Boca Grande, Florida Fishing Report

Capt. Andy Boyette
August 10, 2004
Boca Grande - Saltwater Fishing Report

Summer Time Heating Up

Tarpon are in the harbor for the last big run of the year. This is a second season kind of like a mini season for tarpon; they show up in good numbers in the Charlotte Harbor on the beaches and near the passes. Look for rolling fish and make a quiet approach. Live bait works best with threadfins being the top choice. The recent rains have made these tarpon on the elusive side but with a few good days of sunshine they should turn back on again

Redfish are beginning to show up in small schools and should continue well into October. These redfish schools should grow in numbers from a few to as many as you can count as we progress into fall. Rising water will be the best time and once you find a school they should hold in the same area for a few days. The past few trips we have caught 5-10 keeper size redfish but I expect the numbers to grow as the schools get larger.

Snook fishing is strong but is still catch and release for the rest of the month. Be careful releasing any fish caught, as they may still be some late spawning going on. The passes and the beaches are good with some fish moving back toward the flats. Shrimp will be the best bait but finding any in the area with any size will be a task. Most all the shrimp are small this time of year.

Offshore fishing for grouper and snapper is at its summer peak. The biggest fish are out past the 80-foot mark. But when weather permits you should limit out easily with frozen and cut baits. Drift fishing will pay off the most. I have also caught some peanut size mahi-mahi. Also Bonita schools are running if you are just looking for fun and the Spanish mackerel are showing up. Kingfish should a start near the end of the month as well and last till the first cold fronts arrive.

Good Things Come To Those With Bait

Capt Andy Boyette

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