September Fishing Forecast
Capt. Danny Latham
September 4, 2011
Boca Grande - Saltwater Fishing Report
The fishing in Southwest Florida is getting better and better. September is one of my favorite months and with Fall just around the corner the fishing has really picked up. I've seen a number of nice redfish schools and have had some 40 plus fish days this August. The tarpon are starting to feed more and more as the ladyfish and mackerel find their way into Charlotte Harbor. Tarpon are still here, the reds are starting to school up and snook are on the beach . What else could you ask for?!?
The tarpon fishing is still very good. I've been averaging 3 to 4 hook ups a trip but I have had as many as 10 this August There are quit a few fish in Charlotte Harbor and they are feeding pretty well. Large numbers of ladyfish and mackerel have moved into the harbor the past few days and the tarpon have been right behind them. When the ladyfish come up to feed the tarpon go crashing through them as they re trying to feed and not paying as much attention as they normally would. It's an awesome thing to witness and it's guaranteed fish when you can them. The fishing methods really vary though. I have caught fish on a number of different live baits, dead baits and artificials. You just have to play it by ear and find what they want.
Nothing has really changed from August as far as snook are concerned. The Snook have pretty much migrated to the passes and beaches.The passes on the out going tides have been producing some real nice fish with some fo the fish over 34". The beaches have been producing better numbers but most of the fish are in 24" range with the occasinal fish in the 30" range. The fish have been more than eager to gobble up a nice live sardine and pinfish. For you night owls, the night time Snook fishing around the lighted docks in Punta Gorda, Ft. Myers beach, Little Gasparilla and Boca Grande may be your best bet for some August Snook action. Lures like Mirrolure 3" Soft Sardine and Mirrolure Mirrodine should both be good choices for for catching spring time Snook. Please remember that Snook season will be catch and release only until at least September 2011 .
The Redfish action this August was pretty good especially the last week. I have seen some really nice schools of reds lately and most of the fish are in the 30" range. I've had some 40 plus fish days fishing these schools already and that should get more consistent. September has traditionally been an outstanding redfish month and this year looks to be no different. There are still a good number of reds on a bush pattern on the higher tides. Most of the fish are in the 22"-24" with some nice oversize fish mixed in . I'm averaging around 20 fish a trip unless I get one of the big schools. If you haven't ever fished for reds under the Mangrove trees it's a blast. Imagine playing tug-o-war with a 8 lb fish where if you give him even a little bit he'll drag you into the trees and break your line. Even the best of us get broke off sometime and that's what makes it a challenge. Live pinfish and white bait are working very well, both free lined and under a cork. Also, don't be shy about putting a shrimp under the trees the reds absolutely love them! The redfish action will continue through out August as they begin to school up for their annual spawn. If your throwing artificials you've got to put some topwaters on early in the morning. The Mirrolure Mirromullet and She Dog have both been producing some nice fish and dont be suprised by a big Trout or Snook..
The nearshore fishing has been pretty good the past few weeks with Mangrove snapper topping the list along with some spanish mackerel and a few nice red grouper. I have had some nice limits of snapper in the 3-4lb range and that should just get better as we get closer to fall. Cobia and permit have both been reasonably consistent as well.
Whether you want to catch the fish of a lifetime or just relax with friends, you can count on Reelfishing charters to put together the ultimate Southwest Florida experience! Capt. Danny is the guide that will bring everything together for a fun, exciting fishing charter that you'll remember.
Reelfishing is a Fort Myers fishing charter as well as a Boca Grande fishing guide service. We pick up at several locations around Southwest Florida including Burnt Store Marina, Pineland Marina, Placida and the Boca Grande guide docks. Other arrangements can be made if necessary. We try to make fishing with Reelfishing charters as easy as possible.
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Target Species:
tarpon, snook, redfish
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