Captiva Fishing Guide Report: Thursday, February 21: Spanish Mackerel, Catch & Release, Captain Joe’s Charters – the weather is warming up, the red tide is gone and a lot of good fish have moved back into the gulf, bay and passes; water is much, much better – redfish, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, snook, and seatrout are currently present.
Already seeing some positive impact. Some very nice big redfish and snook around, more big redfish than snook.
The Caloosahatchee freshwater releases are also not an issue right now, but still a huge long-term problem.
Extremely frustrating. We need wholesale changes in the Florida state government. It is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it is a Big Sugar control everyone issue. It is stunning how we continue to let the sugar industry and the agriculture north of Lake Okeechobee to damage the water and all of Florida.
Please click here to Book A Charteror call 239-472-8658.
We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.
Spanish Mackerel, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, May 13, 2018.
“The Atlantic Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) is a migratory species of mackerels that swims to the Northern Gulf of Mexico in spring, returns to South Florida in the Eastern Gulf, and to Mexico in the Western Gulf in the fall.
Spanish Mackerel, Inshore, Grass Beds, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, February 27, 2018.
The fish exhibits a green back; its sides are silvery marked with about three rows of round to elliptical yellow spots. Lateral line gradually curving down from the upper end of the gill cover toward caudal peduncle. The first (spiny) dorsal fin is black at the front. Posterior membranes are white with a black edge. Its single row of cutting edged teeth in each jaw (around sixty-four teeth in all) are large, uniform, closely spaced and flattened from side to side. As with the King mackerel and the Cero mackerel, these teeth look very similar to those of the Bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix.
Spanish mackerel are a highly valued fish throughout their range from North Carolina to Texas. Recreational anglers catch Spanish mackerel from boats while trolling or drifting and from boats, piers, jetties, and beaches by casting spoons and jigs and live-bait fishing. Fast lure retrieves are key to catching these quick fish. Commercial methods are primarily run-around gill netting, and rarely, by trolling lures similar to those used by recreational anglers.
Spanish Mackerel, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, June 24, 2018.
On November 4, 1987, Woody Outlaw caught a world-record 13-pound Spanish mackerel[4]on a blue and white Sea Witch with a strip of fastback menhaden on a 7/0 hook, held by a Shimanobait-casting reel on a Kuna rod with 30-pound test line.[5]
Spanish mackerel are primarily marketed fresh or frozen as fillets as commercially caught fish are too small to sell in the form of steaks. Their raw flesh is white. They may be prepared by broiling, frying, baking or, rarely, by smoking.
Spanish mackerel are a pelagic, fast swimming fish that are prevalent throughout Florida’s coastal waters when water temperatures exceed 70 degrees.
To remain in warm water, Spanish mackerel migrate out of the northern parts of the state in the fall of the year and return in April with the warming waters.
Spanish Mackerel, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, May 1, 2018.
Mackerel are frequently found in shallow, clear water over grass beds and along sandy beaches where they feed on schools of baitfish. Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders that will strike a wide variety of natural and artificial baits, so they can be very easy to catch.
Spanish Mackerel, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, July 8, 2018.
Many anglers identify the location of Spanish mackerel by trolling or watching for birds diving on schools of baitfish, which often indicates that mackerel are forcing the bait to the surface. Angling techniques include trolling or casting with small shiny spoons, dusters or jigs. Light spinning or bait-casting tackle with 10 to 15-pound monofilament line is adequate; however, 30 to 60-pound monofilament leader is required due to the mackerel’s razor-sharp teeth.
Back is bluish-green, fading to silvery sides and belly (no spots)
Front of first dorsal fin lacks a dark blotch
Lateral line drops sharply below the second dorsal fin
Juveniles may have yellowish spots, similar to Spanish mackerel
Similar Species: Cero, S. regalis; Spanish mackerel, S. maculatus (both have gently sloping lateral lines and a dark blotch on front of first dorsal fin); and wahoo, A. solandri (first dorsal fin long and continuous)
Size: Up to 72 inches
Habitat:
Coastal to offshore waters. Often around piers. They may occasionally be found in deep water.
Behavior:
Spawn offshore in mid-summer. Schooling fish that migrate from south Florida waters in winter northward in spring. Feed mainly on fishes.
Fishing Tips and Facts: Kings feed on small fish and squid and take both natural and artificial baits. Live baits include pogies, herring, Spanish sardine, ballyhoo, and mullet. Lures should be flashy sub-surface lures or large fish-like plugs. Use 20-pound line and tackle, or heavier for larger kings, with a wire or mono leader.
After a fierce storm, Turner Beach, the beach adjoining the Pass, is frequently covered with a bounty of shells from Olives to Fighting Whelks to the more common Conchs. The fishing is also renowned with sharks in the summer, tailing redfish on the bayside flats and snook under and off the Blind Pass bridge. Because Turner Beach faces Westward, the sunsets are spectacular and a popular viewing point for residents and visitors alike.
Spanish Mackerel, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, November 20, 2018.
Captain Joey Burnsed ~ please click calendar or call 239-472-8658 to book a Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Boca Grande or Fort Myers fishing guide trip or shelling charter.
Spanish Mackerel caught offshore of Captiva on Sanibel & Captiva charters!
FWC Commission Addresses Shore-Based Shark Fishing Concerns With New Regulations/Educational Component
FWC Commission Addresses Shore-Based Shark Fishing Concerns With New Regulations/Educational Component. Hammerhead Shark, Sanibel Beach, Catch & Release, Courtesy Of Cullem Scott Guthrie, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Tuesday, August 2, 2016.
“At its February meeting in Gainesville, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved changes to shark fishing regulations, including management changes for the shore-based shark fishery. Some minor changes to the original proposal were also made, as noted below. These rules are intended to increase survival of released sharks, improve information gathering for the fishery and address some of the public safety concerns related to the fishery.
The rule changes go into effect July 1, 2019, and include:
Creating a mandatory, no-cost, annual shore-based shark fishing permit. (CHANGE: This permit will be required for all shore-based shark anglers age 16 and older, including those 65 and older who are normally exempt from needing a fishing license.)
