Fishing Reports
Tides and time management
We have all been there, you're sitting on some fish along a mangrove shoreline or some close by potholes or you even happen to spot a school while just running to another spot. Subsequently, you come back at a later date even as soon as the next day only to discover...
Move like a heron
Last week, while spending a few days fishing for redfish in a smaller bay within Tampa bay it became quite clear just how sensitive or aware the fish were to the movement of anything that moved too quickly above the water such as a rod during something as simple as a...
Staying ahead of the fish
Did you ever notice how you seem to find certain fish when you are not really looking for them? For example, the elusive slot size snook is always a tough find. That is unless you are on the lookout for schooling redfish, and then it is uncanny how all of a sudden you...
Ladyfish and learning new skill sets
For the first time saltwater fly fisher or for even a total beginner there may be no better target than the fast moving wild and crazy ladyfish. Yes, the species that most consider a trash fish as well as the poor man’s tarpon. Just like the late Rodney Dangerfield,...
A few observations while working winter’s low tides
We’ve sure been having some low tides this past month. It can be intimidating what many refer to as puddle jumping but can also provide some good fishing as fish get locked up or stuck in the deeper depressions on the flats waiting on water to rise. Basically, when...
Late December conditions and bite
t's sure been breezy lately and it looks like the rest of December will also be challenging. However, when the conditions are right the bite has been pretty good. In particular, the spotted sea trout bite in the sand holes of the turtle grass flats in Pine Island...
To pole or troll
Due to the fact that I enjoy hunting down fish and exploring skinny water as deep in the backcountry as possible, and my preference for fishing artificials with light tackle, I generally use my push pole extensively. In addition, I am fly fishing more lately, and...
Setting up to pole
So, you have finally made the decision to get that push pole. Well, you are not alone. On a weekly basis, I see quite a few anglers shopping for push poles. Generally, they have lots of questions regarding what is available at what price. There are however several...
A few facts about Charlotte Harbor you may not know
Harbor Size: 701 square miles; 448,640 acres. 365 miles of canals; 190 miles of saltwater and 175 miles of freshwater. Charlotte Harbor, is formed by the blending of saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico with freshwater from the Peace and Myakka rivers. Tarpon, snook,...
More December 2020 observations
This is definitely the time of year cold fronts consistently work their way into southwest Florida affecting Charlotte Harbor as well as the rest of the coast. While these winds may seem unmanageable, the cooler water temperatures help produce some good fishing. In...