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Report for Naples, Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands
Capt. Matt Hoover
December 11, 2001
Marco Island - Saltwater Fishing Report
Bonus Action
We were blessed this week when the last front fizzled out. That left us with favorable tides and fine December fishing. December is not always the friendliest month so it is a bonus when it stays warm throughout the holidays. I know that you would like to stoke a couple of logs in the fireplace for Christmas but if you are reading this, then odds are that you are an angler. Warm weather means warm water. Warm water means better snook and redfish action. You may even find yourself hooked up to a big tarpon. This past week was no exception as far as bonus fishing is concerned. There are snook, redfish, and trout hanging out in the same spots together. I even saw a few big tarpon this week.
There is plenty of bait around. That keeps the gamefish interested. Guides and their anglers are catching small to slot sized snook around Marco and throughout the Ten Thousand Islands. There aren't fish at every turn, but when you find a snook on a point or bush, there is bound to be more than one. I have been finding snook around points and oyster bars that are close to deeper water. Make sure that you pick a place that has plenty of current. Some of these spots will have fish moving through during the whole phase of a tide. I sat on a spot for twenty minutes or better this week and we caught snook, redfish, jacks and ladyfish non-stop.
Trout are starting to show up in the islands in greater numbers too. Anglers are catching them in the deeper runs on live bait and jigs with screwtail bodies. There isn’t anything wrong with a good bucktail jig either. Most of the trout that my anglers are catching are keeper size. Trout season is closed for now, but they are fun to catch and help round out a day of fishing.
I have seen some large tarpon free jumping and busting mullet. The mullet are starting to school up in the passes and around the points of islands. It is in these places that you might want to set up camp and try your luck. Keep your eyes open for the occasional laid up tarpon. They are prime targets for a fly or well placed lure.
Large mackerel are still giving us sport in the passes and near shore. Birds are diving on schools of bait that are being pounded by the fish. Ladyfish, jacks and an occasional bluefish are mixed in with the mack attacks. Any lure, jig or bait will do. Just sneak into the mess with your trolling motor and have at it.
There is a system looming over Texas, but we should have some fair weather in the next week. I keep waiting for the other shoe to fall. Winter can come down on us over night. Until then, get into some bonus action. I will see you on the water.
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