Spring may have finally arrived. With the weather patten improving daily the fishing has steadily improved the only variable was the cold mornings scattered throughout March that made fishing conditions tough. These mornings made for some seriously tough fishing and on some of my trips we sat on several schools of red fish with lock jaw. On the other end of the spectrum was the nearly 90 degree days where I experienced red fish catches up to 6 lbs with the majority being cookie cutter 22 inch red fish. These red fish where hungry and scattered all in the Pine Island Sound area. Mixed in where some very nice trout and my clients caught numerous trout over the 5lb mark.
The bait population is beginning to show up and can be caught in various places bring a 1/4 inch mesh net since it is on the small side and gilling will occur. But with the bait the snook fishing has been turning on and great action can be had for those who spend the time it takes to net bait.
Tarpon fishing is already beginning I personally seen free jumpers in the lower Pine Island Sound and Ft Myers Area. The major tarpon season runs April-July and these dates are beginning to fill up. The economic turn down in the area is more like a correction in the market place as far as rentals are concerned. This is a windfall for visitors who are finding the rental market more in line with reality, with rentals at 1/2 or in some cases a 1/3 of the cost than in the previous 3-4 years. This has been a plus to my booking with most of my clients delighted that they are no longer having to overpay for a place to stay.
My rates have remained the same for the past 6 years and I credit that to good management and my continued search for unconventional ways to cut my cost and pass these savings on to my clients in the form of no rate hikes, even when the cost of fuel surged to over $4. Last week I added a second boat to my business a light shallow running skiff capable of carrying the same four passengers I carry on my bigger boat. The Shallow Sport with a 150hp four stoke is 2 feet shorter and 100hp less than the Ranger Boat. I should once again be able to save fuel dollars and be able to maintain. As a promise to all of my annual clients who fish with me every year and to those looking for a guide, I will continue to search to for ways to keep my cost at minimum and balance that out with a fair cost of a fishing charter to insure the future of my success as I celebrate my 11th year as a fishing guide.
I have some dates still available in April as well as May and June, however I have a lot of days that are unavailable so give me call and lets go catch some Tarpon, I expect another great season.
Capt Andy Boyette
Tarpon Fishing
1-888-880-0006
