Marco Island, Ft. Myers & Boca Grande

Capt. Scott Hughes
June 25, 2004
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Snook and Tarpon

The month of June is knowm for these two species and there were no surprises this year. The tarpon fish was just fantastic. Most of the action was near the passes during the strong moon phases but we had some good days fishing the sound and the harbor. Soaking cut baits were the preferred method of fishing during the weaker tidal phases. During the new and full moon tidal phases the tarpon fed well on live crabs. Most of this fishing was sight casting to pods of tarpon in the 100-150 pound class. Most days produced around 3-5 hook-ups but on a number of days we hit the double digit mark with over 10 hook-ups in an afternoon. We are at a all time record land ratio this year 47% of hooked tarpon landed. That will prabably change as we move into July and August were I tend to throw alot of plasics for tarpon. Snook fishing around the same moon phases was as good if not better. Early in the month live sardines were producing the best and lately pinfish have been the hot bait. Most days have been producing at least 15-20 snook but 30 or more aren't at all uncomon. The fish have been near the passes and almost all kind of structure near the passes are holding snook right now. Docks, jetties, driftwood, and sand bars all will hold snook. Redfish and trout is fairly spotty at the moment. The water on the flats is very hot and not very clear. I got into a pocket of bad water on the flats today and killed a whole well full of pinfish. Right now it's not worth the risk of ruinging your morning hard work for the chance of catching a redfish or two.

For all of you tarpon addicts, the season is far from over. July and August can and will probably produce the best numbers of tarpon of the season. Look for the fish to make one more good showing near the passes on the first full moon of the month and then move back inshore to feed for a month or two before they migrate south in September.

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