Ft. Myers - Offshore

Capt. Rick Featherstone
June 29, 2003
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Fish Bite / Storms Blow

Greetings,

Weather plays such a big factor in fishing its amazing. Weather is likely the major factor other than maybe preparation in our success. Weather lately has been the major factor on my mind when preparing my plan for day, and in making changes in that plan during the days fishing. Afternoon thunderstorms are the norm, and welcome after a warm day. Morning thunderstorms scattered all over the Gulf makes for a day of second choices for sure. Lately, those storms are active around the clock, and keeping anglers on their toes, and stretching the envelope a bit.

We made it offshore twice, on a reef trip for grouper, snapper and other bottom fish. Very action filled, with a limit of snapper and at least fifty grouper releases was our reward. I was surprised to find several huge ladyfish on one ledge out twenty miles. Our other trip was for what ever pelage’s we could find. Bait was hard to get, the shrimp fleet was empty of fish, so we started hitting wrecks and big ledges. No permit were spotted, but we had a very good time catching large cudas to thirty five pounds on light tackle. With storms building up, we ran in close and finished our day with a couple of tarpon bites, but no hookups.

Near shore has been very productive for us. Big snook, tarpon, sharks, goliath grouper, and Spanish mackerel are active. Blacktips, lemons, and a few bull sharks keep us busy while we wait for the poons to take a bait. We are getting good chances and solid hookups every time we target the tarpon as well. Live baits, cut baits, and flies are doing the job. Sapnish have been the best fly rod targets along with big jacks and baby tarpon, all eating the same clouser fly.

If you go, watch your six, those storms move quickly.

Tight Lines,

Capt. Rick

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