Fishing Boca Grande

[captpete]

Boca Grande Fishing Report
October 11, 2000

The first front of the season came in like a lion and went out like a lamb. The temperature change was not severe enough to alter the fishing until the third day. Even though the wind was relentless the protected waters of Boca Grande remain fishable. Usually a front can shut the fishing down as the barometric pressure rises after the passage of the system. Fortunately for anglers in southwest Florida the early fronts just can't do the job. We remain one of the most desirable fishing spots in the country all winter. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico change little except in mid-winter. Slight changes in temperature create local migrations of snook, King Mackerel, tarpon and several others species, but most of the fish are here all year.

Friday and Saturday were excellent with a wide selection of species taken from all parts of the harbor. Sunday was cool and windy in the morning but an overcast sky made the fish easier to take. Capt. Brandon Naeve, Capt. Roy String and I, fishing a large group of doctors, took snook to 30 inches, lots of redfish and seatrout and a few flounder.

Sunday thru Tuesday were a different story. Howling winds and dropping temperatures made fishing difficult and fish unpredictable. The three intrepid guides did what had to be done to catch fish but it was not easy. Hiding behind islands, chumming seatrout for flyfishers, and covering more than twice the water of a normal day was the "modus operandi" for anglers. Kieth Carpenters group managed a few dozen snook, an equal amount of redfish and a lot of trout fishing with Capts. Pete, Roy and Brandon. They even jumped two tarpon in what turned out to be an extraordinary day for Capt. Roy.

King mackerel have been reported off shore of Englewood and Boca Grande. A twenty six pound fish was recorded at Fishermen's Edge tackle shop in Grove City. The schools of large redfish should be moving along the coast now on their way to northern gulf waters to spawn. Most of these fish will be oversized so remember to practise catch and release.

Next week will see an increase in snook in the back country. All the mangrove shorelines should hold at least a few fish on high tide. Redfish have been scattered to some degree but will show more consistency in the next week. Look for them in small pot holes in the back country. Seatrout are everywhere. Chawn Stevens and friends reported over 100 trout in a single day last week. Look for a picture of Chawn's catch on our web site.

Those of you wishing to fish in November be sure to take advantage of the lower rate for package trips by booking in October. After November first prices will rise a little due to increased fuel and dock expenses.

Tight Lines,
Capt. Pete