Another great summer here in The 10,000 Islands Preserve. We had an outstanding Seat Trout and Snapper bite which was filling the cooler and making dinners. These fish are fast on the bite and fun to catch. Traveling in schools and hanging out on points you could literally pull up on a spot and get one on every cast.
In the mix at the same time are large Tarpon & Sharks. They are found in the same areas the Snapper and Trout are found. Hard to land , they test the gear and the angler. If you want to pull on one just ask they are always up for a fight.
The most noteworthy species of the summer were the Black Drum. Averaging 10 to 40 plus lbs , these fish were the stars of June and July.
Featured above are some of the big ones that made it to the boat. The schools this summer were massive with thousands in numbers. It was a site to be seen and describe by one of my guest to be like the Salmon runs in Alaska. Site fishing and making the cast to these fish was exciting. Best baits used to catch these fish were soft plastic paddle tail jigs and bucktail hand tied jigs. These fish can pull on a 10 to 15 lb rod.
The ones that made it out of the trees this season. This was challenging a lot of my clients this season. Snook featured above and Redfish know their habitat. The excitement of the bend and the speed of these fish can sometimes get the better of the angler. Steady pressure , remain calm, pull then reel and wear them out, that is how we get them out of the trees. Snook and Redfish are the challenge of the summer. If you would like to accept the challenge, give a call for scheduling and best tide times. The waters and estuary are very healthy and the fish are eager here in The 10,000 Islands Preserve. Thank you for the read and I hope to get you out next summer.
Tight Lines and thank you,
Captain Jim Fortman
239-325-7109
jstickum@gmail.com
Backwater Fishing in Naples & the Ten Thousand Islands 