Ft. Myers - Offshore

Capt. Rick Featherstone
September 6, 2006
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Early Fall Brings Action

Greetings,

Its late summer but the fishing tells me its actually early fall. Baits like Blue Runners have started showing up and a Kingfish, Tarpon, Blackfin and Spanish mackerel are here. Not in the big numbers like next month but certainly in big enough numbers to target.

Lots of rain has kept us guessing on what we will do each day. I have been rigging and planning for everything from fishing the beach to fishing wrecks fifty miles out. The good news is that we have been productive at them all.

Near shore (Beach to five miles), the beaches and passes have been showing Tarpon of all sizes, Spanish Mackerel, Jacks, and Snook. Also some of the larger bait schools have Kingfish to twenty pounds with them. Of course live baits work well but plugs like Rapala X-Rap Slash baits are great casting and produce well. I like the Glass Gost, Silver, Sardine and Blue Mackerel color. When I use the little four inch size to match Glass Minnow and other smaller baits I change the hooks to singles for a better hook up on big fish.

Offshore (five to fifty miles) has been very productive for a variety of species. Migrating bait schools are being stalked by Spanish mackerel and Kingfish. Permit although unpredictable as to location are still in the area near structure. Wreck fishing is the variety of life right now. Work the water column and chum. Snapper, Cobia, Permit, Cuda’s, Goliath all will come to play.

When weather permit’s the Blue Water trips are awesome right now. Amberjack, Yellowtail, Dolphin, Blackfin, American Red Snapper, Gag Grouper and more are all eating. The combination of trolling between spots and fishing ledges and wrecks will keep your rods bent all day and the ride is worth the price right now.

Have and watch the weather.

Sincerely,

Capt. Rick

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