By: Capt. Terry Fisher
Inshore fishing in Southwest Florida should offer good numbers of snook, redfish, seatrout and mangrove snappers and summer-time catfish (unfortunately). Snook are in the passes and swimming along the beaches of all the outer islands. My bait of choice for snook is a pilchard.
Large redfish have begun to move into the back waters other secluded areas. These areas will require anglers to wait until the higher tide days arrive as they are very shallow and will restrict boat access. Move and fish until you find them.
Seatrout will be small, but with enough work and light tackle they are fun to catch. Tenacity will provide the better opportunity to get a few slot-size “keepers”. Shrimp under a popping cork in 4-5 foot of water over the grass flats should provide plenty of action. Otherwise use artificial presentations such as scented plastics, spoons and swim baits.
Offshore fishing in July will require long range runs for the larger fish. Water depth will require 120-160 for these desired large reef species, as the water temperatures were 87 degrees in early June and will rise throughout the summer, driving the bait and game fish deeper into the water column. The target species offshore will be your choice by design or accident and will include gag, red and black grouper, american red snapper, triggerfish, african pompano, mangrove snapper, lane and yellowtail and other Pelagic species. Pelagic species will be higher in the water column and more than likely swimming and holding around and over some sort of structure.
Inshore fishing requires only light tackle consisting of 2500-4000 series spinning reels on a matching rod with light rated line (10-15lb) and light leader material (20-30lb.) with hook or gig to match.
Long offshore in deeper water require Medium Heavy gear; such as 5000-6000 series reels with 30-40lb line and a 50-80lb leader and 5/0-7/0 circle hook. Feel free to call me directly at 239-357-6829 with any questions.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. Check out my website at www.fishfacechartes.com. Call me at 239-357-6829 directly or email fishfacecharters@yahoo.com with any questions or to book a charter on your vessel or mine. I am available as ‘Captain for Hire’ on your vessel by the hour offering you navigation, safety instructions or mark you special fishing locations and how to catch the species of your choice both inshore and offshore.