CHANGE: Requiring those under 16 to take the educational requirement associated with the permit unless they are fishing with an adult who already holds the permit.
Prohibiting chumming when fishing for any species from the beach.
Requiring immediate release of prohibited shark species when fishing from the shore. (CHANGE: Requiring anglers to cut the leader, line or hook to prevent delaying release of prohibited species).
Requiring that prohibited shark species remain in the water (when fishing from shore or from a vessel).
Requiring the use of non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks to target or harvest sharks when using live or dead natural bait (when fishing from shore and from a vessel).
Requiring the possession/use of a device capable of quickly cutting the leader or hook when targeting sharks (when fishing from shore or a vessel).
Defining beach, chumming and shore-based shark fisher (CHANGE: includes changes to how shore-based shark fisher is defined).
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, February 20, 2019.SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Monday, February 11, 2019.
Sanibel Island Fishing Charters, February 20, 2019
Captiva Fishing Guide Report: Wednesday, February 20: SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Captain Joe’s Charters – the weather is warming up, red tide is gone and a lot of good fish have moved back into the gulf, bay and passes; water is much, much better – redfish, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, snook, and seatrout are currently present.
Already seeing some positive impact. Some very nice big redfish and snook around, more big redfish than snook.
The Caloosahatchee freshwater releases are also not an issue right now, but still a huge long-term problem.
Extremely frustrating. We need wholesale changes in the Florida state government. It is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it is a Big Sugar control everyone issue. It is stunning how we continue to let the sugar industry and the agriculture north of Lake Okeechobee to damage the water and all of Florida.
Please click here to Book A Charteror call 239-472-8658.
We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.
Sea Trout & Redfish, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Friday, December 28, 2018.
SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, February 20, 2019.
Sea Trout caught in Redfish Pass, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service.Redfish are back and looking good; for more information just use the search box and search on any species for recent fishing reports, background on any species, and other recent fishing, water quality reports, and information.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Thursday, February 14, 2019.
SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Monday, April 30, 2018.
Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Sanibel Island Fishing Charters: SeaTrout, Grass Beds, Catch & Release. Please also visit theSanibel, Fort Myers, Florida Fishing ReportandCuban Fishingsites.Better water moving north of Sanibel up through Captiva & North Captiva.
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Saturday, February 24, 2018.
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Sunday, February 11, 2018.
FWC Commission Spotted Seatrout Update, February 22, 2019
At its February meeting in Gainesville, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced a proactive change to conserve spotted seatrout impacted by the prolonged red tide in southwest Florida while continuing to offer quality fishing opportunities.
Currently, anglers may harvest a single spotted seatrout per day that is larger than 20 inches. Starting Friday, Feb. 22, recreational anglers will no longer be allowed to harvest any spotted seatrout over 20 inches total length when fishing in state or federal waters from the Pasco-Hernando county line south to Gordon Pass in Collier County. This rule change will remain in effect through May 10, 2019. Red drum and snook are currently catch-and-release only in this region through May 10 as well.
While these species need additional time to recover, the red tide that was impacting southwest Florida has subsided.
Silver SeaTrout: Cynoscion nothus
“Appearance:
Also known as white trout.
Grayish back, silvery sides and white belly
Faint rows of spots may be present on upper sides
All fins are pale yellow, except for the darker, dusky dorsal fin
Pair of large canine teeth at tip of upper jaw
Eyes large and snout short
8 to 9 soft anal fin rays
Bottom half of tail more elongated than upper half
Similar Species: Sand seatrout, C. arenarius (more yellow color and larger size)
Size: Usually less than 10 inches (1 pound). Smallest seatrout species; usually no more than 1/2 pound (less than 10 inches).
Windy, Tough Fishing, Silver SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Wednesday, March 14, 2018.
Habitat:
Most common over sand or sandy mud bottoms offshore along both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida. Migrate into bays during cold months.
SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Friday, March 23, 2018.
Behavior:
Spawn offshore in deep water during spring, summer and fall. Feed on small fish and shrimp.
Additional Information
State Record: This species is not currently eligible for a state record. ”
SeaTrout, Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Spotted SeaTrout
“Cynoscion nebulosus, the spotted seatrout, also known as speckled trout, is a common estuarinefish found in the southern United States along coasts of Gulf of Mexico and the coastal Atlantic Ocean from Maryland to Florida. These fish are also found in estuarine locations around Cape Breton Island of Nova Scotia, Canada.
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Friday, February 16, 2018.
While most of these fish are caught on shallow, grassy flats, spotted seatrout reside in virtually any inshore waters, from the surf of outside islands to far up coastal rivers, where they often come for shelter during cold weather. Contrary to its name, the spotted seatrout is not a member of the trout family (Salmonidae), but of the drum family (Sciaenidae). It is popular for commercial and especially recreational fishing in coastal waters of the southeastern United States. Adults reach 19-32 inches in length and 3-15 pounds in weight.
Big Sea Trout, Captiva Grass Flats, June 13, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service.
Spotted seatrout live in the top of the water column and are most numerous along the coasts of the southeastern states, such as Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. They are also common along the coasts of North and South Carolina and Virginia. Estuarine coasts are prime settlement areas. They are uncommonly seen north of Delaware Bay and along the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Seatrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, June 26, 2018.
Spotted seatrout is the common name endorsed by the American Fisheries Society. However, this fish has many other common names, including speckled trout, speck, speckles, spec, truite gris (Louisiana French), trucha de mar (Mexican Spanish), spotted weakfish, spotted seateague, southern seateague, salmon, salmon trout, simon trout, winter trout, seatrout, Nosferatu fish, and black trout. Particularly large ones are nicknamed gator trout.[1]
SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Thursday, April 5, 2018.
The spotted seatrout has prominent canine teeth. Like other fish of the family Sciaenidae, it has an elongated, soft dorsal fin with scales; it is separated from the spinous dorsal fin by a deep notch. It usually has two anal spines and the lateral line extends to the tip of the caudal fin. The back has distinct spots scattered on it, including on the dorsal and caudal fins.
