Southwest Florida Fishing Report for Oct. 20: Pay attention to onboard electronics for debris
A rather benign weather pattern is allowing the waters to continue settling shallow and deep. However, the scars left by Hurricane Ian within the Southwest Florida fishery are deep and impactful. Ranging from environmental to socioeconomic, the healing process will truly be a long and challenging course.
Typical for such an enormous natural disaster, recreation has taken a backseat and is less of a priority to cleanup efforts and helping those less fortunate. But for some, a bit of salt therapy or on-the-water time has been a short reprieve and a well-deserved decompression-catching session.
Previously: Southwest Florida Fishing: Anglers easing back after Hurricane Ian for saltwater therapy
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The presence of baitfish is fueling a strong inshore gamefish bite within the area passes and middle bays. Anglers carefully navigating their way to the fishing grounds have been greeted by snook, redfish and large jack crevalle. The best baits have been sardines which are schooling along the beaches and nearshore structure followed by top-water lures and jigs.
It is important to note that while at the helm and motoring the shallows to be on the lookout for debris. Also, sandbars have shifted, and channel markers have disappeared making your onboard electronics a valuable tool to staying safe.
Beyond the horizon, plenty of snapper are filling the void as red grouper fishing remains closed until Jan. 1. Ledges and artificial reefs are top areas to begin searching for snapper and also minimize the risk of dead discard when fishing over natural wide open hard bottom habitat which supports the biomass of Gulf red grouper.
Moving ahead over the next several weeks, the nearshore/offshore arena should begin to experience some transitional changes. Water temperatures will begin falling, shoals of baitfish moving through, and hopefully a solid push or migration of king and Spanish mackerel.
To prepare for the mackerel run, anglers should replenish their tackle trays with hooks, barrel swivels, single-strand wire, jigs, planers and spoons. Additionally, check the condition of rods and ensure those drags are silky smooth as these fish run and fight hard.
Offshore
“We have been running with success several three-quarter day trips,” said Capt. Gene Luciano. “The Gulf has been nice, and the fish have been biting for our guests.”
Departing from the Naples City Dock, Luciano’s Dalis Fleet has been venturing out to water depths ranging from 55 to 80 feet. Concentrating on select ledges and wrecks, Luciano’s crews enjoyed catching success with lane, mangrove, and yellowtail snapper along with keeper-sized gag grouper. Live pinfish, herring, and cut squid were used for bait.
Naples/Estero Bay
“I have been running more recon trips throughout the inshore waters but did manage a few guided half-day trips,” said light tackle skipper Capt. Chris Turner. “The waters are still stained and there is a significant amount of debris scattered in the water and up within the mangroves.”
With his live well full of netted scaled sardines, Turner and his anglers concentrated on areas close to the passes and open Gulf. Casting toward rock jetties, current swept points and residential docks, snook, redfish, juvenile goliath grouper, and jack crevalle were landed.
Ten Thousand Islands
Reader-submitted reports indicate that several bites are active within the upper and lower Ten Thousand Islands arena. The waters are beginning to clear yet navigation throughout the shallows is tricky due to downed deadwood and debris.
Taking the bait for Ten Thousand Island anglers has been an array of snook, redfish, and juvenile tarpon. Reports indicate that live bait is available within the shallows and out over nearshore structure. However, anglers are also having success casting jigs, baitfish imitation flies and top water lures early and late in the fishing day.
If you have a report to share email captwill@naplessportfishing.com.
Anglers, email your photos to news@naplesnews.com and we will compile your images into an online gallery that’s featured each Thursday morning at www.naplesnews.com. Do not submit photos of fish caught illegally.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: SW FL fishing: The mackerel run will stater as temperatures fall
