Capt. George Tunison – Fishing

Despite the rainy weather in Southwest Florida, a handful of diehards were spotted fishing along Burnt Store Road. The anglers were in search of a big snook drawn to the food items dropping over the little dams.

The area is quite diverse for fishing, and anything might bite there. In the past, reports of catching a grouper and even a peacock bass have been mentioned. In 2012, an over 7-pound largemouth was released, all on the “saltwater side” during a rainy period.

Despite the excitement, the highway traffic is a concern as fishing fever-distracted, on-foot anglers can be hard to see in the downpour. However, if weather permits, it is recommended to go a little deeper to get that red snapper bite. Reports indicate that the 140-160 feet range is the hot zone where boats have been seeing quite a few small schools of mostly peanut or juvenile mahi-mahi or dolphin fish. Along with red grouper (which closes to harvest at the end of the month), various larger snapper species can also be found in the area that don’t see as much fishing pressure. Wahoo and sailfish have also been reported out this far.

Mahi-Mahi and Red Snapper

Mahi live their short lives at warp speed, swimming up to a reported 60 mph and growing to 40 pounds in only a year’s time at up to two inches a week. In 1998, a Florida angler fishing in the Bahamas bagged an 88-pound specimen, establishing a new world record that still stands. They are an amazing and quite beautiful gamefish, great on the plate when freshly served.

Red snapper, on the other hand, have a distinct taste and are a highly desired target for many anglers. The age-old debate on their favorite bait is an ongoing conversation, with live baits, pinfish and cigar minnows being highly regarded. Squid, bonito strips, and most other cut baits all take their share of these fish as well.

Near-Shore Structures

If your boat isn’t safe 50 miles out and beyond, there are several near-shore structures that offer everything from grouper, snapper, cobia, permit, huge bonus snook, and sharks. Helen’s, Belton Johnson, Mary’s, and Pace’s reefs and structures are all in the range of today’s fast bay boats. For example, Helen’s is only 5 miles off Captiva Pass, and The Power Poles are only 5 miles out of Boca, making them easily accessible even for beginners.

Check the FWC and other internet sources for the GPS coordinates and structure info and uncover sunken boxcars, barges, concrete, steel structures, and other items that host a huge variety of game fish at one time or another. For new offshore anglers, now’s the time to really learn how to use and understand the information your electronics are providing, as well as mastering other vital skills like knowing where, when, and how to anchor, which can make a huge difference in your fishing success.

Offshore Captain Tips

Two of the most important things for a newbie offshore captain to remember are knowing when to stay in port and also when to head in. In the quickly changing Gulf summer weather, staying to catch just a couple more can doom you and your passengers that you’re responsible for. A 22-foot bay boat quickly gets smaller and smaller as the offshore wind and waves get bigger.

Tarpon Fishing

Although you might encounter moving coastal tarpon off the beach to a few miles out or on the inside along the ICW through Pine Island Sound up to Estero Bay, the main body is still attending the big tarpon bash at Boca Grande. Better coastal or beach chances may occur when turning north out of Boca Grande.

Conclusion

From ankle deep to the horizon, Southwest Florida is an excellent location for being a multi-species angler. With the right equipment, knowledge, and skills, there’s no shortage of fish for the avid angler.

Originally Post From https://www.capecoralbreeze.com/sports/sports-columns/2024/06/18/fishing-with-capt-george-tunison-its-a-good-time-to-fish-for-a-variety-of-species/

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Offshore Fishing Tips: Catch what you CAN!
Offshore Fishing Tips