Ft. Myers - Offshore

Capt. Rick Featherstone
March 17, 2002
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Great Weather

Greetings:

Warm weather, calm seas, and rising water temperatures has been the ingredients for good fishing this past week. Big tides and the new mood also helped keep them on the feed. I spent most of my time this week chasing permit and sharks but we did spend a little time on light tackle grouper and snapper.

Inshore fishing is only what I have been told as I did not try that myself this week. Snook and jacks started to feed in the lower creeks a bit. Trout were available over the grass beds and sheepshead were feeding well around the oyster bars. Over the near shore structures the big bite was still sheepshead. Some very nice fish were taken also up to seven and eight pounds. Spanish mackerel have started to show also along the beach.

Offshore king mackerel have moved into the area and some fish are very large. I did not target them, but I did see them in several locations. Permit were feeding well for a week and there were a bunch of them around. Black tip sharks are abundant in the same areas and running from ten to twenty pounds. We found them to be real drag burners on light tackle. The live bottom is loaded with undersize grouper and snapper also. Twice while running around we spotted a rolling tarpon here and there, but we were unable to hook up...YET.

Take care and have a great week. Watch out for the morning fog.

Sincerely,

Capt. Rick

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