SeaTrout, Cayo Costa, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, April 1, 2018.
Unlike some other members of the family Sciaenidae, the spotted seatrout does not have any chin barbels. In stained water, this fish’s background may take on a golden hue. Its shape and coloration is reminiscent of a brown trout. This fish is closely related to the weakfish, Cynoscion regalis.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Monday, January 7, 2019.
The average size of spotted seatrout is 0.5-1.0 kg (1-2 lb), but in most areas fish up to 2.5 kg (5 lb) are fairly common. Fish weighing 3.5-4.5 kg (8-10 lb) are rare. The world record is 7.9 kg (17 lb 7 oz).
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, February 20, 2018.
Small trout eat large amounts of shrimp and other crustaceans. As they grow larger, their diets shift toward fish, the larger, the better. Studies in Texas and Mississippi show that really big trout strongly prefer to feed on mullet; a large trout will find the largest mullet it can handle and try to swallow it. Often the mullet is half or two-thirds as large as the trout.[2]” Please see more information here.
More SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Monday, February 26, 2018.
More than 15 inches and less than 20 inches total length (may possess one over 20 inches included in bag limit)
Daily Bag Limit
6 per harvester per day
5 per harvester per day
4 per harvester per day
Season
Open year-round
Gear Requirements: Allowable Gear: Hook and line; cast net
Two SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Wednesday, February 28, 2018.
Spotted Seatrout Management Zones:
Northwest: Escambia County through Fred Howard Park Causeway near Pasco County.
Southwest: Fred Howard Park Causeway through Monroe County line at Card Sound.
Southeast: Miami-Dade County at Card South through Volusia County.
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, February 25, 2018.
Habitat and Fishing Tips:
Seatrout are found inshore and nearshore in and around seagrass meadows, mangrove-fringed shorelines, deep holes and channels and above oyster bars. Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish or pigfish (grunts) near the bottom to entice trout out of grass-bed holes. Attaching a float will allow these baits to drift over the grass beds as you search for trout. Casting with soft-bodied jigs, top-water poppers and spoons can be effective.
SeaTrout, Cayo Costa, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, April 3, 2018.
Trout are very delicate, so returning unwanted or illegal fish promptly to the water is necessary to maintain a healthy population. Spotted seatrout are a good eating fish.
Charlie, Big Sea Trout, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service, Monday, February 5, 2018, [File Photo: 3-3-14].
Spotted seatrout is managed for both commercial and recreational fishing in Florida. Management in Florida began for spotted seatrout in the late 1980s when the fishery was declining. At the Nov. 2011 Commission meeting, the FWC made several changes to how spotted seatrout are managed, including splitting the South management zones in two and going from a total of three management zones (Northeast, Northwest and South) to four management zones (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest.)
Big SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Thursday, February 9, 2018.
The management goal for spotted seatrout in Florida is a 35% spawning potential ratio (SPR). Stock assessments were conducted in 2003 and 2006 that showed the spotted seatrout population as relatively stable. The 2010 stock assessment includes data through 2009 and it showed that the Northeast, Southeast and Southwest zones are exceeding the 35% SPR management goal. The Northwest area is hovering right at 35%.
Sea Trout & Jack Crevalle, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Friday, June 17, 2016.
Please click here to Book A Charteror call 239-472-8658 and here for Live Sanibel Traffic Cams; Captiva Island Fishing Charters, SeaTrout, Grass Flats & Oyster Bars.
We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.
After a fierce storm, Turner Beach, the beach adjoining the Pass, is frequently covered with a bounty of shells from Olives to Fighting Whelks to the more common Conchs. The fishing is also renowned with sharks in the summer, tailing redfish on the bayside flats and snook under and off the Blind Pass bridge. Because Turner Beach faces Westward, the sunsets are spectacular and a popular viewing point for residents and visitors alike.
SeaTrout, North Captiva, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, March 27, 2018.
Captain Joey Burnsed ~ please click calendar at the upper right or call 239-472-8658 to book a Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Boca Grande or Fort Myers fishing guide trip or shelling charter.
Snook, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Tuesday, February 19, 2019.Snook, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, February 13, 2019.Snook and red drum will be catch-and-release only in state waters from the northernmost point of Anna Maria Island in Manatee County to Gordon Pass in Collier County due to impacts from red tide on that area. Source: FWC.Snook, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, December 11, 2018.
Sanibel Island Fishing Charters, February 19, 2019.
Captiva Fishing Guide Report: Tuesday, February 19: Snook, Catch & Release, Captain Joe’s Charters – the weather is warming up, red tide is gone and a lot of good fish have moved back into the gulf, bay and passes; water is much, much better – redfish, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, snook, and seatrout are currently present.
Already seeing some positive impact. Some very nice big redfish and snook around, more big redfish than snook.
The Caloosahatchee freshwater releases are also not an issue right now, but still a huge long-term problem.
Extremely frustrating. We need wholesale changes in the Florida state government. It is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it is a Big Sugar control everyone issue. It is stunning how we continue to let the sugar industry and the agriculture north of Lake Okeechobee to damage the water and all of Florida.
Please click here to Book A Charteror call 239-472-8658.
We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.
Snook, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Friday, December 14, 2018.
Snook, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, February 19, 2019.
Big Snook & One Happy Little Boy On Sanibel & Captiva Charters! Monday, October 2, 2017. [File Photo: 2005(?)]
Captiva Fishing Charters
Redfish continue to be less prevalent and are now catch & release only; for more information just see recent fishing reports, background on any species, and other recent fishing, water quality reports, and information.
Snook, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Wednesday, May 23, 2018.
Snook, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Monday, November 19, 2018.
a Grande or Fort Myers fishing guide trip or shelling charter.
Snook, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Monday, July 16, 2018.
“The common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) is a species of marinefish in the familyCentropomidae of the orderPerciformes. The common snook is also known as the sergeant fish or robalo. It was originally assigned to the sciaenid genus Sciaena;Sciaena undecimradiatus and Centropomus undecimradiatus are obsolete synonyms for the species.
