It was a great summer this year, not too hot and no hurricanes. The water temperature averages were around 88 degrees with light winds. The bite was hot with all of the usual suspects coming out. We had big Snook pulling on the lines and big Redfish. If you could keep them from burying you in the mangroves you were rewarded with the catch of a lifetime. The Tarpon bite was active towards the beginning of summer but fizzled out by mid July this year. Pictured below are a couple of the big ones that did not get away.
The table fare was great this summer with plenty of Sea Trout and Pompano filling the tables. Not a usual bite for the summer but with mild conditions in the Gulf, they were eager to jump on the line. Jigging was the trick this summer with Diamond Jigs, Bucktails, and Soft Plastic Paddle Tails.
The ladies were hot this summer , with Jill catching the biggest Snook of the season on a red and white bucktail. The Reds started showing up midsummer, taking ladyfish chunks off the bottom.
The big surprise this summer were the amount of Goliath Grouper that were hanging along the shorelines and docks looking for easy meals while we were trying to find a Red or a Snook.
Lets not forget the kids , always a blast when they hook up on a big fish. Aaron with a beauty Black Drum and Kevlan with his first 24 inch Redfish.
It was a great summer all and all. I hope to get you out there next time you’re in the Naples area. The waters are clean and the fish are healthy. Thank you for the read and if interested in a trip out in the islands give me a call. I will be happy to put you on the fish.
Tight Lines,
Captain Jim Fortman
239-325-7109
Backwater Fishing in Naples & the Ten Thousand Islands 