Ft. Myers - Offshore

Capt. Rick Featherstone
December 4, 2002
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

Winter Pattern's In Effect

Greetings;

With the commencement of steady cold fronts our water temperature in the gulf has fallen at a steady pace for three weeks to about sixty seven degrees as of yesterday. With that falling temperature sloppy seas have been the norm. Our fishing has pretty much switched to a winter pattern. While king fishing has slowed, our inshore reef fishing has improved dramatically.

Working the beaches and passes between Fort Myers Beach and Gorden pass the inshore fishing has held steady at good. Triple tail, sheepshead, trout, and snapper, bluefish, ladyfish, have been the most active. As the water cools I like to work jigs, and shrimp rigs at or near the bottom.

Out a bit further from twenty five to forty five feet of water there has been good snapper action and very good gag grouper fishing. I prefer to fish for gags by trolling, but any way you do it, its fun! Further offshore the little tunny (false albacore) is still red hot. I love using very light tackle or fly fish for these speedy game fish. If you love reel screaming action, this is your game.

Have fun, and play any approaching frontal system on the safe side.

Sincerely,

Capt. Rick Featherstone

More Fishing Reports:

• All Reports by Capt. Rick Featherstone
• Fort Myers Fishing Reports
• Southwest Florida (Cape Sable to Boca Grande) Reports
• Florida Fishing Reports
• Browse All Fishing Reports