Cooler weather is finally here and it’s a nice respite from the hot October we had. Today’s high was a perfect 79.

The recent cold front we had coincided with the new moon tides this past week and pushed some tarpon into the passes. We got more hits on plugs than we did on live bait even though I had what I thought was the perfect medium size mullet. We did get quite a few bites on plugs although we found it tough getting the hooks in. We did land two fish this past week both around 50lbs. With the water temperature still above 70 we may have one more chance for some fall tarpon if the next cold front arrives around the next full or new moon.

Snook were biting just before the front but we caught more on bait than we did on flies. I’ve started fishing deeper in the backcountry and having success with snook and reds. Found some clear water and we even did a little sight fishing. Didn’t catch any big fish but had good action.

The Bonita were thick today. We were fly-fishing Gordon Pass early this morning for snook and I noticed the birds were balled up not far off-shore. That usually means Bonita so we headed to the birds and the Bonita were thrashing and exploding through schools of Bay Anchovies that were everywhere. Bonita are voracious eaters and when they are feeding the excitement is high. I love seeing the yellow fluorescent green Bonita bodies racing through the water charging the baitfish. We were three for four on fly. If we were using spinning tackle and spoons we would have cleaned up. The action continued but not in the tight schools they were in earlier so we headed to the backcountry.

Had a couple of good shark days last week. Using jacks and mackerel for bait we fished in Rookery bay and caught two 100lb Bull Sharks. When the sharks are in it usually doesn’t take more than about 15 minutes to hook. We tail gaff them, pull them onto the bow of the boat, get a couple pics and release them. They pull good and make a great photo.

Give me a call if you’d like to book a trip.
Capt. Mark Ward
239-450-9230 c