SW FL-Bonita Beach: Nice Kings, Bonito, Shark, Snapper & Trout
Seasonal business is just beginning to pick up around here, though most of the recently reserved dates are for later this month and into next. I did get offshore Saturday, 10/10 with long-time customers Jerry and Barb Rudan, from Wisconsin. We headed out of New Pass to about 18 miles, but it was slow going heading out in sloppy seas. Predictions were for one-footers, and it did eventually calm to about that, but the trip out was definitely not that calm. We used live shrimp to catch a lot of different fish but many of our catches were frustratingly just short of keeper-size. We released red groupers that were as little as one eighth of an inch short of legal. The same was true of many yellowtails and mangrove snapper. Triggerfish were abundant and would have been keepers prior to the regulation change, which now demands 14-inch minimum, so we released those too, along with lots of ladyfish. On the bright side, we did manage to catch a mess of keeper-sized snapper too—mangs, lanes and yellowtail, as well as Spanish mackerel.
David Koenigsmark, son Adam, and father-in-law, Hubert, fished offshore with me Thursday, 10/15. We had a full-day so we headed out 37 miles west of New Pass to 74 feet. David had fished with me this summer, but we were bayside to accommodate his younger son. This time, he wanted his fourteen-year old son to have some offshore adventure. We caught a variety of fish, some of them pretty good size, which included a 34 inch king mackerel, a 28 inch king, whose tail was bitten off as Adam reeled him in by a huge barracuda, a 3 ½ foot sharpnose shark, a very large stingray, and an 8-pound bonito. We kept the kingfish and released the shark, stingray and bonito. We also caught some good table-fare—lane snapper, mangrove snapper and yellowtail snapper—all keeper-sized, though we released all the lanes and a few mangs, as we already had plenty of fish, and also released lots of grouper shorts. At one point, we spotted about fifteen large mahi-mahi, right beside the boat—we had just arrived and weren’t rigged up yet, and they spooked and swam off.
Sunday morning, 10/18, I had planned to fish offshore with Dan Wampler, son, Barry, and eleven-year-old grandson, Max. The weather, however, had other ideas, as our first real cool-front came through the area, bringing not only much cooler temperatures, but also stiff winds and rough seas offshore. Dan and family decided to brave the cold morning temps and fish in the calmer waters of the bay. We stayed as sheltered from the wind as possible, and used live shrimp along the mangrove shoreline to catch five keeper sand bream and nine keeper mangrove snapper. We released small sheepshead and two small snook.
As the winds continued to be strong and seas rough offshore on Monday, Chester Yanik, son Mark, and friends Jim Basara and Tom Murphey also swapped their offshore plans for two days of inshore fishing in Estero Bay. Monday, we caught a dozen keeper-mangrove snapper out of twenty-five total mangs, and four keeper-sheepshead out of a bunch of sheepies caught. We released the smaller snapper and sheepshead, along with a 16-inch snook. We were fishing with shrimp and small bait- fish along the shoreline, wherever were able to stay somewhat sheltered from the winds. Tuesday, the same group caught a bunch of trout–about 30 throw-backs measuring 14-15 inches–and they kept three nice trout that were 16 inches, along with keeper mangrove snapper. We released four redfish to 17 inches, an Atlantic spadefish, and a 3 1/2-foot bonnethead shark. We fished mostly in areas behind Ft. Myers Beach, using live shrimp and popping corks for the trout and reds.
The photo shown is of angler Mike Page, with an 18-inch sheepshead, caught on shrimp on a recent trip.
SW FL-Bonita Beach: A Little Girl and a Big Red
It’s that time of year when fishing trips are spaced more sparsely. Add to that a three-day hiatus in celebration of a wedding anniversary and the net result is just a couple of days on the water this week. Tuesday morning, 8/25, I headed out of New Pass about eighteen miles with Harold Matthews, his son, Chad, and Chad’s wife, Misty. Seas were not as calm as predicted on the way out, but they did calm as the morning progressed. We caught four nice porgies and porkfish on shrimp, but we did more releasing than keeping. We released lots of undersized gag grouper, lane snapper and yellowtail snapper. We also had fun catching and releasing two goliath grouper, 35 pounds and 45 pounds. Eleven-year old, Anna Perry and her dad, Evan Perry, fished central Estero Bay with me, using live shrimp, Thursday morning. Anna had done some fishing from piers but had never before fished from a boat. She had no trouble acclimating: The first catch of the day was Anna’s 25-inch redfish (see photo), which she reeled in on her own, from beneath the mangroves around New Pass. She also caught a 12-inch sheepshead and three trout, one of which was a 16-inch keeper. Add to that mix eight keeper-sized mangrove snapper, five of which the father-daughter team kept.
SW FL-Bonita Beach: Goliath Beasts & Redfish
Monday morning, 8/31, I fished in 45 feet, out of New Pass, with Mike & Denise VanHorn. We fished for goliaths first, while the couple had their best energy–Good thing because Denise hooked one that was most likely over 300 pounds. Mike followed up with one that was around 100 pounds. We used Spanish mackerel, blue runners and a grunt for bait. After we released those two fish, we got serious about finding some fish to eat. We ended up with ten keeper lane snapper, all caught on shrimp. We released mangrove snapper just short of the twelve inch requirement, along with red grouper shorts. Estero Bay had good tides most of this week. Wednesday morning, the tide served us well, when I fished with Bob Flesch and his friend, John. Bob caught a nice red. We could tell it was going to be good-sized from the way it fought, and we were hoping it would be within the slot for keeping. We were lucky, as it measured exactly 27 inches (see photo.) We also caught five keeper mangrove snapper and a 14-inch sheepshead. We released two small snook, as well as a 50-pound stingray, which was an admirable fight!
SW FL-Bonita beach: Near-shore Report
Saturday morning, 8/15, I fished with Greg Sommesi and family at the reefs off Bonita Beach. With a 70% chance of rain predicted and seas beyond 20 miles at 3-5 feet, we decided the near-shore reefs might be our best bet, especially with three youngsters on board. We did well with snapper, catching thirteen keepers to 12 inches, and releasing lots of smaller ones, along with undersized triggerfish and flounder. We also caught a keeper lane snapper, Spanish mackerel and grunts.
Monday morning, I fished the reefs once again, this time with Mike and Noreen Weber. We limited out on keeper mangrove snapper to 14 inches and released lots of others after we had our ten. We caught two keeper flounder also, as well as some grunts. We released three small goliath-grouper to 20 pounds. We used shrimp for all but the goliaths, which bit blue runners. Tuesday, Robert and Roberta Duhlberg and their two young children, Daniel and Rebecca, planned a ¾ day of fishing with me in the bay. Those plans were foiled when a surprise thunderstorm hit about 11:30 AM. We had to quit fishing and take cover as best we could until the storm slowed to a light rain. By that time, we were all wet and ready to head in. we did manage to catch three keeper mangrove snapper and a 16-inch trout, on shrimp.
The photo shown is of angler Dawn Croft, with a 21-inch red grouper, caught on shrimp on a recent offshore trip.
SW FL-Bonita Beach: Trout, Sheepshead, Snapper & Snook Inshore
Slow season is here for sure. Seasonal residents have fled our heat and humidity until October and the economy is not producing our usual number of summer vacationers this year. On top of that, a low pressure system that hung over our area for several days was still in effect Monday, 6/29, when I fished a windy Estero Bay with Bill Maybrook and friend, Andy. We missed the rains and were able to catch six keeper mangrove snapper on shrimp. We released nine smaller snapper, two snook to 16 inches and four sheepshead that were just short of keeper size.
The weather remained pretty unstable most of the week, with rains likely both morning and afternoon. Seas in the gulf remained rough. The next time I got out fishing was Friday morning, 7/3, in Estero Bay, with Paul Rosenberg and Cory Knight. We did well, using shrimp to catch three keeper trout to 18 ½ inches, a keeper sheepshead and four keeper mangrove snapper to 13 inches. We released 15 smaller trout and crevalle jack.
Tim and Amy Harwood, nine-year-old daughter, Emily, and eight-year-old daughter, Abby, fished central Estero Bay with me Wednesday morning, 7/8. The backwaters are very warm and that tends to slow down the bite, but we had pretty steady action with trout, using shrimp and popping corks. We caught and released nine of those, along with nine mangrove snapper and a small permit.
I was back in Estero Bay Friday morning, when I fished with Jerry Robertson, his son, and grandson. We again had good action with trout and snapper on shrimp with popping corks. We kept two mangrove snapper and a 16 inch trout.
The photo shown is of anglers, Bryant and Gary Click, with a pair of redfish and a 23 inch trout, caught on shrimp on a recent inshore trip.
SW FL-Bonita Beach: Nice Muttons Offshore; Trout & Reds Inshore
Tuesday, 5/26, I fished central Estero Bay with Wayne Hawkins and his niece, Lauren Mullinax, both from Cumming, GA. We used live shrimp and popping corks to catch three keeper trout to 18 inches and release lots of smaller trout. We also caught two keeper sheepshead, and we released a 23 inch snook.
Wednesday morning, I headed out of New Pass to 43 feet to fish offshore with George Noonan and his two sons. We fished with shrimp, hoping to catch some nice mutton snapper, like I had last week. But the goliath grouper had other ideas and ate two of those before we could get them off the bottom. We managed to beat out the goliaths and keep a nice yellowtail, some porgies and grunts, and two king mackerel at 25 inches and 32 inches. We also caught and released a 25 pound goliath grouper, along with lots of mangrove and yellowtail snapper shorts, undersized gag grouper and smaller kingfish.
I headed offshore Saturday morning with Leon Mead and son, Spencer, but we only made it to the near-shore reefs because of three-to-four foot seas, even near-shore. We used shrimp to catch keeper mangrove snapper, grunts and Spanish mackerel, and we released grouper shorts, smaller mackerel and blue runners.
Fishing Estero Bay Sunday with Steve Vender and Shawn Hennessey yielded some decent trout to 19 inches. Steve fished with me a couple more times this week too, on Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday, 6/2, we headed offshore to 43 feet, about 20 miles west of New Pass. We caught three mutton snapper at 16 ½ inches, 18 inches and 19 ¾ inches. We lost another big one when it cut the line and also hooked a hogfish that got free about three feet from the boat. We also caught whitebone porgies and Spanish mackerel, and released triggerfish, grouper shorts, grunts and blue runners. Thursday, we’d planned to head out for more muttons but the rain offshore kept us in the backwaters, where we caught a 24 ½ inch redfish, a 14 inch sheepshead and a few keeper mangrove snapper.
Backwaters fishing Friday morning with Dave Koenigsmark and his five-year-old son, Tyler, was good for three keeper trout, two at 18 ½ inches and one at 17 inches, on shrimp with popping corks. We also caught a few keeper mangrove snapper to 13 inches.
The photo shown is of angler, Gary Click, with a 23 inch trout, caught on shrimp, on a recent inshore trip.
South Indian River Fishing Report 6/3
June 3, 2009
INSHORE:
There is something about the arrival of summer fishing that I look forward to each year. Calm waters and lots of bait around the river has the fish in the mood to eat. It makes for great days fishing around the Treasure Coast and provides a variety of ways to fish the river. It’s great to live and fish here!
I had the pleasure of having Frank and Rick on the boat this week. Frank was celebrating his 50th birthday and the fish were cooperating to make it a wonderful time. They boated 5 reds, which a couple were oversize, and a dozen nice trout up to 24″ on the flats. Happy Birthday Frank! Richie and JoAnn were back for another adventure on the river this week as well. The weather again cooperated and gave us a chance to fish some areas that have been producing some nice fish. They teamed up to boat 6 reds up to 29″ and lost a few more in the process. We moved over to the other side of the river and boated a dozen trout up to 22″ that day. There were also the usual jacks and ladyfish to add to a fun day of fishing. JoAnn and I were careful to keep Richie dry this year……
Trout continue to hang along the flats, especially the edges, in two to four feet of water. Live shrimp or DOA Deadly Combos are our first choice for some nice trout. Queen’s Cove and Harbor Branch have been our best flats of late. Redfish are showing up in the mood to feed and it’s the time of year that I really enjoy. I look for flats that have lots of sandy areas along with some grass. They are shallow now so keep the noise down in the boat. Snook fishing has slowed down quite a bit since the season closed. It’s catch and release until September.
Snapper have been showing up on the channel edges. You can have some fun with all the ladyfish and jacks around the river. The catwalks have been pretty quiet for now, but sheephead are still around the piliings. The river to the north of Fort Pierce has been more on the cloudy side this week, but the flats to the south have held up very well and most are pretty clean and clear right now.
Tip of the Week:
It’s that time of year to break out the fish traps and catch a load of pig or pinfish. Trout, reds and snook all love them. They are just the right size to use with a popping cork and can produce some good size fish. You can find lots of baitfish around the river right now, so get out and have some fun!
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby….it’s an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
East Central May Fishing Report - May 28, 2009
The East Central part of Florida has some excellent fishing going on right now. There have been some very high winds over the past couple of weeks, but the fishing is still very good. Offshore anglers have been targeting dolphin (mahi-mahi) throughout the entire Atlantic Coast of Florida. Wahoo, blackfin tuna and sailfish have also been reported in the offshore waters through the East Central parts of Florida.
The surf fishing has been tough from the high winds and dirty water, but as the water clears up, anglers can find whiting, pompano and bluefish.
Inshore anglers that are targeting the Banana and Indian rivers have turned to the residential canals of Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach. Snook, redfish and trout have been the key species to catch in these waters.
The Sebastian Inlet has been slow due to the high winds, but anglers are still targeting redfish and snook here. Some tarpon should show up in the upcoming weeks as well.
Apalachicola, Florida Area May Recap, June Forecast
As I write this report in the middle of May, after a wet & windy April, it’s amazing to me that the fishing conditions have straightened around to be right where they should be for this time of year. The water temperature has stabilized to perfect May low 80’s, the trout & reds are acting right, tripletail have begun to show up and we’ve even seen a tarpon or 3. Mother Nature takes care of things on her own schedule.
Paxton Juneau & his Dad Les fished with Capt. Nate
May 3rd was one for the record books. The anglers that were lucky enough to be on Capt. Tommy Holland’s bayfishing boat caught and released upwards of 150 Redfish, One of them had 26 spots on one side. Les Juneau of Atlanta fished from Capt. Nathan Donahoe’s flats boat and experienced much the same thing. And, as most things happen and fish can swim, they were nowhere near the same place the next day. That’s why we call it fishing!
Capt. Chris Robinson holds a pompano caught recently. Before I report on what to expect fishing-wise for the next month or so, I just have to tell you how thrilled I am to tell anyone who will listen that I’m no longer going it alone here in my little office in downtown Apalachicola — we’ve hired an assistant! Nikki Cash started working with Robinson Brothers Guide Service the middle of April and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Her pleasant voice will be thoe one answering the phone when you call and answering many of your emails as well. Nikki is also Capt. Chris Robinson’s sister-in-law, as she is his wife Jennifer’s sister. Besides that her dad Walter Armistead married Tommy & me. Yes, Apalachicola IS a very small town, and if you’re in town, stop by and say hi!
Megan Lamb caught this tripletail fishing with Capt. Dave Armentrout
So, back to June fishing. Let me put it this way — as long as you know which end of the fishing rod to hold, you are probably going to catch fish. Literally everything that swims in the northern Gulf of Mexico will be fair game, including (finally) Red Snapper. Snapper season will be short this year running June 1-Aug 14 so book your trips now! Inshore fishermen, whether you sight fish with a fly rod, or blind cast with bait, it’s all good, all month long. If you’re planning your summer vacation on St. George Island or Cape San Blas or anywhere from Alligator Point to Mexico Beach, think about taking a guided fishing trip while you’re here — it’s an adventure!
Scott McEwan’s 6 lb “Gator” trout caught with Capt. ChrisJust a little bit of housekeeping - we had to buy a new computer and not all of our email addresses got transferred to our Outlook address book, although they are stored in our GoDaddy database. We’d love to have you reply to this email if you feel like it just to update our records. And if you would rather not receive our fishing reports, well that’s ok too, just let us know.
Capt. Jr. Holland has lowered the price on his 1 acre Pond front lot in Eastpoint and the Abbey Home in Apalachicola’s Historic South Side is still available and priced right. Just click on the website below to check them out.
Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend and your week ahead is a sunny one!
Kathy Robinson
Robinson Brothers Guide Service
www.FloridaRedfish.com
877-6-Redfish
Robinson Real Estate Company
118 Commerce St.
Apalachicola, FL 32320
www.RobinsonRealEstateCompany.com
End of May Port St. Joe / Cape San Blas Fishing Report
Fishing Report from http://www.bluewateroutriggers.com/index.cfm
SUMMER IS COMING
Fishing is definitely seasonal in the Panhandle. Summer is coming, but expect the marvelous spring fishing to remain a while longer this year. On May 25, 2009, the water temperature was 76o. On June 24 of last year, it was 87o. When water temperature rises to the mid 80s, fishing undergoes a change. So, “Seize the day!”
As the water warms, our HOTBITES will assist you in locating fish, and offer a skinny on what is working. Here are some standard guidelines to improve your summer angling chances. 1) Fish early and late, even after darkness. 2) Fish deeper water, or water near deeper water. 3) Watch the bait movement in the tides. 4) Match the hatch with fresh, lively, bright baits. 5) Lighten up your tackle. 6) Patience. As the old timers say, “Be prepared to wait ‘em out.”
OFFSHORE
Brent Romiti, of our BWO staff fishes offshore weekly, weather permitting. Here are his comments about June offshore fishing in our area.
“June is a great time to visit the forgotten coast. School is out and people are eager to find fun under the sun. The weather should stabilize from windy to flat calm seas. Offshore fishing typically in June is some of the best. Snapper are usually easy to come by and are relatively large this year. New laws apply to the red snapper this year, reducing the daily limit to 2 per person. It is not a challenge to find big snapper from 60ft-100ft of water from Panama City all the way to Carrabelle.”
“Common tactics for the fish are bottom fishing dead or cut bait to flat line fishing. To fill up fish boxes this year will take experience, and the patience to fish the whole water column. This means targeting new species such as triggerfish, gray snapper, vermilion snapper, king fish, spanish mackerel, red grouper, gag grouper, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. Do not rely on the same old thing you used to do.”
“Night fishing is a great way to catch some of these fish. Gray or mangrove snapper feed just fine at night. Live shrimp and light tackle will prove to be best. King mackerel are also caught at night with good light in the water. Green underwater lights bring squid and small baitfish close to the boat. This makes for a chain reaction in the water. Where the bait is, so are the big predators.”
“Large weed lines offshore are ground zero for mahi-mahi and wahoo. Troll large ballyhoo next to the sargasso grass to hook up to nice size dolphin. Also, try to pitch live bait under the grass mats for the big ones. You never know what may be hiding down there. Sometimes a large wahoo patrols these floating fish havens. Often tripletail drift way out to sea on these or other debris. Live and artificial shrimp are sure fire ways to get their attention.”
“As always, tight lines and big smiles!” Brent Romiti, BWO staff
Mahi mahi (dolphin) and wahoo will be targeted and caught in June, but THE KING MACKEREL REIGNS SUPREME! For “smokers,” try hardtails and other live bait on stinger rigs. If content with “schoolies,” try large Clarkspoon rigs, duster/cigar minnow combos, and hard baits (such as the old reliable Mann’s Stretch Lures).
Sailfish are caught every year in our area, yet are seldom targeted. That may change, as this fishery is increasing. Big gamers who have the necessary gear will go a little further out, and target swordfish and marlin. Cobia will move off the beaches, and take up summer homes around the buoys and markers.
INSHORE FISHING
Our comments under “Summer Is Coming” apply particularly to inshore and beach fishing. Kayakers, wade fishermen, as well as boating anglers find June a prime time.
With scallop season just around the corner (July 1), now is the time to get in some good inshore fishing from around Presnell’s Marina and Black’s Island to the head of the Bay. During that gigantic Easter Egg Hunt (scallop season), anglers take a back seat.
