This April and May heated up quickly. It went from Spring to Summer in a day. The water temperatures went from 78 degrees to 84 degrees in a week. Air temperatures averaged a cool 84 degrees on the waters for these 2 months. The fishing was hotter with one of the biggest runs of Tarpon to hit the area in quite a while. Pictured below is one of the average sea monsters my patrons have been experiencing. Average weights of these Tarpon were 90 to 150 lbs and lengths from 4 to 5 feet. Battle time for these fish can span from 5 minutes to an hour or longer. Not all caught, but the excitement of having one on the line is unforgettable.
When not out chasing the silver king, the kids ruled the rods on board chasing Snook, Black Drum, and lots and lots of Sea Trout. Pictured below are the Kid Champions of Spring.
Do not count the laddies out. Pictured below are the top lady anglers of spring, out fishing their men. Shelly holding the Snook just slayed the fish all day and took the best picture of the year. Smiling as she holds up her 32 inch fish as her husband is just shaking his head and holding his hips.
Top baits for the 2 months have been the 3 inch paddle tail swimbait fished slow with big hops. Popping cork rigs with shrimp worked great with the kids and helped with teaching them hand-eye coordination. Cut bait rigs for the Tarpon and Snook worked best.
With whitebait already showing up for the summer season, it is going to be a hot bite. There are lots of Sea Trout around with Tarpon still stalking the flats, and Redfish and Snook on the points just waiting to be caught. Looking forward to putting you, your family, and friends on the water in the 10,000 Islands Preserve. Book in advance for best availability.
Thank you for the read.
Tight lines!!!
Captain Jim Fortman
239-325-7109
Backwater Fishing in Naples & the Ten Thousand Islands 