On the Water: Fishing was good after the rain cleared
Finally, a couple of days of much-needed soaking rain. Of course, the rains interrupted fishing, but by mid-week skies were clearing with anglers back on the water. Inshore water temperatures drop several degrees, giving fishing a boost.
Spotted seatrout up to 22 inches were caught around Pine Island Sound, the south end of Charlotte Harbor and Matlacha Pass. There are reports of a lot of fish an inch or less undersized with a few bigger ones mixed in. Look for bottom with a sand/grass mix in 4 to 8t-foot depths. Even better if there are bait schools around. A few areas including Charlotte Harbor near Bokeelia also held good numbers of grey trout.
Summertime catch-and-release snook fishing is steady around the barrier islands including the passes, along the beaches and structure inside the passes. Most are smaller males, 26 inches or less, with a few big females mixed in.
Tarpon hook-ups were reported in the Sound, Boca Grande Pass, and in 20 to 30-foot depths offshore. The best bite was sunrise to mid-morning on baits including small crabs, thread herring, pinfish and ladyfish.
Offshore, in depths beginning at 120 and deeper, anglers boxed limits of both red grouper and American red snapper. June is a month that delivers days with light winds and calm seas. The perfect time to make the long run for red snapper.
Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at: www.myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations with pictures to help identify fish. If you turn on your GPS location the Fish Rules app updates to your location. In my opinion, it is more accurate and up to date than FWC’s website.
If you have a fishing report or for charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service — call or text 239-410-8576; website at www.fishpine island.com; or email gcl2fish@live.com
Have a safe week and good fishin’
As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and Southwest Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for over 20 years.