The first couple of cool fronts of the fall have gone through the last couple of weeks accelerating our transition from summer to winter fishing. This means live pilchards (spanish, sardines/minnows) are less available during and after the fronts so we switch to shrimp, jigs and artificials. This also means we target trout and pompano more often in addition to snook, redfish and others.
Of late fishing has been good around the cold fronts. Snook are starting their annual fall migration from the gulf, passes and adjacent bays, the front side, to the backcountry. I love fishing the deep backcountry especially with artificials like plugs and especially topwater plugs. One catches less fish with artificials but I find fishing with them is more rewarding, always trying to make that perfect cast and working it properly to entice a strike.
Pompano fishing has been good using pink, brown swirl tail and shrimp jigs. The passes on the incoming tides have been productive as well as some of the backcountry troughs. I like to mix up the retrieves trying different speeds then when I get a fish I stick to that retrieve.
Trout fishing also has been good with good catches on both tides depending on where we’re fishing. White gulp jigs work well in the 3/4” size working it on the edges and cuts around the troughs.
Going forward tides will be incoming in the mornings this coming week as we lead up to the full moon on the 19th.
A cold front comes in tomorrow with lows in the mid to high 50’s Tuesday morning which will be our coolest nite since probably February or March.
I still have openings around the holidays so call ahead so you can get the best tides etc.
Also booking spring tarpon trips. Stay at the Bayfront Inn and I’ll pick you up on my boat at the docks behind the hotel.
Some recent catches below.
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Experience the backcountry saltwater mangrove estuaries of Naples, Marco Island, the 10,000 Islands and Everglades National Park. Light tackle sport fishing for snook, redfish, tarpon, trout, pompano, bonita, sharks and other saltwater species. Contact Capt. Mark to plan your Naples fishing charter, call: (239) 450-9230
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