Clearing Skies Should Improve Fishing Opportunities in Southwest
Capt. Bill Russell
May 23, 2009
Pine Island Sound - Saltwater Fishing Report
Finally the rain has stopped! We sure needed the rain and we got it. It was a difficult week for fishing as a low pressure system hung over Southwest Florida and created endless thunderstorms and rain that could occur at anytime.
It was difficult to sight fish tarpon much of the week due to wind and rain, the better option was to anchor up in Pine Island Sound and fish cut bait on bottom. Catfish tails, ladyfish and shad worked best. I did not make it to the outside off the beaches, but there were reports of big Spanish mackerel and a few kings they were busting up bait schools with heavy bird activity giving up their locations.
This tarpon went for a shad in mid Pine Island Sound
The snook are on a steady move to the beaches, they can go anywhere from twenty inches to thirty pounds. The best bite has been during the morning hours. Trout are also feeding along the beaches; they are averaging fifteen to eighteen inches.
Inshore it looks like the redfish might finally be showing up with consistency. Many are running in the twenty inch range but a lot more fish were caught under the mangroves during this week's high water than in weeks past.
Catch and Release snook action is heating up near the beaches
The weather forecast looks much brighter for the holiday weekend. The waters will be crowded but hopefully everyone will boat smart, safe and have a great weekend.
For charter information contact us at (239)283-7960
Or visit us at www.fishpineisland.com.
"Catch the Action" with Captain Bill Russell
Target Species:
Tarpon, Snook, Redfish
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