After a lengthy stretch of windy conditions, anglers both shallow and deep will finally get a reprieve as a more tamed forecast graces the region both shallow and deep.
For many it was a grind, and for some way too much time spent in port wishing they were fishing.
Moderate east winds have finally replaced high pressure gusts allowing for comfortable ventures out beyond the horizon, clean waters on the inside, combined with the ability to make accurate casts to a variety of April targets.
Out on the Gulf grounds, traditional bottom fishing in water depths ranging from 85 to 120 feet will produce a bounty of reef fish catches. Top targets will include red grouper, mangrove snapper along with complementary yellowtail, vermillion and mutton snapper. These popular and colorful reef fish will snap up a wide variety of live/dead natural bait offerings along with an eclectic array of bucktail/metal jigs.
Last week: Southwest Florida Fishing Report: Snook, redfish, tarpon action on the rise
Two weeks ago: Southwest Florida Fishing Report: Anglers sticking to the shallows for best action
Three weeks back: Southwest Florida Fishing Report: Patience is key for anglers as fronts continue coming through
Sticking with snapper, offshore anglers can rejoice with the recent news of a record 57-day Gulf of Mexico recreational red snapper season. Recently announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida’s 2022 recreational season will open on June 17 and run through July 31.
The recreational season will also reopen in the fall during the following weekends: Oct 8-9, Oct 15-16, Oct 22-23, Nov 11-13, and Nov 25-27, which will be a real treat for Thanksgiving Weekend red snapper prospectors.
For visiting and local anglers alike, who do not own boats or have access/conveyance to the red snapper fishery, NOAA set the season for federally permitted for-hire vessels to begin on June 1 and close on Aug. 19.
The 2022 red snapper season was determined by a distribution of the recreational quota, which was set at 7,399,00 whole weight. The private or true recreational component is being allocated 57.7% and the for-hire component has been allocated 42.3% of the quota.
Closer to shore and in the shallows, lighter easterly winds have finally provided excellent conditions and have allowed anglers the ability to properly prospect their traditional springtime grounds. Bait has returned to traditional areas, and a mixed bag of species has responded nicely. Snook are on the move, redfish are lurking over hard bottom areas, and pompano have been cruising sand, shell and grassy areas in search of a crustacean meal.
With a change in the wind pattern, now is the time to hit the waters and hook up as the future forecast looks ideal for catching within the entire Southwest Florida coastal arena. Remember, fish smart, fish safe and always listen to your captain.