February 9, 2007 This week fishing has remained strong in the Naples area backwaters. Live pilchards have been the bait of choice and readily available along the beaches. Look for the pelicans diving and bait flicking on the top of the water. I would suggest throwing a 1/4 in. mesh net as baits are smaller this week and you wont end up with a net filled with gilled baits. Snook of all sizes have been feeding good on the outgoing tide on points and deeper mangrove shore lines. The average fish have been in the 20-25in range, with the big fish this week going 33in. The passes have also had a good amount of snook in them along with jacks and bluefish. The dolphins were a real pain this morning waiting by the boat for you to release the snook for a easy meal. Only managed a couple fish before I moved on to get away from the dolphins. Redfish have remained thick in the shallow bays and around oyster bars. Morning low tides have made this the perfect time to sight fish them. A well presented fly or D.O.A shrimp should result in solid hookups. They are a bit skittish so keep your distance and try not to run the trolling motor if possible. Most fish have been in the 22-28in range. Trout fishing has slowed this week with water temps pushing 75 again. I have had some success with the DOA key lime paddletail in the deeper channels from Naples to Hurricane Pass. Most fish have been in the 13-15in range. As I type a front is pushing through with a north wind that is forecast to blow 20 knots till Wednesday. Air temps won't get to low so I expect fishing to pick back up late Tuesday into the week, before another front is forecast late week. Spring is coming and I anticipating a great tarpon season with fish showing up earlier than normal with all the bait and warm weather. Capt. Chris