Hot weather and hot water, the fish don't seem to mind
Capt. Rob Modys
August 24, 2014
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
The heat of summer is upon us and the water temperatures are close to 90 degrees in both the Gulf and the back bays. I bit of rain has helped cool things off in the afternoon but an early start is a must. Seems like once mid-day arrives all bets are off for a steady bite.
We've spent a lot of time in the Gulf taking advantage of depth to produce fish. The deeper you go, the cooler the water. Lead head jigs are working best, tipped with live shrimp or cuts of mullet and ladyfish. This method will get you a limit of mangrove snapper in no time and they make a great dinner. We've also been getting flounder, seatrout and a few redfish.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish have moved into nearshore waters. There are tons of them and they are hungry! Find the birds working low to the water and you'll find the fish close by.
The flats around the nearshore islands are where the bait is. It's not very big yet, but the slot and over slot seatrout love ‘em. Pick an artificial that "matches the hatch" and you'll do well. We've also had a lot of luck with shrimp on a jig under a popping cork. Keep the leader long enough to get close to the bottom without snagging. In the mix will be ladyfish, jacks, bluefish and the occasional redfish.
Even though "Shark Week" is over we are still getting on them just outside the passes in about 14 feet of water. Anchor up, chum up and set a couple of rods with cut ladyfish or jacks as bait. It may take 30 to 45 minutes for the first hit but they'll come steadily after that. Expect blacktips, sharpnose, lemons, hammerheads and bulls.
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