Report for Naples, Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands
Capt. Matt Hoover
January 22, 2002
Marco Island - Saltwater Fishing Report
Sweet Moments
Aside from a little fog in the morning, it couldn’t have been a more perfect week for the month of January. The mornings were cool. As soon as the sun got up, it was time to shed the jacket. The best part was catching fish without taking stress medicine. The water temperature climbed into the lower seventies. That makes everybody happy.
For most anglers and guides, trout was the main attraction. Jigs of all shapes and sizes were getting plenty of attention. The grass flats off of Cape Romano had trout to spare. Popping corks and shrimp did major damage. Grass patches in front of the islands is a good place to go. You will see boats working these areas as you head south into the islands. Deep runs along the outside islands gave up plenty of trout all week too. Large jacks came into the islands this week as well. They provided a good drag workout for unsuspecting anglers. Bluefish were mixed in with the trout and ladyfish. Bluefish provide a strong pull for their size. Watch out for their choppers. They can lay a finger open in a flash.
For a bonus, many of us were catching small to medium snook in the creek mouths. I didn’t bother to change the screwtail jigs that I was using. The snook seemed to like them just fine. We caught a few redfish this week. You have to work the bank for them. It can be slow tedious work but I know there are a lot of you who will go the distance for them. The redfish and occasional snook have been coming up into the shallow water. This week has been a great opportunity to get some sightfishing done. I like to use a live shrimp or a small jig. Flies are really the best way to go. A stealthy approach and a soft presentation is a must when your are throwing in inches of water.
If this weather keeps up, keep your eyes sharp on the lookout for tarpon. It looks as if this next week is going to be a warm one. Tarpon love to sneak into the islands when the water temperature rises and the wind has been light. Most of us are starting to get antsy for the big silver guy. It is not unusual for them to show up in February.
We are not out of the woods with winter yet. Like I always say, steal the sweet moments. I think next week will be one of those times. I will see you on the water.
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