Bill Russell

It's that time of year that I can't wait to great the sun in the mornings, the sunrises are spectacular and the bait is just plain thick, a very enjoyable combination.

Charlotte Harbor has been giving us non-stop action when my clients are looking for fast fishing. We fished near Oyster Shoals off of Bokeelia and found great action with big, fat Spanish mackerel. The only problem was keeping the bluefish and big ladyfish off the baits long enough for the macks to get them. We also caught a couple cobia, a few big flounder, sharks and sea trout from the same areas. Look for a mottled grass/sand bottom mix in six to ten foot depths. Our best action came over the incoming tide. This fun should continue until colder water pushes the bait schools south.

Catching large trout and redfish was a little tougher this week, patiently working oyster bars and shorelines was the key to success.

We found a few nice redfish on the eastern side of Pine Island Sound and trout up to twenty-three inches around mullet schools near oyster bars in Matlacha Pass.

Bait continues to be about as thick as possible and every gamefish we catch looks like it's about to pop from over eating. As we come off the full moon I expect fish to continue fattening up and this should continue until a hard cold front pushes the bait schools south, but hopefully no time soon. Keep an open eye and take advantage of a fishing opportunity when it comes knocking, and don't forget this is the last week to go catch a trout dinner before season closes until the first of the year.

For charter information, please contact us at:

Phone: 239-283-7960

Website: www.fishpineisland.com.

E-mail: gcl2fish@live.com.

"Catch the Action" with Captain Bill Russell

Fish Species: Redfish, Sharks, Mackerel, Trout
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Bill Russell

About The Author: Captain Bill Russell

Company: Gulf Coast Limited Professional Guide Se

Area Reporting: southwest florida including Sanibel, Pine Island Sound, Charlotte Harbor, Matlacha Pass

Bio: "Catch The Action" with Captain Bill Russell. As a native of Pine Island Bill has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding the Island and has been a professional fishing guide for fourteen years and loves to share the local knowledge and history of the waters. The waters surrounding Pine Island including Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Charlotte Harbor, Sanibel, Captiva and Boca Grande are a true fishing Mecca that provide a wide choice of angling thrills. We specialize in light tackle fishing for Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Sea Trout, Sharks and a variety of other species. Not only do our waters provide World Class fishing opportunities our Islands and waters are also abundant with a wide variety of wildlife and beautiful scenery, so bring a camera! We customize each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. From the small child to the novice to the most experienced angler we will make your trip a memorable one. Spend a day on the waters of Southwest Florida and "Catch The Action" with Captain Bill Russell

(239)283-7960
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Bill Russell