SW Florida
Capt. Terry Pitz
October 20, 2011
Pine Island Sound - Saltwater Fishing Report
Fishing report for SW Florida
Oct. 18th., 2011
Redfish: Are spawning currently, with larger more mature fish showing up. Large schools, making them easier to find. When found, your into a LOT of CATCHING! Redfish is the fish to target this time of year. Fish them on the higher tides on the flats and under the bushes. A quite few going over the 30" range. I've been doing best on the higher tides that have good current. Shrimp, shiners & cut bait has been working for me. The schools can be from ten to fifty. Fishing reds on the flats can be a casters' dream.
On the lower tides, they become very visible with their tails sticking up in the air. Fishing for tailing reds is great fun! The trick is being there when they are feeding. Try working the edges of the sand bars and oyster reefs.
Some people call it fishing for reds, I call it hunting. When poling the flats for reds, move very slowly and watch for wakes, tails and boils. When fishing the mangroves, fish the top end of the high tide and get your fly, bait or jig underneath the mangroves as far as you can. This technique will also produce a few snook. A great way to cover a lot of water and it can be very productive. Flies, artificials and bait all are working well for these beautiful strong fighters. Try bait fishing them with pinfish, shrimp or cut bait. Flyfish them against the mangroves and on the flats with a earth tone colored clouser and for some real excitement try top water on the overcast days. Average size about 18" to 30" with some larger ones around. Watch for those TAILS!!!
Spotted Sea Trout: When found you can almost catch one on every cast. Fall time produces some large trout. Fun on light tackle or fly this fish is aggressive. I've been fishing them in 3' to 5' of water over grass flats or sand holes.
Tarpon: Still a few pods around from time to time as some of the Northern migraters start returning South.
May and June are prime months for tarpon, but if you keep your eyes open you can have them all to yourself, when found at other times. We do best with live baits, but the fly and cut baits will work as well.. These critters will range from 40 lbs. to 200 lbs. with the average being around 100 lbs. The Silver King is a fish of a life time, very strong fighters and jumps that will out do any marlin. Either bait or fly, you owe it to yourself to fish for this species.
Snook: Have started migrating back to their Fall and Winter locations near mouths of creeks, passes, canals, pot holes and points. White bait, shrimp, cut ladyfish, flies and jigs all will work. Fish them on a tide with good current, I prefer an outgoing tide.
A well placed shiner or fly will result in a violent fight that you'll remember for a lifetime.
Jacks, mackeral, cobia, grouper, sharks and more! These fish and others are common on the flats and backcountry. When encountered thay all are a lot of fun with tackle or on the fly.
Capt. Terry Pitz
239-282-9243
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