Fishing near Ft. Myers still good despite recent cold front
Capt. Rob Modys
February 15, 2012
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
Cold fronts have been very rare this winter but when they do show up it puts a damper on the fishing. The good news is the recent drop in temperatures only lasted a few days and the recovery is well on its way. Water temps are already back in the mid 60's and should hit the 70‘s by the weekend. Time to go fishing!
A tough few days of fishing were had right after the cold front passage but things improved as the water warmed and the weather settled down. The sea trout bite picked up mid week on the open flats in both the north and south ends of Estero Bay. Quite a few slot fish were caught using live shrimp under popping corks and artificial Love's Lures.
The sheepshead didn't seem to mind the cold all that much. They continued to chew on small portions of live shrimp on small lead head jigs and hooks around the oyster bars and in pockets near mangrove islands.
Big jacks and ladyfish were schooled up in the Rocky Bay area and would hit just about anything thrown their way. Best bet was a popping cork rig with shrimp on a jig, but they also were hitting artificial flies like Clousers and Deceivers.
The passes have provided a nice mix of trout, spanish mackerel, bluefish, flounder and a few mangrove snapper. Work the bottom slowly for the best results.
Near shore fishing got put on the back burner thanks to high winds. Before the blow we were getting a lot on nice sized snapper, some flounder and good mix of pompano, sea trout and sheepshead using live shrimp on the bottom. There were also some black drum in the 20 to 30 pound range. The reef fishing ought to pick back up in no time thanks to a return to 80 degree temperatures this week.
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