by Capt. Brian Boxx
October started out messy in the Naples area. Plagued with Brown Tide (a non HAB diatom bloom), the waters became a desert from low dissolved oxygen levels and poor visibility. With the help of the King tide and passing Hurricane Michael, mother nature has reset herself gifting us with a fantastic Fall bite.
Off the beaches, droves of Spanish sardines have been pushing south creating catch rates of over 200 fish in a half day trip. This is a great time to introduce young aspiring anglers to fishing. The mixed bag of countless ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and Jack crevalle will provide quick hook-ups with little down time, building their confidence and sharpening their skills. This also provides a great opportunity to get into fly fishing. The poor-man’s tarpon (A.K.A.) ladyfish, is a blast to catch on fly rod. I personally prefer a 5wt set up with a light-colored baitfish imitator. Strip long and fast with a very quick pause between-give ‘em a tease. Once hooked, the ladyfish will jump and dance across the water giving the angler a great aerial display. Did I mention they make great bait? So, stock a few in your live wells for your return trip back in-shore. The beaches have also been producing nice flounder and snook. Fishing jigs or live baitfish on the bottom from the shoreline to the first sandbar are sure to bend the rod.
Moving into the backwaters, our redfish bite has been HOT! We have caught many reds both on natural and artificial bait. Remember those ladyfish I told you to save? Let’s break one out. Tie on a ½ oz jighead and cut the ladyfish into 2in thick chunks. Find a nice mangrove point and skip it as far under the limbs as you dare. If sight-fishing is your style, the cleaner water of high tide will be your time. Look for the reds pushing up on the flats with the incoming tide and holding in the deeper troughs in the ebb tide. A suspending jerk-bait placed softly ahead of a cruising bull will find you that rush you are seeking. Had your fill on redfish? Let’s switch gears one last time. Break out the heavy rods and open that live well. Hook a Ladyfish through the nose with a 6/0 circle hook and send it to the bottom around your favorite docks and wait for the heart stopping thump of Snookosaurus. These dinosaurs will truly test your skills and equipment on a dime.
fort mSpecial thanks to Christopher Audit and all the sponsors for coordinating the South West Fall Open fishing tournament benefiting the Humane Society of Naples. The weigh-in was held at Tavern on the Bay, an outstanding venue, great atmosphere and casual dining. Congratulations to Joey Benko, Steve Lloyd and Thad Rhodes. These top anglers not only took first place but swept the Calcutta as well. In a true show of class, they donated all their winnings from the Calcutta to the Humane Society.
Regardless of whether you’re fishing or just enjoying a day on the water, please stay safe and boat sober. If you are unsure of waterway navigation or general boating ethics, please reach out to a local Guide. These knowledgeable Captains will be more than happy to provide you with superb information keeping you and our waterways safe and enjoyable.