Marco Island Fall Inshore Fishing Brings Rewards!
Capt. Todd Geroy
October 9, 2015
Marco Island - Saltwater Fishing Report
My first report for October fishing is promising as we have really enjoyed some fantastic action during the last couple of weeks. We have had some fine catches of redfish and snook in particular. The recent "super full moon" last weekend brought strong tides and some very active fishing.
With an abundance of baitfish along the beaches as well as just offshore, it has been very easy to collect more than enough bait with a toss or two of the cast net. Loaded up with live baits, we have been freelining the sardines to produce plenty of snook. While not all large fish, a few half days have found steady, fun action releasing as many as 20 or more on a half day trip. There is a abundance of 20 – 24 inch fish around now, with a few larger snook in the mix. The best action has been on the incoming tide as well as the first hour or so of the outgoing.
Redfish have continued to show in better and better numbers. Plenty of schoolie sized fish averaging 21 – 23 inches have been caught as well as decent numbers of larger reds ranging over 30 inches. Again the incoming tide has been producing the best action as the mangrove shorelines flood. Live sardines have been deadly as well as jigs fished close to the cover.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the distinct honor to have the opportunity to fish in the annual Take A Soldier Fishing tournament out of Naples. This is by far the largest fishing event of the year in Collier County. Over 60 boats volunteered to take over 130 active duty soldiers out for a fun day of fishing. This was surrounded by events both Friday night as well as Saturday afternoon and evening. All to extend our thanks to these American heros.
My team consisted of two Air Force officers, Master Sgt. Art Lindon and Sgt. 1st class Mark Miller. We had a blast all day, catching numerous redish, snook, goliath grouper and other species! While we did not make it to the awards stage this year, we had a great day! Thank you to all of the volunteers, soldiers and the organizers that made this a great event! God bless America!
Sgt. Lindon with one of his many redfish! This guy loves fishing!
USAF M.Sgt Art Lindon hold up a big over slot redfish released during the 2015 Take A Soldier Fishing tournament last weekend. Sgt. 1st class Mark Miller is in the background...
Recently, I fished with my old friend Walt Lewis of Naples. This man was my history teacher back in 7th grade. Walt's father, Don was visiting from Delaware and the guys decided to spend a couple mornings fishing. We were not disappointed. The guys enjoyed some fine action on the redfish releasing a bunch while keeping a couple for dinner. Walt and Don also caught several snook and mangrove snapper during the morning. It was great to share the boat again with these gentlemen.
Walt and his father, Don with one of their redfish...
I am looking forward to some more good fishing during the next month. Truly one of the best times of year to fish in SW Florida!
Target Species:
Redfish, snook, mangrove snapper
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