Ft. Myers - Offshore

Capt. Rick Featherstone
August 18, 2001
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Summer Patterns Rule

Greetings;

Fishing off our coast has been very good lately. The weather has been hot and afternoon thunderstorms have been the rule. Following typical summer fishing patterns that I follow has produced some very nice catches. I like to leave early in the day and return early to beat the thunderstorms and heat.

In the passes the smaller tarpon are active early and late in the day. I like tossing artificial lures but live bait will do the trick also. We have hooked fish each time we set up for them lately and the by catch of jacks and snook keep the action steady. Along the beach there are tarpon working the bait pods. Be patient and match the hatch. Spanish mackerel, snapper, Goliath grouper, and sharks have been biting well on the inshore wrecks also.

On the offshore stage heavy structure has been the place to be. Either large ledges for good mangrove snapper action or wrecks for permit, cuda, cobia, and Goliath grouper. This is the time of year I love to make the longer runs as the calm seas make for a faster run. I just watch the weather and leave while its still dark in morning.

Take care, watch the weather and have a great time out there.

Capt. Rick Featherstone

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