Marco Island, Ft. Myers & Boca Grande

Capt. Scott Hughes
April 6, 2001
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Let's Get Ready to Rumble! Tarpon are here.

This report is going to be short and sweet. We are in the middle of the tarpon season and every day has been busy. The weather has warmed considerably since my last update and the major migration of large tarpon is upon us. We have hooked large tarpon in the backcountry and offshore on every trip since the 1st of April. Thread herrings seem to be the best choice of bait although they only stay alive for about half a day. Sardines and pinfish have been my second choice when the herrings die. One catch of note this past week was caught by one of my customers Dr. Richard Thomas. After an hour and 10 minutes he landed one of largest trophy sized tarpon I’ve had on my boat in quite a while. The fish measured at 7 feet 9 inches and estimated to be over 175-pounds. By the way, one of my partners Capt. Bill Jones has unfortunately had his trips next week cancel so the majority of the week is available for tarpon fishing. If you get a chance, take advantage of these prime dates because they don’t come open this late very often. Give me a call and I’ll book a trip for you.

Other species besides tarpon are hitting well also. I haven’t really been fishing for anything but tarpon but many of the other guides that I fish with have been targeting snook and doing extremely well. Capt. Steve Loyd and Andy Bostick have been landing up to a dozen or more snook per afternoon. Redfish and trout have been mixed in also. Offshore, sharks of all shapes and sizes are cruising around looking for an easy meal. Live mullet and ladyfish will get the big ones. Mackerel of the spanish and king types are around a few miles out, but I haven’t seen any of considerable size.

The outlook for next week looks excellent. Highs in the upper eighties and nineties should really shift the tarpon into high gear. Snook fishing will improve as each day is closer to summer. Mackerel schools by the acre should be here any time. You better get out there while the getting is good.

Good Luck!

Capt. Scott Hughes

Blackwater Charters

863-946-9171

[email protected] www.blackwatercharters.com

More Fishing Reports:

• All Reports by Capt. Scott Hughes
• Fort Myers Fishing Reports
• Southwest Florida (Cape Sable to Boca Grande) Reports
• Florida Fishing Reports
• Browse All Fishing Reports