Great Fall Fishing Arrives in SW Florida!
Capt. Todd Geroy
October 24, 2016
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
Cooler fall weather has settled in finally and water temperatures have cooled about 10 degrees from a month ago. The change has brought more opportunities for an all day bite as well as pushing more fish from the gulf and passes into the back bays.
We have enjoyed some great snook fishing during the last few weeks with loads of small fish keeping us busy and several larger snook up to 32 inches being caught and released. Live pilchards are the key to big catches, however soft plastic swim baits, jigs and flies will all take fish with a proper presentation. Last week, I explored a few spots as far as 5 miles inland to discover some very nice dark water snook that had not seen a boat or angler for months.
Redfish catches have been consistent with good fish being caught averaging 25 inches. Low tide has offered some good sight fishing along shallow edges of flats and channels as the reds cruise and feed in very shallow water, sometimes with their backs exposed. Higher tide stages move the fish closer to the mangrove roots as they forage for crabs, shrimp and bait fish in the heavy cover. As waters continue to cool, the redfishing should only get better as more fish move into the bays.
Juvenile tarpon, mangrove snapper and some hefty jack crevalle have all been common catches on recent trips as well.
I expect the trout and pompano fishing to pick up soon as well as the arrival of bonito, spanish mackerel and kingfish just offshore from our local beaches. We are ready for some great action!
Naples Fishing Forecast:
My favorite time of year is upon us! Anglers can expect fine action with a continuing variety of fish available on the inshore and nearshore waters for the next month or so.
Target Species:
Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Sea Trout, Mangrove Snapper
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