Bill Russell

The snook bite has been good; the days with a decent tide and breeze have been the best. We haven't really been fishing for snook but catching them everywhere we are looking for redfish. This is good news after the set back snook had from last winter's freeze; I have been catching a lot more quality snook than redfish, go figure. We are finding plenty of redfish around oyster bars; most are running small but a blast to catch. Our largest snook went over thirty inches and took a well placed ladyfish steak off the bottom that was intended for a red.

Also around oyster bars we are finding large trout with many over twenty inches. Like snook, season is closed on trout, but always a fun surprise.

Starting to catch some big sheepsheads around structure, from what I have seen this could be a real good winter for sheepsheads. Little bait stealing pinfish are still thick inshore and until colder weather pushes them out they will be a pain whenever shrimp fishing for sheepsheads. As the water cools more big sheepies will move inshore and the bait stealers will move out, until then take a lot of bait, you will need it.

On about every trip we are catching one or two nice flounder, more than I have seen in a while. Most are coming from sand or potholes while looking for redfish. This is one of the best eating fish and always a welcome catch.

Mixed bag action continues strong over the deeper mottled bottom of grass and sand in Charlotte Harbor and north Matlacha Pass. Spanish mackerel, bluefish, small sharks and a ton of big ladyfish are quickly drawn to a little chumming with crippled live shiners. Families and kids love this type fishing, the action is non –stop and there are always a few surprises.

We should continue with a variety of good fishing opportunities going into the holidays. The weather has cooled but not to the point where the bait fish and game fish have been impacted. In fact the night and day time temperatures have been about perfect for both fish and anglers.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

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: Snook, speckled trout, redfish, flounder
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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