Estero Bay Report

The fishing this past week has really turned on in the shallows and passes. The redfish bit has been very good around the oyster bars and mangrove islands on high water. Shrimp tipped jig heads and shrimp under floats has worked best. There is also plenty of seatrout action over the grass flats in 3-5 feet of clean water. Locate the clean water and the trout will be there. Shrimp under popping corks is the ticket. Sheepshead are moving into their winter hangouts and are hungry for shrimp tipped jig heads. Remember to down-size your tackle to catch these bait thieves. Anglers will also pick up plenty of ladyfish with this method. The passes are holding pompano, ladyfish, bluefish, and jacks. Bottom bouncing shrimp tipped jig heads or under floats will work fine.