Ft. Myers - Offshore

Capt. Rick Featherstone
March 7, 2001
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Warming Trend Improves Fishing

Greetings;

Well we sure had some great days of fishing last week. Perfect Chamber of Commerce weather, warming water, and light wind, blended for perfect fishing conditions.

On the inshore stage we found spanish mackerel moving in tightly packed schools along the beaches. They were hitting shrimp, scaled sardines, or anything white or flashy. Silver trout were eating Lov Lures and shrimp in close. Snook were starting to show on the beach structures as well as big jacks. On Saturday four tarpon were released up in the traditional areas of San Carlos Pass and a bit further up along Ding Darling. These seem to be river fish that had moved down as they are gold in color, and over a hundred pounds.

Offshore the king mackerel were showing up in good numbers. Most of the ledges and hard bottom areas had fish on them. We took some nice smokers over twenty pounds on live spanish sardines drifted under a balloon rig. Big cudas and permit were also making a showing over the deeper structures. The ever present line breaker, the jewfish. They were taking up residence on the wrecks, ledges, and structures as well. Any live bait or hooked snapper dinner will get you hooked up to these bruisers. Speaking of snapper fishing, its as good as it gets if you get out far enough.

As this is written the small craft warnings are up and have been for four days. We are in the middle a passing cold front. The water has cooled a bit but this may be good news to the king fishermen. I feel it will stall the migration in our area and give us a longer shot at them.

Take care and watch the fronts they can still pack a punch.

Sincerely,

Capt. Rick Featherstone

More Fishing Reports:

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