Winter was an up and down weather pattern this year; one week mild in the 70s and the next week breaking records in the 40s. Not nearly as bad as the cold weather that hit the north, but cold enough for us natives down here. As for the fishing, it was great! Sea Trout were abundant throughout the area, large Black Drum were hanging around the oyster bars along with Sheephead, large schools of Jack Crevalles were patrolling the flats looking for mullet, and juvenile Redfish could be found throughout the area.
The best bait this winter was the knocker rig with a shrimp, second best was a gold spoon tipped with shrimp, and the third was the 1\8oz 3″ paddle tail jig.
The fishing in January and February this year was outstanding. The waters were very healthy and life was abundant. The crab hatch happened early this year, inviting many of our crustation eaters to come in. March is when the big guys showed up. We had larged schools of big Black Drum, Redfish and Tarpon all feeding in the same areas. Towards the end of March is when the big female Snook started showing up and testing tackle and witts. March is when many charter captains go through a lot of terminal tackle, hoping our clients will land one of these fish.
And right on que, the Sharks start to push into the area at the end of March. Bending rods, testing gear, and wearing out clients willing to mess with the apex predators. Most common sharks this time of year are the Lemon Shark, Black Tip Shark, Spinner Shark, Bull Shark, and the game changer Hammerhead Shark (very rare to win that battle). One of the most fun sharks on light tackle is the BonnetHead Shark and one of the better sharks to eat. They feed on crabs and shrimp primarily making their meat sweeter than others. Know for blistering runs, they are fast. They are found as a by catch while fishing for Sea Trout and Pompano on the outside flats.
I hope to get you out on the water this fall for some fun action in The Ten Thousand Islands. Thank you for the read and visiting my site. Please give me a call for availability, best tides, and scheduling.
Tight lines and thank you,
Captain Jim Fortman
239-325-7109
Backwater Fishing in Naples & the Ten Thousand Islands 