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Fishing Report for Pine Island Sound, Florida
Capt. Terry Pitz
April 13, 2004
Pine Island Sound - Saltwater Fishing Report
Welcome to Capt. Terry's FISHING REPORT:
April 11th, 2004
Redfish, Lots of bait around with the warmer water temperatures, which have got the redfish feeding again. Been catching several over ten pounds. Some days producing over fifty in the 18" to 26" range. The schools can be from ten to a fifty. Fishing reds on the flats can be a casters' dream. The water clarity is clear and sight casting is here for the next few months. On the lower tides, they become very visible with their tails sticking up in the air. Fishing for tailing reds is great fun! The trick is being there when they are feeding. Try working the edges of the sand bars and oyster reefs. Some people call it fishing for reds, I call it hunting. When poling the flats for reds, move very slowly and watch for wakes, tails and boils. When fishing the mangroves, fish the top end of the high tide and get your fly, bait or jig underneath the mangroves as far as you can. This technique will also produce a few snook. A great way to cover a lot of water and it can be very productive. Flies, artificials and bait all are working well for these beautiful strong fighters. Try bait fishing them with pinfish, shrimp or cut bait. Flyfish them against the mangroves and on the flats with a earth tone colored clouser and for some real excitement try top water on the overcasted days. Average size about 18" to 30" with some larger ones around. Watch for those TAILS!!!
Snook, The water temperatures have warmed up, producing a feeding frenzy for snook Bait is also showing up on a regular basis, which is a must to get these line siders to wake up from their wintery state of mind. Free lining shiners and large shrimp has been producing snook to 20lbs. I've been finding them mainly near the flats, canals, sand holes and the backcountry. Fishing them on the out going tide usually produces the best results. Brightly colored flies or plastics also are working on some of the deeper holes and against the mangroves. Keep your eyes open and fish them on the tides that create good current. Hungry Snook means Bait, though throwing a well placed fly will usually be rewarded with an aerial show.
Speckled Trout, Spring time produces some large trout! Some very respectable Trout in the 20" to 25" range being caught with flies on or near the flats. Look for them in 3' to 5' of water near the edges of the grass flats and sand holes. Watch where the birds are feeding and give it a try. A great top water feeder on overcast days, makes for some sure fun. Again flies, artificials and bait will bag a few of these hard hitting fish.
Tarpon, Well boys there here!!! I've been seeing them daily, lately. I have yet to fish for them, trying to finish up my snook & redfish trips. I'll probably start chasing them during the last week of April. Each day is bringing more and more in from their winter locations. Now if the weather cooperates and the temperature keeps getting warmer, we are about to start another great Tarpon season. If you haven't booked yet, it is time to do it! It's time to lube and repair your equipment, so it's ready for them, there HERE!! When the tarpon are here and conditions are ideal, an experience of a lifetime awaits you. Flies, artificials and bait can hook these sought after critters, but getting them to the boat is a whole other story. These beautiful fish will range from 30lbs. to 200lbs. Average being around 100lbs. They will test your skill and your equipment when hooked with the fly rod or light tackle.
Cobia, Tripletail & Jacks: These three species can be encountered on many of my trips. When you run into these species they are worth throwing for! All are fantastic fighters and can be caught on the flyrod or light tackle.
A day on the flats will always take you home with some memories and remember fishing is fun, so have fun out there! Don't take it so serious that you can't have a good time.Till the next update take care and keep those lines TIGHT!
CAPT. TERRY PITZ http://www.flyfishingswfl.com
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