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Report for Naples, Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands
Capt. Matt Hoover
June 2, 2004
Marco Island - Saltwater Fishing Report
Lighten Up
These past few weeks have been just what the doctor ordered. There have been no 25 mph winds to contend with and for once it is nice to have a string of days where you can fish where you want instead of where you have to. The best part is that the fish have been cooperating as well.
Because of the wind, many of the tarpon that we get to play with in our area have rounded the bend. But that doesn’t mean that we have none to play with. There are still plenty of tarpon here and we have been having a blast with them. Cut bait, live bait, plugs and flies have been getting their share of attention. Back bays are still holding laid up tarpon. Flies and jerk baits have been a good bet for this scenario. I have been getting plenty of reports from guides and weekend warriors alike that they are jumping tarpon from sixty to well over one hundred pounds.
I have been catching live threadfin herring just near shore and have been hooking tarpon that are rolling in passes. You can drift baits or slow troll them behind the boat in areas where you are seeing fish roll. We have had several fish in the 60 to 130 lb. class this past week. If it’s tarpon you want, just put on the blinders and go for it.
Snook have been the real star. Double digit days have not been uncommon. I have been using nothing but live bait for the last couple of weeks for snook and redfish but I am sure that all of the other methods will get results too. Snook of all sizes have been hammering or baits all week. There have been some good numbers of large snook being caught. It seems like everyone has been catching snook thirty to forty inches. Some folks catch more than others, but it's nice to know that everyone has a shot at these spring spawners.I have a feeling that the May closure is money in the bank.
There have been enough redfish caught this week to keep things interesting. Certainly, the grand slam is not a far fetched dream. This is one of the best months of the year to get a slam under your belt. Redfish have been hanging out in the same spots where you may find snook. Points and oyster bars or downed bushes are a sure bet.
Trout and pompano are over the flats of Cape Romano right now. This is a good place to pitch jigs with the whole family. Satisfaction is guaranteed when you throw jigs over the grass or amongst the potholes of the cape. The bonus is that the beaches are nearby to give the family a place to stretch their legs.
The winds are down and the fishing is hot. Come get some. I’ll see you on the water.
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