Roberts Fishin Report   

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10/21/2011
The weather was pretty crappy out there this week, so there isn't a whole lot to report. The Peace and Myakka rivers are both
dumping a ton of fresh water into the harbor, so you're going to want to start fishing a little further down the harbor than you
normally would this time of year. There have been some reports of trout, pompano, and reds from Pirate Harbor south on the outside of the bar, but other than that, nothing real exciting. Bull and Turtle Bay are probably going to be your best bet for reds and snook. Look to the potholes and the deeper troughs along the bushes. Between the weather and the red tide, there isn't a
lot of reports from offshore. Hopefully we'll have more to tell you next week and give us a call if you've got any questions.
 

10/07/2011
Been windy out there this week in case you didn't notice, and its only going to get worse over the next couple of months, so take advantage of the  calm days as they come along. There are still some big Spanish and bonito within 10 miles and the kings are starting to trickle in. A couple more weeks and they should be really good. The near shore reefs should start seeing a better flounder and sheepshead bite as they stage up prior to moving inshore over the next 3 or 4 weeks. Redfish are doing phenomenal in the southern part of the harbor all the way through Pine Island Sound. The southern tip of the west wall is also starting to produce better and more consistent reds. Early morning topwater bite has been incredible for reds, trout, and snook and its also a great tool for locating schools of fish out in the open water. Any of them will work but the spook jrs. and Rapala skitterwalks work real well. If you want to be patient and try for the bigger reds, anchor up out on the flats and chum them up with chopped ladyfish or sardines. Once you get them going its not uncommon to get into the 30" plus fish. Of course you'll probably get some kittties, but it goes with the territory. Lots of smaller reds in the upper end of the harbor right now but that should change toward the end of the month as the water cools down and the rains quit dumping more fresh water into it.

9/30/2011
Sorry I haven't been doing my report for a while, but I have been very busy with all the changes at the shop. Hopefully we'll be back on a normal
schedule after this. As for the fishing, its pretty incredible out there right now and is only going to get better over the next 4 or 5 weeks. Redfish
are going nuts, starting to school up around the south bar of Burnt Store, Patricio, Mondango, and between Catfish and Whidden creek out on
the flats. Use a topwater for locating these fish by throwing at the schools of mullet or just looking for disturbed water. Lots of single and multiple
fish in the deeper holes and along the bars on the east side and also along the west wall in the last stretch before you hit Cape Haze Point. Cut ladyfish
and sardines working best but the early morning topwater bite is incredible. Offshore is absolutely unreal. The winds are going to start building over
the next couple weeks, so take advantage of the good weather we're having now. The Spanish mackerel are up to 6 pounds, schools of bonito, an
occasional king but they're going to get better in a couple weeks. 6 to 10 miles is the sweet spot right now. Grouper and snapper are doing best at 25
to 30 miles offshore with the occasional permit, cobia, and bigger king showing up around the wrecks. Don't be surprised at catching the occasional
sheepshead, flounder, and bull red out on the reefs. They're staging  up for their inshore move over the next couple of weeks. We'll leave it at that for
now and hopefully be back next week. Don't be afraid to call with questions because of all the changes coming up.

08/19/2011
Robert has actually taken the last couple of Fridays off for some well deserved R & R and gone fishing. Today he is off to a reptile show. In his
words, "Theoretically he should be here next week."  Time will tell.

7/29/2011
The summer sun is really heating things up out there. That along with all the fresh water running out of the Peace and Myakka rivers is pushing the
fish down the harbor further where there's a better exchange with the saltier and slightly cooler waters of the Gulf. If you really think you have to
fish the upper end of the harbor the best thing I can tell you is that its pretty inconsistent unless you're fishing for tarpon. They're moving into the
holes and around the bridges at night and of course you have the juveniles up in the PGI canals. Other than that your best fishing is going to be in
 the ICW/Pine Island sound area, unless you're heading out for some off shore fishing. Red grouper are on hard bottom and structure from 8 to about
15 miles. Lots are small but there are enough keepers there to make it worthwhile. Take lots of bait, squid, sardines, shrimp, pinfish, and believe it
or not, night crawlers. They're eating just about anything you drop down. Some chicken dolphin out there close, but you need to get out around the
50 mile plus mark to get on the bigger ones and the black fin tuna.

7/22/2011
Glass minnows and ladyfish, along with a few bluefish, have moved into the harbor in really good numbers. That means the tarpon are with them,
but they're just not showing themselves a whole lot yet. They're scattered from Cape Haze to the mouth of the Myakka. Threadfins, pin fish, and
ladyfish are your best baits. No, there's nothing you can do to avoid the catfish that will eat those also, so be ready to get slimed. Have a pole rigged
for pitching to the cobia that will swim up to you. Offshore fishing has been great. Dolphin up to 15 pounds, but mostly small, from 12 to 30 miles
and the further out you go the more consistent it gets. A few kings and black fins at 30 to 50 miles. Grunts and mangrove snapper are doing well at
10 to 15 miles in 60 to 65 feet of water. Inshore, go early or stay home. Frozen shrimp, cut bait up under the bushes and be ready to wait. And yes,
the live shrimp are still small.
 

7/15/2011
Lots of changes happening out there in the harbor now that both rivers have water flowing out of them in more than a trickle. I'm not a big fan of
fishing around tides, but for the next 3 months, especially in the middle to upper end of the harbor, the incoming tide is much better. That incoming
tide will bring in cooler, saltier water which is what the fish will be looking for. Glass minnows, small greenbacks, and threadfins have been showing up
in good numbers the last couple of days which means the smorgasbord is open. Lots of ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, occasional blue fish, small sharks,
and tarpon are starting to move into the harbor , mostly between marker 5 and Boca Grande, and they're all chasing the bait. It should only get better
here over the next few weeks. Mangrove snapper have started showing up all over the passes and inside too. Nothing huge but there are some nice ones
in the mix. The nice snapper are out on the near shore reefs along with the grunts and Spanish mackerel. Small dolphin, sails, blackfins, and the occasional
wahoo are at about 30 miles. This is the primetime for offshore because the seas are relatively calm except for the thunderstorms that roll through and stir
things up. The reds and snook are out there, but if you're not getting under the bushes you're probably not going to do real well. The shrimp are tiny so
don't be afraid to use the frozen shrimp and cut baits. The main thing is slow presentation. Too hot for those fish to get real excited about chasing food.
Again, make sure you stay well hydrated out there too. Heat stroke is not one of those things that you want to get the t-shirt for.

7/08/2011
Well, it has been a rather wet and soggy week to sat the least. We needed the rain to get things going on land and in the harbor, but enough is enough.
As usual, its the same old same old, your better fishing is going to be closer to the intercoastal, and the shrimp are going to be small for the next 3 or
so months. Your bigger reds and snook are down in the Pine Island area and some nice fish also around Whidden and Catfish Creeks. White bait is
the best way to go but frozen shrimp is a good second choice. Yes, the fish will eat the frozen shrimp, so quit whining and try it, you might be surprised.
Snook  are stacked out along the beaches, and since they're still closed, we're not passing along any secret tricks for getting them. Tarpon are all over
the beaches and passes with a few fish up inside the harbor. The one good thing about the rain is that it should start moving them up into the harbor.
We'll just have to wait and see. Offshore wasn't the best place to be this past week, but there were a few brave souls that ventured out to the near shore
reefs. They were rewarded with some decent mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, and grunts. Also some fairly large flounder which is not all that
common in our area. We'll see how things go this next week with all this rain. Its bound to change things up out there. Don't forget its hot out there
so make sure you stay well hydrated and Fido too if you take him along.
 

7/01/2011
As you can see I wasn't here last week. Actually took the day to try to go tarpon fishing, but the weather didn't cooperate. Nice scenery from the
Placida wharfs at the Fishery restaurant though. Well its finally raining and the water temps have actually dropped a full 2 or 3 degrees. This should
do a lot of good things for the bite out there. We should start seeing an influx of fish into the harbor, such as Spanish mackerel, tarpon, cobia, and
bait fish. As far as right now is concerned, tarpon are stacked along the beach and passes with a few in the intercoastal. Spanish mackerel and mangrove
snapper are on the near shore reefs. A few small sharks and Spanish mackerel on the inside with a few cobia mixed in, mainly around the markers.
Look for the fishing to get better throughout the coming week with the rainfall we've been getting. Everybody have a safe and happy Independence
Day week-end.
 

6/17/2011
Thank you everyone for making the 26th year of Fishin Franks shark, sail cat and sting ray tournament a huge success. A good time was had
by all (especially the winners). A huge thank you to Frank and Terry for making it all happen. Tarpon fishing should be improving this week
now that we've had a little bit of rain and the hill tide is over. Start looking for a lot more fish to start moving up into the harbor and out onto
the beaches and into the passes. Crabs are still working better than the threadfins and both are working better than any artificials right now.
Look and be ready for cobia while you're out there. They're showing up everywhere out there right now, from the middle of the harbor all the
way up to the 41 bridges. Take some frozen sardines and shrimp with you to start off with but try to get a live whiting for better results. Hogy
eels are a good choice for an artificial to throw at them. We need a little more rain to get all the fish turned on out there. The full moon this month
and next month are going to be the best times for fishing the snapper on the near shore reefs as they'll be out there spawning. The redfish bite has
been on and off but they are out there. There have been some decent reds taken up close to the north end of the harbor but the big boys are further
down the harbor. They have been taking white bait pretty consistently but will still eat a shrimp if you put it out there. Snook are just about any
and everywhere you fish out there except for maybe up the river. They're wrecking the white bait if you can find it right now. That little bit of rain
we got the other night has murked up the water inside of the bars on both sides of the harbor making it difficult to spot the bait. Don't forget its
still a catch and release for the snook and apparently is going to be for another year on this coast. The FWC has decided to open the snook season
on the Atlantic side but not on the Gulf. What will be will be and we're going to have to live with it whether we agree with it or not. Hopefully
this will turn out to be a good decision in the long run.
 

6/10/2011
This week-end is our annual shark, sail cat, and stingray tournament. Notice annual, there's only one so don't miss it. Make sure you get
out there and enjoy the time with your family and friends. This past week has been really screwed up for tarpon. There's plenty of fish out
there, but they just aren't cooperating as far as the bite goes. Doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to when they're going to eat. I think
part of the reason for that is the low pressure system that's sitting over Cuba. At least its there and not a hurricane, at least not yet anyway.
I had the opportunity to fish with Captain Jody from the boat The Ocean yesterday (Thursday) and some guests of his. It was definitely a
thrill for me, and I wish I could tell you that I managed to get us on some nice sharks, but that would be a lie. All we managed to do is get
some sun and burn a lot of fuel, but it was still a great day for me and I enjoyed the experience immensely. They're extremely nice people and
I hope that if the opportunity arises to fish with them again that I can manage to get us on some fish. Lots of small sharks scattered
throughout the entire upper harbor, with some mixed reports of bigger black tips and bulls offshore chasing the schools of bonito and jacks.
Look for the frigate birds. Cobia are scattered all over the inner harbor with reports from the bridges all the way south to the ICW. The
Spanish macks are moving back into the harbor and the spade fish have the Alligator Creek reef about covered up. Snook are all over the
beaches, in the passes, and along the eastern edges of the ICW. Still a lot of smaller fish inside too with some big girls thrown in as well. The reds
are playing a little hard to get, probably due to the tournament pressure and the fact that the water is heating up pretty good. They are out there
though for the fisherman that has the patience to get out there and beat the bushes. Reds will eat just about anything you put in front of them,
but they have been eating the 4" new penny Gulp shrimp pretty consistently. There have been some nice mangroves being caught inside also,
but not a lot of big numbers. Hope you all get out for the tournament.

06/03/2011
Its June, the kids are out of school, and summer is all but here. The official start of hurricane season happened a couple of days ago,
the water has warmed up nicely and hopefully won't get too hot too soon. For now, we're still in one of our better times of the year for
fishing in Charlotte Harbor. The tarpon bite in the pass is still going on even if the fish have been a bit finicky, but they are spread out
over the harbor and the beaches a bit more and eating crabs and DOA Baitbusters. The bite would probably improve a bit if we'd ever get
some rain to flush the crabs down out of the rivers and on out through the pass. Smaller sharks are everywhere in the harbor along with
a few bigger ones in the deeper holes. Cobia are being reported along most of the upper harbor piers and the 41 bridges as well as out
on the flats off of Ponce and Colony Point. Snook are all over the place but still closed. Hopefully that will change come September 1st.
The reds are out there to be had but only if you work at it. Between the water temps and the pressure from the tournaments we've already
had, they're pretty spooky and doing their best to hide up in the bushes. You can still get them out on the flats, but only if you go early.
The offshore bite has been good on the red and black grouper at 40 miles plus along with the red snapper a bit further out at 55 miles.
Bonito and some kingfish are showing up at about 10 miles and there are some larger sharks on the reefs. Remember that the state
joined in with the feds and closed gag grouper as of June 1st as well as the ajs. Getting tougher out there. The last and best is just a
reminder that next Saturday June 11th is the annual Fishin' Franks shark, sail cat, and stingray tournament, $30.00 per entry. Lots of
fun for a pretty reasonable price. There's only one tournament again this year, so don't miss out.

 

05/27/2011
A few tarpon are scattered in the center of the harbor, but the majority of the fish are still concentrated around the passes, ICW,
and beaches. Crabs, crabs, and more crabs are your choice for live bait and are out fishing threadfins 20 to 1. Lots of small sharks
throughout the entire harbor and a few bigger ones toward the passes and offshore reefs. Some cobia, bluefish and Spanish mackerel
have moved in around the bait balls in the harbor. Offshore there are some kings around the nearshore reefs and some bonita.
Amberjack, grouper, and snapper get bigger the further out you go, but remember that gags and ajs close on June 1st. Some big trout
scattered on the grass flats on the east wall and Pine Island Sound, not great numbers but real quality fish. There have been lots of
snook down the east side eating white bait and some very large ones up in Turtle Bay also eating white bait. Reds are scattered all over the
place but catchable if you go out and work at it. Would like to tell you that the water has cleared up on the west wall, but that isn't the
case and whatever's causing it seems to have moved on down into Muddy Bay (Cape Haze Bay on the charts) and on around the point
into the entry of Turtle Bay. Its crystal clear from there on out and the entire east side is just beautiful. A big congratulations goes out
to Captain Dwayne French and Team Sea Hunt/Bomber for their win in the PTTS last Sunday with a 205 pound fish. Not bad for an
old cracker. Its Memorial Day week-end, time to remember and thank those who have served and made the sacrifices necessary so that the
rest of us can enjoy this great country. Like they say, freedom is not free. Thank you each and everyone.
 

