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Report for Naples, Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands
Capt. Matt Hoover
January 18, 2003
Marco Island - Saltwater Fishing Report
Winter's Grip
Back to back cold fronts are still passing through the country. It is typical of the winter months. After one more cancellation, I am sitting here with the heat on at one thirty P.M. and it is forty eight degrees outside.
Actually, fishing has been quite good in between the fronts. Sheepshead, trout, pompano, ladyfish and jacks have been the main stars. For anglers that are a bit more enterprising, redfish and a few snook are available as well.
Folks who come to Florida in the winter are looking to stay warm and get some action on the water. Most of my anglers know that the glamour species of fish are in hibernation mode. So we have been going to the deeper rivers, creeks and holes scattered from south Marco throughout the Ten Thousand Islands. Shrimp with a spit shot thrown into such places have been producing catches with big numbers. I have actually gone to spots and had my anglers catch fish on almost every cast. Most of the fish are snappers, jacks and sheepshead. Some of the sheepshead are platter size. They are also excellent table fare. We have pulled a few redfish out of these spots in the last couple of weeks too. Black Drum from two to fifteen pounds are bending the rod also.
Trout are available from the flats of Cape Romano to the deeper edges of the islands. Most of the trout that we have been catching are falling for quarter ounce jigs with screw tail grub bodies. Root beer is my favorite color, but when the bite is on, they aren’t too picky.
We have been picking up an occasional pompano while fishing for trout. I haven’t really pursued pompano, but I am sure that you could do well with them by fishing the passes of Marco and the Ten Thousand Islands.
As usual, mackerel will come along and shred your line while jigging for trout. An occasional bluefish is caught too. If the wind would settle down for awhile, I’m sure that you could catch more bluefish and macks near shore.
Winter has a stronghold on us right now, but warmer days are coming soon. There is still plenty of action to be had. You just have to bob and weave. I’ll see you on the water.
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