September Inshore Bounty
Capt. Todd Geroy
September 17, 2015
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
As I mentioned in my previous report, this is one of my favorite months to fish the backwaters in SW Florida. So far the month has lived up to its reputation. My clients have enjoyed consistent action with a variety of different species.
Redfish continue to be reliable targets with some very nice fish over 30" caught as well as nice mid-slot fish schooling up along the mangrove shorelines and oyster bars. Live sardines, shrimp and jigs are all taking fish.
Juvenile tarpon are still giving us action in the back bays and creeks. These miniature silver kings have been aggressive and will strike a variety of baits, plugs and flies. My absolute favorite fish on local waters!
Snook are everywhere now, from the inland bays to the gulf passes. They seem to be concentrated mostly along deeper edges with good tide flow. We have done especially well fishing blow downs (fallen trees) near area passes. Live sardines have been getting destroyed. I have found some of the snook a bit finicky, but with a bit of chumming with live sardines we can often change their mood. Most of the snook are on the small side running 18-23 inches. The abundance of small fish is good insurance for the future of the fishery. I should add that there have been some really nice mangrove snapper up to 15 inches mixed in with the snook.
Pompano have been schooling up along the beach at Keewaydin Island. These fish can be sight fished with small jigs or even flies when the water is calm. The channels of both Hurricane and Capri Pass have also been holding good numbers. Jigs are the best bet in the passes. Incoming tides seem to be the most productive.
-Capt. Todd Geroy
Naples Fishing Forecast:
I'm looking forward to the fishing improving even more during the next few weeks. Redfishing should really get going especially just after the next new and full moon phases.
Target Species:
Baby tarpon, redfish, snook, mangrove snapper, pompano
More Fishing Reports:
