Bill Russell

Redfish have become more consistent as summer progresses; most are legal size averaging twenty to twenty five inches with a few over size fish going over thirty. Floating a silver dollar size pinfish or pilchard under a cork or soaking a ballyhoo tube on bottom has been our best baits. These redfish are tight under the mangroves on the higher stages of the tide, it's important to keep the bait as tight to the mangroves as possible. By the end of the month schools of large reds should begin bunching up on the flats for their fall run.

I've pretty much left snook alone this summer, it's been hard but with the numbers down its better to let them go through their summer spawn without harassing them. The ones we have caught are while targeting redfish off oyster bars or shorelines, like the one pictured below that was safely released after a quick snap shot.

Surprisingly there are some big summer trout over the grassflats. There not thick and undersize fish are mixed in, but we have caught trout up to twenty-four inches. We are finding the larger trout in areas of open water where sand bars separate deeper water from three to five foot deep grassflats. Schools of bait fish are concentrated in these areas and trout, along with Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and small sharks are working the bait schools. Also, don't be surprised if a tarpon joins the party, we have hooked tarpon from seventy to ninety pounds on about every other trip on live pilchards.

Use the weather to your advantage and fishing can be good during the hot month of August. Our inshore water temperature can change quickly, give us three or four days with bright sunny skies and the inshore waters quickly get hot and the bite can slow. A couple rainy days with limited sunshine and the water will drop several degrees, this can trigger very good fishing.

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: Redfish, Sea Trout, Sharks, Mackerel, Snook
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Fat Matlacha Pass Redfish
Fat Matlacha Pass Redfish

Snook- caught and released in Charlotte Harbor
Snook- caught and released in Charlotte Harbor


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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