Redfish Heat Up as Rains Cool Water Off
Capt. Todd Geroy
July 17, 2013
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
We have had our share of rain so far this summer and the last week has been no exception. While the weather has dampened outdoor activities for many, anglers venturing out between the squalls are enjoying some great summer action. Water temps have cooled down to the low 80's making the fish feisty and feeding more through out the day.
Snook continue to be reliable targets for many as they are schooled up heavily in the passes as well as scattered all over the back bays. Larger snook are still more likely to be found towards the outside as they finish up their spawning activities, but I usually start to find some big post spawn fish further inland this time of year, generally in the deeper backcountry runs and channels.
Redfishing has really picked up as the waters have cooled. They seem to be just about anywhere you look for them in the back. Check out flooded mangrove and oyster laden shorelines at high tide and along shallow edges of flats and channels at low tide as they cruise the skinny water. Live baits such as pilchards and shrimp are taking fish as well as dark colored plastic tailed jigs and Gulp shrimp.
A typical redfish caught on a recent trip...
A scrappy backcountry permit showed up while redfishing to give this gal a surprise and a good fight on light tackle...
Of course shark fishing has been a "go to" option for clients who want to get worked by big fish. Bull and lemon sharks abound in the shallow bays right now and are favorite targets for many of my summer anglers.
Capt. Todd Geroy
Naples Fishing Forecast:
More of the same is expected. Tarpon fishing should be getting good in the early morning hours before sunrise near the passes. Catch a falling tide early in the morning after the full moon. Swimming plugs and soft plastics will get their attention as they blow up on schools of bait in the moonlight.
Target Species:
redfish, snook, sharks, tarpon
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