Great April Action in Naples Backwaters
Capt. Todd Geroy
April 8, 2014
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
After running a full schedule for the last few weeks, I am taking a day off as another strong frontal system barrels its way down the coast of Florida. Windy conditions and the threat of heavy thunderstorms mid-day forced our decision to stay on land today. These fronts have been disrupting our activity on a weekly basis, as we keep assuring ourselves that this is the last one of the season.
When the weather has been stable, my anglers have been getting a taste of some great spring fishing as snook and redfish action continues to improve. I might add that with "spring break" in full swing, I have enjoyed putting many young anglers on the fish!
Many trips have been scoring on multiple redfish to 30 inches along with plenty of slot size fish. I have encountered more schooling fish during the last week with double hookups common. Live sardines have been getting the bites, however it is interesting to note that several of the fish I have filleted have been engorged with crabs.
The snook bite has really improved with warmer water temperatures now approaching 80°. The snook are scattered all over the backcountry with most of the action being along mangrove points that are either facing the wind or tide or both. Again the live pilchards are candy to these fish, although we have had success with Mirrolure plugs with green backs also.
Young angler Nick Seitz and dad, Mike with a nice double on snook during a recent April trip...
Springtime brings big jack crevalle to the backwater channels. I have been having great success with jacks ranging to 18 lbs. recently. These bruisers will eat anything that moves and put on a great battle on light tackle!
Nick get a hand from his dad after a long fight with this monster jack crevalle...
There are plenty of big sharks in now as well as a good number if tarpon for those that want the tug of a lifetime. My recent outings have been opting for action fishing, but I do look forward to tangling with some giants in the next week or two.
Target Species:
snook, redfish
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