Winter pattern with redfish, sea trout and sheepshead in the mix
Capt. Rob Modys
November 16, 2012
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
A little rain is in the forecast for the early part of the weekend with clearing and more sun as we move toward Monday. The fish love a dropping barometer and that will be the case for a good part of the week. It's time to get out there and wet a line!
Pay special attention to the Manatee zone changes that occurred on November 15th. All of Estero Bay, the Mailboat Channel and Long Cut, near Galt Island is now open to run at a max of 25 mph. Other changes are now in place in the Caloosahatchee River, so pay close attention to signage.
Sea trout have been the story in both Estero Bay and the lower areas of Pine Island Sound. A good mix of slot and short fish can be caught using live shrimp under popping corks. The bigger trout seem to like topwater artificial lures. Try the Rapala Skitterwalk, Bomber Badonk-A-Donk or a Heddon Zara Spook. Natural colors work best and follow this rule... dark colors for overcast days and light colors for sunny days.
The redfish are still biting well in the back country waters on shallow water grass flats and along the mangrove shorelines. Live shrimp under corks or cut bait have both been working. The best bite is happening around both sides of the top of the tide.
The sheepshead bite is getting better and better and the size is also increasing. We've been getting a few on each trip in the 3 to 4 pound range. Look for them near dock pilings and along deep cuts near mangrove edges. Scale down your tackle a bit. Try small number 1 hooks, split shots for weight and a piece of shrimp. Let them eat and then set the hook!
The spanish mackerel are just about everywhere in the nearshore waters of the Gulf. Look for the birds and you'll find the fish. There is also a mix of bluefish, ladyfish and jacks hanging out with them. The rock piles, ledges and reefs are holding a mixed bag of fish but the bite has been off a bit. That should improve as we move toward the full moon.
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