Fishing Report - Naples, Ft. Myers, Bonita Beach & Estero Bay
Capt. Dave Hanson
March 5, 2005
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
sheepshead, snapper, shark, black drum-2 out of 6 days with decent conditions: Bonita Beach, SW FL offshore
After a blustery Sunday, small craft advisories remained in effect on Monday and Tuesday, and I again cancelled my offshore plans. Tides were so low in Estero Bay that the backwater fishing didn’t look real promising either.
Wednesday started out pretty rough, but with predictions for calming seas as the day progressed, we decided to brave it at the near shore reefs off Bonita Beach. We used live shrimp to catch eleven keeper sheepshead to 18 inches, and a 6 ½ pound black drum. We released a 30 inch bonnet shark, small snapper, a short red grouper, and grunts.
Thursday brought lots of wind and rain to the offshore waters, and choppy conditions persisted through Friday, so I remained in port those two days. Saturday, I finally fished again, in 40 feet, out of New Pass. We caught a mess of keeper lane snapper to 12 inches and keeper mangrove snapper, using live shrimp. We released grouper shorts.
The photo shown is of a 22 1/2 inch gag and 18 inch mangrove snapper, caught on a recent offshore trip.
Private guided saltwater fishing trips, inshore and offshore, around Ft. Myers, Naples and Bonita Beach. Native guide with over 30 years local experience. Good species variety. Reasonable rates. Half and full-day trips offered. We book well in advance throughout the winter months, and slightly in advance during the summer months. Families welcome, and anglers of all ages and experience levels will have a good time.
