Moderate weather patterns keep the water shallow and sinking deep. But the scars of Hurricane Ian on Southwest Florida’s fisheries are deep and devastating. From environmental to socio-economic, the healing process is really a long and difficult road.
As is often the case with large-scale natural disasters such as these, recreation has been put on the back burner, taking a lower priority than cleanup efforts and helping the disadvantaged. But for some, a little salt therapy or time on the water was a short break and a well-deserved decompression capture session.
Before:Fishing in Southwest Florida: Anglers relax for salt water treatment after Hurricane Ian
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The presence of baitfish has spurred strong bites for inshore gamefish within area passes and middle bays. Anglers cautiously made their way to the fishing grounds to be greeted by snooks, redfish and large jack crevalles. The best baits are sardines that crowd along beaches and inshore structures, followed by topwater lures and jigs.
While at the helm and driving in shallow water it is important to be aware of debris. And with sandbars moving and channel he markers disappearing, on-board electronics have become valuable tools for ensuring safety.
Across the horizon, snapper fills the void as red grouper fishing is closed until January 1st. Shelves and artificial reefs are top areas for looking for snapper, minimizing the risk of dead dumping when fishing in natural wide open hard seabeds. Habitat that supports the biomass of the bay red grouper.
Over the next few weeks, nearshore/offshore arenas should begin to experience transitional changes. Water temperatures begin to drop, schools of baitfish move in, and you can expect a firm push or move of kings and mackerels.
In preparation for mackerel fishing, anglers should restock their tackle trays with hooks, barrel swivels, single-strand wire, jigs, planers and spoons. Additionally, check the condition of your rods and make sure your drag is silky smooth as these fish run and fight hard.
offshore
“We have successfully completed several 3/4 day trips,” said Capt. Jean Luciano. “The bay is wonderful and the fish are chewing for our guests.”
Luciano’s Dalys fleet departed from Naples City Dock and sailed into waters between 55 and 80 feet deep. Luciano’s crew concentrated on select ledges and wrecks, with success in lanes, mangroves and bullsnappers, along with keeper-sized gag groupers. Live pinfish, herring and cut squid were used as bait.
Naples/Gulf of Estero
“I have done more reconnaissance trips throughout the coastal waters, but managed a few guided half-day trips,” said light tackle skipper Capt. Chris Turner. “The water is still dirty and there is a fair amount of debris scattered in the water and in the mangroves.”
Turner and his anglers had a life full of scaly sardines in their nets, so they concentrated near passes and open bays. Casting towards the rock jetty, current sweep point and residential dock, we landed snook, redfish, goliath grouper juveniles and jack creval.
Manshima
Reports submitted by readers indicate multiple bites active in the upper and lower levels of the Ten Thousand Island Arena. The water is beginning to clear, but dead trees and debris have fallen, making it difficult to navigate the entire shallow water.
Ten Thousand Island anglers feed on snook, redfish and tarpon juveniles. Reports indicate that live prey is available in shallow water and above structures in the near waters. However, anglers have had success casting jigs, baitfish imitation flies, and topwater his lures early and late in the day.
If you have a report to share email, captwill@naplessportfishing.com.
Anglers please email your photos to news@naplesnews.com. We’ll put your images together in an online gallery and feature them every Thursday morning at www.naplesnews.com. Do not submit photos of illegally caught fish.