Snook, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Friday, November 2, 2018.
One of the largest snooks, Centropomus undecimalis grows to a maximum overall length of 140 centimeters (4.6 ft) but common length is 50 centimeters (1.6 ft). The IGFA world record is 24.32 kg (53 lb 10 oz) caught in Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica by an angler named Rafael Montalvo.[1][2] Of typical centropomid form, it possesses drab coloration except for a distinctive black lateral line. It can also possess bright yellow pelvic and caudal fins, especially during the spawn.[3]
Snook, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Snook, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Monday, October 1, 2018.
Many[who?] believe that snook originated in Central America and that changes in the earth’s climate are what brought the snook to Florida. It is believed that during a great warming trend after the Ice Age, snook moved northward along the Mexico shoreline. They followed the perimeter of the Gulf of Mexico, down the west coast of Florida and up the east coast. There are massive snook in Central America, although they seem to look a little different because of the weather and water quality but besides that, they are the same.
Snook, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Saturday, June 2, 2018.
There are no restrictions in most of Central America on the size or quantity of snook one can keep, consequently, many locals have been keeping and killing the massive snook for quite a while.[18] Occurring in shallow coastal waters (up to 20 meters (66 ft) depth), estuaries, and lagoons, the fish often enters fresh water. It is carnivorous, with a diet dominated by smaller fishes, and crustaceans such as shrimp, and occasionally crabs.[19]” Please see more information here.
Common Snook, Sanibel & Captiva Fishing Charters & Guide Service.
Snook is managed by two regions in Florida: Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Regulations apply in state and adjacent federal waters. No commercial harvest or sale of snook is permitted.
License Requirements: Snook permit and recreational fishing license
Myra’s 35 LB. Big Snook! Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, March 18, 2018. [File Photo – July 12, 2012].
Florida Regulations:
Atlantic (state and adjacent federal waters, includes Lake Okeechobee and Kissimmee River)
Gulf of Mexico, Monroe County, and Everglades National Park (state and adjacent federal waters)
Closed Harvest Season
Dec. 15 – Jan. 31; June 1 – Aug. 31
Dec. 1-end of February; May 1-Aug. 31
Size Limit
Not less than 28″ total length (TL) or more than 32″ TL
Not less than 28″ total length (TL) or more than 33″ TL
Bag Limit
1 per harvester per day; zero captain and crew for hire limit
Snook, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Thursday, September 6, 2018.
Snook, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Monday, November 5, 2018.
Snook is managed by two regions in Florida: Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Regulations apply in state and adjacent federal waters. No commercial harvest or sale of snook is permitted.
Redfish Pass, South Seas Resort, Charlie, Hank & Snook, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Saturday, March 3, 2018, [File Photo: Saturday, 11-21-15].Please click here to Book A Charteror call 239-472-8658 and here for Live Sanibel Traffic Cams. Snook, Friday, June 22, 2018; Captiva Island Fishing Charters, click here for College Of Fishing Hats & Apparel. We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.
Snook, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Thursday, October 25, 2018.
After a fierce storm, Turner Beach, the beach adjoining the Pass, is frequently covered with a bounty of shells from Olives to Fighting Whelks to the more common Conchs. The fishing is also renowned for sharks in the summer, tailing redfish on the bayside flats and snook under and off the Blind Pass bridge. Because Turner Beach faces Westward, the sunsets are spectacular and a popular viewing point for residents and visitors alike.
Snook & Smiles, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Thursday, October 12, 2017.
Captain Joey Burnsed ~ please click calendar at the upper left or call 239-472-8658 to book a Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Boca Grande or Fort Myers fishing guide trip or shelling charter.
Snook, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Monday, July 16, 2018.
Captiva Fishing Guide Report: Monday, February 18: Sandbar Shark, Catch & Release, Captain Joe’s Charters – the weather is warming up, the red tide is long gone, and a lot of sharks and good fish have moved back into the gulf, bay and passes; water is much, much better – redfish, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, snook, and seatrout are currently present.
Already seeing some positive impact. Some very nice big redfish and snook around, more big redfish than snook.
The Caloosahatchee freshwater releases are also not an issue right now, but still a huge long-term problem.
Extremely frustrating. We need wholesale changes in the Florida state government. It is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it is a Big Sugar control everyone issue. It is stunning how we continue to let the sugar industry and the agriculture north of Lake Okeechobee to damage the water and all of Florida.
Please click here to Book A Charteror call 239-472-8658.
We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.
Turner Beach, the beach adjoining Blind Pass, is frequently covered with a bounty of shells from Olives to Fighting Whelks to the more common Conchs.
The fishing is also renowned for sharks in the summer, tailing redfish on the bayside flats and snook under and off the Blind Pass bridge. Because Turner Beach faces Westward, the sunsets are spectacular and a popular viewing point for residents and visitors alike.
Tim, Sandbar Shark Fishing, Redfish Pass, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Wednesday, December 13, 2017.
The sandbar shark is also called the thick skin shark or brown shark. It is one of the biggest coastal sharks in the world and is closely related to the dusky shark, the bignose shark, and the bull shark. Its dorsal fin is triangular and very high and it has very long pectoral fins. Sandbar sharks usually have heavy-set bodies and rounded snouts that are shorter than the average shark’s snout.
Sandbar Shark, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.
Their upper teeth have broadly uneven cusps with sharp edges. Its second dorsal fin and anal fin are close to the same height. Females reach sexual maturity around the age of 13 with an average fork-length (tip of the nose to fork in the tail) of 154.9 cm, while males tend to reach maturity around age 12 with an average fork-length of 151.6 cm.[3] Females can grow to 2–2.5 m (6.6–8.2 ft), males up to 1.8 m (5.9 ft). Its body color can vary from a bluish to a brownish grey to bronze, with a white or pale underside. Sandbar sharks swim alone or gather in sex-segregated schools that vary in size.
Sandbar Shark, South Seas Resort, Redfish Pass, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Wednesday, 1-6-16 ~ #Sanibel #Captiva.
