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Report for Naples, Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands
Capt. Matt Hoover
November 20, 2001
Marco Island - Saltwater Fishing Report
Cool Water, Low Tides
Cool water temperatures and below average tides made fishing tricky this past week. The low tides made it hard to catch live bait in the morning as well. The wind was stiff on and off throughout the week too. All of these conditions made the task at hand challenging but certainly not impossible.
When the water temperature drops below seventy degrees, you have to start considering winter tactics. The tides are always more radical as we approach the winter months. I have learned that when large and small bays are completely drained during a negative tide, it is more likely that fish will have a harder time finding their way back into them when the tide comes back in.
I like to carry live shrimp or use jigs during times like this. I will drop shrimp into deeper runs along the islands. I will use them under popping corks. I also fish points where the water is moving. We had continuous action with ladyfish and jacks all week. As the water came back in, we caught a few snook and an occasional redfish.
When the water reached a respectable level, it became easier to track down some live shiners. They don’t always work when there are no fish to bite them, but jacks and ladyfish love them. Wherever we found jacks, we were able to pick up a few medium sized snook. The action remained that way throughout the rest of the week. Guides and angling friends gave me similar reports.
We did run into a few large tarpon throughout the week but we were unable to get a tight line on one of them. They didn’t seem to be in the mood as they refused everything from flies to live bait.
The rest of the week looks as if it is going to be pleasant. Maybe the water temperature will climb a little. There is a front looming over Texas as I write, but I am not going to predict what it is going to do. I am going fishing anyway.
The Naples Backcountry Flyfishers Expo held on Saturday was a huge success. We would like to thank all of those who participated. It was good to see so many familiar faces stop by and watch Curtis Grant and myself tie flies. It was also good to meet new people. I have a feeling that there will be a few new flyfishermen out there. Thanks for coming and I will see you on the water.
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