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Southwest Florida - Naples, Marco, 10,000 Islands
Capt. Jeff Legutki
February 14, 2007
Ten Thousand Islands - Saltwater Fishing Report
Feast or Famine
The fishing in the 10 k has been hot and cold! Fishing can be great one day, a horrible the next! No ryme or reason for the change.
Grouper fishing in the backcountry has been great so far this year! I have had better luck catching keeper gag grouper in the mangroves than I have offshore in the past! Live bait and stout tackle is the key.
A palm sized jack is a hardy bait that the gags can't refuse, or BIG pilchards if you can get them this time of year. As for tackle, I'm using my tarpon gear with the drag locked down and still get our butts kicked from time to time. This is a St. Croix Tidemaster 8' xtra heavy with 65 lb. braid on a Quantum Cabo 60. 80 lb. leader and a 5/0 circle hook. These fish are quick to pull you in the trees, boat included if your on anchor with no trolling motor. Two anchors can help! I'll have drag locked down to where I can't pull off line without cutting into my hand, yet the grouper will pull it off like there is no drag at all! Amazingly strong!!!
Flyfishing has been hot and cold! Monday I fished with Lue Raker out of the Everglades and had a steller day. We sightfished snook from 30" , 28", and a 25" with several dinks. Three redfish up to 28", and trout to get the winter slam. We also hooked a goliath grouper about 15 lbs. that just completely kicked are butts and cut us off in the trees.
And then the grand finalle was the chance to throw at 8 laid up tarpon. First for the year, I mean BIG ONES! I bet the smallest one was around 80 lbs. and the biggest one was close to 7 feet long at around 150 lbs I would guess. The water temp was 64 and the fish did not even react to our offerings! Lou made several great cast to every fish, but fish were not in the feeding mode, maybe too cold.
Fly of choice was a black redfish candy modification, and took every fish of the day.
Tarpon season is on the way, and I am so excited! My favorite species to chase with a fly rod! Its going to be a great season this year with the warm winter. Time to dust off the big sticks, and start tying on the 3/0 patterns.
Until my next report, tight lines and screaming drags to all. If you would like a day chasing giants, call and book your day before they're all gone!
Thanks,
Capt. Jeff
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