The sandbar shark, true to its nickname, is commonly found over muddy or sandy bottoms in shallow coastal waters such as bays, estuaries, harbors, or the mouths of rivers, but it also swims in deeper waters (200 m or more) as well as intertidal zones. Sandbar sharks are found in tropical to temperate waters worldwide; in the western Atlantic, they range from Massachusetts to Brazil.
Sandbar sharks are viviparous. The embryos are supported in placental yolk sac inside the mother. Females have been found to exhibit both biennial and triennial reproductive cycles, ovulate in early summer, and give birth to an average of 8 pups, which they carry for 1 year before giving birth.[3] The longevity of the sandbar shark is typically 35–41 years.[5]
Sandbar sharks have been disproportionately targeted by the U.S. commercial shark fisheries in recent decades due to their high fin-to-body weight ratio, and U.S. fishing regulation requiring carcasses to be landed along with shark fins. In 2008, the National Marine Fisheries Service banned all commercial landings of sandbar sharks based on a 2006 stock assessment by SEDAR, and sandbar sharks were listed as vulnerable, due to overfishing.
Currently, there are a small number of specially permitted vessels fishing for sandbars sharks for the purpose of scientific research. All vessels in the research fishery are required to carry an independent researcher while targeting sandbars.[3]
Sandbar Shark, 11-26-14, Redfish Pass, North Captiva, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service.
In spite of their large size and similar appearance to other dangerous sharks like Bull Sharks, there are very few, if any attacks attributed to sandbar sharks and so they are considered not to be dangerous to people. As a result, they are considered one of the safest sharks to swim with and are popular sharks for aquariums.” Please see more information here.
Sandbar Shark, 7-20-14, Redfish Pass, North Captiva, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service.
Sandbar Shark Summary
Snout broadly rounded and short
The first dorsal fin is large and triangular, begins over or in front of pectoral fin insertion
Back is brown or gray, fading to a white belly
Interdorsal ridge present
Similar Species: Dusky shark, C. obscurus (first dorsal starts over pectoral fin free tip); bull shark, C. leucas (no interdorsal ridge)
Size: Up to 8 feet
Coastal and offshore waters, typically found at depths ranging from 60 to 200 feet. May enter estuaries.
Predators and scavengers. Feeding occurs chiefly near the bottom on fish and shellfish. Migrate long distances and they mature at about 6 feet in length.
Please click here to Book A Charteror call 239-472-8658.
We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.
Sandbar Shark, 12-30-13, Redfish Pass, North Captiva, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service.
After a fierce storm, Turner Beach, the beach adjoining the Pass, is frequently covered with a bounty of shells from Olives to Fighting Whelks to the more common Conchs. The fishing is also renowned for sharks in the summer, tailing redfish on the bayside flats and snook under and off the Blind Pass bridge. Because Turner Beach faces Westward, the sunsets are spectacular and a popular viewing point for residents and visitors alike.
Sandbar Shark, North Captiva, 1-16-14, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing & Fort Myers Fishing Charters & Guide Service.
Captain Joey Burnsed ~ please click calendar or call 239-472-8658 to book a Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Boca Grande or Fort Myers fishing guide trip or shelling charter.
Cole & Big Sandbar Shark, Redfish Pass, North Captiva, 2-18-14, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service.
Sheepshead, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Sunday, February 17, 2019.Sheepshead, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Sanibel Island Fishing Charters, February 17, 2019
Captiva Fishing Guide Report: Sunday, February 17: Sheepshead, Catch & Release, Captain Joe’s Charters – the weather is warming up, the red tide is long gone, and a lot of good fish have moved back into the gulf, bay and passes; water is much, much better – redfish, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, snook, and seatrout are currently present.
Already seeing some positive impact. Some very nice big redfish and snook around, more big redfish than snook.
The Caloosahatchee freshwater releases are also not an issue right now, but still a huge long-term problem.
Extremely frustrating. We need wholesale changes in the Florida state government. It is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it is a Big Sugar control everyone issue. It is stunning how we continue to let the sugar industry and the agriculture north of Lake Okeechobee to damage the water and all of Florida.
Please click here to Book A Charteror call 239-472-8658.
We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.
Turner Beach, the beach adjoining Blind Pass, is frequently covered with a bounty of shells from Olives to Fighting Whelks to the more common Conchs.
The fishing is also renowned for sharks in the summer, tailing redfish on the bayside flats and snook under and off the Blind Pass bridge. Because Turner Beach faces Westward, the sunsets are spectacular and a popular viewing point for residents and visitors alike.
Sheepshead, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, North Captiva Island, Saturday, December 29, 2018.
Some nice redfish around; for more information just see recent fishing reports, background on any species, and other recent fishing, water quality reports, and information.
February 17, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Sanibel Island Fishing Charters: Sheepshead, Catch & Release.
Sheepshead, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Sunday, December 16, 2018.
Sheepshead, Structure, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Friday, January 26, 2018.
Archosargus probatocephalus, the sheepshead, is a marine fish that grows to 76 cm (30 in), but commonly reaches 30 to 50 cm (10 to 20 in). It is deep and compressed in body shape, with five or six dark bars on the side of the body over a gray background. It has sharp dorsal spines. Its diet consists of oysters, clams, and other bivalves, and barnacles, fiddler crabs, and other crustaceans.[1] It has a hard mouth, with several rows of stubby teeth – the frontal ones roughly resembling human teeth – which help crush the shells of prey.[2]
Sheepshead, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Friday, February 1, 2019.
The sheepshead is found in coastal waters along the western Atlantic, from Nova Scotia to Brazil, but the greatest concentration is around southwest Florida.[3] Although the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn, in New York City, was named after the fish,[4] it is now rarely found that far north.
Sheepshead, Still Cold, Hiding In The Passes, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Saturday, January 20, 2018.
As sheepshead feed on bivalves and crustaceans,[1] successful baits include shrimp, sand fleas (mole crabs), clams, fiddler crabs, and mussels.[5] Sheepshead have a knack for stealing bait, so a small hook is necessary.[5]Locating sheepshead with a boat is not difficult: Fishermen look for rocky bottoms or places with obstructions, jetties, and the pilings of bridges and piers.[5] The average weight of a sheepshead is 1.4 to 1.8 kg (3 to 4 lb), but some individuals reach the range of 4.5 to 6.8 kg (10 to 15 lb).[5] Please see more information here.
