Fishing Boca Grande, Fl

[captpete]

Boca Grande, Fl Fishing Report
Sept. 11, 2000

Snook are not the only game in town. We've still got all the species found in southwest Florida. Don't like trout fishing? Try for tarpon! Snook size limits got you down? Go for the school redfish on the flats. Don't give up on cobia, mackerel, seatrout, big jacks and ladyfish on a fly. There is no doubt we have the variety and the numbers to satisfy every angler. So, now you have no excuse to be an arm chair angler. Get out there and rip some lips.

Snook are abundant, but the size limits make a keeper hard to find. I saw them all over the edges of the outside bars of Whiddens Creek, Bull and Turtle Bays. Because of the limited size try to use lures or flies to aid in the release of juvenile fish. Fish them early and late. they bite better then and it is more comfortable.

Redfish are schooled up on the flats of Whiddens Creek, Turtle Bay, Pine Island Sound and even near Uncle Henry's at Gasparilla Pass. They are spooky! You'll need a long cast and a quiet approach to keep them happy. Be careful not to push them too hard. They'll disappear right in front of you. Experience talking here.

Fishing with my new friends Will Gentry and Jennifer, we took several nice redfish to 30 inches on a fly, a few small snook and jumped a tarpon while trout fishing. Goes to show what we know. Will will never forget that take or the subsequent run.

The rest of September should see continued snook and redfish action. Keep your eyes open for the return of the Kingfish as soon as the water cools a little. For those of you who like the challenge of night snook fishing try the docks at the south end of Gasparilla Island. This is big water so be prepared for anything. Tarpon anglers might be disappointed with the upper harbor this year but check out the canals and basins around Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. These will hold fish when they are no where else.

Tight Lines, Capt. Pete