Report for Naples, Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands
Capt. Matt Hoover
May 19, 2004
Marco Island - Saltwater Fishing Report
Slam Action
In spite of heavy winds,this past week of fishing has been fabulous. I would have to say that the snook have provided the majority of the action for most anglers. There was a strong showing of redfish too. There are a few large tarpon lurking around for those that are not ready to give them up.
The guides on my dock had a mini tarpon tournament with a group of guys this past week. They fished with us for four days. We were concerned because the large schools of fish have left our area a little early this year. Between the four boats we were able to gather up enough live bait to take the task at hand. All boats caught one to three fish each day. These were major league tarpon for the most part. Estimated weights ranged from eighty to one hundred and eighty pound fish. Epic battles were waged. We sent the men home with sore muscles. A couple of guys had bruised egos as well. Large tarpon have a way of humbling even the most serious of anglers.
As the week moved along, the tides started to perk up a bit. Snook of all sizes tested the skills of fishermen. The immediate Marco area has been on fire with snook. Captain Duane White had flyfishermen throwing white deceivers to more large snook that he says he has seen in a long time. Anglers Bob Hollace and his friend Jim Harnes caught and released two large tarpon with me this week. They also enjoyed great snook action with fish up to eighteen pounds in the last few days. We caught a few redfish to top it off. Most of our fish were caught on live bait. Folks have been doing very well with snook on artificial baits. Soft plastics like the Hybrid and fish bodied lures have been getting tremendous results. Top water lures are the ultimate this time of year and they do their best in the early morning hours.
There are reports of good numbers of pompano being caught. Tube jigs or shortened Don’s Potbelly jigs are the answer. The passes of Marco have been producing good catches. Expect to catch large ladyfish, jacks and a few mackerel in the process.
Trout are big and easy. Grass flats and deeper runs have been producing large trout. We have been catching large trout while we have been beating the bushes for snook. It is not hard to get a slam this time of year.
The weather has been superb. It looks as if it going to remain that way for another week. Fishing won’t get any easier. Stretch a line. I’ll see you on the water.
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