The Southwest Florida Report

(10,000 Islands, Cape Coral, Matlacha)



November 1, 1997


Compiled By

"Florida Fish & Game Finder Magazine"


10,000 Islands Report

Barron River Resort, Marina, Motel & R.V. Park:
Johnny says there are a lot of redfish around, especially on the flats and along the mangroves. You will find lots of Spanish Mackeral at Little Pavilion Key. You will find quite a bit of baitfish running, especially finger mullet and greenbacks. These baitfish can really get the fish excited so keep your eyes open out there. Johnny says the key is to watch the changing tides, and try to fish the change of the tides, you will be surprised at what action you will get into. Now is one of the better times to visit Barron River Resort. The weather is very comfortable, the fishing great, and the rates quite reasonable - an unbeatable combination.
1-800-535-4961

Mar-Good Resort: Hanon says the snapper fishing remains quite active, with the redfishing a real show stopper. You will find plenty of snook in the backwater with pinfish or shrimp your best baits.
941-394-6383

Marker 7 Tackle Shop & Fish House: Mike says there are plenty of redfish, with the emphasis on plenty. This is one of the best redfish seasons in a while. The snook are starting to get active and soon the bite will be on. There is an abundance of Spanish Mackeral in the area and if you get into a school of these, you will have quite a bit of fun. The weather is very comfortable this time of year, and the fishing even better. Try giving Capt. Ted Naftal of the Tiderunner a call if you are looking for an excellent guide in the area.
941-394-1313
941-450-2271
941-450-2750

Master Bait & Tackle: Dean-O says the redfish activity is great this season. Backwater anglers are getting limits throughout Estero Bay working the oyster bars and mangroves. Nearshore structure is holding huge bulls in the 40 inch range. The Spanish Mackeral schools are abundant and the Kings are sure to be moving in soon. Many snook are being caught around the bridges and the sheepshead are showing up in good numbers. Stopo by Master Bait & Tackle for the latest fishing information and for one of our famous t-shirts.
941-992-2553

Outdoor Resort - Chokoloskee: Kenny says redfish are very active and are being taken with shrimp and spoons. The snook fishing is getting red hot. Look for surface plugs, greenbacks, and shrimp as the bait of choice. Lots of trout are being taken on the grass flats. If you are looking for great fishing and nice accommodations, give Outdoor Resorts a try - you will not be disappointed.
941-695-2881


Cape Coral Report

Chiquita Bait & Tackle: Steve says the redfish are quite active, with the snook action picking up as the water cools down. There are plenty of Spanish Mackeral in the Harbor this time of year producing lots of fun for the lucky angler. Make sure and stop in and ask Steve for the latest fishing information, as well as some of the best bait selection around.
941-540-0052


Matlacha Report

Hippies Bait & Tackle: John says the redfish are biting well, particularly along the mangroves and flats. Look for trout returning to the grass flats this month. If you are looking for a good deal on West Coast Cast Nets, stop in and ask John about his special.
941-283-2400

Pine Bay Bait & Tackle: Kim and Joel say the redfishing is very good in the flats and along the mangroves. Shrimp and greenbacks are the preferred baits. The tarpon have headed out to the Gulf and the smaller ones have gone up the rivers about this time of year. Pine Bay Bait & Tackle has rod rentals, bait, beer, snacks, and a gift shop. Make sure you stop in and see Joel or Kim for the latest up to date information about what bait to use.
941-283-1335

Ray's Bait & Tackle: Ray says the fishing is red hot, especially for redfish. The weather is cooling off which should send the snook into high gear for fishing activity. There are still sharks and cobia in Charlotte Harbor, as well as, Pine Island Sound. Don't forget there are cast net classes on Thursday mornings. Call Ray for details.
941-283-4402

Seven Sea's Bait & Tackle: Jim says that the redfish are plentiful and can be found on the flats and potholes. Look for greenbacks and gold spoons, as well as, shrimp to be top producers. Three boat charters leaving out of Seven Seas produced over 100 redfish each. I would say that is quite the day. Snook have been tightlipped lately, except around the dock behind Seven Seas Bait & Tackle. Spanish Mackeral and Kings can be found 5 miles off of Boca Grande. There are still lots of cobia and sharks in Matlacha Sound and Pine Island Sound. Seven Seas is the sole distributor of the Mud Minnow in Lee County. If you haven't seen this flats boat, it is a must see. For $4,500.00 you can have a complete flats package and be in water no one else can get to. Captain Dave Murphy is doing one person charters for $125.00, a great price, and you get to experience the Mud Minnow at the same time.
941-283-1674



Check out my PAST reports for the months of:

May, June, July, August, and September, 1997...

May
September
June
October - No Report
July
August


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