Ft. Myers - Offshore

Capt. Rick Featherstone
April 24, 2002
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Tarpon Time

Greetings;

Calm winds and stable weather have made the fishing red hot lately. Snook, mackerel, ladyfish, trout, cobia & baby tarpon are biting the inshore. King mackerel, spanish mackerel, cudas, permit, sharks, and giant tarpon are churning it up further out.

I have only made short stops on my way out to fish inshore. Those one hour lay overs have been nearly non stop action with ladyfish, macks and trout all working the same area under birds in the passes. Spoons, jigs, and jirk baits all worked for us. Along the beach if you fish live baits near any structure you will find plenty of snook action also along with some nice jacks.

Offshore there are plenty of sharks to keep you busy while hunting for one of the tarpon schools that are roaming around. I have been pulling a plug or two behind while searching for poonies and have been rewarded with several nice school sized kingfish, little tunny's, and spanish for our effort. We have released ten to fifteen sharks every day up to a hundred pounds or so. There are some huge ones around but could not be handled on standard tarpon gear. Cut baits on the bottom have been all the invite "Mr. Grinner" has needed to get him to come out and play. Tarpon are the big story. Although not in big schools there are nice pods scattered all around throughout our fishing area. They have been caught with regularity up along the Ding Darling preserve near marker eighteen by the Fort Myers Beach tarpon hunters club members. I love hunting them offshore so that is where I have spent my time. I have found fish from twenty three feet of water all the way out to forty seven feet of water. Knock on wood we have been able to release at least one on every trip for the last seven. On Monday my anglers hooked and fought a truly huge tarpon that was well over one hundred and eighty pounds. They hooked that monster at one thirty and released her at five! Again cut baits are working, but live baits are working well also. Keep your eyes open, there are permit traveling with the tarpon pods. We were able to hook and release a few this week by being ready when they were spotted.

Lets hope this weather stays stable and the action remains this great.

Take Care & Have Fun,

Capt. Rick Featherstone

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