Marco Island, Ft. Myers & Boca Grande
Capt. Scott Hughes
December 2, 2002
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
Cold winter makes fishing tough but excellent duck hunting.
This year we are experiencing the coldest winter I have seen since I have been guiding. We haven't had a day over 79 degrees in 15 days. Usually the weather isn't this cold until mid January. I know you guys up north are laughing at a high in the 70's but our fish like tarpon and snook like temperatures in the high 80's to low 90's. This colder weather has made for some excellent duck hunting only a mile or so from my house on Lake Okeechobee.
The lake is very versitle because it's almost 60 miles long by 40 miles wide. The most prevealent type of duck that we shoot are ringnecks. We have also been getting good numbers of bluewing teal, green wing teal, whistlers, and mottled ducks. From time to time we also get wood ducks, pintails, widgeon and mallards.
On the saltwater fishing scene the snook have been feeding well in between the fronts when bait can be found. Redfish, trout, sheephead and snapper have moved into the deep creeks and backcountry of Pine Island sound. Low tide has been best. I like to use jigs tipped with shrimp for all of the above species. Don't be surprised if you catch a snook or flounder while your at it also.
Remember as the water get colder, fish deep and slow. Also, I guide duck hunting trips so if winter fishing is not your thing and you like to shoot give me a call.
Good Lunk! Capt. Scott Hughes
941-628-4247 cell
863-946-9171 home
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