Ft. Myers - Offshore

Capt. Rick Featherstone
December 21, 2003
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Winter Weather Arrives

Greetings,

Well its safe to say our winter pattern is in full swing here in South West Florida. As I write this the mercury is right at thirty four degrees outside the window. The good news is it wont last long thankfully. Water temps have dropped steadily this week. Combine that with a week of twenty knot wind from the North and West and you get very little offshore action. Thankfully we have a great estuary system in which to explore and escape natures change of seasons and still catch some fish.

Offshore has been hard only because of the weather not allowing us to get out much. When its nice there is pretty good snapper action within the thirty mile range. Loads of smaller red and gag grouper, amberjack, and assorted reef fish, bring bent rods and smiles to our visiting anglers. If you get deep enough, there are good numbers of Little Tunny (false albacore) also.

The near shore fishing has been up and down. On the nicer days cobia, bull reds, and gags have produced good action. The sheepshead have started to show up also, but we have not targeted them yet.

Up in San Carlos bay most of the grass flats are holding trout, ladyfish, and a few pompano. Its steady action and great fun on light tackle.

Take care and stay warm,

Capt. Rick

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