Tarpon
Beginning in April, tarpon begin their migration up the coast out of the keys and work their way towards Boca Grande Pass. At that time, I’ll start looking for some early arrivals in Pine Island Sound in hopes of finding them laid up in the sand holes off Demere Key on the eastern side of the sound. This is a good bet if the water temperature hits 75 degrees. In May, I head toward the beach and like staking out off Murdock Point just off Cayo Costa on the southern edge of Boca Grande Pass. Here, throughout the day, it’s not unusual to get shots at strings of fish moving north. This migration should go on through June.
More importantly, the upper harbor at its confluence with the Peace River outside Punta Gorda is proving to be a great fishery for small tarpon. From April to November fish from five to thirty pounds can be seen rolling from the U.S. 41 Bridge to the perimeter canals of Punta Gorda and west past Colony Point towards Ponce Park. To the west, Larger fish from 50 to 80 pounds can be found in the harbors’ deeper holes.
Charlotte Harbor fishing report
As August begins, I'm on the water early at first light and typically back to the dock by 11:00 A.M. For the most part, it's flat calm and really nice for a few hours. For sure, I'm looking for rolling tarpon but if they don't show I have no problem working one of our...
Charlotte Harbor fishing report
As we officially begin our summer season, I'll begin moving a bit north of Pine Island Sound where the bite has been consistent all spring and start to explore the our mangrove habitat around the east wall of the upper harbor. First of all, it's closer to home and...
Charlotte Harbor fishing report
As April begins, it's been on the windy side. For the most part, that's typical for this time of year. I've been spending all my time in Pine Island Sound where the habitat is by far some of the best within our estuary system. The sea trout bite has been consistent...