Naples, Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands

August 2008

Double Shift

I have been gone to Jamaica this past week to install new Yamaha motors on my Mom's boat this past week. Let me tell you, one has to think of EVERYTHING when you do a job like that in the third world. All went well and we did our ten hour break in on fertile marlin grounds just a mile from shore.

We had to pull a few lures while we were at it. Those are the rules. Unfortunately, we drew no strikes but the new motors ran super and were a breath of fresh air. We will be more than ready for the Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament in October.

I found that not much has changed since I was gone. The bait is still small on the beach but there are useable shiners in the mix. There are plenty of beach snook in the mix. I like to actually anchor my boat and walk the beach for them with a fly rod. I generally use a small DT Special on a #2 hook or a small glass minnow thing that I came up with years ago called the Chewy Zit. Small white, light Clousers will work too. You can throw shiners to these fish from the boat under trolling motor power as well.

Tarpon have been along the beach in the very early morning hours. Live bait, plugs, and soft baits will draw the strike. A well placed fly will get attention too.

Small to medium snook with the occasional brute have been the norm when pitching to the bushes of the south Marco and Ten Thousand Islands areas. You will catch the occasional redfish along the way. There are jacks smashing the baits too. Nice mangrove snapper are still of the hook and they make a great dinner too.

It has been hot so get an early start or take the evening shift. Either way, you won't be disappointed. I'll see you on the water.