Marco Island, Ft. Myers & Boca Grande

Capt. Scott Hughes
September 5, 2003
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Tarpon continue to Sizzle!

A few months ago I proclaimed that the tarpon season of 2003 was the worst on record. Well, the past eight weeks have made me eat my words. We are continuing to see tarpon fishing that will rival the fishing anywhere in the world. We are averaging 2-7 hook-ups on 100+ pound fish on all of my charters where we target tarpon. What make that such an accomplishment is that 90% of those hooked fish are on artificial lures. There has also been some excellent snapper fishing in the backcountry as well as redfish and snook.

Tarpon: We have been targeting the tarpon in and around Charlotte Harbor. At the moment there are a number of large schools working the beaches around Englewood and inside Charlotte Harbor. Most of the time they are following bait schools so look for the birds and you'll find the tarpon. Try using live pinfish, thread herring or large soft plastics.

Snapper: The snapper have really been thick in Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. Most of the fish are between 12-14 inches. We have been catching 3-4 limits per day using live spanish sardines and scaled sardines. Pinfish and shrimp will catch a some also. Try the passes and deeper mangroves.

Redfish: I have not been tearing up the redfish but each day has been producing a few quality fish. Pinfish and sardines are catching redfish over the slot in Northern Pine Island Sound. The same baits are catching smaller reds in Charlotte Harbor. Most of these fish are 20-25 inches.

Snook: I have been seeing plenty of snook around the passes but catching them has been very difficult for me. I heard plenty of excellent reports over the holiday weekend but I didn't get in on the action because I was tarpon fishing. Since then the bite has slowed in Pine Island Sound. I'm sure the snook are feeding well in the 10,000 islands where there is much less pressure on the fish when they are in season.

The forecast for the next few weeks should be good. As I write this report we have measured over 7 inches of rain today from a tropical storm. Usually after a large storm like this one the fishing gets good. However, the fresh water run off is going to cause us to go out with an open game plan and see what is happening.

Good Luck!

Capt. Scott Hughes

Blackwater Charters

941-575-2389

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