REPORT:
July 10, 2001
Boca Grande Fishing Report
July is my favorite month in Boca Grande. Well, let me add, late July and August. The variety of target species and fewer anglers on the water make for pleasant days and great fishing. Most of the tourist are gone and most of the local recreational anglers are at home in the air conditioning. That leave the water to anglers who fish when the fishing is good. So, here's what's happening!
Tarpon are all over the back country but especially in Charlotte Harbor. There are still some school fish on the beach. The back country 'poons will eat live Threadfin Shad but are hard to take on a fly. Not impossible, just difficult.
I saw signs of the redfish schooling on the flats yesterday. At daylight I ran a flat that had a couple of small pods of reds maybe 15 or 20 strong. I think they will start gathering on the new moon at the end of July. I'll put a photo on my web site, www.floridaflyfishing.com, of what a school looks like so you'll know when you see them.
Snook are still on the beaches and in the passes. Daylight fishing produces several small to medium fish while the biggest ones are taken at night. Morning flyfishers can still raise a few in the surf throughout the area. Deceivers still seem to work well but try the Puglisi patterns too.
For lots of fun and a change of pace try the Bonito ( Little Tunny) on fly or light spinning gear. We have a lot of schools off Boca Grande in about 40 to 50 feet of water. It is not unusual to hook 15 or 20 in a couple of hours. More pics!
So the overall forecast for late July is very good. If you like to fish when the fish are eating then it's time to go fishing.
Tight Lines, Capt. Pete Greenan
941-9223-6095