Estero Bay Report

With anglers chasing the elusive "silver king" in the nearshore waters the backbay has been wide open for those wanting redfish. The high water is the best time to catch them around the mangrove islands and oyster bars. Shrimp on jig heads under floats or on 2/0 circle hooks with split shot seems to be the best method. Mangrove snapper are all over their typical hangout's, but finding legal size is a problem. Anglers will go through a ½ dozen before getting a keeper. Shark fishing is also really good right now in 14-20 feet of water directly off the beaches. Cut thread fin herrings, sand trout, jacks, or ladyfish on 7/0 circle hooks will work fine. Get a chum slick going and once they are around it won't take long to get them feeding. Black tips, bulls, and even hammerheads are a daily catch.