Summer weather, summer fishing. Inshore, nearshore both hot!
Capt. Rob Modys
June 24, 2014
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
Water temperatures are now in the high 80's in both the bays and the Gulf of Mexico and the fish are moving to deeper cuts, edges and under the shade of the overhanging mangrove trees. We've been starting early in the day and working spots where water is a bit cooler. The redfish are eating well near the top of the tide. Live shrimp has been our go-to bait but cut ladyfish is also working.
Seatrout are out on the flats, but a little deeper than a few weeks ago. Most of the large ones were caught in 4 to 6 feet of water. A popping cork rig is the usual way to go after them but with the deeper water, artificial lipped baits are work better.
The backwater creeks and rivers of Estero Bay have been holding a lot of juvenile tarpon. They usually run in the 5 to 10 pound range with a few closer to 20. They respond well to flies and artificial lures that imitate small baitfish. Watch for them to roll on the surface and then cast as close as you can to try to get their interest.
The nearshore Gulf waters are teaming with spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, seatrout, jacks and ladyfish, just to mention a few species. If it's action you are looking for then that's the place to be. Cut bait, live shrimp and live pilchards are all working.
A note about our summer weather. As we roll toward July it's time to keep an eye on the sky while fishing on boats or along our beaches. This is the time of year that our every day afternoon thunderstorms began to appear. Mornings are usually clear with low winds and then things began to change about mid afternoon. Winds pick up off of the beach, the puffy white clouds turn darker and the sound of thunder is heard. Time to head for cover. Remember, lightning and fishing rods don't mix!
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