Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor

Capt. Van Hubbard
October 31, 2004
Boca Grande - Saltwater Fishing Report

Fishing is back to normal; even better.

11-1-04 fish report.

Wonderful weather and fishing for Halloween.

Some are still repairing from Hurricanes. Florida football teams are not doing well either but fishing is great. We had some beautiful 2 - 4 pound pompano last week. We caught all the Spanish Mackerel we want almost any time we wanted. Kings are not easy but we’ve managed a few every time we targeted them. Some do believe size matters and they were from 10 - 30 pounds each.

We are stumbling into the pompano so it’s not dependable. They are scattered and big. We just stay ready with our jig rigs and take advantage of opportunities as they pop up around the boat. We just cast to em when we see em. Dolphin are a beautiful pain because they love em too. The mammals have helped us locate schools a few time. We use a pompano jig with a Doc’s Goofy jig trailer. The combo turns them on. Sand fleas a re best if you have the time to chase them. Fresh shrimp tip its are fine and easier. Remember to use the landing net these are big fish. Well over the 11 inch slot minimum.

Macks and kings are in the near shore Gulf waters. We look for birds over feeding fish and minnows. They help us home in on the bigger kings. We slow troll large live minnows or blue runners. Be patient and don’t blow your shots. Keep a second line in if you can doubles are common now. Sharks are abundant and fun also. Ladyfish are everywhere. Kids could have a ball now.

Inside we have gotten some black drum and nice reds. Trout closes today so it’s New Years before we can keep them again. We have not gotten into the hot snook bite yet. My guess is there is just too much bait fish/food for game fish to be hungry so far. When ever the cold weather runs the food south snook will get hungry fast. They have had it easy for months.

Please don’t forget to VOTE. Be thankful and enjoy some good fishing before old man Winter blows our doors off. Let’s Go Fishin’ Soon. Captain Van Hubbard

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