Port Charlotte, Fl

[DOGFISH]

Posting from my phone. I have gotten out a few times, about 20 seatrout, a few snapper, lady fish and a bonnet head shark. It has been worth bringing the kayak.



image.jpgimage.jpg. image.jpg. image.jpgimage.jpg

[Big Mike]

Nice. You might want to stay there for awhile with the cold front we've got coming.

[DOGFISH]

I know, it is supposed to get down to 68 here on Friday. That's a cold front here.

[dsiekman]

Nice work! I'll be down that way in another month. Can't wait. I think we'll likely be fishing Sarasota...unless you think we'd be better off taking the trip south. Anybody catching reds down your way?

[DOGFISH]

No reds yet. I have not seen any caught either. Most say the water is too cold, with most larger fish moving out to deeper gulf water. However, there are fish to be caught. A month later should be better. Even fishing later in the morning, after the sun has warmed the flats makes a difference. Also, study charts of where you expect to fish. Live shrimp seem to be the bait of choice with the cold water. Good luck

[DOGFISH]

I got into the trout again on Wednesday.

image.jpg

[J.A. Veil]

Don - Thanks for the report. It is great to get away to warmer weather and different species during our winter. I enjoyed 4 days of Florida fishing last month and already booked 4 more days in April.

[Shady]

Nice! Cut up those ladyfish and you'll get all the sharks you could want.

[DOGFISH]

I actually thought about using the ladyfish for bait out near the inlet. It is nice to get away. I think next time down here will be in April. Most of the locals agree October is the best all around month. I am quite content with the trout.

[mike o]

I caught a small red today in Estero Bay

[DOGFISH]

Good job. Plenty of trout here, but no reds. I leave tomorrow, maybe next time. The locals here say there are some reds around. It's not like when the water is warmer.

[Mark]

I enjoyed your posts on this thread.

Congratulations on a good trip.

Reds must be extremely temperature sensitive if it's too cold now in Port Charlotte.

It makes me wonder how they survive at all here in the Chesapeake.

[DOGFISH]

I have had the same thoughts. I can only assume where ever they are they react to the cooler weather. I can only say that I have always enjoyed Florida fishing. This has been my first trip to the west coast. The Gulf Stream influences the east coast, as far as water temp. At least the type fishing that I have done down here in the past.

[Memory Maker]

........ Look for the power plants in the winter down there ( same as here) ....... Use to catch a fair amount in the discharges when you couldn't catch elsewhere