Sheepshead, Very Cold, Structure, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Thursday, January 18, 2018.
Sheepshead: Archosargus probatocephalus
“NEW: At the February meeting, FWC moved forward with a draft proposal to reduce the recreational daily bag limit from 15 to 5 fish per person and to create a recreational vessel limit of 50 during March and April. The draft proposal also included extending state regulations into federal waters. This proposal will be brought back in April for a final public hearing.
Habitat and Fishing Tips: Sheepshead are commonly found in brackish water river mouths, bays, estuaries, and tidal creeks and especially near oyster bars, buoys, channel markers, piers and bridge piles where food is plentiful. Sheepshead feed primarily on crustaceans, mollusks, barnacles and small fish.
Anglers typically use light to medium weight spinning tackle with shrimp, sand fleas or small crabs as bait. Using their specially adapted (human-like) incisors and crushing molars, sheepshead can be difficult to hook and have an uncanny ability to clean a hook without you knowing anything happened.
Sheepshead, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Monday, November 21, 2016.
When targeting sheepshead, it is very important to keep your line tight and be ready for the bite because you often get one, and only one, chance to set the hook. The food quality of sheepshead is very good, and they are one of the only fish that can smile back at you during the picture!
Sheepshead, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, March 25, 2018.
Can oysters and barnacles be used as bait or chum for sheepshead? Oysters and barnacles are very, very different when it comes to regulations.
Sheepshead, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Barnacles, on the other hand, do not have size limits or specified bag limits, which means that you can harvest up to 100 pounds per person per day with a recreational saltwater fishing license and you can use them to chum sheepshead. You can also simply scrape them off bridge piles and allow them to sink and attract sheepshead. Do not scrape barnacles from private docks or other private structures without permission of the property owner.
Sheepshead, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Friday, February 15, 2019.
Captain Joey Burnsed, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters, ~ please click calendar or call 239-472-8658 to book a Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Boca Grande or Fort Myers fishing guide trip or shelling charter.
Sheepshead, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Tuesday, February 12, 2019.
Captiva Fishing Guide Report: Saturday, February 16: Permit, Catch & Release, Captain Joe’s Charters – the weather is warming up, red tide is gone and a lot of good fish have moved back into the gulf, bay and passes; water is much, much better – redfish, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, snook, and seatrout are currently present.
Already seeing some positive impact. Some very nice big redfish and snook around, more big redfish than snook.
The Caloosahatchee freshwater releases are also not an issue right now, but still a huge long-term problem.
Extremely frustrating. We need wholesale changes in the Florida state government. It is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it is a Big Sugar control everyone issue. It is stunning how we continue to let the sugar industry and the agriculture north of Lake Okeechobee to damage the water and all of Florida.
Please click here to Book A Charteror call 239-472-8658.
We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.
Turner Beach, the beach adjoining Blind Pass, is frequently covered with a bounty of shells from Olives to Fighting Whelks to the more common Conchs.
The fishing is also renowned for sharks in the summer, tailing redfish on the bayside flats and snook under and off the Blind Pass bridge. Because Turner Beach faces Westward, the sunsets are spectacular and a popular viewing point for residents and visitors alike.
Permit, Photo Courtesy Of Mike French, Captiva Island. Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Saturday, February 16, 2019.
The permit’s genus name, Trachinotus comes from a fusion of the Greek words trachys (τραχύς), which means “rough”, and noton(νῶτον), meaning “back”.[3] The species name for the permit, falcatus, is a Latin adjective, which roughly means “armed with scythes“. This serves as a reference to the permit’s dorsal fin that occasionally protrudes from the water when schools of permit feed near the surface.[2]
Permits can be distinguished by their elongated dorsal fins and anal fin.[2] The dorsal fin is shaped like a scythe. Permit tails are also deeply forked, and their bodies are compressed laterally, making the fish tall and thin when viewed from the front. [2]
The average permit has six to seven dorsal spines, and 18 to 20 one soft rays. The anal fin has two to three spines, and 16 to 18 soft rays.[4] Both dorsal and anal fins have dark, anterior lobes.[5] Permits have no scutes and have a large, orange-yellow patch on their abdomens in front of their anal fins, while their pectoral fins are dark.[6]
Permit, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Wednesday, December 28, 2016.
The permit fish can reach a maximum length of 48 in (122 cm) and can weigh up to 79 lb (36 kg), according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Permit are usually found in shallow, tropical waters such as mudflats, channels, and muddy bottoms.[2][4] Although permit are found close to shore and even in some brackishareas, they spawn offshore.[5] Young are found usually in the surf zone where plenty of small invertebrates are available for them to eat.
Permit are found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Brazil, including most of the Caribbean islands.[4] For source & more Information, please see Permit.
“Appearance
Gray, dark or iridescent blue back, shading to silver sides
Fish from dark waters have golden tints on belly
Dorsal fin begins over anal fin
Dorsal, anal and caudal fins long and sloped back
Forehead sharply rises to a “hump” then slopes back
Compressed body that is deeper than Florida pompano
Caudal fin has a narrow fork
Small permit have teeth on their tongue (absent in pompano)
Similar Species: Florida pompano, T. carolinus (dorsal fin begins in front of anal fin)
Size: Common to 50 pounds
Habitat
Offshore near structure; inshore over grass flats, sand and in channels.
Behavior
Spawning occurs primarily in early summer and again in fall.
Permit have a specialized plate at the back of their mouth that helps them crush hard-shelled animals such as clams and crabs. Feeds on small fishes and invertebrates.
Additional Information
State Record: 56 lb 2 oz, caught near Ft. Lauderdale
Fishing Tips and Facts: Anglers cast live crabs to schools of permit hoping to catch one of these line-stripping fish, which also take shrimp, clams and occasionally small fish.
