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Redfish bite is hot despite high winds in Charlotte Harbor

Capt. Scott Hughes
March 19, 2008
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Despite high winds for the past two weeks the redfish bite has been excellent with catches of redfish up to 16lbs daily. High east and NE winds push water out of the bays and rivers and the low tides are making finding large schools of redfish easier. We're catching lots of bull redfish with cut bait in Charlotte Harbor. These fish are averaging 10-15 pounds. Other areas are holding lots of redfish schools as well. Lemon Bay, Sarasota Bay and lower Tampa Bay are all holding dozens of schools of redfish. The only place that isn't is Pine Island Sound. The sound is mostly holding scattered redfish that are running a little on the small side. We're catching keeper reds in the 3-5lb range from Ft Myers to Punta Gorda.

Redfish aren't the only game in town. Large speckled trout are moving out to the deeper grass flats so they should be getting ready to spawn next month. We are catching plenty of trout to to 24 inches throwing soft plastics on 1/4 oz jig heads. I've been having the best success with the new Fishbites shrimp tails in watermelon and the jerk baits in new penny. Also try them rigged under a Cajun Thunder popping cork. Fish the grass beds in 3-5 feet of water.

Snook are moving out of the backcountry and are staging on the points of the islands. Small live sardines are the best baits but with all the birds around this year I'd rater throw lures. I like the Mirrolure MR17 twich bait.

Fort Myers Fishing Forecast:

I am starting to see a few tarpon around so as soon as we get some clam winds expect to see some tarpon fishing reports from my charters. I did hook a 150 pounder last week on a Rapala diving plug but it was a accident because we were try to catch some big jack crevelle. I'd bet that sometime between now and April 1st we'll get into some good tarpon action.

Target Species:

tarpon, redfish, snook and speckled trout

More Fishing Reports:

 

I specialize in light tackle saltwater, and fly fishing from the backcountry of the 10,000 Islands to flats of Pine Island Sound and the bay system of Charlotte Harbor. I have pick-up locations out of Ft Myers, Marco Island, Pine Island, Punta Gorda and Boca Grande. I like to target big fish. During warm months, tarpon, sharks, snook, redfish, cobia, king mackerel and big jacks are the main species sought after. Most of the winter months are devoted to redfish, trout, snook and grouper. Whether

Contact Info:

Blackwater Charters
12571 Burnt Store Rd
Punta Gorda, FL 33955
Phone: 941-575-2389
Alt. Phone: 941-628-4247
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