Big snook fooled by a live pilchard.
Fall is upon us in Naples, Florida. The days are shortening and the air and water temperatures are steadily dropping. The changing conditions trigger massive baitfish migrations and closely behind the baitfish is a wide variety of hungry predators.
On recent fishing charters I have easily found live pilchards for bait. Pilchards are generally easy to acquire which allows me to live chum for a large variety of gamefish. Using these great baitfish offshore and in the backcountry is a sure fire way to have a great day on the water.
Over the last week I spent several charters fishing both nearshore and the backcountry. The backcountry snook bite has been red hot. Snook are being caught around mangrove shorelines, passes and boat docks. The redfish bite has also been good. The low tides over the last few mornings have pushed the reds off the banks allowing for sight fishing opportunities. Besides the snook and reds there have been large crevelle jack and mangrove snapper rounding out the action.
The offshore fishing has also been quite productive. The bonita have been in a frenzy off the beaches with massive schools feeding on the migrating baitfish. Bonita are a great fighting fish easily caught by “running and gunning” a technique that involves running the boat near the school and casting baits in the crazed fish. A light colored D.O.A. Cal on a jig head has been most productive but they will take live baits as well. Along with the bonita the triple tail are out in full force. Running the crab trap buoys is the best way to find these tasty fish. Once spotted a well placed bait under a popping cork will entice a strike. A large hooked triple tail is a spirited fighter with jumps, runs and powerful dives they put up more of a fight than most anglers bargain for and are great on the plate. Offshore has also been yielding snapper, grouper, mackerel and the occasional tarpon.
All in all the fishing in Naples has been fantastic lately. The fish are biting and the weather has been great. Give me a call to talk about your next charter.
Tight lines-
Capt. Tony