A calmer weather pattern has provided for spring-like conditions for anglers prospecting the region’s waters both shallow and deep.
Gulf water temperatures are on the rise, temperate species are slowly filtering back into the mix, shoals of baitfish are showing up and overall the seas have been relatively smooth.
Out on the distant southern offshore grounds, king mackerel are now beginning to make a showing. Favoring water temperatures in the 68- to 78-degree range, the toothy mackerels have recently been taking the bait in water depths ranging from 60 to 95 feet. While it is just the beginning of the traditional spring king run, look for these drag-burners to invade the area more widespread as we progress into the month of March.
Last week: Southwest Florida Fishing Report: Calming water opens back up offshore offerings
Two weeks ago: Southwest Florida Fishing Report: Anglers taking advantage of gap in weather pattern
Three weeks back: Southwest Florida Fishing Report: Frigid temperatures making it difficult for anglers
Also, out on the distant grounds, red grouper and a variety of snapper species are coming over the rail. Small patch areas of natural hard bottom and select limestone ledges have been top producers. Remember, stopping and shopping, allowing 15 to 20 minutes per anchor set is good measure when on the hunt for grouper limits. The calm sea conditions have and will continue to facilitate the effective strategy.
Closer to shore and in the shallows, mixed bag catches have reigned supreme within area passes, along the beaches and throughout the middle and back bay systems. Light tackle efforts are yielding snook, sheepshead, speckled trout and pompano, casting live bait, lures, jigs and flies. The key to staying on this bite has been locating cleaner moving water during both phases of the tide in areas far removed from high seasonal boat traffic.
While just a few short weeks away from the official start of spring. However, the current bites and conditions truly have that springtime feel to them. Let’s hope the current pattern continues to gain momentum allowing for pleasant outings and epic catches for all.
Offshore: “Full-day fishing and conditions have been excellent,” Capt. Bobby Nagaj said. “We have been comfortably running 35 to 45 miles on most days and catching our grouper limit along with other reef fish.”
Docked at Port O Call Marina, Nagaj has been pointing the bow of his charter boat, the A & B, to the horizon west and southwest of Gordon Pass. Concentrating on select areas of natural bottom in water depths ranging from 80 to 100 feet, Nagaj’s grouper catches are being fooled with live pinfish, and cut squid/herring, while his mixed bag snapper hauls are the result of metal jigs and small strips of squid rigged on light tackle.
Nagaj reports that with Gulf water temperatures slowly on the rise, he has been crossing paths with increased numbers of Spanish and king mackerel, bonito and sharks throughout his travels.
Naples/Estero Bay: Aboard my Port O Call Marina-based guide boat
the Grand Slam, I have been keeping my groups busy catching a mixed bag of food value and sportfish. Overall the conditions have been ideal in the back waters, along the beaches and out on the nearshore arena.
Out and over select nearshore artificial structure, schools of sheepshead and mangrove snapper are providing steady light tackle action for my anglers. Freelining or deploying into the water column a lightly weighted live shrimp rigged on a 1/0-2/0-circle hook have been my go-to methods.
Within the middle and back bays, pitching live shrimp and scaled sardines under a traditional popping cork close to current swept points and downed deadwood has been effective for snook, mangrove snapper and redfish.
Drifting deeper flats, island cuts and channel edges while casting pink and chartreuse tube jigs tipped with fresh shrimp has also kept us hooked up to speckled/silver trout, whiting and a scattering of tasty pompano.
Ten Thousand Islands: “For the week, fly fishing has been good to excellent here in the upper Ten Thousand Islands,” Capt. Paul Nocifora said.” However, with changing temperatures, big tide swings and a few periods of challenging wind, casters must be prepared for anything and everything that presents itself.”
Early in the fishing day, Nocifora has enjoyed success casting a small-profile, white-colored Lightbulb fly pattern. Presented close to mangrove root systems, downed deadwood and fishy pockets then stripped or retrieved at a slow pace has led to nice catches of speckled trout, snook, jack crevalle and mangrove snapper.
During the heat of the day when the water temperatures are rising, Nocifora and his casters are switching things up and staying tight casting a black-color scheme Tantrum pattern.
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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