On the Water: Fish early in the day for the best success
As we are in the heat of summer, the better fishing reports came during the first half of the day, then slowed after noon. Offshore, the bite could turn on anytime, yet inshore after the water heated up mid-day, it was often a slow bite.
Limits of mangrove snapper were reported inshore, around the Gulf passes, and a short distance offshore. Fish up to 16 inches were caught in the passes with the better bite over the slower and slack tides. Anglers found concentrations of snapper over open water areas inshore schooled up in sand holes or depressions in 4-8 feet of water. Snapper were caught in their usual summer spots including creek mouths, mangrove overhangs, docks, piers, bridges and oyster bars. A short run offshore also produced snapper over artificial reefs.
A few big garfish were surprise catches in Charlotte Harbor. Yes, they are a freshwater species; however, it is common for them to get flushed from the rivers and creeks into salt estuaries during the summer rainy season. I have seen them in Charlotte Harbor from summer months into the fall as far as November. If you hook one, you might just think you are fighting a world record seatrout; they have a similar fight pattern.
Anglers fishing along the beaches from Sanibel Island to Boca Grande found consistent action with snook during the morning hours. Pompano, whiting, Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper were caught as well. Several snook over 34 inches were caught and released from nearshore reefs in 20 to 30-foot depths. Snook were also caught and released from The Matlacha Bridges.
Steady action with a variety of fish continues in Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. Depths from 5-8 feet yielded a mix of seatrout, gray trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish, snapper and small sharks. Drift areas with a mix of sand and grass until you get a couple bites then anchor up. If the bite does not remain steady, pick up and drift some more until you get on a good bite.
Offshore, red grouper up to 31 inches came from depths from 70-140 feet. Best baits were live pinfish, grunts and sand perch. Mangrove and lane snapper, plus porgy went for cut strip baits and squid.
As usual for summertime, the best bet is to get on the water early and back home before the afternoon heat or thunderstorms arrive. If you have the option to fish late in the day after the thunderstorms pass and cool the water down, it is a great time for snook and redfish on the flats. Make sure and bring a lot of drinking water and stay hydrated; it’s hot out there!
Keep up to date with fishing regulations and seasons as they change often. You can visit www.myfwc.com for all current state and federal regulations. Also, you can upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish.
If you have a fishing report or for charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service; phone (239) 410-8576, email gcl2fish@live.com or you can visit us on the Web at www.fishpineisland.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.