Brent Bensmiller
The summer bite has been solid so far and the water clarity has been great! With the crystal clear waters on the incoming tide we are seeing loads of fish cruising the skinny water every day. Big snook are stacking up around any kind of structure in the inlets with plenty of mangrove snapper, sheepshead, mackerel, jacks, ladyfish, and reds in the mix too. Twitch baits and DOA Terroreyz have been working nicely for most of these fish. If you prefer live bait, put on a pinfish, mullet, or pilchard and you will get on some nice fish. Using cut baits of mackerel, ladyfish, or mullet will definitely grab the attention of the bigger fish, as well. Make sure to use medium to heavy tackle as you will need to turn their heads and pull them from the structure as quick as possible to avoid getting broken off.
Just off the beach there have been big schools of migrating tarpon, with fish averaging 100lbs. If you want to target them from the kayak I suggest getting out at sunrise and drifting a couple different live baits. Big pilchards or Spanish sardines have been working great lately. Mojarra and whiting have been getting wacked too, so don’t be afraid to branch out and try new baits that you don’t normally use. It might take a few hours and plenty of bycatch before getting your shot at the silver king, but put in your time and it will pay off. You can also target these big fish from the sand. Set up your rods on the beach and kayak your baits out a couple hundred yards. Put your favorite cut bait or anything you catch that day on the hook and let them sit on the bottom with a few ounces of lead. Tarpon are very opportunistic and known to be scavengers that will usually pick up a fresh cut bait.
As always, putting in time in the early morning or evening will provide the most action. If the bugs are chewing you up, I recommend using skin so soft by Avon for the no-see-ums and of course bring your favorite bug spray for the rest of those pesky buggers. If you would like to have your shot at a fish of a lifetime give us a call! Tight lines!
Brent Bensmiller, the owner of Paddle Naples, is an expert at kayak fishing the
local waters. He is available for kayak fishing charters and lessons, as well as
guided kayak and paddleboard tours. You can reach Brent by email at brent@
paddlenaples.com or by phone at 239-301-8888. Check out www.PaddleNaples.
com and our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/paddlenaples/ for more
information.