Fishing The Naples and Marco Island areas from Bait to Fly
Capt. Roan zumFelde
April 14, 2008
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
Well, It seems Old man winter is not over yet. Thinking we were well on the way to the Summer action met us today head first with yet more wind and now near record low temps. Oh well, one more week isn't going to kill us is it.
Fishing this past week has been ok, nothing fantastic but not bad either. We caught a lot of Snook last week just not many keeper class. Most were under sized with a few huge fish coming on bait. Boated a couple in the 36 to 40 inch range and bunches in the 20 to 24 inch range, mostly on live bait. Redfish have been a little tough to get into the slot also. Most of the Reds caught on both Fly and live bait last week were oversized. Nice fish all the same and to me it doesn't matter. I like to catch and release them. Snook for me is the same way, now give me a mess of Mangrove Snapper and ok I like to release those into the Sauté pan.
Made some forays into Tarpon Fishing last week and are finding a few fish but still having trouble getting them to bite both bait and the Fly. Most of the passes from Bonita to Cape Romano have them in it. Best fishing in the Passes for them was at first light in the morning, we jumped a few then, after a couple boats came by forget-about-it.
Snook action was ok in the passes but better in the areas leading to the passes. Lots of Snook were starting to show on the beaches, but that will change after the winds and the cold this week. Don't fret things will be in full summer mode soon enough and the fish will return to the beaches. Lots of bait on the outside so bait catching was pretty easy this week. Winds are going to knock it back a little but I think they will be hanging around the rest of the summer, after this week.
Fly Fishing has been still a little tough. One good day and the next not so good. Lights fishing is the exception, lots of fish in both Naples and Marco under the lights at night. Mostly undersized though, a few not. Caught one this past week oversized in the lights, go figure.
Naples Fishing Forecast:
The next couple of weeks should see some dramatic changes in the fish catches. I expect some nice Tarpon to be boated and some big Snook to get their acts together. Fly fishing season is just starting. I always say the First new Moon in May watch out the fish should be jumping in the boat. Good Luck and Good Casting Roan z.
Target Species:
Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Snapper
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