at low water but nothing was working. As we worked back to the north we saw several schools of minnows and a few terns and gulls working over them. Good grass, food and activity; let’s try some fishing. Our young guest Paige Law started out catching several slot trout. Life was improving and fresh fish dinner in the box. Then Uncle Sam, really, got a fine 20 inch trout, father Rod landed a keeper to. Then Aunt Sue reeled up a dandy 25 incher. It was fast and furious with trout of all sizes for a few minutes. Paige likes to catch the big one and was happy the ladies were leading. We were then blessed with the big bite for Miss Paige. At first she and I could not believe how strong this fish was. She ask Dad for help but he wanted no part of her fun and suggested she keep going. She was doing fine. She struggled but subdued the monster redfish. We got some nice pictures, weighted it and revived the 35 inch trophy to grow and make babies for her children to enjoy some day. My Boga Grip showed just over 16 pounds. She was fishing with spinning gear, 10 pound FireLine and a small minnow two feet under a cork. The smile on her face made our day. With a storm brewing to the northeast, over the house, we called it a day. There was no way we could have ended on a better note.

Help out were you can and be thankful if you were spared big damage. If the situation allows try some fishing with family and friends. At least show them you appreciate their positive input in your life. As Ernie Lee use to say;”go fishing cuz it’s good fer ya”.

Captain Van Hubbard

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