January Fishing in the Naples and marco Waters
Capt. Roan zumFelde
January 22, 2010
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
Well, hope everyone has gotten through the Cold Spell. This report is bitter sweet. I am not going to talk much about the fish kill but the positive side of fishing. I will say the kill was the worst I have seen since I started fishing in 1970. On the positive side if there is one I have seen positive numbers of Snook around Naples and Marco. Lets hope there are no more cold spells for 2010.
Not much fishing done in January. Not a month I prefer to fish in. I did get out a little before and after the Cold Front passed. Found good numbers of Redfish and Trout and lots of Sheepshead. Yes we also caught a couple of Snook. Last trip was Wednesday and we put some beautiful Redfish in the Boat and even a couple of Sheepshead on fly. Sheepshead are like Permit down to our South. They are probably one of the most finicky fish on the flats to entice with a fly. Spooky to say the least. You need to lead them by at least five to ten feet making sure the line is not behind them. Then you have to entice them to bite, which is no easy task. Small Crab or shrimp patterns work well on them. Lots of Lady fish and Trout being caught every day on Jigs tipped with shrimp. Snook are around, caught a couple under the lights last night. Don't jump rite out there they are finicky and I would expect that to keep up until the water reaches 75 Degrees. We need to protect the Snook we have left please release them gently and keep them alive. Just want to say a few things about some guides and fisherman that fished through the Cold Weather!!! It is a shame of the reports of the people I have heard fishing for Snook when they were distressed. When the temps get that cold the fish are so distressed that even if you do catch a few most of those fish that are caught will not survive the rest of that day or night. Come on guys, is a couple of charters and a couple of fishing days that important to you. You know who you are and shame on you!!! I cancelled everything for two weeks. One: How could I seriously take people fishing in that awful weather and two there is no reason to put any more stress on fish that are barely surviving. Lets get smarter guys we have to protect the few fish that did make it. I have heard a lot about the poaching that went on and It is a crying shame of the people who sold and profited on the loss of the fish. I can understand if someone goes out and nets a couple for a Snook Dinner or two. The ones that went out and netted hundreds to eat including fish that might have survived is awful. Again you Know who you are!!! Of course most of them will not be reading this article.
Naples Fishing Forecast:
February Fishing looks to be good for Trout and Redfish and Sheepshead. Snook fishing is going to be tough all year. We will know more when the offshore fish start coming back. Then we are going to know what the total loss was. Good news is some made it and they will rebuild. Thanks Roan z.
Target Species:
Snook, Tarpon, Bass, Redfish, Pompano, Trout
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