Good Grouper and Snapper bite on Bonita reefs

Capt. Lindy Yow
August 7, 2010
Bonita Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report

It's been a great summer, but this week especially.
Half Day Trips on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday all produced keeper Gag grouper between 23 and 28 inches. The mangrove snapper bite has been good for this time of year, ranging from 14 to 17 inches. Live pins worked for both, but they were hitting cut sardines and mullet with a vengeance..
There is good catch and release Goliath action on on most of the near shore reefs too. We released 4 this week that were between 70 and a 100 pounds.
The Spanish mackerel have thinned out some but the dozen or so we caught were between 24 and 26 inches. Lots of fun on light tackle..

Bonita Beach Fishing Forecast:

North Naples - Bonita - Ft. Myers Beach
Exceptionally good summer fishing is expected through August. The near shore reefs are producing keeper gag grouper and snapper. If you ever wanted to battle a Goliath this would be a great month. Most of the artificial reefs have a couple of the monsters waiting to take cut or live bait. Goliath grouper are protected so remember to release them in the water. There are lots of barracuda and sharks cruising the reefs, bring the wire leader.
The backwaters are hot. There is a ton of white bait and mullet from the passes to the rivers. Look for tailing red fish around the oyster bars. During low tides fish the passes and deep holes, high tide try the mangroves and areas where you see bait and bird activity. Use the lightest possible weight and good quality fluorocarbon leader for the most action.

More Fishing Reports:

• All Reports by Capt. Lindy Yow
• Bonita Beach Fishing Reports
• Southwest Florida (Cape Sable to Boca Grande) Reports
• Florida Fishing Reports
• Browse All Fishing Reports