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Southwest Florida - Naples, Marco, 10,000 Islands
Capt. Jeff Legutki
January 24, 2007
Ten Thousand Islands - Saltwater Fishing Report
Low tides on a warm winter day.
With the odd warm weather we are having the fishing has been out of the ordinary! Southerly winds this time of year is not common, keeping our water clarity dingier than we like. Sight fishing has been difficult, but the fish are feeding better than they usually would. The water temps are still in the low to mid 70's.
Last week with the new moon brang extemely low tides, and very strong currents. One moment the tide is just too low for fish to feel comfortable in the shallows, and the water is warm enough for fish to hang in the deeper trough's. Then in a blink of an eye the water is too high to sight fish.
The best thing going at this moment for me and a few other guides is fishing the deeper banks with undercut shorelines.
With the warmer weather we still have bait around on certain hard bottom areas. Netting a live well full of bait and running to these areas have been providing consistent action.
Goliath grouper (Jew Fish) are completely out of control. Every deep bank has got them ranging from 10 inch juveniles to 100 lb. brutes. These fish are no longer an indangered species and should be open for harvesting. Along with these brutes are the gag grouper, which are as well equally strong but much quicker to drag you into the trees.
The tackle I prefer to use for these powerful beast is the same you would use for triple digit tarpon. I prefer an 8 foot extra heavy extra fast action St. Croix Tidemaster, with a Quantum Cabo 60 spooled with 65 lb. powerpro with the drag locked down! I mean to where you can't pull the drag off the reel with out cutting your hand. Trust me when I say the fish will have no problem pulling the drag!
These fish are incredibly strong and will pull you and the boat into the trees and cut you off. I have been rigging with 60 -80 lb. leader with a 5/0 circle hook and a split shot. I also have been using two anchors to lock down the boat so the fish cant pull the entire boat into the trees. Sounds crazy, but the fish are this strong, and the tackle is up to the task.
You will also find snook mixed in and even a few redfish from time to time, and even a tarpon once in a while.
So when the shallows are not providing action, try som deep cut action and see if you're up for the task!Until next time tight lines and screaming drags to all!
Capt. Jeff Legutki
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