Great Fall Fishing in Backwaters of Naples and Marco Island
Capt. Todd Geroy
October 28, 2013
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
October was a very busy month for us on the backwaters of Naples and Marco Island. Fishing most every day during the last month, the fish did not disappoint with some great catches of redfish and snook as well as the appearance of a variety of other species showing up as the first shot of cooler weather moved through the area.
Redfish have dominated the action most trips in recent weeks. While the larger schools of several weeks ago have seemed to scatter, they have still been very reliable. We are finding reds just about anywhere we fish from shallow shorelines of large bays to flats to some of the deeper holes the interior creeks. Live baits do very well, but 1/4 ounce jigs tipped with shrimp and Berkley Gulp shrimp on a jig head are killers on the reds. The redfish in the area have all been running in the 23 to 30 inch range.
Snook fishing continues to be decent with plenty of small fish being caught in the 22 to 26 inch range on up to 35 inch fish like the one released last week by Sandy Martin. Live sardines have been the bait of choice. With cooler water temperatures, I expect more snook to be making the move from outside beaches and passes into the back bays. We should continue to have great snook action through November.
Last week we experienced the first cool front of the season moving through the area. The change in weather triggered a big push of mullet migrating through the area. The big tarpon were here to take advantage of it going on a full out feeding frenzy near area passes for a couple of days. Although my anglers were interested in targeting other species, there were a few local guides and anglers taking advantage of this annual phenomenon hooking up with numerous giant tarpon. There should be at least a few more opportunities for this action in the upcoming weeks. It is a matter of timing with the fall weather systems moving through with desirable tides.
Cooler weather has brought a variety of other species into our daily catch. We have routinely been encountering sea trout, flounder, mangrove snapper, gag and goliath grouper as well as some rather large jack crevalle. I expect pompano to begin their annual fall run any day now.
I am looking forward to some more great fishing in November!
-Capt. Todd Geroy
Naples Fishing Forecast:
November is by far the best month of year for variety fishing in the backwaters. We often encounter up to 15 species on a single trip. I look forward to the next few weeks.
Target Species:
redfish, snook, tarpon, flounder, sea trout
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