Boca Grande,Fl
Sept. 1, 2005

 

Snook season is  open.  But that's not the good news. The good news is the fishing is terrific for all kinds of fish.  There are still tarpon in the harbor (Charlotte Harbor), and plenty of redfish on the flats.  Snook are everywhere and even the cool water seeking trout are showing up on the plentiful baitfish.  Every now and then you might be surprised at what you catch.

 

Craig Reoch (?SP) of Sarasota and his son Joe & buddy Matt showed up for a long morning fishing on Monday.  The boys consistently out fished dad until the very end when Craig caught a six pound pompano.  Joe, Matt and Craig teamed up for several Snook, jacks, seatrout and "grass" grouper.  Besides the pompano, Craig hooked a small shark in Placida Harbor.

 

My old friend Erwin Edleman and I spent Tuesday morning catching snook and jacks on Estaz flies in and around the Island Bay NWR in Charlotte Harbor.  Erwin has been fishing longer than most of us have been alive and he still lays out a good cast.  Watch for photos of Erwin on my web site next week.

 

Phil Saul and I fished Wednesday morning using plastic jerk baits around the mangroves.  We caught and released at least a dozen snook and a small redfish.  Phil saved me from certain death by bringing in a flounder for my dinner that evening.  God forbid I miss a meal. (G)  We then moved to a secret (he-he) spot and found a school of redfish lazing around a pot hole.  After I missed the first few we managed fish to 30 inches.  A great day with a good guy.

 

The weekend will be busy but it will return to normal on Tuesday.  Reds will continue to school up on the flats and the snook will stay active for several months.  Tarpon will be around in scattered places but still fishable.  It will be interesting to see what the big sea and surf did to the beach area.  I hope it breaks up the Longboat Key to Tampa dead zone.

 

Don't forget to check out the web site for some fall specials.  I have reduced the price a bit.  I will want to start early this time of the year and finish before it gets too hot or rainy.  Even though gas is very high now I will hold any increase back until I'm forced to change.

 

Call 941-232-2960 (cell) for reservations,

 

Fish Hard, Pete