REPORT:
July 24, 2001
Boca Grande Fishing Report
"Looks like a scene from a Cecil B. DeMile movie." That was a comment from a client on a tarpon trip in June off the Boca Grande beach. That has all changed, except for the tarpon. There are very few anglers there now. Although the weather has prevented us from getting on the beach recently, there are still fish there and they are unmolested. The ones we have been working are in the upper harbor ( Charlotte Harbor) in about 18 feet of water. They were scattered but active on our last trip. The ate both menhaden and threadfin shad. I had little success with a fly.
Redfish are traditionally active on our flats after the summer rains. These larger fish will begin schooling along the edges of grass flats from Pine Island Sound to Lemon Bay. On the low tide watch along the edges and as the tide rises get right up on the flat. Use a push pole as the trolling motors will spook the fish. There may be some large Jacks present also.
Most of the snook I've encountered have been near the passes. That is because I can't get out on the beach with the west wind and rough seas. When it calms down we'll have some fantastic snook fishing along our shores. White bait and flies will produce the best. Catch and release "snookers" should consider fishing the lights at night. Almost any light near a pass will have fish feeding on the outgoing tide each evening.
I will appearing in Naples on August 13 for a flyfishing seminar. Contact me for more details on place and time.
Tight Lines, Capt. Pete