September was a exciting month, with high winds and near misses from hurricanes. Well it was not the best weather, but still some of the best fishing of the year. Bait fish have been everywhere and now the Mullet are starting to run and bring in more predator fish. Here is a picture of one of the local hitch hikers around here, looking for the bait, and a free hand out.
Catches this month have been all about the Snook that have opened up for season. Slot this year is 28 to 33 inches. Season should remain open till November 31st. Here are a couple of pictures from this month.
Joey with his personal best and the largest fish of the month.
The other great fish of the month have been the Redfish. They have been averaging between 18 to 25 inches, and have been a blast on light tackle. Here are some pictures of the bigger ones of the month.
Captain Phill and 12 year old Ben with the biggest of the month.
Other note worthy fish are the Black Drum and the Sea Trout that have been bending rods around here as well.
Here is what I expect for the month of October. The Red and Black Drum run has begun just to the North, and are moving south. The weather outlook looks great. So, we will continue to target Snook, looking for keepers. The Sea Trout are getting bigger by the week, and as the water cools they will become more plentiful.
Tight lines and let me know if I can put you party on fish,
Captain Jim Fortman
239-325-7109
Backwater Fishing in Naples & the Ten Thousand Islands 