Spring is here! We have bait moving in and fish starting to fatten up from their winter time slumber. It is a great time to be in the 10,000 Islands. Tarpon and Snook are pushing into the area to challenge my customers and my gear. They are two of the toughest fish to fight in the 10,000 Islands. The Tarpon, when hooked, pull, pull, and pull some more. Then they show off how high they can get in the air trying to get away from you. Lets not forget about the Seat Trout and Redfish. Big Sea Trout are around in schools making for easy dinners. And big Redfish are patrolling the mangrove roots looking for easy meals. Pictured below are the biggest Redfish and Sea Trout of the Spring season.
The big female Snook move into the shallows and the mangroves challenging my clients to get these fish away from the trees; not the easiest fish to land. A steady hand is needed, being too aggressive never works out. The Snook is one of the smartest fish in the 10,000 Islands. They know where every tree branch, mangrove root, downed tree, and oyster bar are in the water. Given the chance, they will get you into them. A steady hand and applied pressure will prevail when the battle. Pictured below are a couple of the victors.
The heavyweights are around as well. It is not uncommon to see sharks in the area. In fact, I start every morning telling my clients, “Do not put your hands in the water.” The sharks of Spring are not to be underestimated as they are there for a meal, too. The sharks of Spring average 4 to 5 foot in length with the occasional 10 to 12 footer coming by the boat. Pictured below is my long time fishing partner battling a 7 footer on 20 lb. gear.
The Summer is here! The Pompano and Mangrove Snapper bite is just starting, and there are plenty of fish to be had. The Summer Snook action is in full swing along with the multiple other species. I hope to get you down into the 10,000 Islands on some of this action.
Thank you and Tight Lines,
Captain Jim Fortman
239-325-7109
Backwater Fishing in Naples & the Ten Thousand Islands 