Naples & Marco Island, FL

Capt. Roan zumFelde
May 20, 2007
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report

Fishing is continuing to be Strong both inside and out From Naples to Marco. Big Snook and Tarpon are on the beaches and passes and the Reds and little tarpon are in the back country.

Fishing has been very Strong this week for both small and large Tarpon. Good numbers and larger schools of big fish have been spotted and caught on the beaches both North and to the South of Marco. Bait fishing to them has been great, fly fishing has been a little challenging. We seem to be able to jump them just not land them. Oh well getting them in the air is most of the fun after that it is a lot of work. Small Tarpon have been starting to pop up in their summer haunts with the little bit of rain we received this week. If we can keep some rain in the forecast and reduce the wind, fishing for the little devils should remain strong. White deer hair muddlers seem to be the ticket to them eating a Fly this year.

Snook fishing is strong and will only get better, now that season is closed. Lots of fish showing in all the passes and along the beaches. Clear water making for some great sight fishing looks like the Bahamas in some places. The Snook are taking both flies and bait. The only problem is a lot of the bait is big so live chumming is tough. When you do get a bite on the big baits it is usually a big fish. Flies that are working are deceiver like greenbacks or synthetics.

The Reds are still holding strong in the back country on both flies and bait. I am usually taking a couple of dozen shrimp with me when I am bait fishing for the reds, they seem to be responding better to them when in the mangroves then the big thread fins. Flies are catching plenty. Red and Black like the black death have accounted for lots of slams this week in our tannic waters in the back country. We have been catching a Red or two while banging the shorelines for Snook and Tarpon.

The fishing should keep getting better throughout the weeks to come. The last of the fronts should be over and it should be smooth sailing for the big Tarpon and Snook. Red fishing will get tougher but still should be available until the hottest months of summer. Good Casting Rz.

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