Naples & Marco Island Fishing Report

The Naples and Marco Island inshore fishing continues to produce some action packed days on the water!  This past week we have been on the hunt for sea trout, Pompano, Jack’s & redfish.  The sea trout action has really been the star of the show. We are finding good numbers of fish deep in the creeks on the low incoming tides. This winter time fishery does much better when it’s cooler and stays cool for a period of time .  My experience tells me that these fish settle into the deeper holes when the water temps get into the upper 50s & 60s.   This makes it easy to target areas that have deeper pinch points (where the water has to funnel through) that lead into back bays.

I think with the colder nights these fish pull off the flats and settle into these holes were the water temps much more stable.  Next thing you have to look for is a nice rolling tide incoming or outgoing doesn’t really matter, but it has to be moving.  All winter I have been throwing 3/8 ounce stand up jig heads with a DOA paddle tail(white or root beer) or a 6 inch gulp (new penny color).  These are excellent search baits to cover areas and really dial into a good bite .  

When I pull into one of these areas, I usually give my anglers a dozen or so cast before I know either it’s time to stay or pick up and let’s run to another.  That’s  the winter game stick and move.  We have been seeing some really cool temps all week but next week will see a slight rise and temperatures & This should turn on some other species. 
C U on the water !!!!!

Capt. Tim Daugherty
www.fishthesalt.com
(239) 280-8138