Everglades City, Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park

Capt. Charles Wright
July 9, 2002
Everglades City - Saltwater Fishing Report

Tough Snooking in Chokoloskee

David Siskin -- July 7, 2002

I had the pleasure to fish with David Siskin of Largo, Florida and Matt of Punta Gorda, Florida.  Matt had just graduated (congratulations!!), so David was taking him fishing to celebrate.  Both were excellent anglers and accurate casters.  We decided to targeted snook and permit for the day.  The snook fishing started out slow as did the incoming tide.  We had several fish rise on our baits, but no hookups.  Permit fishing was also tough.  Conditions made the fish difficult to spot, though we did manage to hook two fish.  With the first fish, the hook pulled very early and the second fish was cut off by another fish striking the line!!  We were fishing 8lb line, so the slightest touch from a crossing fish will twang you off.  We did get several more opportunities for permit, but the fish did not eat even with good bait presentations.  Oh well ... fishing!!! 

While we were in the area, both David and Matt jumped onto a school of jacks and boated several 4-5lb fish.  When they are striking fast they are a blast to watch.  We also got a "visual" on a nice cobia.We moved on about midday to seek some big snook since we could not see the permit very well and the ones we did find had lock-jaw.  Firing in a couple of large, not-so-live baits did not produce any confirmed snook hits, but the goliath grouper were ravenous!!! David brought one very nice fish boat side.  Four others would not be taken.  We had one monster take a bait that was in the 2-300lb range.  When these big groupers come up off the bottom to feed, it is really impressive.  In the flurry, a nice ~50lb black tip was landed, but the flash by the boat of a 150lb bull shark ended the thoughts of a (another?) quick refreshing dip in the drink.  An approaching storm ran us back to Chokoloskee, but we were still able to catch a few more snook, tossing jigs, before we had to call it a day.  Though fishing was a bit tough, both David and Matt fished well and had a good time.  I am looking forward to fishing them again.

If you are interested in booking a trip with Chokoloskee Charters, please contact Capt. Charles Wright @ (239) 695-9107 or for more information, visit www.ChokoloskeeCharters.com.

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