Offshore reefs yielding barracuda, goliath grouper, permit and cobia

Jun 13, 2023

While the overall angling effort is down, the catching is up for those choosing to prospect shallow and deep. The conditions have been ideal with ample bait, relatively calm seas, respectable tides, and exceptional water quality.

Within area passes and middle bay systems, snook are dominating the action during both phases of the tide. Anglers are cashing in early and late in the day casting live sardines, shrimp, jigs and flies toward current swept points, along deeper mangrove shorelines, and underneath barnacle-encrusted residential docks. Mixed in with the snook have been bruiser jack crevalle and large numbers of mangrove snapper.

Previously:Southwest Florida Fishing Report: Deepwater trips have been yielding action for anglers

More:Southwest Florida Fishing Report: Catch red grouper while you can, season ends on Aug. 30

Relatively smooth seas have made long runs to the grouper grounds a pleasure. Water depths greater than 90 feet remain top producers for the Gulf's most popular and abundant grouper. Stopping and shopping over low-profile areas of natural hard bottom has anglers bent to rails while deploying larger profile live baits and metal jigs.

Red grouper closed to harvest in state and federal waters on Aug. 30 and will reopen on Jan. 1. With red grouper closed, top offshore targets include gag grouper, a wide variety of snapper, mackerels and shark.

Remaining offshore, an abundant number of artificial reefs dot our coastline. Located in varying waters depths from 14 feet out to the deep blue, these submerged structures provide habitat, vertical relief and upwelling current which attracts an array of reef/ pelagic species, marine growth, crustaceans and forage fish.

Currently, these havens are hosting large numbers of barracuda, goliath grouper and a scattering of migratory permit and cobia. Arriving on the scene with a variety of baits will assist in keeping tight. Brightly colored tube lures, jigs of all sizes, live herring, crabs, shrimp and ample chum product should be a part of everyone's artificial reef arsenal.

Aboard his Port O Call Marina-based charter boat the Ms. B. Haven, Capt. Robert Holzinger has been treating his clients to some great Gulf wreck and artificial reef fishing. Successfully targeting a variety of exciting species, Holzinger has been returning to the dock with solid catches and arm-weary anglers.

Concentrating on select artificial structure in water depths deeper than 35 feet, Holzinger is keeping his groups hooked up to permit and cobia using live crabs and herring while drifting. Anchoring combined with heavy chumming tactics is yielding mangrove and yellowtail snapper for his Ms. B. Haven crews.

"Early action is keeping my groups busy," said Naples Bay light tackle guide Capt. Pat Goud. "Baitfish and tides have been good during the morning hours."

Gould has been putting his freshly netted sardines to good use within area passes and throughout the backwater between Naples and Marco Island. Concentrating on areas of moving water and downed deadwood structures, Gould's anglers have been tangling with snook, mangrove snapper and large jack crevalle.

During the late morning hours, Gould can be found casting to the shaded areas underneath residential docks. Taking his bait around the docks has been a steady pick of mangrove snapper and juvenile goliath grouper.

"Typical for late August there has been less fishing pressure," said Capt. Chris Turner. "Less boat traffic and lines in the water have the fish eager to bite."

Turner has enjoyed great success pitching live sardines to mangrove snapper. Concentrating his snapper efforts within the passes and around docks, limits of tasty mangrove snapper have made their way into the fish box for his groups.

Turner also has had his eye on snook. Working mangrove shorelines close to the open Gulf, Turner's casters are connecting with snook up to 39 inches. Turner's go-to snook method is a size-appropriate Kahle style hook and a liberal length of 30-pound fluorocarbon leader material.

If you have a report to share email [email protected].

Anglers, email your photos to [email protected] and we will compile your images into an online gallery that's featured each Thursday morning at www.naplesnews.com. Do not submit photos of fish caught illegally.