Mixed Bag Winter Fishing

Capt. Chris McCubbin
November 30, 2008
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report

I think its safe to say Winter is upon us down here in Naples. The waters have cooled and the air is cold and crisp in the morning. The fishing has remained steady both inshore and off the beaches. In the back the trout, bluefish and pompano are the main targets right now. I have been having good success on DOA CALS in the greenie and key lime fished on a 3/8oz jig head. Work it slow and keep it close to the bottom for the trout. The pompano have been eating 1/4oz tube jigs tipped with shrimp. Look for good moving water in the deeper channels and you will have good action. Bait is still thick but the fish have been a bit lazy in the morning with the cold water. The afternoon bite has been better with the warming water if bait is your preference. The bonita are also thick just off the beaches under the birds. Match the hatch and throw small casting spoons or fly's and you will get bites. We landed close to 35 of them on Tuesday on small spoons. Triple hookups were pretty common and most of the fish were in the 8-10lb range. The highlight of the week was a 36in snook caught by Hanna a 3rd grader from Boca Raton. It ate a pilchard on a mangrove shoreline. Her brother Mason also did a great job and was a great angler.

Naples Fishing Forecast:

The fishing should only be getting better for trout and pompano. Cooling waters really get them fired up. Snook and redfish are here and if we get a couple nice warm days will be ready to eat.

Target Species:

Trout, Pompano, Snook, Bonita

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