Bill Russell

We stayed close to home for tarpon and fished the northern end of Matlacha Pass and Charlotte Harbor and found plenty of fish and there was never more than one other boat in sight. What a different animal when they aren't pressured or over run by boats, these fish were happy and hungry. We jumped or boated fish from seventy to one hundred fifty pounds all on large live thread herrings.

Sharks are everywhere and eating everything. They can be nuisance tarpon fishing, the smaller ones we generally land but they destroy the fluorocarbon leader and the big ones generally chew through the leader during the fight. However when we have been fishing the deeper flats for mackerel and trout we have been putting out a shark rig. I don't think it ever took more than ten minutes before a big chunk of ladyfish suspended below a balloon was eaten by a shark of some size. Most are blacktips from three to five feet; our largest was a seven foot lemon. All great fighters.

After the tarpon bite slowed by late morning is when we were switching gears and targeting mackerel, trout, bluefish, sharks and whatever else would bite. Chumming with crippled shiners would get the bite started then it was non- stop action on free lined shiners or threads. I intended to spend a little time looking for snook or redfish on a couple days on the high water but the bite was just too good on everything else to break away.

It was one of those weeks were everything went according to plan, that seldom happens on a given day let alone for the better part of a week but luck was on our side. I hope the bite remains strong through the upcoming week, the tides aren't as favorable after mid week but I am optimistic that there will be plenty of fish willing to chew.

For Charter information Please contact us at:

Phone: 239-283-7960

Website: www.fishpineisland.com

E-mail: gcl2fish@live.com

"Catch the Action" with Captain Bill Russell

Fish Species: Tarpon, Sharks
Bait Used:
Tackle Used:
Method Used:
Water Depth:
Water Temperature:
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:
Tarpon were hungry in the mornings all week
Tarpon were hungry in the mornings all week

Seven Foot Lemon Shark caught in Charlotte Harbor
Seven Foot Lemon Shark caught in Charlotte Harbor


Do you want to leave a comment? Login or register now to leave a comment.


No comments so far

Bill Russell

About The Author: Captain Bill Russell

Company: Gulf Coast Limited Professional Guide Se

Area Reporting: southwest florida including Sanibel, Pine Island Sound, Charlotte Harbor, Matlacha Pass

Bio: "Catch The Action" with Captain Bill Russell. As a native of Pine Island Bill has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding the Island and has been a professional fishing guide for fourteen years and loves to share the local knowledge and history of the waters. The waters surrounding Pine Island including Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Charlotte Harbor, Sanibel, Captiva and Boca Grande are a true fishing Mecca that provide a wide choice of angling thrills. We specialize in light tackle fishing for Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Sea Trout, Sharks and a variety of other species. Not only do our waters provide World Class fishing opportunities our Islands and waters are also abundant with a wide variety of wildlife and beautiful scenery, so bring a camera! We customize each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. From the small child to the novice to the most experienced angler we will make your trip a memorable one. Spend a day on the waters of Southwest Florida and "Catch The Action" with Captain Bill Russell

(239)283-7960
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Bill Russell