Winter fishing report, Fort Myers to Boca Grande, Fl
Capt. Scott Hughes
November 30, 2011
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
We have had a mild fall and winter so far this year. I am mostly targeting redfish, speckled trout and flounder with artificial lure in Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound because a batch of redtide put a damper on any offshoire fishing last month. The flats fishing has been good enough so I don't see any reason to to try anything different at this point. Usually as the water temperatures drop the flats fishing get better so I'm hopeing for an excellent fishing season during the holidays.
The redfish fishing has been better than last year and they are running a little bit larger than they have been the past few seasons. I've been targeting scattered fish in 1-2 feet of water with a veriety of soft plastic lures. Live shrimp has worked well also when the tide has been high.
Catch and release speckled trout fishing has been consistent with most of the fish running 14-20 inches. they have been taking soft and hard plastic lures and live shrimp. Speckled trout are catch and release only until the first of the year. When the season opens next year anglers will be allowed 4 per person.
Flounder fishing is still good. We are catching a half dozen per trip while targeting redfish and trout.
There are also a lot of spanish mackerel, sharks running near the beaches and passes. These fish are migrating down the coast and are feeding on minnows. If your going to target these fish you need to look for the flocks of birds. Follow the birds and you'll find the fish. For the mackerel use small spoons and jigs. for the shards use ladyfish, mullet, pinfish or spanish mackerel.
Fort Myers Fishing Forecast:
I expect to have some excellent fishing during the holidays. Redfish and trout should been a staple and will keep rods bent. There should be enough flounder, pompano and mackerel around to make a fish dinner.
Target Species:
redfish, speckled trout, flounder, spanish mackerel, sharks
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