Southwest Florida Forecast

Capt. Greg Stamper of Snook Stamp Charters talks fishing from Sarasota to Bonita Beach, including Siesta Key, Englewood, Boca Grande, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Captiva, Sanibel and Fort Myers

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December 1 - 3

It has finally happened; we got our first significant cold front. Water temperatures dropped almost 10 degrees overnight, as nighttime and early morning temperatures dropped into the low fifties. This quick and significant drop in water temperature shocks the fish for a few days. With that said, fishing was tough. The cold front was a strong one and brought wind with it. The wind stirred up the shallows making the water dirty. So cold dirty water is what we had to deal with all week.

A few fish were caught though. Two days we fished in the rivers where the water was a hint warmer, and not so dirty. It was not a banner day by any means, but some jacks, snappers, and a few snook were caught. Using small plastic baits worked slow around the docks did the job. The one day we fished in the bay, we had to work hard. Some schools of ladyfish gave us a bit of action, mixed in with some small trout. Later we cut up some ladyfish and pitched them along mangrove shorelines. We managed one redfish that day and some catfish, so we decided to pack it up and wait for warmer days.

Not much happened nearshore or offshore all week, so hopefully I will have something to report on next week.

Tight lines,

Capt. Greg Stamper
Snook Stamp Charters
Bonita Springs
239-313-1764
www.snookstampcharters.com