05/20/2011
The water is finally clearing up out there in the harbor. The higher tides and the westerly afternoon sea breeze have probably
had a lot to do with that. As for fishing, its tarpon season. The fish are stacked up in the pass and along the beaches, so are the
boats. The fishing should be getting even better here over the week-end and into next week. Crabs and threadfins are the baits
of choice, and of course jigs in the pass. Lots of small sharks throughout the harbor while the larger sharks have moved offshore.
Speaking of offshore, the red grouper and red snapper bite are excellent at the 40+ mile range along with the lanes and the
vermillion. Inshore the spanish macks and cobia have moved back inside. Look primarily around the bait balls which you should
see by watching for the birds. Redfish are scattered but catchable if you work at it. The upper east side has been fairly productive
early in the morning and late in the afternoon, while the west wall has been spotty at best probably due to the murky water and low
oxygen levels over there. Its getting clearer but still isn't great. Hopefully that'll change soon.
 

05/06/2011
The drastic tide changes this past week have made the fishing out there way better. Threadfins have shown up from the middle
of the harbor all the way out to Boca, which has brought the spanish mackerel back in, sharks of assorted sizes , and the tarpon.
Early morning and evening bite has been the best for the tarpon. There has been an unbelievable amount of large bull sharks in
the pass and ICW. Makes for getting the tarpon to the boat pretty tough. Kingfish, snapper, porgies, and grunts still good offshore,
but the wind this week has made it tough getting out for all but the heartiest of souls. Redfish have been scattered and tough to
locate for even the best of them. A good case in point is the fact that the Elite Flatsmasters series was won with a weight of under
14 pounds this past week-end. The water clarity has improved since last week so maybe this bloom thing or whatever it was is
clearing up. Just have to wait and see.

04/29/2011
Sorry there was no report last week, but we had no internet service for 5 days. Gotta love that. Been pretty breezy out there this
week but the few brave souls that did venture out have been reporting a huge number of cats being caught, both hardheads and
sailcats. Seems that they're the replacement for the Spanish mackerel that came in like a whirlwind a few weeks back and have
now all but disappeared. What's up with that? We also have some kind of weird algae bloom out in the harbor that seems to have
its origins from somewhere around the I-75 bridges. Don't know if that's a contributing factor or not, but the water has been
downright ugly. All of your best fishing for any species seems to be further down the harbor around the ICW and Pine Island
Sound. That's also where you'll find the whitebait, because they're definitely scarce up on this end. Again maybe from the algae bloom.
I say algae bloom, but don't know that its really that. Just something weird going on out there.

04/15/2011
Robert is off today enjoying the company of his family and will be back next week with his regular report. He did ask that
we tell you all that the tarpon are starting to be more plentiful and will probably be moved into the pass in the next week
or so. The sharks are getting more plentiful too and have already gotten reports of them being lined up for dinner in the pass.
There are some big hammers out there already.

04/08/2011
Whitebait starting to move in pretty well this past week, still spotty but better. Tarpon becoming more consistent but
still scattered through the harbor, ICW, and the passes. More redfish moving around on both sides of the harbor. Been
a little funky, we're thinking because of the rain, and that's pretty much across the board on fishing in general. Kings are
becoming more consistent offshore and the pompano are biting pretty well along the beaches. Still better things to come.

04/01/2011
A guy trolling for Spanish mackerel inside the pass yesterday hooked and landed 2 sailfish. The strong southwest
wind had apparently blown in a couple of huge bait balls that the sailfish followed inside.......April Fools. Couldn't
pass that one up. On the serious side, fishing is getting a lot better. The rain is pulling in more bait which in turn means
more fish. Reds are getting bigger and bigger and more abundant. King fish have shown up all over just offshore
along with the good sheephead and snapper bite on the bottom. Shark and tarpon are scattered all over but are still
mainly inconsistent. Be ready though, all of that's right around the corner. Pompano numbers are good along the
I.C.W. and the beaches. Cobia moving around better on the east side and the near shore reefs. Time to get out there
and hit the water.
 

3/25/2011
Still a little inconsistent out there, but kings and permit are starting to show up offshore. Bottom fishing is
incredible, but be careful out there because of those March winds. Inshore has been tough to figure out. There are
still a lot of Spanish mackerel scattered throughout the harbor and a lot of rat reds just about everywhere. The
bigger reds are closer to the ICW although the keepers can be found up close if you work hard at it. Lots of whiting
and sugar trout. Too bad snook is closed. Gonna get a whole lot better here pretty soon so hang in there.

03/18/2011
Fishing is pretty inconsistent out there this week. For your best advice go read our weekly updated fishing report.
Hopefully next week there'll be something worth hootin' and hollerin' about. Good luck out there and let us know
if you do any good.

03/11/2011
Things aren't a whole different than they were last week. The temperatures have been balmy, but the March
wind has definitely arrived, and as of this morning hopefully the last cold front of the year. Things are going
to be inconsistent on the catching side of things, so make a guess and go for it. Things should get a little
better once this front moves through and it warms back up. We should be able to give you a better report by
the beginning of the week. Call the shop for some more up to date info then. Don't forget about the big tent
sale next week-end. You don't want to miss out on the bargains.

03/04/2011
We lied in the last report. Life caught up to us and kept us off the page obviously for a while. Sorry about that
and we promise to try to be here on a regular basis. On the fishing side of things, its a hundred times better than
it was the last time around. The balloon is about ready to pop. We're about 4 weeks ahead of schedule on the
species of fish thanks mainly to the warmer than normal temps we've been enjoying. Sure beats the hell out of last
winter. Some larger reds are starting to show up along the intercoastal in Pine Island and Boca. Spanish macks are
all over the harbor but mainly down south. Pompano and cobia starting to make an appearance on the east side
and in Pine Island. Tarpon in the river and canals staring to get anxious. Sheephead, mangrove snapper, and porgy
at the near shore reefs. Bring the whole arsenal of tackle for all fish that could show up.

01/20/2011
Sorry about missing last week and this week isn't really going to be a report. Just a quick note to apologize to the
faithful readers that haven't found anything new here the last couple of weeks. We're a little disorganized here the
last couple weeks with 4 of the guys in Seaschool for their captains license, the boat show going on this week, and
Frank off to Gainesville for his daughters wedding. Congratulations Heather! We will be back to normal next week
if you all think there's anything normal about what goes on around here. See you then.

01/07/2011
If you read last weeks report, everything is still pretty much the same fishing wise. Sheepshead have moved in on the
Alligator Creek Reef  and El Jobean in really good numbers. There is so much structure on the reef that if you're not
catching fish in one spot, just move to another. Be prepared to lose your anchor occasionally, but its all part of the
cost of fishing. Rat reds are everywhere, but then its that time of year. Finding the larger keeper reds is tough this time
of year, so don't get discouraged. You're not doing anything wrong. Its just a typical January fishing pattern.

12/31/2010
Another year has gone by and time to get ready for what life throws at us in the new one. Fishing has been a little
spotty with the crazy weather we've been having, but trout and sheepshead should be the main attraction for the next
couple of months as long as the weather stays cool. If you're just looking to bend the rod and don't care about the size,
shrimp under a poppin cork will work just fine. For those bigger trout though, you want to change tactics a little. Drift
the flats or troll working an artificial slowly. Water conditions permitting, topwaters work well for trout. Zara Spook Jrs,
or Zippin Ziggys are 2 good choices. If the water is a little to choppy to work them well, time to use something that runs
under the surface. Of course there's always the old reliable Johnson Silver Minnow, but plastics work well too. Try an
Exude Slug or a Gulp Ripple Mullet rigged on a Strike Zone jighead. The choices are endless and a matter of personal
preference. Good luck out there. Everyone have a safe and Happy New Year!

12/24/2010
We lost a close personal friend this week, Captain Angel Torres, so my head hasn't been exactly clear, but I have
managed to hear a few reports of people catching fish. Lots of rat reds out there with the occasional legal and
oversized one mixed in. Look to the potholes in Bull and Turtle Bay for the best action. Live or frozen shrimp worked
slowly should do the trick. Sheepshead are abundant around the docks, piers and oyster bars. Pieces of shrimp
or sandfleas are your best bet since fiddler crabs are hard to come by. Will have a better report for you next week when
our heads are a little clearer. Everyone have a Merry Christmas! Remember, its all about spending the time with your
family. Enjoy it while you can.

12/16/10

With the temps dropping the fishing is going to be inconsistent, so fishing is going to change from day to day.
Sheephead, Black drum, and redfish are three species that are not bothered as much by the cold. They will be
a little sluggish though, so work your lures and baits slowly. Its all going to be hit or miss though until we start
getting more consistent temperatures. Hopefully warmer than they have been of late. Call 941-625-3888 for
more up to date information.


 

12/03/2010
Look for the fishing to change dramatically all over the area with this cold front that's moving through over the next week.
The water temps are going to drop significantly pushing some fish out of the area completely, notably tarpon and sharks and
possibly kings, and push others further up into the harbor. Look for the sheepshead, pompano, and snook to start coming in
closer and the reds to start moving up the rivers and into the deeper potholes. Remember its rat red season so try using circle
hooks and Strike Zone circle hook jigheads to insure a safe release of these future keepers. Anything we  would put here is
going to change at any given moment with the weather the way it is, so good luck.

11/25/2010
Happy Thanksgiving! Make sure you spend some quality time with your friends whether you're fishing or not. Your best
bet for fishing is still out along the beaches or in the Gulf of Mexico. Kings, Spanish, and amberjack are all over the near shore
reefs. The grouper and snapper is also still going strong. Pompano, sheepshead , and flounder are showing up in good numbers
along the beaches and passes. The inshore bite has been off and on, but they're out there if you take the time to hunt for them.
Again, enjoy your holiday and don't eat too much turkey.

11/18/2010
As you can see, this is the first report in several weeks. We had computer problems which are theoretically solved now....
until the next time. The marvels of modern technology. Fishing in the upper harbor has been a little inconsistent. The water
is still a little too warm. Fishing is decent at the mouths of the canals, but its going to get a lot better. Reds are scattered
all along the west wall, white bait and shrimp seem to be your best bet. The spanish mackerel along with some bluefish and
a few kings are doing pretty well in the middle of the harbor. The gulf is on fire and not because of  the oil spill. Trolling
for grouper in 30 to 40 feet of water has been extremely productive. Also Gags up to 15 pounds along with a few kings up to
30 pounds. Around the reefs, especially the boxcars, palm island, and Helens reef, kingfish, bonito, aj's and barracuda are
eating everything in site. Grouper and snapper are doing very well along with a few scamp, and lots of large sheepshead and
porgies. A few nice flounder also are being caught on the outside edges of the reef. Try using shrimp for most of these bottom
fish right now.
 


 

10/22/2010
Offshore fishing is totally off the hook. If its a gulf species, they're eating and you will be too if you go out. Trolling or
bottom fishing starting at 2 miles out and as far as you care to venture will get you on the fish. Tarpon are still here
eating ladyfish. Whatever species you want to catch, you can be pretty sure you're going to get it if you go after it. Take the
time to spend with friends and family and make a day of it on the water.
 

10/14/2010
Tarpon are still everywhere, but you're bored. Pompano, snook, and flounder are doing really well  along the edges of
the passes and just inside them. Live shrimp and small bucktails are your best bets for bait. The bull reds are
showing up along the beaches along with a lot of decent reds along both sides of the harbor. They're primarily under the
bushes, not out on the flats. Lots of small trout all over the place, but still waiting for the big ones to show up in
better numbers. Spanish and small kings are offshore. The gag and red grouper bite has been unbelievable from 7 to
16 miles out.

10/08/2010
In case you're not bored with tarpon yet, they're from the 20 foot hole up into the Myakka and to the 41 bridges.
Ladyfish or threadfins are your best bait. Under normal weather patterns , about two more weeks of  great
fishing is what you can expect and then they'll be gone. Red fish are becoming more abundant under the
bushes and sand holes on both sides of the harbor. Their feeding habits have been varying so try everything
for baits or lures. Pompano, whiting, and flounder are getting real good out along the beaches.

10/01/2010
Just in case you didn't notice, the morning temps and humidity have started dropping off. Like May this is
a phenomenal month in general. Fishing is good, the weather makes you want to be out there with nature.
Life is good. Be prepared for just about every species of fish from Tarpon, reds, flounder, pompano, spanish
mackerel, snapper, sheepshead, trout, along with just about everything else you can imagine. Its going to be
like this for the next several weeks. Live bait will work well, but now is also a good time to dust off the
artificials and start using them.
 

9/24/2010
Tarpon have finally started feeding on ladyfish in the center of the harbor, but these "March" winds have been
making it tough to spot them. The redfish bite has started to get better with the rain slacking off the last week
or so. They're starting to move back up the harbor, but the bigger schools are still down towards the southern end.
Things should only get better from here. There are plenty of reports of snook, but unfortunately you can't keep
them. Makes it better for next year.     

9/17/2010
Tarpon are everywhere but still being a pain in the butt getting them to eat. The bite should start improving with
this "cooler" weather and lack of rain over the past few days. Redfish have been pretty spotty in the upper harbor,
 primarily due to all the rain we had the last couple of weeks. There have been some good reports of  schooling
fish further down the harbor and particularly along the ICW, Pine Island and Gasparilla Sound areas. Whidden
creek and Useppa Island would be a couple of good places to start your hunt. Live shrimp, white bait and cut
ladyfish are all good choices for bait. Start looking for flounder along the beaches and near shore reefs.

9/10/2010

With all the rain this past week, fishing has been spotty at best. Tarpon are still all over the upper end of the
harbor, but with all the food out there, they've been very difficult to pinpoint and catch. There's acres of bait
all over the harbor including greenbacks, threadfins, glass minnows, spanish sardines, ladyfish, catfish and
crabs. So for a tarpon to find your one bait in that mix, good luck with that. Also with all the rain, reports on
redfish have been scattered, but look for fish along the ICW where the water is cleaner and less freshwater
flowing. The incoming tides should be your best bet. Try under the docks in Lemon Bay and along the edges
of the channels. Live or frozen shrimp are still your best bet for bait.

9/3/2010

Tarpon bite is staring to get better, Ladyfish and DOA Baitbusters are the baits of choice. The fish are
moving around a lot, so no one spot is better than another. Redfish are starting to school up primarily
around the ICW. Places like outside of Whidden Creek, Sandfly, and Pine Island Sound in general are good
places to start your search. Live shrimp and pinfish are doing well for live baits, and 3" new penny gulp shrimp
and the bone sl spook junior are working well for artificials. The mangrove bite on and offshore is getting
better but reports are still scattered. Have a good Labor Day week-end.

8/27/2010
Due to all the rain this past week, fishing is going to be unpredictable. Tarpon have slowed down on their
slurping and are focusing more on ladyfish. You'll have to look for rolling or free jumping fish with your best
bet being from the mouth of the Myakka to the middle of the harbor. Redfish are starting to show up in better
numbers but scattered locations, here today there tomorrow. Live shrimp is outperforming all baits significantly.
Snook are still abundant on the beaches and along the ICW with some fish moving in closer on the barrier
islands. To get a more accurate report on what's going on out there, stop by or call the shop.

