Fall Fishing Action in SW Florida Backwaters
Capt. Todd Geroy
September 18, 2014
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
Good action continues on the inshore waters of Naples and Marco Island. Tarpon, snook and redfish top the list of species being brought to the boat in recent weeks. As water temperatures gradually cool off, the action is starting to last longer through the day.
We are still hooking up with big tarpon, mainly at first light. The tarpon are schooling up and feeding on the huge masses of bait fish that have moved in just off area beaches. There are also plenty of tarpon in the area passes as schools of mullet are starting to move through. A variety of live baits as well as artifical baits are all getting attention. I have also been having success with "baby" tarpon in backcountry creeks and holes. The lower end of the falling tide has been best, as the fish bunch up in the deeper pockets. These tarpon in the 10-25 lb. range are great fun on light tackle and are my favorite fish to target.
Snook continue to be perhaps the most abundant species and are seemingly just about anywhere we fish right now, from backcountry creeks to the beaches. Although, the best concentrations are close to outside passes and along the beach right now. Several half day trips fishing with live bait have released as many as 20 snook ranging from 22 to 30 inches. I still urge catch and release only for snook, even though the season is open right now. I simply do not believe the species has recovered enough from the deadly cold snap of 2010 to support harvest right now.
Redfishing is getting better each week. Reds are starting to show up in schools with more frequency now and will only get better. Favorite baits of mine this time of year are live sardines and 1/4 ounce jigs, particularly the 3" Berkely Gulp shrimp in molting color. I am finding reds at low tide in shallow water along the channel edges especially where water is running off of shallow flats. At high tide, the reds will move up on mangrove shore lines that have concentrations of oyster on the bottom. Tight casts into the cover are critical to success.
I am looking forward to more terrific fishing as we officially enter fall next week!
Target Species:
tarpon, snook, redfish
More Fishing Reports:
