Plenty of Fish Still Biting in Winter Conditions
Capt. Todd Geroy
January 25, 2014
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
As the wintery weather continues all over the country, we have had our share of colder than normal conditions. There is a local saying that "Naples, FL has the best of the worst weather in the country!" However with temperatures dropping into the upper 30's and low 40's, it has forced cancellations of a few of my morning trips.
I did fish two morning half days last week and made it out 5 afternoons in a row. My anglers enjoyed some great trips with just about every species showing up to keep lines tight.
Wednesday afternoon, I fished regular clients Bob Messey and Tom Iversen. The duo had a busy afternoon catching at least 50 fish. The species list included snook, redfish, pompano, bluefish, sheepshead, black drum, trout and mangrove snapper.
Water temperatures plummeted to 61 degrees by Friday, making the fish a bit lethargic. The key to catching fish right now is go light, and fish slow on the bottom.
The rig that I am having the best action on is known in South Florida as a "hookup rig". It is simply a jig head rigged with a half shrimp. I have been fishing deep holes in creeks and at the mouths of interior bays. Fish are stacking up in these spots and all of the above mentioned are being caught together.
While not catching a lot of large fish, we are getting plenty of action and taking some great eating fish home for dinner.
Don't let the weatherman discourage your fishing plans! Get out and adapt to the conditions and enjoy some pretty darn good fishing action.
- Capt. Todd Geroy
Naples Fishing Forecast:
More cool weather is in the forecast for the next week. The deepest backcountry holes should continue to provide the best in winter fishing.
Target Species:
black drum, sea trout, pompano, sheepshead, redfish
More Fishing Reports:
