Spring Action Finally Settles into Naples Backwaters

After a busy but somewhat challenging period of fishing in tough conditions the last few months, we are finally settled into a warm pattern and the fishing action has really taken a turn for the best. Snook are very active right now and live baiters have been enjoying catch and release fishing with as many as 30 boated on some trips. The snook are widespread from the area beaches and passes to way into the back bays. Plenty of fish in the 20 to 26 inch range and some occasional hookups with bruisers ranging over 15 lbs. Redfish are becoming more and more reliable. Most are running mid-slot in the 23 to 25 inch range and are being caught along the mangroves along with the snook as well as along shallow edges of flats and channels at low tide. The big story is the annual return of the big tarpon. They are showing in strong numbers in many of the shallow bays. During calm conditions, sight fishing with plugs and flies has been providing great opportunities for casters. During the last week, our attempts at the tarpon resulted in six hookups with one nice fish of about 120 lbs. boated by Burke Cessna on an evening trip. Live and cut ladyfish got the attention of the big tarpon. Sharks are also abundant, and are being caught with ease. Blacktip, bull and lemon sharks ranging to 300 lbs. are providing easy action for those wanting a hard pull on the line.