Bill Russell

The drop in the water temperature gave a big boost for catching sheepsheads, big fish have moved inshore with the lower temperatures. We are catching nice fish and sighting many over five pounds. Look for fish hanging around structure, including dock and bridge pilings, rock jetties along the beach and on oyster bars or deep oyster bottom creeks. Most anglers opt to use shrimp, me included; however some of the real sheepshead experts that target only big fish catch their own bait including fidler crabs, tube worms, or sand fleas. A few black drum have also been mixed with the sheepsheads. The colder the weather the better for catching sheepsheads.

Prospects look really good for the reopening of trout season the first of the year. We have been catching nice trout around oyster bars and deeper creeks while targeting redfish. We have caught plenty of redfish in Matlacha Pass but almost all are running under the eighteen inch minimum, but still a blast to catch.

Now that fish have adjusted to the cooler water temperatures the bite should pick up going into the holidays and the New Year. One good thing, there is no need to hit the water at daylight; usually the best fishing happens during the warmest part of the day.

Have a safe and Merry Christmas

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

HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Fish Species: Sheepsheads, Sea Trout, Redfish
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Sheepsheads fishing getting better every day
Sheepsheads fishing getting better every day

A cold, foggy day in Matlacha Pass
A cold, foggy day in Matlacha Pass


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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