TCPalm fishing Dec. 15, 2021: Snook closes for harvest
Snook is off the menu, but pompano, Spanish mackerel take its place for recreational anglers
Ed Killer, Wochit
Stellar conditions both shallow and deep have kept the lines tight and the drags screaming. While the weather has indeed been ideal, the catching has been even better with a wide variety of species taking the bait.
However, all good things do come to an end with a potent cold front that passed through the region Tuesday which should mix things up for a short while.
Prior to the front, several inshore bites were firing on all cylinders. Game fish, including snook and redfish, were active throughout the middle and back bay systems. Live sardines have been the best bait for this duo followed by a well-placed jig or fly. Anglers have also enjoyed a steady pick of mangrove snapper and hard-charging jack crevalle within the same fishy locations.
Seasonal inshore food value species such as sheepshead, pompano, speckled/silver trout and whiting continue to be viable targets for those hoping to enjoy a fresh inshore fish feast. Features within area passes, residential docks, submerged rocks and deeper island cuts are all producing bites while casting jigs along with live and cut shrimp presented at or near the bottom.
Out on the offshore grounds, steady snapper fishing continues for anglers counting down the days to the Jan. 1 red grouper opener. Until then, mangrove, yellowtail, vermillion and a scattering of mutton snapper and gag grouper will have to suffice. Anglers prospecting ledges, rock piles and artificial reefs will stay hooked up to this bevy of tasty reef fish species while employing a variety of light tackle tactics.
Local Gulf surface water temperatures hovering near 72 degrees remain ideal for king mackerel. Tight schools of the ravenous pelagic can be found foraging over and around natural hard bottom areas, ledges and artificial structure. It is good measure to always be rigged and at the ready for king mackerel as the species can show up or be located at any time when traversing the Gulf.
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Beacons or indicators for king mackerel can be surface blitzes, dipping/diving sea birds, the presence of large volumes of bait/forage, and skyrocketing fish. Here in the region, typical king mackerel tackle ranges from 15- to 30-pound class outfits combined with live baits, lures, jigs and spoons for bait. Possessing razor sharp teeth, heavy monofilament or wire leader is recommended to avoid pesky bite-offs.
Following the early week weather speed bump, the holiday forecast looks to be smooth and hopefully full of joy, jolly and catching success.
Offshore: “My anglers have had some great days out on the Gulf of Mexico,” Capt. Brandon Lawson said. “We have enjoyed an excellent stretch of weather for the month of December.”
Lawson and his crews have been making runs out to 80 to 90 feet of water depth, and scoring limits of snapper along with a scattering of gag grouper, barracuda and sharks.
Live pinfish and large chunks of cut herring have been Lawson’s gag grouper baits of choice, while small strips of squid, live sardines and live shrimp are working well in turning mangrove and yellowtail snapper. Always fun on light tackle, Lawson’s barracuda were fooled with orange and green tube lures.
Aboard his Port O Call Marina-based Solo Lobo, Lawson is also crossing paths with schools of hungry king mackerel and bonito out beyond 55 feet of water depth. Locating these fast-moving pelagic schools in deeper depths has Lawson deploying No. 2 planer/spoon combinations for fast hook-ups, and the ability to cover the grounds at a faster pace and stay on the action.
Naples/Estero Bay: Aboard my Port O Call Marina-based guide boat the Grand Slam, my anglers have enjoyed mixed bag light tackle action. Focusing our efforts in areas of clean moving water, we are keeping the lines tight while casting live shrimp and a variety of colorful jigs.
Deeper island cuts, flats and channel edges have provided catches of speckled trout, whiting, bluefish and pompano for my groups. Casting shrimp-tipped tube and soft plastic jigs has been my go-to method.
During the upper half of the incoming tide, current swept points and deeper mangrove pockets are holding good numbers of snook, mangrove and redfish. Freelining or floating a live shrimp or scaled sardine under a traditional popping cork is the best method for fast action.
Ten Thousand Islands: “Recent conditions have been great for sight fishing here in the upper Ten Thousand Islands,” Goodland-based fly Capt. Paul Nocifora said. “The water has been very clear, but the winds this week might change things up.”
Recent excursions have found Nocifora prospecting back bay coves and shallow mangrove shorelines early in the fishing day. Casting a dark-colored Lightbulb pattern, Nocifora’s casters are connecting with redfish, speckled trout and solid numbers of snook.
During the afternoon high tide phase, Nocifora has enjoyed success poking around oyster bar areas and select stretches of shoreline possessing shell substrate. Dark-colored sliders, deceivers and Lightbulb patterns are being snapped up by more redfish, speckled trout and scrappy jack crevalle.
If you have a report to share email captwill@naplessportfishing.com.
Anglers, email your photos to news@naplesnews.com and we will compile your images into an online gallery that’s featured each Thursday morning at www.naplesnews.com. Do not submit photos of fish caught illegally.
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