Marco Island, Ft. Myers & Boca Grande

Capt. Scott Hughes
September 9, 2005
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Mackerel Migration

Usually this time of year I am still targeting tarpon but this year the late season tarpon have been a little slow so I have been taking advantage of the large schools of spanish mackerel that are feeding outside of the passes from Boca Grande to Sanibel island. Spoons, jigs, and live sardines are producing well with most of the mackerel in the 2-4 pound range. Along with the mackerel are bluefish, jacks and some bonito. If your into larger game then sharks can be caught in the same areas as the mackerel. All you have to do is cut a mackerel in half and let if drift behind the boat while you cast for the blues and macks.

Inshore fishing has been best for trout and redfish. Trout are moving onto the deeper grass flats and are taking soft plastics. Its not hot action but a hand full of keepers can be had if your persistent. Redfish fishing has been either awsome or slow. The fish are schooling right now so the key is getting on the school. On days that we can't find a schools we've been able to scratch out a half dozen keeper reds but when we hit the school its game on and rods can be bent for hours.

The forecast for the next few months is good. Trout and redfish fishing get better as the fall fishing gets nearer and even though snook fishing isn't great right now it's usually very good this time of year so I wouldn't be surprised to see it get much better.

Good Luck!

Capt. Scott Hughes

Blackwater Charters

941-575-2389

941-628-4247 cell

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