Captain Joey Burnsed, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters, ~ please click calendar or call 239-472-8658 to book a Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Boca Grande or Fort Myers fishing guide trip or shelling charter.
Sheepshead , Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Friday, February 15, 2019.Sheepshead, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Sanibel Island Fishing Charters, February 15, 2019
Captiva Fishing Guide Report: Friday, February 15: Sheepshead, Catch & Release, Captain Joe’s Charters – the weather is warming up, red tide is gone and a lot of good fish have moved back into the gulf, bay and passes; water is much, much better – redfish, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, snook, and seatrout are currently present.
Already seeing some positive impact. Some very nice big redfish and snook around, more big redfish than snook.
The Caloosahatchee freshwater releases are also not an issue right now, but still a huge long-term problem.
Extremely frustrating. We need wholesale changes in the Florida state government. It is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it is a Big Sugar control everyone issue. It is stunning how we continue to let the sugar industry and the agriculture north of Lake Okeechobee to damage the water and all of Florida.
Please click here to Book A Charteror call 239-472-8658.
We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.
Turner Beach, the beach adjoining Blind Pass, is frequently covered with a bounty of shells from Olives to Fighting Whelks to the more common Conchs.
The fishing is also renowned for sharks in the summer, tailing redfish on the bayside flats and snook under and off the Blind Pass bridge. Because Turner Beach faces Westward, the sunsets are spectacular and a popular viewing point for residents and visitors alike.
Sheepshead, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, North Captiva Island, Saturday, December 29, 2018.
Some nice redfish around; for more information just see recent fishing reports, background on any species, and other recent fishing, water quality reports, and information.
February 15, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Sanibel Island Fishing Charters: Sheepshead, Catch & Release.
Sheepshead, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Sunday, December 16, 2018.
Sheepshead, Structure, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Friday, January 26, 2018.
Archosargus probatocephalus, the sheepshead, is a marine fish that grows to 76 cm (30 in), but commonly reaches 30 to 50 cm (10 to 20 in). It is deep and compressed in body shape, with five or six dark bars on the side of the body over a gray background. It has sharp dorsal spines. Its diet consists of oysters, clams, and other bivalves, and barnacles, fiddler crabs, and other crustaceans.[1] It has a hard mouth, with several rows of stubby teeth – the frontal ones roughly resembling human teeth – which help crush the shells of prey.[2]
Sheepshead, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Friday, February 1, 2019.
The sheepshead is found in coastal waters along the western Atlantic, from Nova Scotia to Brazil, but the greatest concentration is around southwest Florida.[3] Although the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn, in New York City, was named after the fish,[4] it is now rarely found that far north.
Sheepshead, Still Cold, Hiding In The Passes, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Saturday, January 20, 2018.
As sheepshead feed on bivalves and crustaceans,[1] successful baits include shrimp, sand fleas (mole crabs), clams, fiddler crabs, and mussels.[5] Sheepshead have a knack for stealing bait, so a small hook is necessary.[5]Locating sheepshead with a boat is not difficult: Fishermen look for rocky bottoms or places with obstructions, jetties, and the pilings of bridges and piers.[5] The average weight of a sheepshead is 1.4 to 1.8 kg (3 to 4 lb), but some individuals reach the range of 4.5 to 6.8 kg (10 to 15 lb).[5] Please see more information here.
Sheepshead, Very Cold, Structure, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Thursday, January 18, 2018.
Sheepshead: Archosargus probatocephalus
“NEW: At the February meeting, FWC moved forward with a draft proposal to reduce the recreational daily bag limit from 15 to 5 fish per person and to create a recreational vessel limit of 50 during March and April. The draft proposal also included extending state regulations into federal waters. This proposal will be brought back in April for a final public hearing.
Habitat and Fishing Tips: Sheepshead are commonly found in brackish water river mouths, bays, estuaries, and tidal creeks and especially near oyster bars, buoys, channel markers, piers and bridge piles where food is plentiful. Sheepshead feed primarily on crustaceans, mollusks, barnacles and small fish.
Anglers typically use light to medium weight spinning tackle with shrimp, sand fleas or small crabs as bait. Using their specially adapted (human-like) incisors and crushing molars, sheepshead can be difficult to hook and have an uncanny ability to clean a hook without you knowing anything happened.
Sheepshead, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Monday, November 21, 2016.
When targeting sheepshead, it is very important to keep your line tight and be ready for the bite because you often get one, and only one, chance to set the hook. The food quality of sheepshead is very good, and they are one of the only fish that can smile back at you during the picture!
Sheepshead, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, March 25, 2018.
Can oysters and barnacles be used as bait or chum for sheepshead? Oysters and barnacles are very, very different when it comes to regulations.
Sheepshead, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Barnacles, on the other hand, do not have size limits or specified bag limits, which means that you can harvest up to 100 pounds per person per day with a recreational saltwater fishing license and you can use them to chum sheepshead. You can also simply scrape them off bridge piles and allow them to sink and attract sheepshead. Do not scrape barnacles from private docks or other private structures without permission of the property owner.
A Little Better Fishing, Sheepshead, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Thursday, March 15, 2018.
Captain Joey Burnsed, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters, ~ please click calendar or call 239-472-8658 to book a Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Boca Grande or Fort Myers fishing guide trip or shelling charter.
Sheepshead, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Tuesday, February 12, 2019.
SeaTrout , Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Thursday, February 14, 2019.SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Monday, February 11, 2019.
Sanibel Island Fishing Charters, February 14, 2019
Captiva Fishing Guide Report: Thursday, February 14: SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Captain Joe’s Charters – the weather is warming up, red tide is gone and a lot of good fish have moved back into the gulf, bay and passes; water is much, much better – redfish, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, snook, and seatrout are currently present.
Already seeing some positive impact. Some very nice big redfish and snook around, more big redfish than snook.
The Caloosahatchee freshwater releases are also not an issue right now, but still a huge long-term problem.
Extremely frustrating. We need wholesale changes in the Florida state government. It is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it is a Big Sugar control everyone issue. It is stunning how we continue to let the sugar industry and the agriculture north of Lake Okeechobee to damage the water and all of Florida.
