Reds And Snook Rule Charlotte Harbor

Fall Fishing Report 2008
Hello again to all of the CHO readers. We were again experiencing some technical difficulties this past summer with the reports section of the website. This is why you will not see a summer fishing report. Although the summer was red hot for tarpon, inshore species, and offshore species, the fall has proven to be fantastic as well. This time of year fish are on the move as part of their transition in the fall, gearing up for the winter. Charlotte Harbor starts to experience higher winds, and lower tides. The water will start to clear up, the temperature will drop, and for the duration of the fall season, this will turn the fish on as they follow the many schools of baitfish.

Redfish and snook will be found in the same areas. High tide they will be tight to the mangroves, low tide they will be roaming the flats or very near to the shorelines. Live and cut bait will work, but the artificial bite really turns on this time of year.







Redfish will also be schooling in large numbers on sand bars and grass flats. Pods of redfish can be found near the mangroves between 15-40 fish. With a good moving tide, these fish will be very aggressive.







Just about anything will work for bait. Snook and redfish will be on the feed for top water lures such as the Super Spook Jr. Early in the morning will be your best bite on top water. On days that the temperature is lower, or overcast skies, a top water bite can last the entire trip on the water.

Places like Englewood, Placida, and Pine Island are all areas fish will be on the feed. The inner parts of Charlotte Harbor will start to hold numbers of fish as well and they will be roaming around near pot holes. Right now is the best time to catch a big snook. These big girls tend to feed better at this time of year, the water is cooler, and they are very active before the strong cold fronts arrive. They don't want to work too much for a meal, but will readily gulp a piece of cut mullet.



Look for deeper water near mangrove points with a lot of good current, and clean water to boot!

Trout are on the rise and showing in better numbers on the east and west walls of the harbor. Also in the mix are cobia on the same flats as well as markers in the deeper parts of the harbor. Big black drum can be found at structure type areas such as bridges, docks, and rocky walls. Some tarpon are around, ranging from 10 pounds to 100 pounds. Look for the large bait schools in the open harbor where the birds are diving.

That wraps it up for now. Winter is almost here, an awesome time for tailing redfish. But get out and get in on this great action going on in the harbor this fall.

Tight Lines from the CHO guides!!!

Posted on 13 Oct 2008 by admin

Charlotte Harbor Outfitters
Captain Tim White
941-916-4009
tqwhite@hotmail.com
Captain Chuck Jenks
239-825-8791
chuckjenks@hotmail.com
Captain Jason Dill
941-628-2847
jdill30@hotmail.com