Tim Rushing

The rainy season has arrived in force down here in Naples and Marco Island and the fishing has reponded with a smile!  Every year in June, at some point, we have a big week of rain.  It triggers two of the most sought after fish in Florida, the snook, and the tarpon, into a feeding frenzy, that wull settle into a nice pattern that lasts until the fall.  

The fresh water seems to set off both species, as the freah water cools the steamy temperatures, and it flushes the shrimp out of the back country as they scramble for a higjer salinity. 

The fun-size tarpon that live in the backcountry follow thw freshwater out of the mangroves and into the bays and passes, gobbling up shrimp and artificals that imitate a shrimp, and become easy targets for ultralite spinning tackle.  The fight and explosive jumps of a 10-40 pound tarpo  on light tackle is outrageously fun!

 It also affects the salinty in the passes that triggers the snook to fully engage their spawning efforts...it is not uncommon to see giant females, surrounded by smaller males swimmimg along the rocky edges.  It is also not uncomon to lose a giant snook to a swarm of males that inadvertently dislodge the hook, or cut the line while they pile on a distracted hooked female embroiled in a battle!

As the first big flush of fresh water stabilizes, and the scaly bait return to their usual spots, we will switch back over to pichalds, pinfish,  and threadfins as our nait of choice for snook, and crabs for thw big tarpon.

Give me a call if you want to experience some of the best fishing of the year! 

 

Captain Tim

239-821-9375 

Tim@southerngentlemenfishing.com 

 

 

Fish Species: Tarpon and Snook
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Tim Rushing

About The Author: Captain Tim Rushing

Company: Southern Gentlemen Fishing

Area Reporting: Naples, Marco Island, Ten Thousand Islands

Bio: As a Fourth-generation native Floridian, I have spent more than 30 years soaking up the unrivaled fishery that is Southwest Florida. I spent much of my youth fishing everywhere for everything that could be caught in fresh or saltwater in this state. As a true Florida “Native” that has fished every single corner of the state for every single species of fish this great state offers, I knew this region was special the first time I laid eyes on her upon moving here after graduating from the University of Florida. Every time I go out on the water, whether it is the mystery and allure of the 10,000 islands and Everglades, the beautiful beaches of Naples and Marco or the grandeur of the Pine Island Sound Islands I feel like I am stealing something wonderful from the rest of the world! For the past 30 years I have studied, mastered, and observed the awesome gamefish and wildlife with the eye of a Florida native, and the excitement of kid at the beach for the first time in his life.

239-821-9375
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Tim Rushing