I spoke with Robert at Fishn' Frank's Bait & Tackle in Port Charlotte today. He was telling me that tarpon and sharks are wearing out anglers in Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande Pass. The full moon of this last weekend flushed huge numbers of blue crabs and pass crabs through Boca Grande producing some of the best tarpon fishing of the year. The redfish bite is fair on the east side of the harbor and in Lemon Bay. Live shrimp is the best bait for reds, but the shrimp will soon be migrating offshore. Chunks of fresh cut ladyfish and mullet are an excellent alternative to shrimp. Small top water plugs, such as the Zara Pup, will produce thrilling strikes by redfish early in the morning. Snook fishing is slow in Charlotte Harbor this time of year but is red hot on the beaches. Lady fish, mullet and fresh cut chunks of these fish are excellent baits. Remember... snook season is closed so all snook caught must be released. Bend down the barbs on your hooks to make releasing the fish easier on you and the snook. Robert was telling me that warm water holds less oxygen so you should also spend more time reviving the fish before releasing it. Offshore, snapper fishing is phenomenal. Lane snapper are holding on structure and drop offs 10 miles to 20 miles out. Yellowtail snapper are on structure 3 miles to 10 miles out. The best action, by far, is at night. Anchor over structure where you mark fish on your fish finder and shine lights into the water. Bait fish will be drawn to the lights, and snapper will be drawn to the bait fish. Live shrimp is the best bait along with threadfins and white bait. For more information contact;
Fishn' Frank's Bait & Tackle
941-625-3888
4425 Tamiami Trail # D
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
www.fishinfranks.com/
