Redfish
Within the bays and sounds that surround Charlotte harbor, redfish have evolved to become one of the most abundant gamefish on our flats. They grow relatively quick and after the first year they’re over a foot long. They’re primarily a bottom feeder and will readily eat a shrimp pattern but also seem to really like the Puglisi baitfish patterns as well. In addition to being abundant, they’re also a good year round bite. They tolerate the cold and tend to hang out under the mangroves during the heat of Summer. In October, spawning season, the big bull reds come in from offshore and school up on the flats making for some good fly fishing.
Early morning top water
Right now, the best time of day continues to be at first light up until about 10:a.m. Too, conditions have been slick calm providing a good setup to fish top water. Moreover, recent rain totals have helped cool and oxygenate the water helping bring some of our...
Hot and dry conditions
As we begin June, it’s been really dry and just about all S.W. Florida is experiencing drought conditions. As a result, the water on the flats along upper east side where I’ve been spending most of my time are clear. This can be opportunistic for sight fishing but it...
Summer Transition
As we reach the half way point of May, Charlotte Harbor has opened up with plenty of options. I’ve moved my way out of Pine Island Sound and have been spending all my time along the upper east side of the harbor. This, the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park always...