Winter Fishing Pattern is Underway in Naples Backwaters
Capt. Todd Geroy
December 10, 2014
Naples - Saltwater Fishing Report
It has been a month since my last report, probably the record for me. I have been busy on the water with lots of trips booked during the last several weeks, while also taking a little time to travel with the family.
Since my last post, the fishing has really taken a turn to more of a winter pattern. While there is still some live bait such as sardines around, they are not getting much attention. I have since switched to shrimp and jigs to get the bites. This combination has proven to invite a great variety of species to the boat on most trips.
I have been having great success jigging the deeper channels in the back country for pompano. There are loads of jack crevalle as well as some bluefish,ladyfish and even some small permit mixed in providing plenty of action. I'm not sure why, but the sea trout have not made much of an appearance yet. I usually expect to be into good numbers of them by now. We'll just have to wait and see.
We have also been fishing with shrimp with a small split shot around the mouths of small feeder creeks and deeper shorelines to produce loads of sheepshead, mangrove snapper, black drum, gag grouper, goliath grouper and redfish.
All in all while this time of year is not necessarily the best time for big fish, there is plenty of action out there. There is no better time to get out and enjoy some of the best weather in the country and bend a rod on some fun and great eating fish!
Naples Fishing Forecast:
Pompano should continue in the back country during periods of cool weather. Warming trends will likely push them out to the passes.
Sea trout should be moving in and schooling along shallow flats and channel edges.
Cold fronts will drive black drum and sheepshead to congregate in deep holes.
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