The fishing has been very good this past September. The fall tarpon migration has started off the beaches and there are baby tarpon in the backcountry. Snook are along the beaches, passes and are heading into the backcountry for the winter plus reds, pompano, mackerel, bonita and sharks are active.

Shark fishing has been great. I’m catching mostly bull sharks in the backcountry and black tips along the beaches. Fresh cut bait is the best so we’ve been going out a catching jacks and ladyfish first thing then using those for bait. Fresh bait is the best because they are still bloody. If it’s not fresh the blood has coagulated and doesn’t drift in the water column.

Sight fishing snook along the beaches is good at higher tides. Most of the fish are not big but good action. Flies and live bait both work. In lieu of the dark stained water from all the rain the backcountry snook fishing is good. Jigs, live shiners, shrimp and flies are all working.

Bonita is one of my favorite fish to catch and the fall is a good time. We run off the beaches looking for birds and fish crashing. It doesn’t really matter what you throw in front of them they’ll eat it. Probably the best fighting fish we have.

October is a great month to fish. Call ahead so we can look at tides to optimize your chances.

Capt. Mark Ward
239-450-9230 cell