My clients and I have been finding great success on recent charters. Departing on our Naples fishing charters we have found mild winter conditions.The fall and winter here in florida are my favorite time of the year to fish in the gulf for Kingfish, grouper and snapper.
We typically start our day catching live pilchards and threadfin herring these baits are prime for reef fishing. The next step is running out in the gulf to one of the many limestone ledges or patches of hard bottom. As we reach the reef I begin to watch the fish finder to locate schools of fish holding on the bottom. I then anchor the boat up current of the structure and we begin to fish. Dropping the live baits to the bottom is the best way to get the fish to bite. On some occasions I will deploy chum to excite the fish into a frenzy. Fishing the nearshore waters of southwest Florida is the best way to bring home fish for the table. Grouper and Snapper are some of the best eating fish in gulf and are a blast to catch.
On the days that the conditions are not favorable for an offshore run, the backcountry between Naples and Marco Island are also productive. I fish a mixture of artificial and natural bait for snook, redfish, seatrout, pompano and sheepshead. The fishing in the backcountry can be lots of fun. Each day we may catch up to 10 different varieties of fish while exploring the vast mangrove jungles of Rookery, Hall and Johnson bay. Snook and redfish require my anglers to cast close to the mangrove structures that these gamefish use as ambush points. This style of fishing is challenging and fun with the best casts often rewarded with feisty fish. Seatrout and pompano are more effectively taken on artificial baits. When targeting these species I fish channel edges, cuts and passes. Hard bottom areas which are lined with shells are usually the best places to start. Once we locate an area to fish we begin jigging with gulp and a local bait called a tube jig. A swift lift on the rod tip to make the jig hop off the bottom is proper technique and should be rewarded with one of these tasty species.
Naples fishing charters are a great way to spend time on the water. My 23 Dorado is a fishing machine, both comfortable and safe and outfitted with the latest fishing electronics and gear. Book your charter today and get in on the latest action!