Ft. Myers - Offshore

Capt. Rick Featherstone
May 14, 2002
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Shark Fishing Heats Up

Greetings;

With recent weather trends holding a large high pressure over our area we have enjoyed very clear, warm, sunny days. The trick has been to pick the days when the winds has been below fifteen miles per hour.

Offshore tarpon activity has been a real challenge lately due to the many white caps. The fish are further out and scattered. After finding them presenting baits in the correct manner made the game as tough as it gets. We have been working for the tarpon, but shark fishing has been very productive in the ten mile range. When we get there early, we find them up on top feeding on shrimp boat by-catch. Its always fun to watch a nice hammerhead chase lures or a live jack around, then nail it. I never tire of hearing a drag scream off! Quality sharks are there, blacktips from twenty to a hundred pounds, some nice lemons, several hammerheads from fifty pounds to huge, and of course bull sharks as big as you dare to try for. I also love to rig light spinning tackle for the smaller sharks, both lemon, and black tip. A short wire trace, and a small strip bait or plug will allow the angler to sight fish even when its sloppy out there. Standing and casting is the more difficult task as hook ups come quickly.

Inshore along the beach, where there is structure like stumps, docks, rock piles, pilings and the like, snook and jack fishing is getting very good. Live scaled sardines seem to be the ticket to lots of bites, but plugs will work fine if it resembles a sardine. A jig and shrimp combo will get the job done as well.

Take Care & Have Fun,

Capt. Rick Featherstone

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