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Like most snapper species the highly prized red snapper is delicious but requires extra fuel to find them as these guys are usually found further out in the Gulf in the 125 to 200 foot range and beyond. Unfortunately, this popular fish is still by far the most faked commercial/restaurant fish in the world. The current season will close on July 31 and will open again in October and November during three day weekends.
Two per person limit with a 16" total length to harvest in both state and federal waters.
Closer in on near shore structure and almost as tasty, our mangrove or grey snapper season is open year-round with some unusually big specimens already caught this year.
A five per person limit in state waters and ten in federal waters. A ten inch total length to harvest in state waters and twelve inches in Federal waters.
Red grouper fishing has also improved this past week after a slow down.
Before heading out to state or federal waters to pursue your favorite reef species, be sure to have already signed up for your State Reef Survey and have a ready to use venting tool or device on board.
Boca Grande is still tarpon and angler stacked with Redfish and Captiva Passes hosting lesser numbers but still a nice get-away from busy boat bumping Boca. Tarpon schools are also spreading out along the coast and can only be found by scouting and watching for rolling fish on early mornings. Fish can be moving right off the beach to several miles out. Pay your dues by putting in your time quietly scouting or just stake out and wait. Binoculars are always a plus.
Inshore lots of smaller snook around mangroves with bigger fish to target frolicking in the Gulf surf. If you're a sand walker on an early morning or night snook hunt make sure to bug proof yourself as much as possible.
I'm not sure which of these, mosquitos, gnats, or no-see-ums is Florida's State bird but if you're early beach walking or stalking flats fish anywhere near summer mangroves be prepared for a fight. Over the years many of my charters where cut short by out of state clients totally unprepared for this type of all-out bug assault. "Get us out of here!" was the most commonly used phrase with "Are you crazy?" or "How can you stand it!?" a close second and third.
Any, and I do mean any, opening on your body is a target, so long everything including socks, ear and face coverings, gloves, are mandatory if you want to be able to fish in relative comfort. I always have lots of rubber bands on board to close off shirt cuffs and pant leg bottoms which can save the morning. Take cotton or tissue to block your ears which no-see-ums love to explore.
With the summer heat and rain pattern now started I'll soon be switching over to the night shift and very early mornings to pursue tarpon all the up to November around local bridges with jumbo snook as a by-catch. Although every bridge over the Caloosahatchee way up river past I-75 host tarpon at one time or another, but during summers heat, the Mid-point, Cape Coral, and Sanibel structures are hot-spots.
Trailering anglers in the North Cape can also take advantage of the close by twin 41 bridges at Punta Gorda which usually hold small to medium sized tarpon year-round.
Inshore back country and Cape canal anglers are finding lots of juvenile fish to twenty pounds on light spin and fly tackle. This can be a tricky proposition as these guys are typically tight lipped and uncooperative as are the anglers that know where they live. Live shrimp and small whitebaits under corks work well with tiny jigs and small flies the casters choice. Light lines and leaders are a must to fool these juvies.
Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You an contact him at 239-282-9434 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.