Naples to Flamingo
Includes Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City and Chokoloskee
October 28-30
After a cooler and drier weekend, this week has all eyes on the tropics and Hurricane Rina. Expect to have a least some effects as Rina appears to be tracking towards South Florida and the Keys. Easterly winds that have prevailed earlier in the week have made the area waters a mixture of coffee with cream color or green milk! I don’t expect much clearing of local waters due to increasing winds and rain.
Inshore
While redfish have dominated the inshore scene for the last several months, focus is turning to the deep backcountry as cooling water temps have brought some bigger snook out to play. Oyster bars near fresh water creeks and rivers are holding smaller snook that seem to be willing to eat anything that moves. Try throwing small soft plastic jerk baits or lipped shallow diving plugs for the best action. Don’t be surprised when a larger snook smacks your offering. Redfish have also made a stronger showing in the backcountry as well. Larger back bays with hidden coves or creeks like Buttonwood and Pumpkin will be likely to hold both reds and snook. Redfish will hit the same lures but nothing beats a shrimp under a popping cork. Cut ladyfish (which are everywhere!) tossed under the mangroves at higher tides is producing the larger sizes of snook and reds.
** Top Secret Tip** If you can happen upon some finger mullet, try drifting them through the deeper cuts and passes. This is no place for your light action rod and 10 pound braid, break out the heavy stuff. Expect to catch the largest snook of the fall as well as keeper gag Grouper! Deep water cuts that drain the larger bays like Fakahatchee are the best spots.
Offshore
How big is your boat? My guess is, with an approaching tropical system not many will venture very far offshore. If you do decide to go, stick close to calmer nearshore waters, look for schools of bait and the subsequent mackerel. Area reefs and wrecks are still holding decent mangrove snapper but require super light leaders and massive chumming to catch the biggest ones. A few surprise gag grouper can also be found on these close pieces of bottom.