Charlotte Harbor fishing report

The dry conditions and lack of rain have combined to keep the water in the upper harbor clear with decent visibility. Just yesterday the county to our south, Lee, lifted their red tide alerts from multiple beach locations. That’s encouraging to see. However, there is still a cautionary notice active for Boca Grande Beach. The upper harbor and adjacent shorelines remain clear. The spotted sea trout bite has remained consistent and they’re mixed in with lots of ladyfish. Both are a lot of fun on a six-weight. Redfish and snook are around on several mangrove shorelines if you can get to them before the tide gets too high and they settle back into the mangrove root systems. The clear water does keep them on the wary side. In most cases, when you see them they’ve already seen or felt your presence. It helps to work your casts out as far as you can in front of the skiff. Always keep a look out for a group of jacks or the lone cobia following a ray.