Signs of Spring Fishing in the Naples Backwaters
Capt. Todd Geroy
February 22, 2017
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
It has been a great month of fishing so far. I have fished daily and most of the trips this month have focused on typical winter pattern fishing with good numbers of the more cool water tolerant species. Sheepshead, mangrove snapper, sea trout, pompano and black drum have been around cooperating and showing in great abundance. Shrimp tipped jig heads fished along the bottom in back country channels with hard bottom as well as the channel edges closer to the gulf have been produced plenty of fish.
Typical for mid-late February is to experience at least temporary warm ups with water temperatures bouncing from the 60's to mid-70's within a few days of each other. During these warm periods, the action often shifts with shots at other fish such as snook, redfish, tarpon, large jack crevalle and sharks. I often change my offerings to live sardines or other baits to provide fast action with larger fish.
During warmer periods I have been spotting large tarpon and sharks in the back bays on recent trips although our focus has been on other species. Snook, redfish, large jack crevalle and juvenile tarpon have all been keeping lines tight.
Shifting weather patterns dictate my approach to targeted species and techniques this time of year.
It is time to plan for some fantastic spring fishing now. The next few months will offer very good chances for hooking up with giant tarpon, snook and sharks on the inshore waters near Naples.
Naples Fishing Forecast:
Fishing action will fluctuate back and forth with warm periods interrupted by late season cold fronts. A variety of fish will be targeted depending on weather patterns.
Target Species:
Snook, redfish, tarpon, sheepshead, pompano, mangrove snapper sea trout
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