Fishing conditions are great right now in Southwest Florida. Water temperature is hovering around the high 70’s with our daily air temperature around the mid 80’s so everything is just about perfect.
Water in the gulf has a blue green clearness and the backcountry is its normal tannin stained color but not murky or muddy.
Fishing in the Naples and Marco Island area has been generally very good. As fishing does it changes from day to day, tide to tide etc. The past few days he fishing has been best on the incoming tide with good activity with snook, jacks, mackerel, snapper and trout.
We’ve started fishing in the backcountry as we do this time of year following the fish as they transition from the gulf passes and adjacent bays to the backcountry creeks and bays. We fish for snook, redfish, trout, pompano, snapper, sharks and more. Live bait including shrimp and pilchards work as well as artificials such as jigs and plugs.
Going forward fishing will continue to be good thru the end of the year with perfect temperatures and great fishing for snook, redfish, speckled sea trout, pompano, mangrove snapper, bull sharks, lemon sharks, black tip sharks, jack crevalle, sheepshead, spanish mackerel false albacore and more.
Fishing for false albacore in SW Florida
Fishing for false albacore (also known as little tunny) in Southwest Florida can be an exciting challenge! Here are some tips to help you get started:
Best Times to Fish
- Seasons: False albacore are typically more abundant in the spring and fall. They can be found nearshore and offshore, especially during migration periods.
- Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times to catch them, as they tend to feed more actively during these hours.
Ideal Locations
- Nearshore Reefs: Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and other structures where baitfish are plentiful.
- Inlets and Passes: Areas where the current flows can concentrate baitfish and attract false albacore.
- Open Water: Keep an eye out for schools of bait fish or bird activity, which can indicate the presence of false albacore.
Gear and Tackle
- Rod and Reel: A medium to medium-heavy spinning rod paired with a reel capable of holding 200-300 yards of 20-30 lb braid is ideal.
- Leader: Use a fluorocarbon leader of about 20-30 lb test to avoid abrasion from their sharp teeth.
- Lures: Fast-moving lures like poppers, jigs, or small spoons work well. Look for patterns that mimic baitfish.
Techniques
- Trolling: Trolling lures at various depths can be effective, especially if you find them in open water.
- Casting: If you spot a school busting on the surface, casting small lures or flies can yield quick results. Try to match the size and color of the baitfish they’re feeding on.
- Chumming: If you’re anchored, chumming can help bring them closer to your boat.
Regulations
- Always check local regulations regarding size and bag limits for false albacore, as they can vary by location and season.
Safety Tips
- Be mindful of weather conditions and currents, especially if fishing offshore.
- Always wear a life jacket and have safety equipment on board.
With the right approach, you can have a great time targeting false albacore in Southwest Florida!