A Warm February Brings Tarpon, Snook, Redfish and Trout Action!
Capt. Todd Geroy
February 4, 2012
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
With temperatures running 10 degrees above normal for the first week of February, we enjoyed some great fishing all week. Warmer weather brought the return of the baitfish to the area and with them we experienced some fishing opportunities that are more like mid March or April.
Early in the week, we experienced a couple of back to back days that brought some of the best redfish action I have seen since perhaps November. Using jigs and shrimp, Terry Hopkins and his daughter Kelly had a great morning of Redfishing. The two caught and released over 30 redfish, most of them running from 18 ½ to 24 inches. Along with the reds, they also caught several Flounder and some nice Sheepshead. We were fishing in the remote creeks of Johnson Bay.
Here's Terry and Kelly with one of their many Redfish...
I was able to easily cast net loads of pilchards for bait for the remainder of the week. With water temperatures running up to 73 degrees, Snook were eager to eat them up and several trips caught and released as many as 20 Snook to 28 inches. There were also some hefty Jack Crevalle around to keep us busy. We also caught plenty of Sea Trout in the 15 to 19 inch range on the live baits. A little live chumming got them in the mood.
With the warm weather, I am now seeing some big Tarpon moving into the area. I witnessed several large fish free jumping just off shore while I was catching bait. I have also seen Tarpon starting to "lay up" in some of the shallow bays near Marco Island. I am dusting off the Tarpon gear this weekend, and preparing to perhaps give them a shot this week.
- Capt. Todd Geroy
Target Species:
Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout
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