3/3/09 Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound

[flyfishsalt]

Our weather has been pretty windy, but the fishing is still strong despite the heavy north winds again today. We got into Reds and monster Sheeps on the flats today and I caught my personal best Sheep on the fly rod. These large Sheeps Head are tailing over a sandy bottom and they are great targets with the fly rod. The cast needs to be far enough in front of them that they do not spook (leaders are around 12' long), but close enough that they can see the fly as it sinks. This is often around 4-6' from the fish. Once the fly lands the angler needs to wait to see the fish move in on the fly. Once the fish is inside of two feet from the fly, the angler needs to strip the fly once or twice just to entice the fish to strike. These wiley little buggers will usually only dine on the fly if it is not moving, so the angler must watch very closely to see the fish eat the fly. Once the fish eats you gotta strike hard enough to drive the fly into a very toothy hard mouth. It is usually only successful one in five times. Does this sound familiar, does this sound like Permit fishing to anyone who has done this ? This is why some people call them the poor mans Permit.

In addition to the usuall (Snook, Reds, and Trout) we are also catching Pompano and Triple Tail around the cuts. Triple Tail has to be one of the best tasting fish on the planet.

[MARSHMAN]

Nice sheeps head. The last time I fished for those was with my dad back in the late 70's. That was from the old skyway bridge before the ship took it down. I didn't know they were also caught on the flats. My Florida fishing experience is limited at best but I'm hoping to change that soon. We just purchased a vacation home in Cape Coral and we are closing next week. Which is better for kayak fishing Pine Island sound,the river or Estero bay?

[fishbklyn]

The river's pretty crowded. Pine Island Sound has some beautiful spots. But in a kayak, you really cannot go wrong with Estero Bay. Reds and snook galore, and while I've never been there at the right time of the year to see them, tarpon. Where on Cape Coral will you be?

[MARSHMAN]

Thanks Fishbklyn, I guess the location would be south central. Just a couple blocks up from Cape Coral Parkway. We have a little work to do to the house (new floors) so we will be staying at a condo right on the bay. I have fished off the seawall there before. Caught a couple of ladyfish and a small grouper or drum not really sure. Hooked something bigger but it twisted one of the treble hooks and it was gone. Last year I went down at first light, tossed a yozuri swimmer and just as I was lifting it out of the water some grabbed and went into the rocks and cut me off before I even had chance to react. That woke me up.

[flyfishsalt]

Pine Island sound out of Pineland Marina and Matlacha Pass with the right footware wade fishing the hard sand.