Please click here to Book A Charteror call 239-472-8658.
We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.
Sea Trout & Redfish, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Friday, December 28, 2018.
SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, February 14, 2019.
Sea Trout caught in Redfish Pass, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service.Redfish are back and looking good; for more information just use the search box and search on any species for recent fishing reports, background on any species, and other recent fishing, water quality reports, and information.
SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, July 17, 2018.
SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Monday, April 30, 2018.
Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Sanibel Island Fishing Charters: SeaTrout, Grass Beds, Catch & Release. Please also visit theSanibel, Fort Myers, Florida Fishing ReportandCuban Fishingsites.Better water moving north of Sanibel up through Captiva & North Captiva.
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Saturday, February 24, 2018.
SeaTrout, Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Spotted SeaTrout
“Cynoscion nebulosus, the spotted seatrout, also known as speckled trout, is a common estuarinefish found in the southern United States along coasts of Gulf of Mexico and the coastal Atlantic Ocean from Maryland to Florida. These fish are also found in estuarine locations around Cape Breton Island of Nova Scotia, Canada.
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Friday, February 16, 2018.
While most of these fish are caught on shallow, grassy flats, spotted seatrout reside in virtually any inshore waters, from the surf of outside islands to far up coastal rivers, where they often come for shelter during cold weather. Contrary to its name, the spotted seatrout is not a member of the trout family (Salmonidae), but of the drum family (Sciaenidae). It is popular for commercial and especially recreational fishing in coastal waters of the southeastern United States. Adults reach 19-32 inches in length and 3-15 pounds in weight.
Big Sea Trout, Captiva Grass Flats, June 13, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service.
Spotted seatrout live in the top of the water column and are most numerous along the coasts of the southeastern states, such as Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. They are also common along the coasts of North and South Carolina and Virginia. Estuarine coasts are prime settlement areas. They are uncommonly seen north of Delaware Bay and along the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Seatrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, June 26, 2018.
Spotted seatrout is the common name endorsed by the American Fisheries Society. However, this fish has many other common names, including speckled trout, speck, speckles, spec, truite gris (Louisiana French), trucha de mar (Mexican Spanish), spotted weakfish, spotted seateague, southern seateague, salmon, salmon trout, simon trout, winter trout, seatrout, Nosferatu fish, and black trout. Particularly large ones are nicknamed gator trout.[1]
SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Thursday, April 5, 2018.
The spotted seatrout has prominent canine teeth. Like other fish of the family Sciaenidae, it has an elongated, soft dorsal fin with scales; it is separated from the spinous dorsal fin by a deep notch. It usually has two anal spines and the lateral line extends to the tip of the caudal fin. The back has distinct spots scattered on it, including on the dorsal and caudal fins.
SeaTrout, Cayo Costa, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, April 1, 2018.
Unlike some other members of the family Sciaenidae, the spotted seatrout does not have any chin barbels. In stained water, this fish’s background may take on a golden hue. Its shape and coloration is reminiscent of a brown trout. This fish is closely related to the weakfish, Cynoscion regalis.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Monday, January 7, 2019.
The average size of spotted seatrout is 0.5-1.0 kg (1-2 lb), but in most areas fish up to 2.5 kg (5 lb) are fairly common. Fish weighing 3.5-4.5 kg (8-10 lb) are rare. The world record is 7.9 kg (17 lb 7 oz).
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, February 20, 2018.
Small trout eat large amounts of shrimp and other crustaceans. As they grow larger, their diets shift toward fish, the larger, the better. Studies in Texas and Mississippi show that really big trout strongly prefer to feed on mullet; a large trout will find the largest mullet it can handle and try to swallow it. Often the mullet is half or two-thirds as large as the trout.[2]” Please see more information here.
More SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Monday, February 26, 2018.
More than 15 inches and less than 20 inches total length (may possess one over 20 inches included in bag limit)
Daily Bag Limit
6 per harvester per day
5 per harvester per day
4 per harvester per day
Season
Open year-round
Gear Requirements: Allowable Gear: Hook and line; cast net
Two SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Wednesday, February 28, 2018.
Spotted Seatrout Management Zones:
Northwest: Escambia County through Fred Howard Park Causeway near Pasco County.
Southwest: Fred Howard Park Causeway through Monroe County line at Card Sound.
Southeast: Miami-Dade County at Card South through Volusia County.
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, February 25, 2018.
Habitat and Fishing Tips:
Seatrout are found inshore and nearshore in and around seagrass meadows, mangrove-fringed shorelines, deep holes and channels and above oyster bars. Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish or pigfish (grunts) near the bottom to entice trout out of grass-bed holes. Attaching a float will allow these baits to drift over the grass beds as you search for trout. Casting with soft-bodied jigs, top-water poppers and spoons can be effective.
![Fly Fishing, Spanish Mackerel, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service. Saturday, October 21, 2017, [File Photo: 7-7-14]](https://i0.wp.com/www.captivafishing.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Fly-Fishing-Spanish-Mackerel-2-6-22-14-e1404763458759.jpg)
![Charlie, Big Sea Trout, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service, Monday, February 5, 2018, [File Photo: 3-3-14].](https://i1.wp.com/www.captivafishing.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Charlie-Big-Sea-Trout-September-13-e1393810812832.jpeg)
![Big Snook & One Happy Little Boy On Sanibel & Captiva Charters! Monday, October 2, 2017. [File Photo: 2005(?)]](https://i2.wp.com/www.captivafishing.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Big-fish-happy-child-charlie-snook.jpg)
![Myra's 35 LB. Big Snook! Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, March 18, 2018. [File Photo - July 12, 2012].](https://i2.wp.com/www.captivafishing.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/big-snook-April-21-e1373398620113.jpg)
![Redfish Pass, South Seas Resort, Charlie, Hank & Snook, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Saturday, March 3, 2018, [File Photo: Saturday, 11-21-15].](https://i0.wp.com/www.captivafishing.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Charlie-Hank-Big-Snook-6-22-141-e1448189217266.jpg)
This species is not currently eligible for a state record. ”