The water level in the Cape Coral canals and lake chains has increased. Recent rains and storms have increased water levels to a point that fishing has been good but weird. I mean weird in that the bass have not followed normal patterns as bass did last year at this time. The recent cold snap we just had sent most of the bass into a lethargic mode. Thus slow retrieves and slow falling baits have been successful in catch numbers. Bigger jigs and bait profiles have been producing larger bass, but the retrieves again must be SLOW! When you think you are moving your bait slow, slow it down even more. This has been a good technique with the cooler weather we have been having. On warmer days where the trend has been 80 to 85 degrees for more than three days, you can find fish responding to faster retrieves and spinner baits. I have had good luck with early morning top water bites on dog walking lures and soft plastics like Gary Yamamoto Flappin Hogs and Kreatures.
The saltwater in the Cape Coral, Matlache and Pine island area has been bouncing back from a sluggish past couple of months. As mentioned before the recent rains and storms changed salinity levels in the inshore saltwater areas. But as I am writing this report I can say the bite is ON!!! Just this week I have found Reds, Snook and Tarpon in area canals and out on the flats and backwater areas. In the coming months we can expect to see bigger fish coming back into the canals and flats. Most of the fish, Reds and Snook were small but the numbers are good. The bite was most active on the incoming tides for the backwater areas, and the outgoing tides were good for the Flats and deep channels.
As you are probably aware the snook love moving water and anytime you can find moving water and a good bait supply start fishing for these rascals. The snook top-water bite has been slow, not as good as last year this time. Reds, Snook and Tarpon were all caught in good numbers on Strike King Glass minnows and Zulu's. When using plastics try to keep to a very light-weight Jig head or fish it weight-less and weed-less. Use just the amount of weight that you can get by with depending on the wind and current you are faced with.
Kayak Charters is having a special on our Motor Kits and Accessories for November and December to help make gift giving easier this year. We also have Gift Certificates for any of Accessories and Trips we have.