Marco Island, Ft. Myers & Boca Grande

Flats fishing and duck hunting! Now that duck season is open I'm splitting my time between guiding duck hunting trips and sightfishing for reds on the flats. The past couple of duck seasons haven't been good enought to justify taking paying customers out but this year is back to old form and we are having some of the best hunts in a very long time. The water levels are way down due to a severe drought and many of the marshes are low enough to bring back good concentrations of puddle ducks along with a good number of divers to keep things interesting. The majority of the ducks that we're seeing are green and blue wing teal and Florida Mallards. Also we're getting a few opportunities at fulvous whistlers and ring necks. With the water as low as it is many of the good areas are unaccessable for the majority of the hunters. I have a strong running airboat that can travel over dry ground to get into the shallow areas. Much of the time we're only hunting in 10 inches of water. If you've ever wanted to try Florida duck hunting this is the year to try it. If you don't know anyone with an airboat give me a call. I'll put you on them. When I'm not hunting or guiding hunts I've been fishing the flats for redfish, snook and trout. Sightfishing for reds has been excellent the entire fall. Trout fishing is still slower than last year but has pick up quite a bit since my last report. Snook fishing is still very good but as the water cools the bait will become much harder to find. Redfish: Look for them to be working the open flats during low tide. A large shrimp cast in front of them is a guarrenteed hook-up. Snook: Look for them to be moving up the harbor. Live sardines are the best bait if you find them. Soft plastics are my second choice. Trout: Better trout fishing has been in the harbor. Use soft plastics on a rising tide. Fish the potholes. Good Luck! Capt. Scott Hughes Blackwater Charters 941-575-2389 941-628-4247 cell