Solid Winter Fishing For Reds, Trout and Sheepshead
Capt. Rob Modys
December 7, 2011
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
This weeks fishing was top notch despite some windy weather early in the week and continued reports of red tide. I'm not sure where this red tide is suppose to be but I can tell you first hand, it's not along the beaches of Fort Myers or anywhere near Estero Bay.
The backcountry of Estero Bay is still giving up a lot of nice redfish. Working the mangroves on the higher tides with live shrimp on jigs has been the go-to as well as using artificial lures around the oyster bars in the upper Bay.
Trout are out on the flats in about 3 feet of water. It's catch and release until January but makes for some great action. We've been getting ladyfish, jacks and a few flounder mixed in.
Sheepshead are biting best in the deeper cuts near mangrove islands on the inbound tides. Scale your tackle down and use small pieces of shrimp to catch these notorious bait stealers.
The Gulf is very active with lots of schooling spanish mackerel, bluefish and hordes of ladyfish. Just look for the birds circling the fish, toss something shiny their way, and it won't take long for a hookup.
Christmas is getting close and it's time to start shopping for your favorite angler! Perhaps a new rod and reel, a nice pair of fishing pliers or even a charter fishing trip would fit the bill.
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