Fishing Report August 11th

Art, releasing a tarpon at boatside.

It’s hard to believe it’s back to school time in southwest Florida.  If you like fishing and you have some spare time, our local waters will be suddenly free of a lot of boat traffic during the week.  The fishing pressure goes way down and you suddenly have lots of space to fish in.  Time to plan a trip and enjoy the quiet before the peak season arrives.

The bite has been nice and steady in the backcountry waters of Estero Bay.  The breeze has been pleasant in the morning so we’ve been taking advantage of the slightly cooler  weather.  Working the mangrove shorelines for redfish has been the go-to.  They move out a bit to feed just after sunrise and will go after shrimp on jigs or cut ladyfish on circle hooks.  Once the sun comes up, make your cast a little closer to the mangroves.  You’ll also find some snapper, the occasional sheepshead and a few snook in the same area. 

The bays are giving up some good sized trout.  Shrimp under a popping cork works best in about 3 feet of water.  Small sharks and some decent size pompano are feeding there as well.  We’ve also jumped a few small tarpon along the oyster bar cuts.

The nearshore waters are still loaded with spanish mackerel.  Head out a mile or so and look for the schooling threadfin herrings.  You’ll see “puddles” of this large bait just about everywhere.  The macs will be close by.  If you set baits on the bottom you’ll find snapper, grouper, trout and flounder.  Keep an eye out while near the bait pods.  We’ve seen tarpon rolling in them and landed an estimated 75 pounder a few days ago.