8/20/2010
I'm glad I can't hear fish scream. There are millions of glass minnows from the 41 bridge to the middle of the harbor
being destroyed by tarpon, ladyfish, spanish, sharks. and terns. Tarpon are all over out there but not being very cooperative
about getting on the hook. This slurping pattern will last another week or so. Ladyfish (live or dead) will be your
best choice for bait. Shrimp are getting a little bigger and so are the redfish. The quantity and quality of these
fish is getting better throughout the harbor. The early morning bite has been the best before the sun gets up high
enough to boil the water and the fish.

8/13/2010
Robert is on vacation this week, visiting mom and probably chasing snakes and lizards around in the desert.
Really not a lot to report on this week anyway with all the rain we had the first three days. He'll return next week.
 

8/06/2010
Tarpon are still doing great. In case you're bored with this, they'll be gone in another 5 to 6 weeks. Redfish are starting to pick up
both in numbers and size. Cut sardines and ladyfish, along with small pinfish are doing very well for bait. Pine Island around Rat Key
and Lemon Bay docks are some of your most consistent spots. Trout are still slow, but getting some good reports on early morning
topwaters in Lemon Bay. Look for 4 to 5 feet of water and work it slow. Some big spanish and an odd king at the offshore reefs. Fishing
overall should start getting better from day to day, so be patient. We're on the upward curve of the flats fishing and its only going
to get better from here.

7/31/2010

Tarpon fishing is absolutely incredible. Fish are on the beaches, the passes, and all over the harbor. There's
no reason to crowd anyone. There are plenty of fish and plenty of room. DOA baitbusters, ladyfish, and pinfish are
your best baits. Redfish are doing much better, but they are lethargic because of the extremely high water temps.
Early morning is the best time to fish for them.  Try cut ladyfish, frozen shrimp or sardines, along with live
pinfish, for baits. Its really hot out there right now, so keep yourself cool and hydrated. The fish are hot too, so take
your time reviving them after the fight if you are releasing them.

7/23/2010
Red snapper is closed. Mini lobster season opens this week. Watch your limits and be safe. Tarpon are all over in the
center of the harbor. Threadfins and DOA baitbusters working the best. Quite a few small sharks between Cape Haze
and the intercoastal. Snapper bite inside has slowed down, but offshore at the reefs is doing very well. Redfish are
picking up, but if you're looking for bait, get your quarter inch mesh net out.

7/16/2010
Tarpon are all over the harbor from the 41 bridge and the Myakka all the way to Boca. Live threadfins and DOA
baitbusters working very well. Work your baits slowly as the tarpon have been a little on the picky side. The dog
days of summer are here and fishing overall has been slow, but remember the early bird gets the worm. If you're
looking for bait, there's plenty of small stuff out there, but let it grow up. Try using frozen or cut baits and artificials.

7/09/2010
Fishing has been a little slow this past week due to the weather. Tarpon are scattered all over from the beaches
 to the harbor. This week-end will be the last decent hill tide of the season and the tarpon will move into the
harbor after that. The offshore snapper bite has been incredible and should continue the rest of this month.
Still plenty of small sharks, with the occasional large shark in the lower end of the harbor. Catch and release
snook action along the beaches is incredible.

7/02/2010
In case you haven't noticed, it has been raining. That has helped drop the harbor water temps from 91-92
degrees to about 88. Doesn't sound like much, but it should make fishing in general a little more productive.
Due to the weather, fishing has been pretty tough this week. Tarpon have been staying offshore but should
move back in. Crabs and threadfins are your best bait. Offshore fishing has still been great for those brave
souls that went out. Lots of nice snapper and grouper being brought in. Trout have all but disappeared, but
the snook bite has been good pretty much everywhere along the east side and out along the beaches.
Remember, catch and release only. Start looking for the reds at the mouths of the creeks and cuts dumping
into the harbor with all the rain washing the bait and other goodies out.



6/25/2010
Tarpon are still incredible. The offshore fishing from 10 to 50 miles out is absolutely wonderful
as it usually is this time of year. Bottom fish such as grouper, mangroves, lanes, yellowtail, and red
 snapper have been doing exceptionally well. Good to great action on pelagics, tuna, kings, dolphin
sailfish, and wahoo. Remember the thunderstorms can be wicked and your cell phone does not work
offshore. Be safe and be prepared.



6/18/2010
Do I need to say that the tarpon fishing is still great? Pass is full of them and they're all over the
harbor again after cramming the pass over the week-end for the hill tides. Lots of blacktips and
bonnetheads scattered around the harbor, and some big sharks moved into the pass. Big spanish
out along the intercoastal and the beaches, with some big trout running Pine Island Sound and
up around Devilfish and Three Sisters.

6/11/2010
Another phenomenal week of tarpon fishing, and it should continue to be great with the hill tides
running over the week-end. We expect the tarpon season to last into July out along the beaches
and the passses. The snapper bite on and offshore is getting better every day, but the full moon of
June and July will put the fish into spawn and  full feeding mode, with plenty of quality fish. Permit
still doing well on the nearshore reefs with the evening bite doing better.

