Bill Russell

For the past week we concentrated our fishing efforts on tarpon. There are a bunch of them here in Southwest Florida this month that's for sure. Some days they were just everywhere you looked free jumping and frolicking around. Other days they were difficult to locate and we moved a lot. We fished from the eastern wall of Charlotte Harbor, into Pine Island Sound, off the beaches of both Captiva and Sanibel and all these areas held concentrations of fish over certain days.

Some days they ate decent for a few hours where we would jump two or three back to back and on other days they were downright finicky. Our bait of choice was both menhaden and large Atlantic thread herring fished live on heavy spinning gear. Everywhere we looked for tarpon we were continuously harassed by sharks. Not big ones, but fish from three to five feet that included mostly, hammerheads, spinners and blacktips.

The big tarpon are here, the weather is warm and upcoming strong tides this week could provide for more great action.

For charter information contact us at (239)283-7960

Or visit us at www.fishpineisland.com.

"Catch The Action" with Captain Bill Russell

Fish Species: Tarpon
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An epic battle with a big Sanibel Tarpon
An epic battle with a big Sanibel Tarpon

Michelle Barrette tired but still smiling after boating her largest tarpon to date.
Michelle Barrette tired but still smiling after boating her largest tarpon to date.


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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