Prior to the cold front that past by first of the week where temps dropped into the 40s Pine Island Sound was stating to show some decent action with Snook and Trout with the occasional Redfish. Bait fish was making a good showing but unlike the past few years it is not in the usual spots. Tarpon began showing in small numbers on the beaches and I have heard from other guides they have been catching a couple a week. I went in to the big Pass today and marked a handful of tarpon and there where several boats drifting live bait.
Bull and Turtle Bay have been fairly reliable with a mixed bag, but I struggled to put fish in the boat today. Several of the trout we caught did not even fight, indicating that the cold must have affected them more than I thought.
Upper Charlotte Harbor has a steady supply of bait in and around the two bridges. Snook fishing continues to be good in the rivers and canals, and I expect until we get a week or longer of warm days they will be in no hurry to leave.
I have been steady booking tarpon trips and have very limited availability for May. I stll have openings in June so if you are planning a tarpon trip this year you should be getting your plans together. I expect another phenomenal season
Spring like weather patterns continue, with the mildest winter I can remember in recent history. Red fish fishing is not as good as it should be with reds being a hit or miss, however big redfish are showing in the potholes. The slot-sized reds are harder to find and not in good numbers. Cut bait and scented plastic are still the best. Snook season opened and some slot fish are being taken in the upper Myaka as well as the Peace River. Smaller snook are more abundant on the flats and deeper cuts. Trout fishing is pretty hot with plenty of gator trout mixed with slot size, a good day well consist of 30-50 fish. Non-stop action can be found drifting and casting 1/8-1/4 ounce jigs with jerk baits or gulp shrimp.
Grouper fishing continues to be good close to shore as well as the snapper. Drifting cut or live bait will take home plenty of dinner. I also hear a lot of success trolling plugs near good bottom or structure. Interesting fact the there could be new regulations on the horizon for offshore fishing so it is a good idea to get involved and be vocal on your position. If not no complaining when the season is closed for half the year like is being proposed.
As always tarpon fishing is a subject I bring up. With the tarpon that where being caught in December and the amount of tarpon up the rivers now, the upcoming season I expect to be phenomenal. I have been booking steady and have more on the books at this time than any other year in the past; I hear the same from many other veteran tarpon guides, I still have a lot of room on my book, but at the pace I am booking, timing will become an issue if you are planning to fish with me. I have stressed this in the past and this year is no exception good tarpon guides book up early and become very limited. So if you are thinking about fishing there is no better time than now. It allows you to secure the date that works best for you.
Capt Andy Boyette
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