Early Summer Fishing in Estero, Florida

16 Apr Early Summer Fishing in Estero, Florida

Though, officially still Spring time here in Estero, we are starting to see the early summer fishing trends show themselves. Baitfish is starting to pile in to the bay system here, and combined with the warmer temps – fishing is getting extremely good. Anglers are targeting large Jack Crevalle, Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout, Snapper, and even juvenile Tarpon have come out to play.

The better fishing has been around oyster bars during falling tides, but working the mangrove systems have proven to be just as plentiful on most days.

The biggest keys are warmer weather and tidal movements working in unison through these areas to find the peak of fishing during this early summer/late spring season.

We expect to continue to see an upswing of activity that will hold us right through the core of Tarpon season here later in the summer.

For fly fisherman, this is a great time to run out with your long rods in toe for excellent sight fishing opportunities. A good 8 or 9wt can be your “go to” for great all around inshore fishing in Estero Bay.

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FWC’s Gulf Snook Reg’s

Closed Harvest SeasonDec. 1-end of February; May 1-Aug. 31

Size Limit Not less than 28″ total length (TL) or more than 32″ TL Not less than 28″ total length (TL) or more than 33″ TL

1 per angler

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) scientists conduct research and monitoring activities focused on improving the quality of biological and fisheries data being collected on common snook to ensure that these magnificent fish continue to thrive in Florida’s bays and estuaries for generations to come.

Major Programs Funded by the Snook Permit fee are:

• Stock enhancement – Researchers are testing techniques to spawn snook in hatcheries for stock enhancement purposes.

• Snook tagging program – Biologists monitor the movements, habitat use, and survival of adult snook tagged with external dart tags, as well as with internal ultrasonic transmitters (also known as acoustic tags).

• Fisheries-independent sampling – Biologists conduct monthly sampling in four Florida estuaries where common snook are typically abundant: Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the southern and northern portions of the Indian River Lagoon.

• Fisheries-dependent sampling – This project involves researchers collecting snook-related information through creel, or angler surveys and through an angler-based logbook program

To learn more about snook biology and research projects conducted by FWRI, visit their snook page.

FWC’s  Saltwater Angler Recognition Programs

Information: These three programs encourage ethical angling while earning rewards for your efforts.

Saltwater Fish Life List: A list of 71 different species. Can you catch them all?
Saltwater Reel Big Fish: Recognition for extraordinarily-sized catches.
Saltwater Grand Slams: Earn rewards for catching three different specified species in a 24-hour period.
Link for more information:

CatchaFloridaMemory.com