Happy New Year!!! We made it through that last week of December. Boy was it cold. Now we begin the roller coaster of winter here in the 10,000 Islands. One week high water temperatures the next low water temperatures. This went on for the month of January. The Redfish and Snook headed way out deep or way back in the rivers looking for stable water temperatures. The fish that did not mind the weather change were the Sea Trout and Sand Trout. The bite just was great. All the predator fish left the area so the Trout had the place to themselves. We had some really good days with the average Trout being 17-19 inches. Other noteworthy fish that were the area were the Sheephead, another great eating fish. The winds were much lighter this year compared to last, giving us great conditions.
On a couple of calm days, a couple of my 3/4 day trips wound up heading out to some of the crab pots looking for the best eating fish in the area. Tripple Tail hang out just under the crab pot buoys. And on the calm days where the water goes almost flat, they are easily spotted. All you need is a accurate cast, right in front of them and they can not resist. Featured above are some my clients with some beautys.
February was absolutely beautiful this year and the fishing was great. None of the Red Tide that hit the Naples and Lee County coast made its way down here. I am pretty sure it pushed a lot more fish into the area. The March trips were great and the post will be up soon.
Thank you for the read, Tight Lines,
Captain Jim Fortman
239-325-7109
Backwater Fishing in Naples & the Ten Thousand Islands 