Snook, Line and Sinker

As the winter approaches and water temperatures continue to decline anglers may have a hard time finding steady fishing action. Redfish, Pompano and Trout will provide excellent fishing through out this seasonally slow fishing period.

Inshore anglers should have their hands full in October as large schooling redfish migrate to the backwaters of the Ten Thousand Islands for the winter months. October redfish will school in the passes around docks, mangrove island points, and coastal beaches. Remember the Redfish season is year round with a slot limit of 18-26 inches and a one fish per person bag limit. The majority of fish caught in October will be at the high end of the slot limit and range from 6-10 pounds.

Late November the Redfish will start to taper off and move deep into the backwater shallows. This is the time to focus on Pompano one of the best eating fish the gulf has to offer. Pompano have made a huge come back over the past six years as the elimination of gillnetting to the state of Florida made a dramatic increase in population. Today many guides like myself make a living targeting these fast and powerful fish. Pompano eat a variety of shellfish including shrimp, small crabs and sand flees. Tackle these fish with a 3/8 ounce pink or yellow buck tail jig. You will find these fish in moving water of 3-28 feet in depth. The depth will vary daily depending on water temperature and the tide movement. The pompano fishing should remain steady through out the winter months.

This fishing report has been brought to you by Capt. Brien Spina of Satisfaction Fishing Charters. Satisfaction Guaranteed Fishing Charters is the exclusive guide service for the Tarpon Club and Fiddlerís Creek residents. They operate a fleet of four boats to accomadate your backwater and offshore fishing needs. Capt. Brien and his U.S.C.G. licensed crew are located behind Backwater Nickís at the Tarpon Club and can be contacted for charter information at (941)642-9779 or by visiting the Satisfaction Guaranteed Fishing Charters website."