This is my last fishing report for January and while this month has had some ups and downs on the fishing front, I must say that it is winding down on the strong side. Cooler weather moved in on Tuesday evening and as the water temps have dropped gradually, the fish have gotten more concentrated in the back bays south of Naples.
Trout have been the most responsive targets. We have managed to boat a bunch of nice ones in the 15 to 18 inch range the last few days. We are doing quite well fishing channels with Berkley Gulp shrimp rigged on 3/8 oz. jig heads. The most productive spots are in stronger tide flow, especially where there is a break in the current caused by a merging of two channels or a point or shallow bar creating a rip.
Pompano really have turned on as well. They are being caught in many of the same areas as the trout. They are averaging 14 to 16 inches. A shrimp tipped surgical tube jig is deadly.
Redfish remain scattered with only a few fish caught during the week. Early last week, I had a dedicated and skilled young angler out for an afternoon with his grandfather and friend. Rich impressed us with his skills with a spinning rod as he was able to repeatedly fire live shrimp way under the mangrove cover. The results were several redfish in the 23 to 25 inch range for Rich. While we worked hard to find them, the rewards were high.
Rich with one of his redfish...
With the cooler water, the sheepshead are also making an appearance. Some of them have been running to about 4 pounds and provide great table fare as well as being strong fighters.
I am looking forward to another busy week and some great winter fishing!
-Capt. Todd Geroy
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