February 19, 2010
Chokoloskee - Saltwater Fishing Report
Report Date: February 18, 2010
Living in Florida my whole life, i've never seen such a cold spell for this duration.
Not only did we have massive snook,tarpon,and other species killed off,but it has not been a whole of fun with 40 degreese air temp. to get out to take advantage of the excellent trout fishing.
This wind and cold will just not stop.
Gil Drake,Lee Dunn and myself have had some pretty good site fishing for reds,but to get them to eat is another situation.
Normally if your Fly or Jig even gets close to the reds they will turn and inhale it,but not now,why?I just don't know, unless it's the cold water.Another friend of mine, and avid fisherman John Lindmeier, has been having the same results with the reds.
Between myself,Gil,and Lee,the 3 of us we must have casted to 30 or more reds with only 1 coming to the boat,and 1-3 just looking at it.
I have been doing quiet a bit of kayak fishing for Everglades Area Tours these last 3 weeks, and have had the same results,Trout,Trout,and more trout with lady fish mixed in.
I did manage to see about a dozen nice size snook but they wouldn't eat.
One woman had a very nice red brought to the kayak that was probably over the slot.I paddled in to help her get the red into the boat, take a few photos, and then was released unharmed.She did an excellent job in her Kayak by back paddling 3 different times to keep from being cut off.
I'm happy to see the NPS is closing down the taking of snook for some time,and it's been a long time in comming,should have been done long before.
So be brave,dress heavy,and get out and take a few trout home for some excellent eating.
Very few fish beat Trout with Caper,Butter,Cream sause.
Capt. Bert Barkus
www.ChokoloskeeIslandCharters.com
239-695-1044
Lostmans5@msn.com
Chokoloskee Fishing Forecast:
Waiting for the air temp. to warm enough threw the day so I can start my Laid up Tarpon Fishing.
Target Species:
Snook ,Tarpon,Reds,Trout
