Ft. Myers - Offshore

Mackerel Action Greetings; Fishing lately could be summed up by saying that what we have lost in size we have made up for in pure numbers and action. Our tarpon and bigger sharks seem to have left for their winter haunts. Taking their place has been numbers of Spanish mackerel, LT's (little tunny), and king mackerel. Inshore wrecks fishing are holding their own with snapper, flounder, and some gags. Jewfish are still holding also. Day before yesterday we found literally hundreds of small permit. They ran from four to seven pounds or so. Also there were several cudas on the surface with them. Trolling the artificial reef area like the MAY reef and rocky areas near shore has been productive for gag grouper. Rapala CD 18's are the bait of choice as are Mann 25's. Spanish mackerel have been very active along the beaches near the glass minnow pods. I used mostly white jigs, and spoons drifting. Action came as fast and furious and one could imagine. Fly fishing with clousers brought strikes on nearly every cast also. Mixed in with this melee are a few smoker kings so keep a fifteen pound ha ha rig and a live bait out too. Wrecks further offshore are holding some gags, amberjack, and a few smoker kings. There are schools of kings out there, troll the bait pods with king spoons when you see the bait. I use a planer with a quick release like you would use on a down rigger. Watch the fog early in the mornings, and watch the fronts as they approach. Play it safe! This is the time of year it gets sloppy in a hurry. Sincerely, Capt. Rick Featherstone