Can anyone advise me on the fishing area around the Ritz Carlton on Vanderbilt Beach Rd.? I will be attending the ASG IT Exchange conference (4/30 - 5/4), but I'd like to take in some fishing too. On the last day we are offered a sport fishing trip...I suspect off shore. But I'd like to take in some other area fishing too. Would you suggest fly or conventional tackle?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Brian

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the post. You are coming to fish in Naples at a great time. The water can be very clear at the beach, the snook are getting ready to spawn and are hungry and there could be some tarpon around. Go to our fishing page for more specific local fishing info for snook, redfish and tarpon fishing in southwest Florida. Fly or spin tackle can be productive for snook, redfish and tarpon fishing in April and May. Flies imitate the baitfish nicely but spin tackle is also very efficient. For spin, jigs work great, cover alot of territory and everything eats them. Flies are also a ball especially using poppers which can be productive. Remember to use a piece of 30-40lb shock or bite guard on the snook leaders and redfish leaders and lager for the tarpon leaders. Same for the snook leaders for spin fishing, use 2-3' of 30lb test leader.

Stay in touch.

Mark Ward
Everglades Angler