This past winter season delivered delightfully mild weather. Average water temperatures held steady in the 70s, making for comfortable days on the water. Gentle breezes, rather than harsh winds, created near-perfect conditions for fishing. We had a blast this winter, with hundreds of Sea Trout caught and bigger fish in between.
Big Jacks were roaming the water ways, testing my clients skill and my takle. They can run and turn on a dime. Not known for being the smartest fish running away from structure, but battling out in open waters to show off their strength. Pound per pound, they are one of the strongest fish in the waters of the 10K. Known for feeling twice the weight on the line and not stopping until their head is out of the water.
The Redfish were plentiful this winter time season. We had some big ones in the mix while chasing down Trout. They were caught using popping cork rigs, soft plastic paddle tail jigs, and my custom bucktail jigs.
Pictured below is an above average January day, out with a couple of fellow captains on a personal trip, also known as Andrews Birthday. To say the bite was good and the water is healthy is a understatement. Pictured below is what we did in two and a half hours on the turn of the tide.
I hope you enjoyed the report from this winter. If you are interested in getting on the bite for this coming winter, book early as all of us captains fill up quickly.
Tight Lines,
Captain Jim Fortman
239-325-7109
Backwater Fishing in Naples & the Ten Thousand Islands 