I have grown up in this area, and have always been a good news/bad news type of guy.  So, the bad news first...Bad news, we experienced the worst cold front of 2017 the 3rd week of March.  The inshore water temps dipped down into the high 50's for the first time in 2017.  The fish did not respond well, being that we had temperatures in the mid 70's the day before the cold hit.  The Good news, the warm sun has returned and the water temperature is on the rise. The fish have moved back onto the flats, and have started to resume their spring trends that were interrupted with the unseasonal cold.  Big redfish and large trout have been moving over the shallow grass on the incoming water.  Nearshore, our guides are still banging out full coolers of sheepshead and snapper while anticipating the spring run of pelagic fish to show up.  With the warm weather, it is now a great time to be fishing in South West Florida.

Capt. Mike Slattery

With the mild winter we had in the state of Florida this season, spring has sprung earlier than past years.  Snook have poured into the bays, and can be found in those same old spring and summer haunts.  The redfish have done the same, pouring out of the creeks and collecting in schools on Creek mouth and bay grass flats.  Nearshore, some mackerel are being caught.  Most of our nearshore guides are doing real well on snapper and sheepshead while bottom fishing.  As always, it's a fantastic time to go fishing in South West Florida!

Capt. Mike Slattery
941-626-6946
www.palmislandoutfitters.com
www.charlotteharborchronicles.com