July is Bringing Big Rewards for Anglers in Naples Backwaters
Capt. Todd Geroy
July 17, 2014
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
I am finally catching up on my fishing report for July after taking some time off for family the first week of July and then having surgery a week ago for which I have a two week recovery time off the water. I am really getting cabin fever, but know that I letting my body heal is critical. My son, Capt. Ben has kept busy filling in for me, fishing daily and having some very good summer action. With lots of snook, redfish, grouper and sharks all cooperating keeping rods bent and anglers smiling.
Snook have been very active since the full moon last week with some trips releasing as many as 35 in a half day. On an evening trip earlier in the week a young angler released the snook of a lifetime, weighing in at over 20 lbs before release!
20 lb. snook released with Capt. Ben Geroy 7/15/14...
Shark fishing is reliable as always this time of year with bull, blacktip and lemon sharks cruising the shallow back bays looking for an easy meal. The sharks are running from 4.5 foot scrappers to monsters ranging to 8 feet in length and 275 lbs.
There are plenty of big tarpon in the gulf just off the beaches. They have been gathering in good numbers around dense concentrations of bait fish. For success, it is critical to get out early in the dark and fish the "magic hour" before the sun gets above the tree line. Late evening can also be productive, but afternoon thunder storms have put a damper on many an evening lately. Before I was laid up, I hit the tarpon several mornings in a row hooking up on several each trip. We were throwing DOA Baitbuster lures. Other guides have been hooking up on the same as well as live crabs, ladyfish, thread herring and live mullet.
I will be back on the water by the middle of next week and hope to have more to report by the weekend. Check back in to find out what's biting
Target Species:
Snook, redfish, tarpon, grouper
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