Bonita Beach Dec.-Jan. Help!

[ruber]

Hey all,
I'll be visiting Bonita Beach/Springs around the holiday time. Haven't been there since I was 10 years old. Back then I caught sheepshead on live shrimp. This time I'll be bringing the 8 wt. and hope to fish like crazy. Could anybody fill me in on what types of fish I might run into on the beach and in the mangroves. Any tips on what lines to bring, and what flies (for me that means what size and color of clouser minnow), and any general tips on how to fish the different types of water would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[flysully]

Hi, ruber: Since you've been 10, Bonita Beach has been dredged or "renourished" at least three times since we started going there in the winter 4 yrs ago. It greatly altered shore fishing, as far as the locals told us. Unfortunately, we were there twice when the dredging or "renourishing, as they like to call it" was going on. The first year, the dredging took place from the back docks to the front Gulf. The water right at the shoreline along the entire stretch of Bonita Beach condos all the way to the inlet was murky and dark brown and smelly. Fishing was dreadful. Dead fish were deposited along the shoreline to be picked up daily by the beach patrol. Red tide, which always seems to be there in some degree, helped with the fish kill. Last winter, during March, there was no dredging or "renourishment". However, fishing still was pretty dull both in front on the Gulf and back in the inlet. Night fishing from lit docks, for some reason, wasn't affected. Using a flyrod, however, from the dock, will just about guarantee you a broken rod. Use a spin rod with 20# test and a small white lure. There was a great article this month in one of the fishing mags regarding " beach renourishment" and how it may make the Florida beaches bigger and deeper but the deposited sand fill kills just about every living thing fish feed on for years, covering up all grass and shellfish beds, etc. The article stated it takes years for the fishing to re-establish itself. Fishing isn't the greatest at Bonita Beach. It's not a "go to" location but you will be able to get a couple (maybe) nice sized snook from one of the rockpiles in early morning from shore or just before dusk or on the flats in back or maybe some jacks during the day along with the ever present ladyfish, but I don't ever go there expecting great fishing. It's been a bit of a disappointment to me, during the month of March, at least, for the past four years. Even those fishing from boats last year didn't seem to be pulling in anything but sheepshead. A 9 wt. intermediate line is suitable for the area along with white small flies. Definitely plan on fishing early morning or near dusk and go to the beach during the day!

[ruber]

Thanks a lot for the information. I can remember people talking about building a beach in front of those rocks before the inlet, that was 13 years ago.
I'll probably have access to a rental car while I'm there. Can you recommend any spots I might drive to in the area?

[flysully]

I'd recommend driving to Big Carlos Pass in the early morning, just before sunup. Park in the little area on the left off the road and walk all the way to the point and then around the point for snook and redfish and trout. A local tackle shop can direct you if you can't find it. It's just before the big bridge.

[backwater]

Hello,

Winter fishing in Bonita Springs can be pretty difficult. It can be windy and the water temps can drop pretty low (for Florida) during that time of the year.. I would recommend instead of fishing the beach, try fishing in the brackish canals where the water temps are a little higher. There are long stretches of canals on US41 SE of Marco Island on the way to Miami. There are also canals on the road to Marco Island, I think that Highway 93, I might be wrong, I just can't remember but there are only two roads that lead to Marco and both have canals along side of them that are worth trying during the winter months. There is a guide you also might want to call if you're interested; Steve Westervelt is his name. Outstanding guide and great flyfisherman. In the winter months he might provide about the best shot at catching fish. He goes WAY WAY back into the tiny creeks using a Gheenoe that can float in a few inches of water. His number is in the book. Hope that helps.

Tom

[ruber]

Thanks guys