Estero Bay Report

The backbay and nearshore waters are teaming with variety. The grass flats have been producing sea trout, jacks, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, and even a few pompano. Drifting the grass in 2-5 feet of water near the passes and throwing shrimp/popping cork rig seems to be the best method. Once you find the fish power pole down and enjoy some quality rod bending action. There is still some really good whitebait off the beaches and the redfish and snook around the mangroves are looking to take it. Free lined on 2/0 circle hooks is the go-to set-up. Anglers can also try fishing the oyster bars and surrounding flats for the reds as they are moving around depending on the tides. The snook are starting to move to their cooler water locations, but will still take live bait offerings. The nearshore reefs are a great place to go if anglers are looking for action. Snapper, sheepshead, pompano, flounder, mac's, grouper, ladyfish, jacks, and grunts are daily catches. Shrimp tipped jig heads will work for most while the mac's, lady's and jacks prefer free lined whitebaits.