In Memory of Frank Rothwell

In Memory of G. Frank Rothwell
12-25-2011
Gideon F. Rothwell, IV passed away suddenly near his home in Naples, Florida on Sunday, December 25. He was 83.
We miss you Frank.

November 9, 2011

Barb Jenson from Rochester, Mn. with a nice grouper.

November 19, 2011

Mike Jones from Summerfield, N.C. shows off a big triple tail.

December Forecast

Published in December Coastal Angler
North Naples - Bonita - Ft. Myers Beach

The forecast for December is fantastic. Although Grouper season is closed this month there are still plenty of great tasting, and great fighting fish to be caught. Unless you have the need to wrestle a Goliath up from the depths leave the heavy rods at home. 15 to 20 pound spinning outfit with a half once weight, 30 pound leader and 2/0 circle hook will work great on the near shore reefs for snapper, flounder, sheephead and grunts. Spanish mackerel are still on the reefs but are staying deep with the exception of split second appearances on the surface as they drive small white baits out of the water, and then back down again. Be quick to cast a silver spoon into the frenzy and you're guaranteed a hook up. Even though the water has cooled and the surface action has quieted down for winter, there still is a good chance for cobia, king mackerel, barracuda and sharks just below the surface. Use a balloon to suspend your bait at the desired depth. Single strand, coffee colored wire leader and a Khale style 5/0 circle hook will increase your chances of getting the fish in the boat.

The backwaters and passes have been productive the last few months and should continue through December. Spotted sea trout season is closed until January 1st. The trout fishing has been out standing, so be prepared to release several on your next trip. Snook season should reopen August 2012. So what's left. Well, you have a great pompano bite at and inside the passes near the time of the tide change. Free line shrimp or work a buck tail jig in the current. There will be small snook, jacks and lady fish to add to the excitement. Red fish have been a steady catch for the guys that fish Big Carlos and New Pass and this month should be no different. It is not just the location, but also the tide. The sheepshead and snapper are coming on strong. Dock pilings and old seawalls are all ready attracting big sheepshead and the snapper seem to be just about every where. The flounder bite has been good in the bays and on the deeper edges of some the oyster bars.

Capt. Lindy Yow has fished the waters from North Naples to Ft. Myers Beach since 1993 gaining an extensive knowledge of the near shore reefs and the areas back waters. Offering private charters tailored to fit your needs, family fun or more serious fishing adventures. "I can make it work." Call me a 239-273-6122 or visit www.highhopescharters.com for special deals and all the details. Remember to mention Coastal Angler Magazine and receive 10% off any trip.

Thursday, September 29,2011

October Fish Forecast

North Naples - Bonita - Ft. Myers Beach

As the water temperature falls to the low 80's then upper 70's the surface will come alive. Bait schools that were only a spot on the fish finder last month will be flying out of the water, driven by hungry pelagics as they work there way south for the winter. From the passes, a long the beaches and out to the reefs you will see Spanish mackerel rocket out of the water in feeding frenzies. Kings, cobia, cuda and sharks will be in hot pursuit. The grouper and snapper bite is on. You can expect keeper gag grouper and nice mangrove and lane snapper on the reefs. White bait, thread herring, shrimp, squid, cut mullet and sardines will work on the bottom. Beef up the tackle so you can get them out of the rocks. Whether you drift the bait schools or anchor on a reef and chum, you can expect the best surface action of the year. October is an excellent month to troll the near shore waters. A four rod spread is manageable and covers the entire water column . Try silver spoons or surface plugs on the outside set long. A keel sinker will control line twist if you are using spoons. Use deep divers like Rapala Magnums and Mann Stretch on the inside lines set short and deep. It's possible to pick up a gag grouper on the deep divers as well as huge kings, or a cobia. Troll around active bait schools or over the reefs for the best trolling action of the year.

The back water will continue to produce through the month and into November. Slot sized reds and catch and release snook will be abundant in the bays, passes, creeks and rivers from Vanderbilt Bay to Mantansas Pass. Mangrove snapper, sea trout, flounder and sheephead are becoming more active as the water cools. A light rod and small shrimp will bring home a great dinner.

The mackerel are here!

Carson Binder shows off a Spanish mackerel he caught on a recent reef trip with his Dad.

September Fish Forecast

Published in Coastal Angler Magazine.
September fishing in South West Florida is Great! Possibly the least fished month of all. After Labor Day weekend there will be very few fisherman on the water. Less pressure on the reefs and backwaters means more fish and more aggressive bites for the lucky few that get the chance to wet a line. The near shore reefs are producing nice mangrove snapper and some 15 to 20 inch flounder. Use live shrimp or cut sardines for the best action. Gag grouper will open in the Gulf on September 15th. for one month. Heavier tackle will give you a chance to bring home a grouper dinner. Expect to see schools of Spanish mackerel chasing bait on the surface with barracuda and shark in hot pursuit. Try a slow troll through the bait schools or over the reefs. A four rod spread using a verity of lures from silver spoons to deep divers will give a respite from bottom fishing and possibly a hook up with the biggest fish of the day.

The beaches, passes and back waters are hot with catch and release snook action. Small tarpon are still in Hickory, Fish Trap and Estero Bays and the Imperial River but only for the early risers. Mangrove snapper, sea trout, red fish and flounder seem to be just about everywhere. Fishing the back waters and passes you will need to pick your spots according the the tide. Water movement is key to the fish biting, or even being in the area. Read the water.