I spoke with Ken at Master Bait & Tackle in Bonita Springs today. He was telling me that the big surprise in his area is the good number of tarpon that are still hanging around. The speed limit in New Pass was recently lowered to a No Wake Zone, and now the tarpon are hanging out enjoying the peace and quiet. Blue crabs or pass crabs, fished on the bottom or under a float during an out going tide, will let you jump a few New Pass tarpon. Mangrove snapper are the most consistent fish right now. Mangos are biting any where from the close reefs to the back country. Pinfish are the best bait. Snook are on the beach, and they are moving out to near shore reefs to spawn. One of Ken's customers caught and released 3 snook yesterday, around 41", while fishing these reefs. Extra large pinfish are the bait of choice for summer snook. Please remember, snook season is closed so all snook caught must be released. These fish are spawning, killing one fish now reduces future populations. Do the following to help more snook survive. Bend down the barbs on your hooks, this makes releasing snook easier on you and the fish. Land the fish as quickly as possible and do not handle it more then you have to. Spend extra time reviving your snook before releasing it. A few cobia are being caught. Look for cobia around any type of structure near the beach. Pinfish are the best bait. Quite a few permit are hanging around area wrecks and reefs. A blue crab or pass crab floated above the structure will get permit to eat. Dolphin can be caught if you are willing to run 80 miles offshore. The Fantastico and Stony Point are holding dolphin. For more information contact;
Master Bait & Tackle
239-992-2553
4465 Bonita Beach Rd
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
www.masterbaitonline.com/
