Cooler water steps up the bite in southwest Florida
Capt. Rob Modys
September 24, 2014
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
Water temperatures continue to fall thanks to overcast skies and off and on showers. Good tides and light winds have led to great catches. The best bet is to get out early to beat the rain and if showers hold off, stay a little longer and take advantage of the bite.
We are rolling into Fall and the fish are on the move and ready to fatten up for cooler weather. Redfish have been the focus with the best bite occurring around the mid to upper tide. Look for them near mangrove islands and in deeper cuts when the water is low and then close to the bushes and up under the overhangs once the tide moves toward the upper stages. We're having good success with live baits but don't shy away from artificial lures such as the Rapala Skiterwalks or Storm Rattlin' Chug Bugs. Be sure to change up the speed of retrieval on every second or third cast. You never know what they are going to go for from day to day. If natural bait is more to your liking you'll rarely miss with live shrimp. Rig it on a lead head jig and then move it slowly across the bottom. On the slightest bump, set the hook.
The seatrout bite is improving on the flats around Mound Key, lower Estero Bay and in south Pine Island Sound. In all locations it's best to set up a drift for them and then lock the boat down once they are located. Live shrimp under popping corks will make them easier to find but once located you can switch to artificials and save money on shrimp! It's hard to beat a Berkley Gulp Shrimp in New Penny or Pearl White.
There have been plenty of snook to catch, now that snook season is open, but most have been on either side of the slot (28 to 33 inches on the Gulf coast). In other words, we're mostly practicing catch and release. Best bet has been working mangrove shorelines, blow downs and docks with lots of moving water. Live threadfin herrings have been a good choice for bait, but pinfish will really get it done. It's best if you can net up your own from nearby grass flats. They seem to be perkier and that means a quick strike when they are tossed into the target zone.
Small baitfish have suddenly appeared on the grass flats and that has sparked the interest of big schools of jacks and ladyfish. Just look for the birds working over the water, move to intercept and you'll find the fish. Just about any small artificial lure that imitates a bait fish will work, but a favorite is the Rattletrap. Not only do they have good action when retrieved, they will cast further than most lures. The reach can be important. If you get too close to the action you'll spook the bait. It the bait leaves, so do the fish.
The nearshore reefs, rock piles and wrecks are still producing a lot of mangrove snapper. Small offerings of live shrimp on lightweight hooks with minimal weight have been the go-to. Chum a little to get them up off the bottom and then have at it! In the mix will be spanish mackerel, bluefish, seatrout and a few pompano. Keep and eye out and have a casting rod rigged with a shrimp and jig combo ready for cobia. They've been appearing on the surface and most are big.
Looking for big fish action? Sharks of all kinds are still feeding along the coastline in about 14 feet of water. Latest catches have included bulls, hammerheads, lemons, sharpnose and black tips. Set the anchor, chum with cut bait and then put a line in the water with a chunk of ladyfish or jack on the hook. Beef up the tackle and use wire leader.
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