Trout flounder and redfish are the prime targets for most anglers in June. For trout, before first light try topwater baits like MirrOlure’s Top Dog, Jr, and Rapala’s smaller Skitterwalks. (Close in, you may pick up a red.) As the sun rises, move to 4’-8’ of water, fishing the channels, potholes, and troths between the sandbars. We have a wall chart at Bluewater to help you locate these areas.
A popular method for trout is live shrimp under a popping cork with 2’ of leader. Due to the popularity of live shrimp with pinfish (and etc.), other anglers prefer the same method with artificials like S.S. Minnows, DOA Shrimp, and GULP! new penny 3” shrimp. The same methods catch reds in shallower water. However, they are more skittish about noise, and may be harder to find.
The channels around Black’s Island, Pig’s Island, and along the peninsula will hold flounder. Try the grassy edges during a falling tide. A Bull minnow fished on a Carolina Rig is the standard, but a lot are caught on grubs fished with jigs on the bottom. Last June there were pompano around the point of the peninsula. Many other species, like sharks, will also offer inshore anglers tight lines and good times.
THE BEACHES
Whiting spawn in June, and much boat-less vacationers will find a good dinner in them. Pompano flounder, trout, Spanish mackerel can reds can be caught while shore fishing, and they are all good table fish. Each year some people come specifically to target sharks, which is often catch and release. However, with a little knowledge about preparation, they can be good on the table. Other surf fish (like bluefish, ladyfish, and jack cavalla) will stretch your tackle and fortitude, but are usually released after pictures.
A good way for beginners to get in on the action is with a two dropper (2 hooks) “pompano rig” baited with digit-sized pieces of fresh shrimp. Already rigged with the proper sized hooks, these rigs can be purchased for less than a dollar each at our store. An opened faced spinning reel, and a pyramid sinker heavy enough to hold you in the trough in front of the first sand bar, will put you in the fishing business. With time, you will want to start targeting specific species. Our Bluewater staff is prepared to provide you with helpful suggestions.
SEAWALL AND BRIDGE
We are fortunate to have these two locations near our store, where boat-less fishermen can wet a line with a reliable chance to catch fish. The seawall is located in “Jetty Park” a couple of 100 yards behind our store. It has two small piers, restrooms, and a large, shady gazebo next to the boat channel and rocky jetties on the far side. On clear days, it is a popular place to take in sunsets over the Bay and sunrises over the picturesque St. Joe Marina. It is fished with both natural bait and artificials. On any given day in June, serious fishermen will take home flounder, Spanish, mangrove snapper, red fish, trout, and sheepshead. Children will be seen pulling in pinfish, croakers, cats, and a variety of sea life. For best results, watch the bait movement in the tides and talk to the experienced anglers who frequent the location.
The Highland View bridge provides a similar location, but space is limited unless you wade. Restrooms and a boat-launching site are provided on the Highland View side of the bridge. The dredging that took place last week has disappeared. Customers tell us that it did not slow the fishing on the St. Joe side of the bridge. Flounder are the usual target of bridge fishermen in June, but a wide variety of fish are caught. Some years the crabbing is very good here. The jury is still out on this year.
FRESHWATER FISHING
After a couple of years of drought and water salinity problems, the good fishing has returned to the low-lying streams and lakes in our area. Old timers say that the numbers are not yet as good, but the size of the fish more than make up for it. In the White City/Lake Wimico area, bream and shellcrackers have been preferring earthworms, and the bass white shrimp. Further north in the fishery, at locations like Howard’s Creek, flies that imitate the mayfly are catching the bigger fish. Try rolling the fly underneath the limbs of trees. With the falling water, cat fishing is coming into its own.
Freshwater fishing is not an after thought at Bluewater. We carry live bait, hard baits; prepared baits for cat fishing, flies, and a selection of tackle and gear for the fly-fishing elite. Plus, we work every day to improve our store to meet your angling and outdoor needs. Carol Anderson, of our BWO staff, is daily in touch with the changing freshwater conditions in our area.
Compiled by your fishing friends at Bluewater Outriggers
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Fishing Blog- Web Updates - Nov. 4, 2009
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