6/04/10
June is the transition month for most of the flats fishing species, snook, reds, trout, etc...Look for
these fish along the intercoastal and passes. Couple key places will be the bushes and docks in
Lemon Bay and  and down around Captiva and Pine Island. Tarpon fishing in general has been off
the hook this past week. Jig fishing in the pass has been consistent throughout mid morning into the
afternoon, but also plenty of small schools from the 41 bridge to Boca and the beaches. Concentrate
your efforts around the schools of threadfins and look for rolling or free jumping fish. Threadfins, crabs,
and DOA baitbusters are your best choices for bait. Also lots of small sharks around these schools. Try
to use barbless or circle hooks for catch and release of these little guys.


5/21/10
This past week has been an incredible fishing week. Did a new personal best on what I call a big
fish slam, Tarpon, shark, and Jewfish in the same day. Bull was 9' about 300 lbs., jewfish was about
300 lbs., and the tarpon was 100 lbs. Tarpon fishing in the harbor has been very good from the pass
all the way to marker 6. Has also been fish in the upper harbor by Ponce and the mouth of the Myakka.
Lot of good flats fishing for snook and redfish due to the decreased pressure on them because of all the
tarpon fishing. Spanish mackerel and kings doing lots better offshore around the boxcars and the
school bus reef.





5/14/10

Tarpon are moving to the Pass for Friday and Saturday nights hill tides. Usually when they leave they bring
back a lot more friends. In addition to the tarpon, the larger sharks should be right behind them. There are plenty
of spanish mackerel, blacktips, and blacknose sharks in the lower end of the harbor. Look for schools of bait
from marker 5 to Boca. There will be tarpon and cobia in addition to the mackerel and small sharks around the
bait balls. Mangrove snapper bite has really started to pick up all over.



 

5/08/10

Tarpon are finally here. Getting a lot of reports and pictures of fish being caught
 around the 20 foot holes in the middle of the Harbor and the inster-coastal around captiva pass.
 Fish are starting to show up in Boca Grande Pass.
The pass itself should get better and better over the next week.
There are a lot of small sharks moving around the entire harbour.
 A couple of key places are cape haze bar, Pirate Harbour flat,
and the flat around devil fish key. Spanish Mackerel are scattered throughout the harbour,
 around the tire reef and marker one. Cobia are starting to move around  a little bit more too,
 getting some good reports around the 41 bridge, the mouth of the Myakka.

 

The Fishin Reports

4/29/10

Inter-coastal and beach fishing have been a lot more productive than the upper harbor.
Schools of threadfins and glass minnows are in the southern part of the harbor,
along with some whitebait around Cape Haze and Devilfish.

 There have been a few tarpon mixed in feeding on the bait schools,
 along with spanish mackerel, bluefish and a few black tips showing up.
There are still a few pompano on the beach, but they are starting to thin out
but there are still a lot of nice whiting.
Night fishing off of Placida and Tom Adams bridge have been producing
nice oversized redfish, along with some blacktips, and Bonnet-heads
with some scattered pompano.

Robert

4/22/10

All along the beaches right now, there are schools of lady-fish, blue-fish, &
Spanish Mackerel. larger numbers of the can be found in Little Gasparilla pass,
and Captiva pass. 

Feeding on these schooling fish are good size Spinner, and Black-tip sharks.
The Macs and Lady-fish fish are pretty tasty to them, Just keep in mind.
It is against the law to cut up Spanish Mackerel for bait, no problem on the Ladys.

Red-fish are really moving around, there are lots of very good reports From
Pine Island sound up to Bokeelia and over to Usseppa. To the north Whidden Creek.

These are the main Fish People are talking about,

The Tarpon are going to light up just out of no where.

There is a huge, cold water up-welling, Extending from Destin down as far south as Captiva
Which is holding down the water Temp. making the water cooler than it should be at this time of year. This is slowing the Tarpon bite. The up-welling could be because of the cool fronts blowing in from the west.

The Tarpon bite around St James city is good and even better around Sanibel.

The cobia just showed up in Destin a few days ago. About a month late.
So It is still a go for tarpon fishing here.
It just is going to take a little longer for the sliver king, bite to Happen.

 Robert

04/15/2010

Fishing has been good despite the wind. With all the rain, fishing has been much better down
towards the inter-coastal. Shore fisherman have been whacking the pompano from
Venice to Sanibel. Small sharks and cobia moving along the near-shore reefs,
along with Spanish mackerel and some kings. Tarpon are moving around down by Sanibel
and Pine Island, but aren't consistent yet. If you really want to try catching one,
go around the power lines in Pine Island or Captiva Rocks.
Larger sharks are moving around Captiva pass and following the schools of Spanish mackerel.
A couple more weeks of sheepshead around the phosphate docks, Tremblay reef ,Novak reef
and the 7 mile ledge, before they move off.
Trout are doing well on the grass flats in Lemon Bay at Stump Pass.

Good luck fishing out there.
Feel free to call or stop in at the shop for more up to date fishing reports.      
  Robert