We are right back in the swing of things with nonstop inshore fishing action around the Naples and Marco Island areas . We are just coming off a cold front and finally the winds have clocked back around east which is allowing our gulf water to clear up . When this happens, you tend to see fish schooling up and bait fish, showing back up along the beaches, passes and wrecks .  These are all things you want to see before the next cold front arrives. As they say , You gotta get it while they’re getting as good. We are still finding good numbers of snook and big jacks in the back country. We have been having really extreme low tides in the mornings as we’re just coming off a full moon.

’ve been concentrating on creeks and rivers  in the backcountry that have deeper shoreline. I am finding success in these spots , as there is nowhere else for them to go due to the low water levels . The trout bite has remained consistent due to the cold water temps . These fish are a staple in our winter months as they are less sensitive to temperature changes. The best way to target these fish are jigs.  3/8oz stand up jig head attached to a root beer colored soft plastic is a deadly winter time combo. 

Don’t be surprised if you catch some nice size pompano during our winter months . These fish tend to be running the same channels that the trout like to sit in.  The extended forecast is showing some nice weather coming for Christmas.  This will warm up the gulf temps and get the snook back feeding. Hope everybody has a happy holiday.  See yah on the water !


Capt. Tim Daugherty
www.fishthesalt.com
(239) 280-8138

This past week we have been treated to some warmer weather and calm winds.  This means the inshore fishing in the Naples and Marco Island areas have been on fire .  I always say it, but weather has a lot to do with our fishery.  The areas I fish( northern part of the Ten Thousand Islands) are very temperature sensitive due to their shallow depths. When our weather is stable, and the sunshine is able to warm our waters up a few degrees,  It really turns our fishy on.  This week we have been treated to some good snook , redfish , sea trout and jacks action . 

Live bait is always a great way to target our fish but also when weather temperatures get cool jigs are my go to..   This year I’ve been having a lot of productivity on the root beer color soft plastics .   Curly tailed or shrimp pattern all seem to work great when paired up with an 1/8oz or 3/4oz jig head .  These are great search baits to locate where these fish or schooled up . Once you get into some action, it’s very easy to dial it in. Look for sea trout to be around the points with current and in the deeper holes in between the islands.   

These fish love to lay face in the current and wait for bait fish to get washed in with the tide .  I’ve noticed our water clarity this week has been gin clear .  So it’s best to make long cast and really work area as to not spook these fish that may hear or see you coming.  It’s like clockwork, another cold front due in  tomorrow late afternoon which will drop attempts yet again. This is the norm for this time of year so remember the backcountry is where the action will be.   See you on the water !!!!!!!

Capt. Tim Daugherty
www.fishthesalt.com
(239) 280-8138